rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on May 10, 2011 20:59:55 GMT
So this is the big match that we have been aiming for and just being here has probably exceeded the expectations of a lot of fans. Fate has once again brought us to within a tie of getting to Old Trafford and this time has decreed that Shrewsbury are the team in the way with old boys Bevan and Wroe looking forward to renewing acquaintances and Robinson being somewhere in between but very much committed to the yellow cause.
Since the teams last met in that match at Plainmoor, Shrewsbury have been on a good run of form winning seven matches out of ten but with Rotherham being the only top team out of that lot (and they were somewhat in a slump) with two draws against Wycombe and Accrington and the only loss against Aldershot. So, in good form but not necessarily against the top teams in this division and certainly nothing to fear in what should be a cracking match.
Shrewsbury have been able to retain their three loanees of Sadler, Davis (midfielder from Wolves) and Canavan with the former two starting their last match against Oxford. Raven missed this match due to a thigh strain picked up in training with Grandison the replacement, someone that both Robinson and many Torquay fans hope will retain his place. ;D Top scorers this season are Matt Wright with 14 followed by Harrad and Ainsworth both on nine but these two only were able to come on as substitutes last Saturday which probably indicates that they have a lot more strength in depth than we do!
Looking back to our previous match, we played a 4-4-2 with Pringle and Stanley in midfield, Zebs and Robinson on the wings and Tomlin and Murray up front. So with three of these players gone, there are some pretty big holes to fill, particularly in central midfield. However, Eunan was being rested at this time and Kee had that ankle injury so we still have some quality to bring in.
There has been talk of bringing Mansell back into midfield and I don't think this is a bad idea not though because Robertson is a better right back but rather to give a bit of bite in this important area. It might be worth playing Zebs on the right wing where he scored against Shrewsbury as he is always a threat there and provides much more protection defensively. However, that would force O'Kane into the middle and is he ready to start there in a tough play off fixture? Tomlin was MotM against Shrewsbury and will probably start there with either Zebs or Kee.
So, much for Buckle to ponder in what will probably turn out to be a fiery old tie. Shrewsbury have only lost three league games at home this season so we really don't want to be playing catch up after the first ninety minutes. COYY!
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midlandstufc
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Post by midlandstufc on May 12, 2011 19:15:28 GMT
I'm not sure what most TUFC fans think about his one.
For me, if it was a one-off game I would like to think we had a chance - but over two legs it's a different matter.
My head says that we will go to the Greenhous with a deficit that we will try to rectify and get caught on the counter with their sharp forwards.
If we are to get past this, I think we would have to be negative (much as I hate to say so and that it goes against the manager's stated ethos) and hope that the wonder that is Zebs pulls a rabbit (fluffy-bunny?) out of the hat. Then we will be in a position to put pressure on Shrews in the 2nd leg.
I may be mad but I'd fancy us in the final but it's going to need a massive effort to get past the semis.
Who knows, wonders do happen and I just hope that the boys all have their heads on and give their all for a chance for glory that they can tell the old grandkids about when they're older. No time for faint hearts and no time to give the opposition too much respect. Good luck guys and hope to see you in Salop!
COYY!!
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petef
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Post by petef on May 12, 2011 19:36:52 GMT
Going by the number of posts on this thread it would appear that many think we have little hope of making it past Shrewsbury and are more interested in the immediate future of our manager than a playoff match.
From reading today's article on the BBC website PB bullish statement (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/default.stmthat ) we can repeat the previous display and knock another five past the Shrews is a rather brave one. Now is this really likely? They had a bad day and we had a really good one that time around and Saturday the slate will be wiped clean. I cannot see Shrewsbury rolling over as they did back in March ,past results will count for nothing in this two legged encounter.
Additionally Jake Robinson has in recent games given us some idea as to why Shrewsbury allowed him to come to us. Hot and Cold comes to mind and far to much cold of late and I doubt if he will have the freedom he had that day. The loss of our only capable specilist and experienced midfielder Craig Stanley is also a huge blow.
The unwelcome distraction of the managers future will play into Shrewsbury hands our players could be affected by the rumour if it isn't quashed, with many waiting to negotiate their own futures.
Of course we are yet to be told whether there is any substance to these tales but I cannot help thinking that true or not it is bound to affect our performance and could turn out to be a pivotal point in the clubs future. In so many ways the future of our manager has far more relevance than this competition. The stability and continuity that has been a keystone in our success is under threat and unless the club make a clear the air statement I can foresee the whole occasion being overshadowed by the whole sorry and badly timed affair.
Worse case scenario is we lose over two legs and also lose our manager.
I truly hope I'm wrong on both counts.
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tufc01
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Post by tufc01 on May 12, 2011 20:43:07 GMT
I'm one of those that do not think we will get past Shrewsbury and make it to the Play Off final. That said I will not be as disappointed as I was after our previous play off defeat.
If at the beginning of the season you told me we would make the play offs I would have taken it, so anything from now on is a massive bonus.
