Bradford City 3 Cheltenham Town 1 (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

As previously predicted City stormed away with another sensational result.

Watch this space for more jaw dropping predictions, from the past, present and the future.

Nobody makes predictions like me, nobody!

Come on you Bantams, CTID

Great three points. Need to keep taking them off the teams around us! Well done lads, reaffirming that great start on home soil we got off to!! A good message to the other teams around too - Valley Parade will be a fortress this season!

Atkinson assist, get off his case he helps the rest of the midfield even though it may seem 'steady away' for some.

well done to all the players a great result keep them goals coming and good look tuesday for another great win it will be great to see us hopefully win at northampton come on city

Well played City. best team won. thought Wells and Atkinson were excellant but for me Meredith was MOM. Felt a bit for Thompson, he kept wanting the ball and not getting it. Just dont know what to make of Hanson!

Hanson played well and forced the keeper to make 2 great saves, on another day could have had a brace!

Great team effort today all played well
Even parkie with the linsmen!!!!!!!!!

Victor Clayton wrote:
Well played City. best team won. thought Wells and Atkinson were excellant but for me Meredith was MOM. Felt a bit for Thompson, he kept wanting the ball and not getting it. Just dont know what to make of Hanson!

You'd better ask Stix then as he thought Hanson was man of the match!!!

We've won today despite us not playing at our very best. It was the effort and determination that won it though. We are looking comfortable when playing the ball around, but it was the continuous harrassing from players like Wells, Hanson (needs a goal - would it do him any harm if he was benched for Connell?) Doyle and Ravenhill. Thought Parkinson was right to bring the two subs on despite thinking both Thompson and Forsyth were effective at times.

What the subs brought was a different direction of play - more of a run at the defenders approach and both Atkinson/Hines have assists for their efforts. Thought we tired in centre mid and would maybe have brought another body to give us a little more energy in there. Guess at 3-1 we were looking very comfortable.

Very good result today City!!

Toughed it out today for three welcome points,would have been interesting to see the response if the ref had given Cheltenham a second penalty at 1-0 when Luke Oliver from my vantage point barged over their guy.

I also thought James Hanson also worked hard today,good to see James Meredith attacking more down the left and capped it with a cracking goal.

Onwards & Upwards!

Toughed it out today for three welcome points,would have been interesting to see the response if the ref had given Cheltenham a second penalty at 1-0 when Luke Oliver from my vantage point barged over their guy.

I also thought James Hanson also worked hard today,good to see James Meredith attacking more down the left and capped it with a cracking goal.

Onwards & Upwards!

Like late Saturday, today's game started under blue skies and with some lovely autumnal sunshine, but it ended very differently, with City carrying away the three points!

The first half was scrappy with the ball onstantly in the air and not a lot of flowing football, but the southern side went ahead from what seemed a softish penalty. This was equalised, by Nahki Wells from another spot kick, but by then the referee was getting 'stick' from the stands for some of his decisions!

For one of the league pacesetters (and undefeated away|) Cheltenham didn't look particularly impressive (apart from their no. 11|) and in the second half, especially after the double sub that saw new boy Forsyth, and Thompson make way for Hines/Atkinson, City looked much more dangerous.

And, Nahki Wells' second goal was well-deserved and just the 'tonic' needed by the City faithful.

City's third was a beautifully-worked goal that may have been rehearsed frequently on the training ground. Starting on the left, it ended with full back Meradith hitting a stunning shot into the roof of the Cheltenham net-game over!!

City were well worth their win, though their 'flat' first half display perhaps needs a bit of 'study' (of the recording).

Nahki Wells carried on his goal-scoring though I STILL feel he is not at his 2011/12 best yet. (some will disagree, but when he DOES get back to THAT level-he will make an EVEN BIGGER impression -can't wait!!

New loan signing, Forsyth had a 'quiet' debut and is possibly needing more games before we see his 'best.' He looked a little 'uncertain' but it must be hard to just come straight into a team after just a couple of days of training with them.

Most important of course, is the three points which ends a no-win sequence which has been steadily weighing more heavily and 'PP' who went outon the pitch o applaud the fans for their support was mightily relieved. We now move UP the table and a 'monkey' is off his back for now.

City can appoach Tuesday's Northampton match with greater confidence and hopefully the end result will be another win!! Why not??!!

Mick, Cleckheaton wrote:

Victor Clayton wrote:
Well played City. best team won. thought Wells and Atkinson were excellant but for me Meredith was MOM. Felt a bit for Thompson, he kept wanting the ball and not getting it. Just dont know what to make of Hanson!

You'd better ask Stix then as he thought Hanson was man of the match!!!

I heard him. what a pair of wafflers!

Victor Clayton wrote:

Mick, Cleckheaton wrote:

Victor Clayton wrote: Well played City. best team won. thought Wells and Atkinson were excellant but for me Meredith was MOM. Felt a bit for Thompson, he kept wanting the ball and not getting it. Just dont know what to make of Hanson!

