Jourdan

On the way back from the game.
I think we executed our game plan well for 50-55 minutes. We battled hard and contained Plymouth really well. The only chance of note they had was the one that flashed past Wildsmith’s right hand post.
Mendez Laing took his goal well and in the first half, we looked really comfortable. We looked like a really well organised and hardworking team and up to that point, it was a really professional away performance.
The game hinged on that Barkhuizen chance early in the second half. In a game where you might only get four or five good chances, we had to take it. 2-0 and it’s a different game.
Plymouth made some changes to give themselves a second wind and then got the luck they needed with the deflection and after they scored, there was only ever going to be one winner.
It sounds like we were desperately unlucky with the penalty but Plymouth would have eventually scored if I am honest. Their tails were up and the home crowd had finally woken up.
We lost our heads after the first goal. It seemed like we didn’t believe. The substitutions didn’t really help - it really underlined why Warne relies on the same players. We lost all composure and all sense of a plan.
Plymouth relaxed into it and we looked nervous and were making sloppy mistakes all over the pitch. Credit to them - they edged a good tactical battle and very much a game of two halves.
For us and for the boys, we just have to lick our wounds and get back up and come firing back v Oxford. We weren’t outclassed. We just have to learn to be more clinical and ruthless when on top in situations like tonight.
Don’t be too disheartened - tonight shows we can mix it with anyone but we still have things to iron out.

On the way back from the game.
I think we executed our game plan well for 50-55 minutes. We battled hard and contained Plymouth really well. The only chance of note they had was the one that flashed past Wildsmith’s right hand post.
Mendez Laing took his goal well and in the first half, we looked really comfortable. We looked like a really well organised and hardworking team and up to that point, it was a really professional away performance.
The game hinged on that Barkhuizen chance early in the second half. In a game where you might only get four or five good chances, we had to take it. 2-0 and it’s a different game.
Plymouth made some changes to give themselves a second wind and then got the luck they needed with the deflection and after they scored, there was only ever going to be one winner.
It sounds like we were desperately unlucky with the penalty but Plymouth would have eventually scored if I am honest. Their tails were up and the home crowd had finally woken up.
We lost our heads after the first goal. It seemed like we didn’t believe. The substitutions didn’t really help - it really underlined why Warne relies on the same players. We lost all composure and all sense of a plan.
Plymouth relaxed into it and we looked nervous and were making sloppy mistakes all over the pitch. Credit to them - they edged a good tactical battle and very much a game of two halves.
For us and for the boys, we just have to lick our wounds and get back up and come firing back v Oxford. We weren’t outclassed. We just have to learn to be more clinical and ruthless when on top in situations like tonight.
Don’t be too disheartened - tonight shows we can mix it with anyone but we still have things to iron out.

The stats are remarkably similar on shots etc, but because Plymouth were the better side in the second half, their manager gets to say "we deserved to win" and can avoid saying "but we needed the rub of the green to achieve that".
No-one ever takes a balanced view of the whole game, which seems to me (on reading reports only) that a draw would have been the "fairest" result. 

On the way back from the game.
I think we executed our game plan well for 50-55 minutes. We battled hard and contained Plymouth really well. The only chance of note they had was the one that flashed past Wildsmith’s right hand post.
Mendez Laing took his goal well and in the first half, we looked really comfortable. We looked like a really well organised and hardworking team and up to that point, it was a really professional away performance.
The game hinged on that Barkhuizen chance early in the second half. In a game where you might only get four or five good chances, we had to take it. 2-0 and it’s a different game.
Plymouth made some changes to give themselves a second wind and then got the luck they needed with the deflection and after they scored, there was only ever going to be one winner.
It sounds like we were desperately unlucky with the penalty but Plymouth would have eventually scored if I am honest. Their tails were up and the home crowd had finally woken up.
We lost our heads after the first goal. It seemed like we didn’t believe. The substitutions didn’t really help - it really underlined why Warne relies on the same players. We lost all composure and all sense of a plan.
Plymouth relaxed into it and we looked nervous and were making sloppy mistakes all over the pitch. Credit to them - they edged a good tactical battle and very much a game of two halves.
For us and for the boys, we just have to lick our wounds and get back up and come firing back v Oxford. We weren’t outclassed. We just have to learn to be more clinical and ruthless when on top in situations like tonight.
Don’t be too disheartened - tonight shows we can mix it with anyone but we still have things to iron out.

