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Great result for Plymouth; didn't expect that at all. Just goes to show with this league that nothing should be taken for granted.
As for the Newport match, it was one of those games where I would have loved to wander onto the pitch at the end. We were doing fine (maybe a little too relaxed), until Newport started playing high balls up towards an area around or just outside out penalty box. Davies, and even Clarke, had awful time judging the ball in the air, and it either passed over their heads or bounced in front of them, giving the onrushing Newport players something to chase. It didn't seem windy from where I sit, but on leaving the ground there was a strong wind blowing and gusting between the North and Milton Stands, and I suspect that had a major impact.
Just take the result and move on. Plymouth and Stevenage have straightforward (allegedly) home games on Saturday, so it is important that we go to Hartlepool with a positive attitude.
The Cincinnati Kid wrote:doncaster 0-1 Plymouth btw
Oooh dear. Could've done without that.
Now there's only one team Stevenage et al are gunning for.
Plymouth were already 10 points ahead before the match. Pretty much guaranteed promotion anyway but the result probably underlines that Pompey will be going for the 3rd and final promotion spot.
6 points clear of 4th with 7 games to go, Pompey have everything to lose now and all the pressure is focused on us. This will only increase unless the chasing pack drop points.
Pompey Gary wrote:...and all the pressure is focused on us.
I would argue that the pressure is actually building on the chasing pack. They have got to be thinking that they can only afford one more defeat (Stevenage 1D, 1L) to get to 78 points and leave them needing Pompey to drop 11-12 points (GD dependent). Six wins out of seven on demand is pressure, especially in the chaos of L2.
Pompey Gary wrote:...and all the pressure is focused on us.
I would argue that the pressure is actually building on the chasing pack. They have got to be thinking that they can only afford one more defeat (Stevenage 1D, 1L) to get to 78 points and leave them needing Pompey to drop 11-12 points (GD dependent). Six wins out of seven on demand is pressure, especially in the chaos of L2.
I think the pressure tends to be greater when leading because you have more to lose. In this case with the gap such as it is the chasing pack probably feel as though the chance of automatic promotion is fairly slim. Additionally none of the teams occupying the play-off positions have been in the top 3 all season – Stevenage have almost come from nowhere in the last few weeks. I don’t think there is huge expectation on them to get 3rd place. Pompey on the other hand are under a lot of pressure at the best of times and now with promotion almost within their grasp every match is going to be very nervy until the situation resolves itself.
Having said that, thankfully there is still quite a battle for the play-off places so the chasing pack will also be pre-occupied with at least finishing in the top 7 – this obviously works in Pompey’s favour.
If you were to look at it in a different way, just imagine if we were in Stevenage's position, 6 points plus GD behind with 7 games to go. You'd think we'd have no chance of catching them.
I've also noticed a change in attitude in some of our players since the Crewe loss. I actually think they now believe.