You'd better ask Stix then as he thought Hanson was man of the match!!!

I heard him. what a pair of wafflers!

hanson won everything today,held up the ball and the keeper made 2 worldy saves vic! did you go cos if you did you know nothing about football.have a read of what the opposition manager says about our no.9.

sergioleone wrote:

Victor Clayton wrote:

Mick, Cleckheaton wrote:

Victor Clayton wrote: Well played City. best team won. thought Wells and Atkinson were excellant but for me Meredith was MOM. Felt a bit for Thompson, he kept wanting the ball and not getting it. Just dont know what to make of Hanson!

You'd better ask Stix then as he thought Hanson was man of the match!!!

I heard him. what a pair of wafflers!

hanson won everything today,held up the ball and the keeper made 2 worldy saves vic! did you go cos if you did you know nothing about football.have a read of what the opposition manager says about our no.9.

why - what have i said? I thought basically he played well, won a lot of the ball, worked hard but didn't take any of the 3/4 chances that came his way. I don't think he held it up well particularly well either. one of the negatives today was the way we pumped it forward far too early IMO. but maybe that was because they had 5 in midfield and i certainly am not blaming Hanson for it.

wow really enjoyed the game for the full 90mins.all played well ,i am not an atkinson fan but today as sub he was fab.

Well i got nothing to moan about. I have been a big critic of ravenhill but today he shut me up. Atkinson taking the pee out of their defenders, were did that come from. There is no reason why we cannot beat most teams in this league. No reason at all. Bring on the next game!

Well i got nothing to moan about. I have been a big critic of ravenhill but today he shut me up. Atkinson taking the pee out of their defenders, were did that come from. There is no reason why we cannot beat most teams in this league. No reason at all. Bring on the next game!

I'd say Hanson was close to being our MoM, if he had knocked either of the 1st half headers in or the swinging volley in the 2nd half he'd have had it in my book. Much sharper in front of goal today but couldn't bury one.


The rest of the team benefitted greatly from his presence and all round game, he's an outlet and a source of suppy when he is in this form. Held it when played into him and knocked into dangerous areas when heading on. About time we realised he is the first name down on the sheet as we don't have anyone else with his abilities. He also grafted in closing down again.

balbrigganfc wrote:
As previously predicted City stormed away with another sensational result.

Watch this space for more jaw dropping predictions, from the past, present and the future.

Nobody makes predictions like me, nobody!

Come on you Bantams, CTID

How do you make a prediction on the past, can't wait for your next jaw dropping predicaton from the past. I've got one for you, I predict Man City will win the Premier League Title in the 2011-2012 season with a last minute winner at home to QPR! Nobody makes predictions like me, nobody!!

Where's the deadbeat??? :-D

Mick, Cleckheaton wrote:

Victor Clayton wrote:
Well played City. best team won. thought Wells and Atkinson were excellant but for me Meredith was MOM. Felt a bit for Thompson, he kept wanting the ball and not getting it. Just dont know what to make of Hanson!

You'd better ask Stix then as he thought Hanson was man of the match!!!

So do Cheltenham, several tweets from down there saying Hanson was too much of a handful!

Great win for BCFC....thought Hanson had a great game, he totally dominated Cheltenhams central defenders...also thought Ravenhill was immense in the second half. Wells, superb, Oliver immense, Doyle, Davies, McArdle all very good, Meredith just gets better with every game i've seen him play. Atkinson was brilliant when he came on...Hines was just as good.....all in all a great performance against a team that will be up there challanging this season. Claret and Amber, a definate grower and a lucky song. Well done to all involved and let's get into Northampton on Tuesday.

**
We shout with pride....we'll never hide.....

Victor Clayton wrote:

sergioleone wrote:

Victor Clayton wrote:

Mick, Cleckheaton wrote:

Victor Clayton wrote: Well played City. best team won. thought Wells and Atkinson were excellant but for me Meredith was MOM. Felt a bit for Thompson, he kept wanting the ball and not getting it. Just dont know what to make of Hanson!

You'd better ask Stix then as he thought Hanson was man of the match!!!

I heard him. what a pair of wafflers!

hanson won everything today,held up the ball and the keeper made 2 worldy saves vic! did you go cos if you did you know nothing about football.have a read of what the opposition manager says about our no.9.

why - what have i said? I thought basically he played well, won a lot of the ball, worked hard but didn't take any of the 3/4 chances that came his way. I don't think he held it up well particularly well either. one of the negatives today was the way we pumped it forward far too early IMO. but maybe that was because they had 5 in midfield and i certainly am not blaming Hanson for it.

what do u mean when you say "dont no what to make of hanson" because if we didnt have hanson in the team we would have lost today and thats a fact!! some so called fans are laughable and that too is a fact!