On the way back from the game.
I think we executed our game plan well for 50-55 minutes. We battled hard and contained Plymouth really well. The only chance of note they had was the one that flashed past Wildsmith’s right hand post.
Mendez Laing took his goal well and in the first half, we looked really comfortable. We looked like a really well organised and hardworking team and up to that point, it was a really professional away performance.
The game hinged on that Barkhuizen chance early in the second half. In a game where you might only get four or five good chances, we had to take it. 2-0 and it’s a different game.
Plymouth made some changes to give themselves a second wind and then got the luck they needed with the deflection and after they scored, there was only ever going to be one winner.
It sounds like we were desperately unlucky with the penalty but Plymouth would have eventually scored if I am honest. Their tails were up and the home crowd had finally woken up.
We lost our heads after the first goal. It seemed like we didn’t believe. The substitutions didn’t really help - it really underlined why Warne relies on the same players. We lost all composure and all sense of a plan.
Plymouth relaxed into it and we looked nervous and were making sloppy mistakes all over the pitch. Credit to them - they edged a good tactical battle and very much a game of two halves.
For us and for the boys, we just have to lick our wounds and get back up and come firing back v Oxford. We weren’t outclassed. We just have to learn to be more clinical and ruthless when on top in situations like tonight.
Don’t be too disheartened - tonight shows we can mix it with anyone but we still have things to iron out.

We weren’t **** at all.
It was a competitive game between two well matched sides, won and lost on fine margins.
If Barkhuizen gets some purchase on that header to direct it into the corner, it’s 2-0 and it’s a different game and the mood feels different tonight.
The second goal in the game was crucial. We get it and we win because Plymouth and their home crowd were nervous and flat. But as it happens, they did and the game and the atmosphere was totally different.

We weren’t **** at all.
It was a competitive game between two well matched sides, won and lost on fine margins.
If Barkhuizen gets some purchase on that header to direct it into the corner, it’s 2-0 and it’s a different game and the mood feels different tonight.
The second goal in the game was crucial. We get it and we win because Plymouth and their home crowd were nervous and flat. But as it happens, they did and the game and the atmosphere was totally different.

So would I if we were outclassed from minute 1 tonight.
The first half reminded me of a Billy Davies performance tonight. It was like going to Preston away in 2007. A very astute game plan being applied very well - defend well, stay organised, capitalise on a mistake or an opening. 
Had we gone 2-0 up, I think we go on to win the game. But we lost our way.

I think we’ll be fine. It’s not like we escaped a 4 or 5 nil hammering. For two thirds of the game, we were very much in it.
The time to worry is if we mishandle the games v Oxford, Bristol Rovers, Exeter and Forest Green. Tonight we were frustrating not concerning. It’s a game we could have won and we were edged out.
 

No, you’re right, they were not.
But they were growing in confidence and the nervous tension in the stadium completely disappeared. I think they would have continued to apply pressure.
The second goal in the game changed everything.

Looking back at the penalty decision, which was hard to see at the other end of the stadium, it does look like a dive.
But if you are in the penalty area and motion towards the ball, you have to time everything to perfection. If not, you are leaving the referee with a decision to make which is what happened here.
It was very much a game of fine lines.

Good first half, deserved to go in ahead. Football matches are sometimes decided on fine margins. Barks chance is taken at the start of the second half and we probably go on to win. They get the rub of the green for both of their goals and win the game. Not sure if there was any contact for the pen but definitely the decision teams seem to get at home. The limited squad is now being tested and we do seem to fade in games. Be good to have Bird back. Disappointed but on to Oxford ??

On the way back from the game.
I think we executed our game plan well for 50-55 minutes. We battled hard and contained Plymouth really well. The only chance of note they had was the one that flashed past Wildsmith’s right hand post.
Mendez Laing took his goal well and in the first half, we looked really comfortable. We looked like a really well organised and hardworking team and up to that point, it was a really professional away performance.
The game hinged on that Barkhuizen chance early in the second half. In a game where you might only get four or five good chances, we had to take it. 2-0 and it’s a different game.
Plymouth made some changes to give themselves a second wind and then got the luck they needed with the deflection and after they scored, there was only ever going to be one winner.
It sounds like we were desperately unlucky with the penalty but Plymouth would have eventually scored if I am honest. Their tails were up and the home crowd had finally woken up.
We lost our heads after the first goal. It seemed like we didn’t believe. The substitutions didn’t really help - it really underlined why Warne relies on the same players. We lost all composure and all sense of a plan.
Plymouth relaxed into it and we looked nervous and were making sloppy mistakes all over the pitch. Credit to them - they edged a good tactical battle and very much a game of two halves.
For us and for the boys, we just have to lick our wounds and get back up and come firing back v Oxford. We weren’t outclassed. We just have to learn to be more clinical and ruthless when on top in situations like tonight.
Don’t be too disheartened - tonight shows we can mix it with anyone but we still have things to iron out.

