Post by rjdgull on Jan 25, 2012 22:55:13 GMT
It was only towards the end of last year that Ling won five games in a row for the first time as manager and he has the opportunity to repeat that feat this Saturday to make it the perfect January although even that may not be enough for MotM as Swindon have won all three of their league games and knocked Wigan out of the cup! This latest run has cemented ourselves in the play offs and with Swindon in the FA Cup and Shrewsbury away to a tricky local Derby at Hereford, a win could put us as high as fourth and only two points behind an automatic place.
Standing in our way is a Northampton side that is probably under achieving as much as we are over achieving! ;D
To be bottom with 21 points from 27 games is nothing short of shocking for a club of their relative size! However, as Dagenham showed, it is not always easy to be involved in a relegation scrap and a word of warning is their away form with four wins is half decent; it is just the one home win all season that has left them where they are.
Leading the line for them is our old friend Akinfenwa (spelt in a variety of ways over the years on football forums!) and like or loathe him, he is their top scorer yet again. Other goal threats are his striking partner Berahino and talented midfielder Jacobs, both with six to their name! Ryan Gilligan has been on the bench for them and could make an appearance at his old loan club. Of course, this is the club that Robinson can't make the team showing they do have an element of quality about them but maybe not so hot on team spirit? 
Form-wise, it hasn't been so good although their last two away games were better with a 1-2 away win at Morecambe and a 1-1 draw at fortress Shrewsbury! At home, they have just lost a relegation six pointer to Barnet and got thumped 2-5 to Southend. Further back it was narrow one goal homes losses to Swindon and Burton to give a tally of 4 points from the last six games - slightly inferior to our last six.
As for Torquay, I see that Oastler is a doubt for this one after taking a knock although it appears to be more of a short term injury. So the choices are Robertson at right back with Saah back in central defence or switch LRT to full back on the opposite flank as per the substitution on Tuesday. I think that this is what Ling will go for, partly because LRT has showed good form in the reserve games and may be that bit more match ready but also because of the strong partnership that Ellis and Robertson have formed in central defence with just three conceded since Christmas and none in the home games!
Up front, Ling or Howe? We will need Rene back to his very best for some of the tougher matches next month meaning he will need game time but whether that is achieved by a start or a relatively early second half substitution is open to debate! A better performance however is required if we are to keep this fabulous run going and set our sights even higher!
Standing in our way is a Northampton side that is probably under achieving as much as we are over achieving! ;D
To be bottom with 21 points from 27 games is nothing short of shocking for a club of their relative size! However, as Dagenham showed, it is not always easy to be involved in a relegation scrap and a word of warning is their away form with four wins is half decent; it is just the one home win all season that has left them where they are.Leading the line for them is our old friend Akinfenwa (spelt in a variety of ways over the years on football forums!
) and like or loathe him, he is their top scorer yet again. Other goal threats are his striking partner Berahino and talented midfielder Jacobs, both with six to their name! Ryan Gilligan has been on the bench for them and could make an appearance at his old loan club. Of course, this is the club that Robinson can't make the team showing they do have an element of quality about them but maybe not so hot on team spirit? 
Form-wise, it hasn't been so good although their last two away games were better with a 1-2 away win at Morecambe and a 1-1 draw at fortress Shrewsbury! At home, they have just lost a relegation six pointer to Barnet and got thumped 2-5 to Southend. Further back it was narrow one goal homes losses to Swindon and Burton to give a tally of 4 points from the last six games - slightly inferior to our last six.
As for Torquay, I see that Oastler is a doubt for this one after taking a knock although it appears to be more of a short term injury. So the choices are Robertson at right back with Saah back in central defence or switch LRT to full back on the opposite flank as per the substitution on Tuesday. I think that this is what Ling will go for, partly because LRT has showed good form in the reserve games and may be that bit more match ready but also because of the strong partnership that Ellis and Robertson have formed in central defence with just three conceded since Christmas and none in the home games!
Up front, Ling or Howe? We will need Rene back to his very best for some of the tougher matches next month meaning he will need game time but whether that is achieved by a start or a relatively early second half substitution is open to debate! A better performance however is required if we are to keep this fabulous run going and set our sights even higher!