Imho 'dont no what to make of hanson' is a fair comment. As usual he won 99% of the high balls he challenged for and as usual he kept the centre halves on their toes. But on the downside he always seems to be on his heels and fails to anticipate anything other than the obvious when the ball's on the deck. His first touch is generally poor and as usual he missed a couple of guilt edged opportunities.

I personally appreciate what he's doing for the team. His presence and threat in the air occupies defenders and allows others to make an impact. The thing is, that's all well and good when we win but in games when one goal is the difference between a defeat and a win or draw Jimbobs inability to hit a cows arse with a banjo might cost us big time.

Thought it was a pretty good performance.

Being level at half time was the very least we deserved, as has now happened in the last 3 home games, the opposition have scored from their 1st meaningful attack, and their guy seemed to go down rather easily.

You would maybe expect it in the Premiership, but in the last couple of seasons, it seems to have filtered down to the lower divisions; gamesmanship, characterised by blatant time wasting, and surrounding the referee trying to pressureise him into making a decision. It therefore makes victory taste a lot sweeter, againgst a side that were prime exponentents of this.

Thought it looked to be heading for a draw 2nd half, but they've switched off to leave Wells free at the back post. Credit to Parky for his subs though, as they gave us fresh impetus.

Thought he brought Atkinson on the left to provide Meredith with a bit more cover in dealing with their dangerous right winger, but it was offensively where he had the most impact, with the two combining for a brilliant 3rd goal.

getting better:let's have some good away perfomanceds noe.. We have just over 1.5 points a game which would translate into 3 rd place at the end of the eason by my provisional calculations

Meredith was man of the match, without a doubt, and topped it off with a tremendous goal! Well done City!

Thoroughly enjoyed this match.Worth the fortune I have to pay, to travel up to VP.
*
I feel the problem up front for Hanson is, he has nobody in attendance to receive the knock down balls. Pumping high balls to Hanson, would be very effective, if he could nod them on to players nearby.
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I would like to see Forsyth tried in training, as a partner up front with Hanson.
*
At 6'-2" -Forsyth would be better placed in a central defending, or central forward role?. Tall players are so difficult to defend against--and/or attack at!!. Just ask " Stix".( Who was paired with 5 Foot Aidy Thorpe, who would turn Stix inside out --Like a terrier dog snapping at his long legs!!). Good training for Stix--made him a much better player. Could be useful for Forsyth and Wells, to play against each other in training?.
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CITYMAN 23 said--
" New loan signing, Forsyth had a 'quiet' debut ,and is possibly needing more games, before we see his 'best.' He looked a little 'uncertain', but it must be hard to just come straight into a team, after just a couple of days of training with them."
*
Totally agree --Forsyth was like a 'fish out of water!'.
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Would like to suggest 6'-2' Forsyth could be better positioned alongside Hanson. With Wells waiting for headed knock downs etc. from BOTH of these two SIX FOOTERS !.Playing those three up front, in and around the box, could reap several goals?.
*
May be able to get to Northampton on Tuesday--although my Credit Card has gone into Melt-Down!!!.
*

sergioleone wrote:

Victor Clayton wrote:

sergioleone wrote:

Victor Clayton wrote:

Mick, Cleckheaton wrote:

Victor Clayton wrote: Well played City. best team won. thought Wells and Atkinson were excellant but for me Meredith was MOM. Felt a bit for Thompson, he kept wanting the ball and not getting it. Just dont know what to make of Hanson!

You'd better ask Stix then as he thought Hanson was man of the match!!!

I heard him. what a pair of wafflers!

hanson won everything today,held up the ball and the keeper made 2 worldy saves vic! did you go cos if you did you know nothing about football.have a read of what the opposition manager says about our no.9.

why - what have i said? I thought basically he played well, won a lot of the ball, worked hard but didn't take any of the 3/4 chances that came his way. I don't think he held it up well particularly well either. one of the negatives today was the way we pumped it forward far too early IMO. but maybe that was because they had 5 in midfield and i certainly am not blaming Hanson for it.

what do u mean when you say "dont no what to make of hanson" because if we didnt have hanson in the team we would have lost today and thats a fact!! some so called fans are laughable and that too is a fact!

no, its not a fact. its your opinion. he won a lot of headers. some of them very well directed. its not his fault but the team are not taking advantage of it. there were many times when he flicked it on to Wells. Wells has his back to goal and should have an easy pass to an oncoming central midfield player. but they are too far away and Hanson doesn't go for a return ball. we then lose possession. so he did what he is good at well, but did it any of it result in a goal?

Shadrach Dingle wrote:
Imho 'dont no what to make of hanson' is a fair comment. As usual he won 99% of the high balls he challenged for and as usual he kept the centre halves on their toes. But on the downside he always seems to be on his heels and fails to anticipate anything other than the obvious when the ball's on the deck. His first touch is generally poor and as usual he missed a couple of guilt edged opportunities.

