The Grand High Aviator's Views

[GHA EFM]

So. The Saints bow out to Stockport, going down a creditable 4 goals to 1. A good performance, and the boys did themselves fairly proud. They didn't disgrace themselves. Brownie's goal was celebrated as though it was the winning goal on the terraces; a great moment. The referee wasn't the best referee I've ever seen, but Stockport obviously deserved to win. Perhaps the ref sent off Gould because he advocates 3 at the back, and wanted City to attack more, so leaving Kean on the pitch. If we had taken one or two more chances it could've been a whole different story. Crawshaw's return was a bonus, and he looked sharp. Craig didn't really get a chance to shine, but his time will come. Good performances all round. Interesting that Beckett wasn't even on the bench. Keano was man of the match for me, even though he should have been sent off. Don't tell anyone though. We'll keep that a secret. <img src="/forums/images/icons/smirk.gif" alt="" />

 

The singing was superb yesterday. Constant from start to finish, and on Match of the Day the old 'City...City...City' was as loud as anything else I heard.

 

The stewards came very close to ruining the day yesterday, and probably did ruin it for some. Throwing people out for standing up, then blaming it on foul and abusive language. Absolutely ridiculous. When was the last time anyone went to a football match and didn't hear swearing? The players do it all the time, for #### sake (). Speaking to a steward after the match had finished he said that...

 

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[Millwall and Cardiff] are easier to handle

 

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In a way, that simply demonstrates that EFM are a bunch of hooligans. But in another way that shows sheer stupidity. How can a non-league club that gets an average home support of around 400-500 now hold the 'record' of having the most fans ejected from Edgeley Park.

 

I do hope that complaints are made to Stockport, as even their own fans have said that their stewards are too heavy-handed etc etc. Perhaps they took offence at TV Colin's comments in the fanzine that supporting a non-league club is good because you can 'annoy Hitler stewards.'

 

Keeping the mood up, the boys done good, but now it's time to concentrate on the league. We can win it this year. More performances like yesterday. If we can raise our game like we did yesterday more often, we'll do well. It's gonna be good this season.

 

Btw, best bit of yesterday for me? First 15 minutes, the song 'Stand up if you love the Saints' was sung. Such a rush when the whole stand rises like a wave, so that everyone is standing up. Spine-tingling stuff.

 

Well done the boys, well done the fans. Next up? Hemel Hempstead, isn't it? Doesn't 0-0 Phill play for them? What are the chances of another 3,303 crowd against their lot?

 

It's Christmas time.....

 

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[Colin Zeal EFM]

I was 3 out on the Prediction League <img src="/forums/images/icons/frown.gif" alt="" />

 

(Attendance that is - not goals!!)

[herts blue]

For us to have caused an upset then Stockport would have had to have had an off day and, while I wasn't overly impressed (I've seen better in the third division this season) they did enough. I thought 4-1 was about right. They missed a few chances, but it would have been harsh on the lads if they'd knocked in 6 or 7, and it would have been v interesting if we'd got it bacl to 3-2 after we scored (which we almost did). You certainly can't fault the effort, particularlyfrom the 2 Brown(e)s. Not for us to question the tactics of course, but I wondered whether we really made full use of Smith's pace with him playing so deep there, and with not much of a link between attack and midfield second half, I wonder whether (with hinsight) an earlier introduction for Crawshaw might have been worthwhile (he looked eager - which bodes well for the league campaign ahead).

 

Should add that, from the stand opposite where we were, the support from the City fans was excellent.

[EFM The Firm, The Voice]

Can we have some kind of view from officals about the steward incidents.

[Charlie Farnsbarnes]

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I wonder whether (with hindsight) an earlier introduction for Crawshaw might have been worthwhile (he looked eager - which bodes well for the league campaign ahead).

 

 

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Not wrong herts blue, thought he was superb on Saturday. Just wish he had started.

[SAINTS64MAD]

well the first 5 mins he went out full steam then blew it i think. my favourite player though!

[GHA EFM]

Keano was my MOTM. Craig could've done well but he wasn't on for long enough and we were pretty much out of the game by that stage. He worried a few people but I think that the Stockport defence were big enough to handle him. Crawshaw was sharper than I expected he would have been considering his lack of match fitness. He also caused problems for Stockport and got on the wrong side of their defenders more than once. I suppose it would have been too great a risk to play him from the start, but hopefully he'll get a good run out on Wednesday.