07-11-2023, 11:03
I went on Sunday, as I did to the Kettering game – I do love the FA Cup.
I don`t think any Spireite outside of a mental institution would argue that it wasn`t a great game. As you say, Matt, we could and probably should have won by more. The atmosphere in the ground was fantastic as well, due in large part to the 1,500 or so Pompey supporters in the ground. Hopefully, we can look forward to more of the same next year if we make it back to the EFL and come up against teams who bring that level of support.
I don`t think any player had a bad match, but personally I`d have made Liam Mandeville my MoM. His movement all through was faultless and that was a beauty of a ball into the box that Naylor got his head onto for the goal.
I agree that next week is probably more important in the greater scheme of things, but I`m not one of those who thinks that a cup run has to be a distraction or a hindrance. It didn`t do Wrexham any harm last year and I reckon that we have enough depth of quality in the squad to cope with it. And, of course, if we make it to the 3rd Round – and if we play like we did on Sunday, I think we`ll give Orient a few problems as well - there`s the prospect of a nice boost to the coffers.
As far as next Saturday goes, I think Barnet need to win it more than we do. If we win, that puts us 5 points ahead having played a game less but if we lose we`re still only a point behind with a game in hand. A draw wouldn`t be a disaster for us either, so the pressure is all on them. I`m trying not to get too confident, but over the season I reckon our squad depth is stronger than theirs so we should be in a better position to cope with the fixture congestion, injuries and suspensions that will inevitably come.
There I go again; tempting fate.
I don`t think any Spireite outside of a mental institution would argue that it wasn`t a great game. As you say, Matt, we could and probably should have won by more. The atmosphere in the ground was fantastic as well, due in large part to the 1,500 or so Pompey supporters in the ground. Hopefully, we can look forward to more of the same next year if we make it back to the EFL and come up against teams who bring that level of support.
I don`t think any player had a bad match, but personally I`d have made Liam Mandeville my MoM. His movement all through was faultless and that was a beauty of a ball into the box that Naylor got his head onto for the goal.
I agree that next week is probably more important in the greater scheme of things, but I`m not one of those who thinks that a cup run has to be a distraction or a hindrance. It didn`t do Wrexham any harm last year and I reckon that we have enough depth of quality in the squad to cope with it. And, of course, if we make it to the 3rd Round – and if we play like we did on Sunday, I think we`ll give Orient a few problems as well - there`s the prospect of a nice boost to the coffers.
As far as next Saturday goes, I think Barnet need to win it more than we do. If we win, that puts us 5 points ahead having played a game less but if we lose we`re still only a point behind with a game in hand. A draw wouldn`t be a disaster for us either, so the pressure is all on them. I`m trying not to get too confident, but over the season I reckon our squad depth is stronger than theirs so we should be in a better position to cope with the fixture congestion, injuries and suspensions that will inevitably come.
There I go again; tempting fate.