I personally appreciate what he's doing for the team. His presence and threat in the air occupies defenders and allows others to make an impact. The thing is, that's all well and good when we win but in games when one goal is the difference between a defeat and a win or draw Jimbobs inability to hit a cows arse with a banjo might cost us big time.

Excellent posting. There are plenty on here and elsewhere, that can only see the positives that Hanson brings and are blind by areas of his game that are poor.

Hanson is excellent in the air and wins so many headers. When asked of him, which isn't often enough in my opinion, he holds the ball up well (he ends up flicking on too much). He certainly does have his strengths, but some just don't see his weaknesses and that includes the goons on the Pulse.

For someone that wins so many headers with his back to goal and defends so well in his our penalty area, why isn't he as strong in the opposition's box? He simply does not attack the ball well enough for a forward. Earlier this season, the defence was that we do not put enough ball in the box for him to attack. Now it's not his main job to score and that his other strengths outweigh the fact he keeps missing chances.

I was right behind his first header yesterday and the keeper didn't make a "worldy". It was a decent save, but in my opinion (and if Hanson himself was honest, I would agree) he should have buried it. Then from the resultant cross, he missed the target from 2yds.

As I keep saying, he is a decent player, but he needs to be hitting the target much more than he is doing. His strike rate is poor and is one area of his game he needs to improve.

For Stix to suggest he should be MoM was laughable. The argument that he won every header may be true, but did he find the target? Wells scored twice, Doyle and Ravenhill were both strong and Davies won all his headers too. Despite still carrying his injury, Davies was immense and very strong. Personally, he was my MoM.

Waynus - you certainly rattled The Pulse's cage with your thoughts yesterday !! I

LS9BANTAM wrote:
Waynus - you certainly rattled The Pulse's cage with your thoughts yesterday !! I

it wasn't you that Tim said could stay away from VP was it? A bit rich from a man who probably doesn't even buy his own ticket!

Waynus1971 wrote:

Shadrach Dingle wrote:
Imho 'dont no what to make of hanson' is a fair comment. As usual he won 99% of the high balls he challenged for and as usual he kept the centre halves on their toes. But on the downside he always seems to be on his heels and fails to anticipate anything other than the obvious when the ball's on the deck. His first touch is generally poor and as usual he missed a couple of guilt edged opportunities.

I personally appreciate what he's doing for the team. His presence and threat in the air occupies defenders and allows others to make an impact. The thing is, that's all well and good when we win but in games when one goal is the difference between a defeat and a win or draw Jimbobs inability to hit a cows arse with a banjo might cost us big time.

Excellent posting. There are plenty on here and elsewhere, that can only see the positives that Hanson brings and are blind by areas of his game that are poor.

Hanson is excellent in the air and wins so many headers. When asked of him, which isn't often enough in my opinion, he holds the ball up well (he ends up flicking on too much). He certainly does have his strengths, but some just don't see his weaknesses and that includes the goons on the Pulse.

For someone that wins so many headers with his back to goal and defends so well in his our penalty area, why isn't he as strong in the opposition's box? He simply does not attack the ball well enough for a forward. Earlier this season, the defence was that we do not put enough ball in the box for him to attack. Now it's not his main job to score and that his other strengths outweigh the fact he keeps missing chances.

I was right behind his first header yesterday and the keeper didn't make a "worldy". It was a decent save, but in my opinion (and if Hanson himself was honest, I would agree) he should have buried it. Then from the resultant cross, he missed the target from 2yds.

As I keep saying, he is a decent player, but he needs to be hitting the target much more than he is doing. His strike rate is poor and is one area of his game he needs to improve.

For Stix to suggest he should be MoM was laughable. The argument that he won every header may be true, but did he find the target? Wells scored twice, Doyle and Ravenhill were both strong and Davies won all his headers too. Despite still carrying his injury, Davies was immense and very strong. Personally, he was my MoM.

Did Hanson 'find the target?' yes Waynus he did. The keeper made two saves that were on target.

Did Hanson run over your dog Waynus? If you think Davies was 'immense' and was your MOM you are entitled to your opinion. Obviously 'Stix' isn't -at least not unless you are allowed to abuse him and class him as one of the 'goons'. Such a fair minded and knowledgeable person as you should be listened to so, can you explain why Davies -in your opinion MOM gave away a penalty, was it lack of pace? poor timing in his challenge? or simply a poor decision to push over the attacker who still had a lot to do to score from the position he was in on the goal lie. Could you explain why Davies always seems to try to head the ball as far up-field as possible as opposed to picking out his own players waiting for the ball 5 and ten yards away?

See Waynus, it's easy to find fault with players even when they have played well and been part of a winning team. But your opinion is much more credible than 'Stix's', McCall's, Taylor's, Jackson's and Parkinson's of course. Oh hang on, no it isn't!

