Nuneaton 1 IRON 1

[ozbrit]

Going by the commentary we generally had the better of the first half and Nuneaton the second.
Another reasonable result on the road with Matt Paine our scorer. Their goal was described as being a fortuitous shot cum cross effort, the sort that catches Nathan out from time to time.

[rustynail]

Yes that's about the way it went. Iron had some good attacking play in the first half with some good play by Chez Isaacs and Matt Pain with Kenny back from injury mopping up in midfield and creating the moves. Jordan Cox tried hard but failed to get a positive shot away. Nuneaton pressured at the end of the first half resulting in Nathan again pulling of another spectacular save.
The rain poured down at the start of the second half and I thought that would be in our advantage but Nuneaton adapted better to the conditions and planted themselves for the first 15 minutes in the Iron half a goal was inevitable. After the substitutions Iron put together a couple late attacks but to be honest looked exhausted. In conclusion we still go through long periods of the game where we absorb pressure it was a bit worrying that during the second half we couldn't string a few passes or hold the ball.

A big up to the fifty or so Iron fans whom made a lot of noise during the first half while surrounded by the quiet home supporters. After the change of ends the main stand filled up with Nuneaton supporters did look very impressive when viewed for the other end of the ground. I saw our chairman making notes!

[ad75]

It felt that there were more than 50 of us!

It seemed like another day where we had two plans. Initially, both our wide men played very wide, spreading play, stretching them, giving the back 4 an open outlet, and causing them quite a few problems. It felt more like we were going to go 2 up.

Then, we seemed to compact the central midfield, and gave them the width, at which point, they became a lot more dangerous. I would say we owned the first 30-35 mins, with them applying pressure at the end of the first half.

In the second half, we seemed to give them so much space out wide, that they dominated us for long periods. In fact, their goal came from a full back in a wide position. Not sure whether it was a shot or cross, but he had bags of time, as he did for most of the second half. He was largely anonymous in the first 30 minutes.

During this period of pressure, we reverted to the long ball, and as Jordan was winning very little, it often gave them possession back.

Our game improved when Dan Holman came on. We cannot play a high ball to him, and so we looked to play it a bit more.

Despite looking very tired towards the end, it wouldn't have been a surprise if we nicked a winner.

Overall, I'll take a point, and look forward to the next game.

Also, I'd like to compliment Nuneaton. Only £12 to get in, and a generally friendly welcome, and the atmosphere was good too. Having both sets of fans able to stay dry and support their teams was a positive.

[4whatitsworth]

Pretty fair assessment of the match by rusty and ad75 but without mentioning the work that Charlie put in during the first half as we pressed for a second goal. Not the best of days for young Jordan but he will learn that to play the simple ball is often the best option, because as at times when he had the ball he was easily dispossessed trying to dribble past defenders.

There were indeed more than 50 of us, as one fan took a head count at just under 70.

Only £12 to get in? but everybody pays that as there was no concessions for OAPs or students etc and talking to a Nuneaton fan before the match
he felt that was holding back both older fans and younger ones alike from attending as many games as they would if concessions were in place.

[ad75]

Sorry, '4', I didn't realise that. I agree, they could have a lot bigger fan base if they offered concessions.

You were also right to point out Charlie's work rate. He does deserve some recognition. I'd like to see him and Holman start.

I also forgot to add praise for another amazing save by Nathan. Not only did he save it, but he pushed it away from the danger zone, and was up so quick that he beat the striker to it.

Overall, a point is good, and we move on to Chester at home. I'm also hoping that the upcoming FA Cup Draw is kind to us.

[ironsmutley]

Apologies for hijacking this thread. I'm having trouble creating a new one myself.

As you can probably tell, I'm a new user to this forum, though I've followed The Iron for the 10 years I've lived here now and isn't it great to
have such a good side and manager to get behind these days.

That's probably the main reason I've joined this forum. It's always good to get others opinions and obviously you're all entitled  to them.

I just wish we'd all get behind the team and not slate them off too much when the going gets tough. Let's not forget how amazing it is to be where we are today. Keep reminding yourself of that !

Another good point yesterday. Our Away record is pretty awesome this season. Long may it continue.

Bring on Chester.

[dbbn]

Interesting what Ad75 said, again going narrow and allowing the opposition full backs to press on. Perhaps that's something for Devs to look at as we lose our way and go too straight and direct when this happens.