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Jon
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Post by Jon on May 12, 2011 21:39:46 GMT
we can repeat the previous display and knock another five past the Shrews I would settle for four to be honest. I expect Stefano is predicting six.  |
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Post by loyalgull on May 12, 2011 22:00:19 GMT
the atmosphere is going to be red hot on saturday for sure,if it remains tight and heads for a draw,dont despair,our away form is pretty good,we are more than capable of turning them over at thier own patch as well
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davethegull
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Post by davethegull on May 13, 2011 5:42:05 GMT
Really nervous about this one. The off-field distractions are unwelcome and will have an effect. Stanley gone and Branno having a question mark over his morale due to lack of contract talks (how can that be allowed to happen ffs!!). Our best defender is being poorly man-managed on the run up to a massive game that will cost us more than a few meesly quid if we lose than offering Branno a deal to keep him here and light the fire in his belly!
Got a bad feeling about this game. Tho the last time I felt this way we smashed Rochdale 5-0! Hoping for a 2 goal cushion or more if possible.
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Post by ospelgull on May 13, 2011 6:34:30 GMT
Really nervous about this one. The off-field distractions are unwelcome and will have an effect. Stanley gone and Branno having a question mark over his morale due to lack of contract talks (how can that be allowed to happen ffs!!). Our best defender is being poorly man-managed on the run up to a massive game that will cost us more than a few meesly quid if we lose than offering Branno a deal to keep him here and light the fire in his belly! Got a bad feeling about this game. Tho the last time I felt this way we smashed Rochdale 5-0! Hoping for a 2 goal cushion or more if possible. Branno should stick to his game and talk about contracts when the season is finished. Mind you, he all told us a little while ago that he's really focused on getting promoted. First things first, that also counts for the players... Two games to go and anything can happen. True, we went off the boil a bit but could have easily won our last three home games. |
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Post by register on May 13, 2011 13:08:12 GMT
Have just seen Jake Robinsons interview. I think we might see the return of the old Jake in the next two or three matches. He knows that his time at the Shrews is over and is looking forward to putting himself in the shop window~Sky Sports~over the next week or two! My head says that this game has got 0:0 written all over it! My heart says.....  |
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Post by petejones on May 13, 2011 15:08:51 GMT
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Post by alunmeerkat on May 13, 2011 15:26:12 GMT
My heart says a win but my head says we will definately be bowing out. Think squadwise they have too much for us. We can hardly afford one injury to a key player in either game.
That said it is a pressure game and anything could happen.
And I think whoever wins it will win the final.
Anyone who saw us completely demolish Stevenage at Plaimoor would be rubbing their hands at the chance to play them on a big pitch.
So Stevenage in the final for me would be the ideal scenario - sadly I cannot see us making it there.
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Post by hullgull on May 13, 2011 18:13:24 GMT
hi guys,well i am positive bout this,getting away from behind the scene issue,can see no reason why we shouldnt make it to the final,as was stated in a previous post jake will up for this am sure of that,i hope shrewsbury think they are coming for an easy ride,coz we will be readyfor them home and away bring it on,not nervous at all we have the players to rise to the occasion,how many of our little squad will get the chance to play at old trafford,not many if any at all,so come on guys lets be positive bout this...simon
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Post by loyalgull on May 13, 2011 19:13:01 GMT
importantly as well,who is the ref tomorrow? most have been diabolical,so lets hope he is a gooden
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Post by loyalgull on May 13, 2011 21:19:55 GMT
the ref tomorrow is mr s w mathieson,who was the ref in our 2002 defeat at blackpool in the fa cup,a game we lost 3-1,i for one was at that game,lets hope its different tomorrow
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Post by ohtobeatplainmoor on May 13, 2011 21:50:21 GMT
I'm feeling pretty relaxed about the match tomorrow. Whilst it is a case that we have a tradition (BSP wilderness excepted!) of suffering from a post-play off failure hangover I am just delighted we have got to this level again and have been a force in League 2. I'll have no complaints if Shrewsbury are the better side over the two legs but I'm really hopeful that the players just give 100% and we at least go into the second leg with a chance of getting to the final. By a chance I mean not losing by 2 or more goals - it's only the first half of the tie and anything can happen - I mean look back three years ago and Hilly made it 3-1 to us against Exeter and they had less than a quarter of the tie left when they slaughtered us!
Yes, we are without our engine-room tomorrow in Craig Stanley, but there are plenty of players who have enough to trouble any team at this level. Zebs, Tomlin, Eunan, Robinson and Billy have some capability to score goals tomorrow.
I wonder whether Mansell will return to the midfield - I think that is the real selection poser for Bucks to think over. It would probably mean Ellis returning to centre-half (unless Bucks surprises everyone and puts LRT in at CH!) and Robbo going to right-back but I think that is preferable to seeing a central partnership of Lathrope and Oastler, who I just cannot see providing the fulcrum to overcome a team with the quality of Shrewsbury.
Mathieson is a decent ref - I think both clubs deserve that. I was wondering who the man in the middle would be and the dreadful Ian Williamson flashed into my mind, definately the worst referee I've seen in the football league since Joe Worrall helped Preston into the play-off final back in '93.
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