Waynus1971 wrote:

Shadrach Dingle wrote:
Imho 'dont no what to make of hanson' is a fair comment. As usual he won 99% of the high balls he challenged for and as usual he kept the centre halves on their toes. But on the downside he always seems to be on his heels and fails to anticipate anything other than the obvious when the ball's on the deck. His first touch is generally poor and as usual he missed a couple of guilt edged opportunities.

I personally appreciate what he's doing for the team. His presence and threat in the air occupies defenders and allows others to make an impact. The thing is, that's all well and good when we win but in games when one goal is the difference between a defeat and a win or draw Jimbobs inability to hit a cows arse with a banjo might cost us big time.

Excellent posting. There are plenty on here and elsewhere, that can only see the positives that Hanson brings and are blind by areas of his game that are poor.

Hanson is excellent in the air and wins so many headers. When asked of him, which isn't often enough in my opinion, he holds the ball up well (he ends up flicking on too much). He certainly does have his strengths, but some just don't see his weaknesses and that includes the goons on the Pulse.

For someone that wins so many headers with his back to goal and defends so well in his our penalty area, why isn't he as strong in the opposition's box? He simply does not attack the ball well enough for a forward. Earlier this season, the defence was that we do not put enough ball in the box for him to attack. Now it's not his main job to score and that his other strengths outweigh the fact he keeps missing chances.

I was right behind his first header yesterday and the keeper didn't make a "worldy". It was a decent save, but in my opinion (and if Hanson himself was honest, I would agree) he should have buried it. Then from the resultant cross, he missed the target from 2yds.

As I keep saying, he is a decent player, but he needs to be hitting the target much more than he is doing. His strike rate is poor and is one area of his game he needs to improve.

For Stix to suggest he should be MoM was laughable. The argument that he won every header may be true, but did he find the target? Wells scored twice, Doyle and Ravenhill were both strong and Davies won all his headers too. Despite still carrying his injury, Davies was immense and very strong. Personally, he was my MoM.

It's all about service Waynus you say that people keep making excuses for him, We have to stand up for him because the few who get on his back no matter what the circumstances. He (Hanson) cannot be responsible for other players poor service 5 ratings by Simon Parkers opinion not mine. (5 players in the Dagenham game) He cannot get the ball if the defence and midfield are under performing. I can remember that people used to call stix but when he got the ball played to his feet he used it. stix was never good with his head. Hanson is good with his head and feet it's just that we don't see other players helping him when he is surrounded by opposing defenders. the Port Vale game he had two players on him all through the game yet other players were unmarked where was the support for him to draw away the defenders. The two defenders got away with mauling him all the the game. The team failed to see that the ploy of hitting the ball high for him was not working but they continued with the same tactic. Put Beagrie or Waddle in there and Hanson would look like the striker you all expect him to be. I have said this before I would rather Hanson in our team than playing against him. If you ask any other manager I bet they will say the man to stop playing when they play us is Hanson. I feel that you have a Bee in your bonnet about Hanson because last season you were looking to find something negative about him even in his private life.

.lonniejockstrap says...
10:41pm Sun 21 Oct 12


Did Hanson 'find the target?' yes Waynus he did. The keeper made two saves that were on target.

Did Hanson run over your dog Waynus? If you think Davies was 'immense' and was your MOM you are entitled to your opinion. Obviously 'Stix' isn't -at least not unless you are allowed to abuse him and class him as one of the 'goons'. Such a fair minded and knowledgeable person as you should be listened to so, can you explain why Davies -in your opinion MOM gave away a penalty, was it lack of pace? poor timing in his challenge? or simply a poor decision to push over the attacker who still had a lot to do to score from the position he was in on the goal lie. Could you explain why Davies always seems to try to head the ball as far up-field as possible as opposed to picking out his own players waiting for the ball 5 and ten yards away?

See Waynus, it's easy to find fault with players even when they have played well and been part of a winning team. But your opinion is much more credible than 'Stix's', McCall's, Taylor's
Jackson's and Parkinson's of course. Oh hang on, no it isn't!”

Agree with comments re Andrew Davies,to be fair i believe he is not 100% fit at mo,however i have noticed his defensive weakness is definitely down his left side,thats where he gave away the penalty.

Having said all that i would still have him in the team along with James Hanson despite not being a natural finisher brings more to the party than just scoring goals.

Onwards & Upwards!

'Could you explain why Davies always seems to try to head the ball as far up-field as possible as opposed to picking out his own players waiting for the ball 5 and ten yards away?'

Are you for real? You're trying to prove a point and put down our best player by highlighting one of his best qualities, bizarre! The last time one of our centre-halves tried to be cute and find a team mate Oliver headed the ball straight to one of the opposition and they scored.

'Did Hanson 'find the target?' yes Waynus he did. The keeper made two saves that were on target.'