On the way back from the game.
I think we executed our game plan well for 50-55 minutes. We battled hard and contained Plymouth really well. The only chance of note they had was the one that flashed past Wildsmith’s right hand post.
Mendez Laing took his goal well and in the first half, we looked really comfortable. We looked like a really well organised and hardworking team and up to that point, it was a really professional away performance.
The game hinged on that Barkhuizen chance early in the second half. In a game where you might only get four or five good chances, we had to take it. 2-0 and it’s a different game.
Plymouth made some changes to give themselves a second wind and then got the luck they needed with the deflection and after they scored, there was only ever going to be one winner.
It sounds like we were desperately unlucky with the penalty but Plymouth would have eventually scored if I am honest. Their tails were up and the home crowd had finally woken up.
We lost our heads after the first goal. It seemed like we didn’t believe. The substitutions didn’t really help - it really underlined why Warne relies on the same players. We lost all composure and all sense of a plan.
Plymouth relaxed into it and we looked nervous and were making sloppy mistakes all over the pitch. Credit to them - they edged a good tactical battle and very much a game of two halves.
For us and for the boys, we just have to lick our wounds and get back up and come firing back v Oxford. We weren’t outclassed. We just have to learn to be more clinical and ruthless when on top in situations like tonight.
Don’t be too disheartened - tonight shows we can mix it with anyone but we still have things to iron out.

On the way back from the game.
I think we executed our game plan well for 50-55 minutes. We battled hard and contained Plymouth really well. The only chance of note they had was the one that flashed past Wildsmith’s right hand post.
Mendez Laing took his goal well and in the first half, we looked really comfortable. We looked like a really well organised and hardworking team and up to that point, it was a really professional away performance.
The game hinged on that Barkhuizen chance early in the second half. In a game where you might only get four or five good chances, we had to take it. 2-0 and it’s a different game.
Plymouth made some changes to give themselves a second wind and then got the luck they needed with the deflection and after they scored, there was only ever going to be one winner.
It sounds like we were desperately unlucky with the penalty but Plymouth would have eventually scored if I am honest. Their tails were up and the home crowd had finally woken up.
We lost our heads after the first goal. It seemed like we didn’t believe. The substitutions didn’t really help - it really underlined why Warne relies on the same players. We lost all composure and all sense of a plan.
Plymouth relaxed into it and we looked nervous and were making sloppy mistakes all over the pitch. Credit to them - they edged a good tactical battle and very much a game of two halves.
For us and for the boys, we just have to lick our wounds and get back up and come firing back v Oxford. We weren’t outclassed. We just have to learn to be more clinical and ruthless when on top in situations like tonight.
Don’t be too disheartened - tonight shows we can mix it with anyone but we still have things to iron out.

On the way back from the game.
I think we executed our game plan well for 50-55 minutes. We battled hard and contained Plymouth really well. The only chance of note they had was the one that flashed past Wildsmith’s right hand post.
Mendez Laing took his goal well and in the first half, we looked really comfortable. We looked like a really well organised and hardworking team and up to that point, it was a really professional away performance.
The game hinged on that Barkhuizen chance early in the second half. In a game where you might only get four or five good chances, we had to take it. 2-0 and it’s a different game.
Plymouth made some changes to give themselves a second wind and then got the luck they needed with the deflection and after they scored, there was only ever going to be one winner.
It sounds like we were desperately unlucky with the penalty but Plymouth would have eventually scored if I am honest. Their tails were up and the home crowd had finally woken up.
We lost our heads after the first goal. It seemed like we didn’t believe. The substitutions didn’t really help - it really underlined why Warne relies on the same players. We lost all composure and all sense of a plan.
Plymouth relaxed into it and we looked nervous and were making sloppy mistakes all over the pitch. Credit to them - they edged a good tactical battle and very much a game of two halves.
For us and for the boys, we just have to lick our wounds and get back up and come firing back v Oxford. We weren’t outclassed. We just have to learn to be more clinical and ruthless when on top in situations like tonight.
Don’t be too disheartened - tonight shows we can mix it with anyone but we still have things to iron out.

See above ?

I'm not going to the game. I look forward to your concise report later.

First match in a couple of years…due to living here! If you see a 40 something being escorted out of the home end as he couldn’t keep the celebrations quiet due to the winner…give me a wave?

I’ve got a nosebleed coming this far north. Already seen somebody eating a Ginsters ‘pasty’ and another with a scone with the cream on first. I feel sick.

Hectic schedule? Under Warne, didn’t we have six away games in 28 days and 20+ games from October through to the beginning of January?
Injuries? Bird and Chester are currently out with what have been long term injuries. Knight, Sibley and McGoldrick have all had spells out injured under Warne. Forsyth has had to fill in where Davies, Chester and Stearman couldn’t. We’ve been playing midfielders at full back for the majority of the season.
Fitness and familiarity? Warne has had build all of that while having a similarly tough schedule.
No-one has said Warne is the next Clough or Sir Alex and no-one has said he can’t be outsmarted or outmanoeuvred. No-one is holding him to a different standard either.
Just two losses since October and just four in 25 league games overall tends to give you a bit of leeway.

In the league, we’ve won 11 out of 14 under Warne when scoring first.
We lost v Port Vale and drew v Burton and Shrewsbury.
Perhaps it’s less about control and more about teams punishing mistakes?
Shrewsbury did that today. Barnsley did it last week. Wycombe did it a few weeks back.
This group is a good group but it’s a slog of a season and at any level, there is only so much you can get away with.
We’ve been sloppy, but it happens to even the very best over a long season.

Thanks, we are staying with my sister. Just finished 5th in the quiz at the Elburton inn.

I am not saying Wycombe can’t catch us. This is football and anything can happen. All four teams in the play-offs still have work to do. Look at Bolton, for instance. They have 10 games left and they are only two points better off than us.
Wycombe are in a similar position to where we were in relation to Plymouth six games ago. We were already looking at our fixtures and crossing off the routine home wins and anticipating the other team would wobble. That didn’t quite turn out as we expected. Sometimes the old adage one game at a time rings very true.
We are going to lose games and drop points between now and the end of the season but so too will Wycombe and the two or three others queuing up.
I just think it’s no time to panic. I would say there are still 8 very winnable games for us and 4 games that may not be favourable for us but will come down to which team turns up on the day and if that’s us, we stand a good chance.
I wouldn’t write us off yet.

Anyone who is worried by current form, think back to the magic 80.
Wycombe need 26 points, Shrewsbury need 28 points, Peterborough and Portsmouth need 29 points. It’s a minimum of two points per game across 12-13 games and 7-8 wins minimum. If any of the four are to overtake us, it will require something special.
We have to forget about the top two. I can understand the frustration because we have wobbled at a time when we needed to apply some pressure.
If we’re honest, it was never really on. Sheff Wed are breaking records and Plymouth have set the pace since very early on. We had to be absolutely relentless. That was never really likely with a squad of 21-22, the majority of whom have played 30-40 games with a possible 15 more to go.
We’re at a stage now where we need to hold our nerve. It‘s that simple. We have 12 games to go and need six wins to guarantee a play off place, possibly fewer if the chasing pack stutter.
We’re having a wobble. There’s no getting away from that. But prior to that we had won six in a row and had gone 15 games unbeaten. You have to take the rough with the smooth and realise the standard we had set was an unsustainable one. Under normal circumstances, we would have added 3-4 more to the squad and avoided any hiccups.
March going into April will probably be our toughest run of games all season. Three away games in five and Plymouth, Ipswich and Peterborough all to play. Brace yourselves because we have to be prepared for a bit more suffering.
Ultimately though I don’t think now is the time to dig out Warne or the players. Fair enough if we end up in 7th or fair enough if we ship 3 to Ipswich or Barnsley and don’t do ourselves justice in the play-offs.
But as it is, the manager and players are giving everything in difficult circumstances. I wish it was more straightforward but the end goal is still very much in our hands and the team will need our support to get over the line.
 

I don’t get this argument. It’s nothing unusual to have a stronger record v weaker opposition. In fact, it’s what the majority of successful campaigns are built upon. See @Brailsford Ram’s previous post.
Three points are three points. You don’t get any extra for beating the team in 3rd than you do for beating the team in 23rd.
It’s also especially difficult to understand because all of our games against top opposition have been decided by fine margins. One or two mistakes can make the difference. Sometimes we have fallen on the wrong side of it and sometimes on the right side. That’s football.
If we had been routinely well beaten by top sides, fair enough, it may point to an alarming pattern. But across the season, many games we’ve had have been competitive and could have gone either way, with wins you could argue we didn’t deserve and losses we didn’t deserve and so on.
It could be something, it could be nothing. We could lose v Plymouth but then beat Ipswich and Peterborough. That’s been the nature of our season.
Also, when it comes to the play-offs, we all know that what happens previously in the league goes out of the window and has little to no bearing. Everyone describes it as unpredictable and a lottery for that exact reason.
As long as we finish in the top six, we have as good a chance as anyone. Most posters are saying that the time to criticise Warne is when that doesn’t happen.
Given his track record, if it does not happen this year, there is still cause to feel confident we’ll come back and give it a good go next season.