'It's all about service Waynus you say that people keep making excuses for him, We have to stand up for him because the few who get on his back no matter what the circumstances... He cannot get the ball if the defence and midfield are under performing. Put Beagrie or Waddle in there and Hanson would look like the striker you all expect him to be.'

While I agree that James would benefit from more crosses and a better delivery from out wide (what striker wouldn't?), he's missing simple chances on a regular basis with the service he's getting NOW! Suggesting he would eventually score if given more opportunities to do so and using it as an excuse to explain away his inability to convert relatively simple chances and score goals is simply ridiculous. He's a centre-forward/strik
er and any football fan of any club rightfully expects a player playing in that position to put away an 'easy' chance whether it be it be his first opportunity to score or his twentieth.

You mean like the one on one Wells missed last week?

I think JH could have done better with the 2nd header he put wide but the first one hit the target, that fella paid to stop him scoring got in the way, the volley from the edge of the box also hit the target and was well controlled and powerful.

Two mistakes by Davies, one I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, dragged out of position, then instead of cutting down the players space by angling his run to block him he went across to try challenge and let the lad get inside him at which point he was always struggling. He also dollied a header from the edge of our 6 yard box to the edge of the penalty area allowing a shot to come in, he couldve headed it towrds the touchline.


Players at this level make mistakes, they're playing at this level for that vey reason.

I can count 3 of our last seven conceded where AD has been dragged out of the middle to make challenges, this needs addressing on the training pitch, not necessarily Davies fault he ended up there but a good watch of the match vids is needed.

We did win by the way and were the better side and fairly comfortable.

Shadrach Dingle wrote:
'Could you explain why Davies always seems to try to head the ball as far up-field as possible as opposed to picking out his own players waiting for the ball 5 and ten yards away?'

Are you for real? You're trying to prove a point and put down our best player by highlighting one of his best qualities, bizarre! The last time one of our centre-halves tried to be cute and find a team mate Oliver headed the ball straight to one of the opposition and they scored.

'Did Hanson 'find the target?' yes Waynus he did. The keeper made two saves that were on target.'

'It's all about service Waynus you say that people keep making excuses for him, We have to stand up for him because the few who get on his back no matter what the circumstances... He cannot get the ball if the defence and midfield are under performing. Put Beagrie or Waddle in there and Hanson would look like the striker you all expect him to be.'

While I agree that James would benefit from more crosses and a better delivery from out wide (what striker wouldn't?), he's missing simple chances on a regular basis with the service he's getting NOW! Suggesting he would eventually score if given more opportunities to do so and using it as an excuse to explain away his inability to convert relatively simple chances and score goals is simply ridiculous. He's a centre-forward/strik

er and any football fan of any club rightfully expects a player playing in that position to put away an 'easy' chance whether it be it be his first opportunity to score or his twentieth.

It may be your opinion that Davies is our best player it's not mine. However, I was making a point that I could pick faults with every single player if I had a mind to regardless of us beating a good on-form team. It's easy peasy pointing out where players are not doing as well as they could. I like Davies but in my OPINION he's not as good a defender as Oliver, but so what who cares who is chosen for MOM by the games sponsors.

Now after criticising my example using Davies, you then point out Hanson has missed easy chances. Fair enough, were they easier chances to miss than the Nahki Wells miss against York and Connells miss one on with the keeper about 4 home games ago? Are they not also forwards/strikers? If Hanson was as perfect at finishing off chances as you seem to expect what level of English football would you expect him to be playing in? In my opinion Hanson is as good as any target man in this league and he puts in a hell of a lot of hard work.

Shadrach Dingle wrote:
'Could you explain why Davies always seems to try to head the ball as far up-field as possible as opposed to picking out his own players waiting for the ball 5 and ten yards away?'

Are you for real? You're trying to prove a point and put down our best player by highlighting one of his best qualities, bizarre! The last time one of our centre-halves tried to be cute and find a team mate Oliver headed the ball straight to one of the opposition and they scored.

'Did Hanson 'find the target?' yes Waynus he did. The keeper made two saves that were on target.'

'It's all about service Waynus you say that people keep making excuses for him, We have to stand up for him because the few who get on his back no matter what the circumstances... He cannot get the ball if the defence and midfield are under performing. Put Beagrie or Waddle in there and Hanson would look like the striker you all expect him to be.'

While I agree that James would benefit from more crosses and a better delivery from out wide (what striker wouldn't?), he's missing simple chances on a regular basis with the service he's getting NOW! Suggesting he would eventually score if given more opportunities to do so and using it as an excuse to explain away his inability to convert relatively simple chances and score goals is simply ridiculous. He's a centre-forward/strik

er and any football fan of any club rightfully expects a player playing in that position to put away an 'easy' chance whether it be it be his first opportunity to score or his twentieth.

Think that 'cuteness' was actually Gary Jones with the attempted lobbed head back towards goal. Ollie may have done one similar, I don't recall that.

Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:
You mean like the one on one Wells missed last week?

I think JH could have done better with the 2nd header he put wide but the first one hit the target, that fella paid to stop him scoring got in the way, the volley from the edge of the box also hit the target and was well controlled and powerful.

Two mistakes by Davies, one I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, dragged out of position, then instead of cutting down the players space by angling his run to block him he went across to try challenge and let the lad get inside him at which point he was always struggling. He also dollied a header from the edge of our 6 yard box to the edge of the penalty area allowing a shot to come in, he couldve headed it towrds the touchline.


Players at this level make mistakes, they're playing at this level for that vey reason.

I can count 3 of our last seven conceded where AD has been dragged out of the middle to make challenges, this needs addressing on the training pitch, not necessarily Davies fault he ended up there but a good watch of the match vids is needed.

We did win by the way and were the better side and fairly comfortable.

Hear, hear. We beat a team full of confidence on a superb away run, in the top 3 at the time, and we end up having to defend one of our most effective and consistent hard working players for the last goodness knows how many years. Even Yates was praising Hanson more than some of our supporters. Can you believe some of our paying customers?

Haven't been able to understand many opinions for a long time lonnie but that's what they are, opinions and all are welcome to theirs as long as they listen to mine and realise I'm right ;)

lonniejockstrap wrote:

Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:
You mean like the one on one Wells missed last week?

I think JH could have done better with the 2nd header he put wide but the first one hit the target, that fella paid to stop him scoring got in the way, the volley from the edge of the box also hit the target and was well controlled and powerful.

Two mistakes by Davies, one I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, dragged out of position, then instead of cutting down the players space by angling his run to block him he went across to try challenge and let the lad get inside him at which point he was always struggling. He also dollied a header from the edge of our 6 yard box to the edge of the penalty area allowing a shot to come in, he couldve headed it towrds the touchline.


Players at this level make mistakes, they're playing at this level for that vey reason.

I can count 3 of our last seven conceded where AD has been dragged out of the middle to make challenges, this needs addressing on the training pitch, not necessarily Davies fault he ended up there but a good watch of the match vids is needed.

We did win by the way and were the better side and fairly comfortable.

Hear, hear. We beat a team full of confidence on a superb away run, in the top 3 at the time, and we end up having to defend one of our most effective and consistent hard working players for the last goodness knows how many years. Even Yates was praising Hanson more than some of our supporters. Can you believe some of our paying customers?

Yeah, strange isn't it Hanson totally dominates Cheltehams central defenders and fair doo's to their keeper, he pulls off two top class saves from excellent Hanson stikes but it doesn't cut it according to some. Luckily the vast majority of BCFC fans see a different picture of a player doing an excellent job for BCFC. Now bring on THE COBBLERS.

Whats up Waynus have I got to the truth as to why you continually barrack Hanson on here? His drinking habits even when he's allowed Peter Taylor's statement not mine. Whats up didn't he buy you a drink?

Whats up Waynus have I got to the truth as to why you continually barrack Hanson on here? His drinking habits even when he's allowed Peter Taylor's statement not mine. Whats up didn't he buy you a drink?

Whoisevans? wrote:
Whats up Waynus have I got to the truth as to why you continually barrack Hanson on here? His drinking habits even when he's allowed Peter Taylor's statement not mine. Whats up didn't he buy you a drink?

would love to see little waynus playing centre-back against the big man! poor little fella would need a few buds himself.lol..

lonniejockstrap wrote:

Waynus1971 wrote:

Shadrach Dingle wrote:
Imho 'dont no what to make of hanson' is a fair comment. As usual he won 99% of the high balls he challenged for and as usual he kept the centre halves on their toes. But on the downside he always seems to be on his heels and fails to anticipate anything other than the obvious when the ball's on the deck. His first touch is generally poor and as usual he missed a couple of guilt edged opportunities.

I personally appreciate what he's doing for the team. His presence and threat in the air occupies defenders and allows others to make an impact. The thing is, that's all well and good when we win but in games when one goal is the difference between a defeat and a win or draw Jimbobs inability to hit a cows arse with a banjo might cost us big time.

Excellent posting. There are plenty on here and elsewhere, that can only see the positives that Hanson brings and are blind by areas of his game that are poor.

Hanson is excellent in the air and wins so many headers. When asked of him, which isn't often enough in my opinion, he holds the ball up well (he ends up flicking on too much). He certainly does have his strengths, but some just don't see his weaknesses and that includes the goons on the Pulse.

For someone that wins so many headers with his back to goal and defends so well in his our penalty area, why isn't he as strong in the opposition's box? He simply does not attack the ball well enough for a forward. Earlier this season, the defence was that we do not put enough ball in the box for him to attack. Now it's not his main job to score and that his other strengths outweigh the fact he keeps missing chances.

I was right behind his first header yesterday and the keeper didn't make a "worldy". It was a decent save, but in my opinion (and if Hanson himself was honest, I would agree) he should have buried it. Then from the resultant cross, he missed the target from 2yds.

As I keep saying, he is a decent player, but he needs to be hitting the target much more than he is doing. His strike rate is poor and is one area of his game he needs to improve.

For Stix to suggest he should be MoM was laughable. The argument that he won every header may be true, but did he find the target? Wells scored twice, Doyle and Ravenhill were both strong and Davies won all his headers too. Despite still carrying his injury, Davies was immense and very strong. Personally, he was my MoM.

Did Hanson 'find the target?' yes Waynus he did. The keeper made two saves that were on target.

Did Hanson run over your dog Waynus? If you think Davies was 'immense' and was your MOM you are entitled to your opinion. Obviously 'Stix' isn't -at least not unless you are allowed to abuse him and class him as one of the 'goons'. Such a fair minded and knowledgeable person as you should be listened to so, can you explain why Davies -in your opinion MOM gave away a penalty, was it lack of pace? poor timing in his challenge? or simply a poor decision to push over the attacker who still had a lot to do to score from the position he was in on the goal lie. Could you explain why Davies always seems to try to head the ball as far up-field as possible as opposed to picking out his own players waiting for the ball 5 and ten yards away?

See Waynus, it's easy to find fault with players even when they have played well and been part of a winning team. But your opinion is much more credible than 'Stix's', McCall's, Taylor's, Jackson's and Parkinson's of course. Oh hang on, no it isn't!

Lonnie, did you hear the spat I had with Tim & Stix, or are you simply going by what I wrote above? The point I was making above is that (like you said) all players have areas of their game that needs improvement. Listening to Tim and, in particular, Stix, you would think that Hanson is the perfect player already.

This started the home game before (against York), when Tim suggested Wells & Atkinson be dropped as they weren't doing enough to justify their places. I asked why they always jumped on these two players every time they had an indifferent performance, yet always seemed to praise Hanson despite his lack of goals. I eventually came to the conclusion (rightly or wrongly) that they had their favourites and this was obvious with the commentary and post-match summarising.

For whatever reason, on my way to the game on Saturday, right at the start of their programme, Tim started the argument up again and told me to stay away if I was just going to criticise. I tweeted back that I wasn't just being critical, but was simply doing exactly what he and Stix had done over Wells & Atkinson. I asked why they were allowed to criticise our top scorer and most improved player, but I couldn't question Hanson's apparent inability to score from a few yards out. This is where the spat came from.

The fact is, I was sat right behind Hanson's first effort and it wasn't far enough away from the keeper to trouble him. Yes, the keeper's dive looked impressive, but had you seen the effort from the right angle (tv doesn't show it properly), he hardly needed to move. Then when Thompson picked him out again seconds later, he missed the target from 2 yards. For a forward of Hanson's supposed ability, surely he should be hitting the target there.

I see he did it again last night. Following up a rebound, he skied it from a few yards out. It is becoming a regular occurrence.

Don't get me wrong, this isn't Hanson bashing. I do see the hard work he puts in, the running he does off the ball to chase down their back line, the aerial battles he has every week etc. In fact, he gets far worse against him than Davies was penalised for.

My point is, how can the likes of Tim and Stix suggest Hanson be awarded MoTM (despite not taking his chances), but Wells & Atkinson come under criticism almost every week?

As for my "opinion is much more credible than 'Stix's', McCall's, Taylor's, Jackson's and Parkinson's of course", when did I say it was? However, as I have pointed out many times before, McCall, Taylor & Jacko ALL told Hanson publicly (via the T&A) that he has to do more and 'want it more'. He is a good footballer, but you still haven't explained why he can't shake off defenders in the opposition's box, but can everywhere else on the pitch?????

""However, as I have pointed out many times before, McCall, Taylor & Jacko ALL told Hanson publicly (via the T&A) that he has to do more and 'want it more'. ""

They all also dropped him only to reinstate him as the side was weaker without and the playing style didn't alter.

That is also a motivational method used by some managers, not necessarily that he was playing badly just an attempt to get that extra bit out of him.

You will read into it what you want though, as you always do in an attempt to 'win' an argument or prove yourself right, even when the professionals give their opinion in opposition to yours you argue. Which you have actually admitted to in your last para more or less.

I'm sorry Lonnie, you seem like a decent bloke but if you genuinely believe this, 'I like Davies but in my OPINION he's not as good a defender as Oliver', you're either related to Luke or insane. Possibly both!

'Think that 'cuteness' was actually Gary Jones with the attempted lobbed head back towards goal. Ollie may have done one similar, I don't recall that.'

I was actually referring to Olivers tepid, clearing header that ultimately led to that goal. Davies would have headed the same ball at least 20 yards further up the pitch.

Btw, the less said about Hansons horrific miss at Northampton the better, eh?