“They’re a likeable club with a likeable manager and we should wish them well for the next round and in their promotion charge.”
Thus wrote MFW editor Gary yesterday and with no hint of toadying he hit the nail on the head. I couldn’t agree more.
Getting the 28 bus to Tombland en route to the ground I coincidentally sat in front of a Norwich-based Portsmouth fan and his teenage son. I was aware of their presence when I felt a tug on my scarf – when I turned around in a bemused fashion I noted their colours and we had a great chat which lasted the whole of the journey.
In Morrisons, the conversation between the Yellows and the Blues (albeit in the long queue for the gents) was banter at its best.
Number one son lives and works in Portsmouth and told me that their bare-chested drummer is quite a local celebrity and has featured several times in the Portsmouth News. A bit like our own Canary Fairy, who (fortunately) appears to have hung up his wand.
Josh sometimes goes to Fratton Park and always tells me how friendly their supporters are, despite his obvious Norfolk background. He doesn’t wear their colours but likes to go to the occasional game.
So back to the nitty-gritty and Hanleygate. In real time, the Barclay were furious at referee Darren Bond for his decision – that red card came out a little too quickly for my liking – however, seeing the highlights on Match of the Day it quickly became clear that Grant Hanley was the last man and what can only be described as a body check was the acme of professional fouls.
But at 14 minutes in? Many referees would have settled for a yellow and a severe bo!!ocking at that stage of the game. It was not to work out that way.
To me that decision spoiled the game because I was so looking forward to seeing how our “change players” would function within an eleven-man unit. As it goes, we did pretty well with ten.
As Hanley appeared to try to get the ball and there was no suggestion of serious foul play it should just be a one-match ban.
Daniel Farke went for $hit or bust at the end when he sent on Pukki and Hernandez and it nearly paid off. Todd Cantwell’s flying header produced a marvellous save from the Pompey keeper and deep into stoppage time their move on the break – one of the best crossfield balls I’ve ever seen included – led to a lucky ricochet from a block which Andre Green despatched via the post.
No blame to Michael McGovern.
Most of the time you wouldn’t realise we had only ten men on the field unless you’d been there and well done to all concerned.
However we escaped the dreaded replay.
Issues? Felix Passlack looks vulnerable in the air and the Borussia Dortmund lad was understandably rusty, as was Kenny McLean. But neither looked out of place and this bodes well for the next few months. Dennis Srbeny is not for me I’m afraid. Ivo Pinto bench bound – he’s on his way, to be sure.
Oh well, we’re out of the FA Cup in the third round yet again. It’s gone, and we will get over it.
To end, huge praise for the Norwich City ticket office. I didn’t know if I would be able to make the game until the Saturday morning and as a season ticket holder I’ve not had contact with the office in many years – no need to, really.
But I phoned up for a ticket, gave my supporter number, had a laugh with the guy on the other end of the phone, paid and my ticket was waiting for me at the collection point, where I just showed my email confirmation and had another pleasant chat with the bloke who handed over the ticket-containing envelope. Terrific service.
Instead of Mind the Gap, I’ll end with well done Accrington Stanley.
PS. Todd – it was about time you got a decent haircut 🙂
Well Martin, I have to agree re Mr Bond’s haste to brandish the red to Hanley (aka ‘GH’). As you rightly say, that early in the game, a yellow and a severe reprimand would have sufficed.
That we then gave Portsmouth a good game with only 10 men for 75 minutes speaks volumes for DF and his coaching staff and there was no discernible difference in the usual patient build-up or overall play compared to what we see every home game.
So, Sheffield United ‘contrived’ to lose to a non-league team and so our game against them will now take place as scheduled on 26th Jan. I know I am not alone in hoping that they would win to give some of our key players a little more time to be fit again, but C’est La Vie.
Finally, well done to the NCFC Board re ticket pricing, which saw a crowd of just over 23,000 on Saturday. I see Wolves are charging £35 for an adult ticket for a game that’s live on TV!!!!
Hi Ed
Yes I reckon the ticket pricing was very sensible too. I doubt it was, as such, a gesture to the fans but more a case of clever marketing:-)
A tenner was brilliant, even if in my case it was £11 because of the booking fee (not begrudged whatsoever)!
Leitner and Stiepermann appear unlikely for Sheff Utd but at least McLean is back and so also should be Lewis (much needed) and Buendia, possibly even in time for WBA.
Thank you.
.
I agree with the summary of the game, the old card came out a tad early , on several occassions I thought we were a little slower to the second or lose balls, but coud have been down the rusty limbs.
I wrote a few back that the whole squad would be versed well in Farkness play, was impressed to see it in action from first teamers and fringe players, despite the ref spoiling the plot a little. All in all nothing to be concerned about, a long haul trip another 90 plus minutes in midweek saved, there are bigger things happening this season with a far bigger pot of gold at the end.
As to your experience with ticket office, mine was exactly opposite. I rang in good (like 8 days) time, explained it had been a while since I ordered tickets, but gave customer number, requested repeated and requested again a change of address etc was needed. Remember not once but twice I asked, pointless, still the guy must have been deaf or incompetent. Friday morning came no tickets, then later a message on facebook from our previous landlord, the tickets had been sent to the old address. The very one I had requested and verified had been changed. A dash over the other side of mid norfolk to collect, on friday evening, putting my wife and daughter late for their Rock choir rehersal and that is somethig I avoid at all costs.
Still suffering from the flu virus thingy we went and took our seats, I had forgotten just how bad the upper barclay is for space in the concourse, talking with people around us a couple of regulars and some trying the area for a change. All agreeed it is not big enough for the crowd.
Hi Lad
Hope you enjoyed the game itself if not your ticketing experience. I’ve moved four times in the 31 years I’ve had a season ticket without a cock-up – seamless in fact.
But I went into the Ticket Office in person every time, which is a bit difficult if you live in or around Blackpool!
The Upper Barclay bar area is terrible in terms of congestion. My ex-copper mate wrote to the Club fully 20 years ago describing the problem in precise detail but never heard back. He re-sent the letter but still didn’t get a reply.
Nightclubs and pubs couldn’t get away with it but I guess most of us accept it as part of the atmosphere – it’s always been the same!
Thank you.
Ha!
It’s Alex B who lives in Blackpool.
Sorry Lad:-)
I’ll make do with Dereham don’t like the coast in winter hahaha
Nor do we like the coast too much in winter but the dogs adore it so it has to be done.
We just have to keep the leads at the ready to recall the beasts in case there’s a seal pup and maybe mother too around!
Cheers.
Martin, I agree with everything you and Gary have written about Saturday’s match. It was a terrific effort with ten men against a decent team. I thought McLean really grew into the game and Zimmerman and Godfrey were excellent throughout.
It is a shame that Sheffield United failed to win (or, better still, draw). The next few away games are going to determine our season!
Hi John
Yes I do feel Wilder has the Indian Sign hanging over us. Mo Leitner is important to us, particularly away, He might make it of course – that’s up to the guys at Colney – but from what I can gather it’s slightly less than 50:50.
Totally agree with you about Zimmermann and Godfrey; and Cantwell was impressive too – when Samson had his hair cut it seems his strength diminished but with Cantwell it seems the opposite result occurred.
Thank you.
It’s interesting your comment about Srbeny Martin, since it struck me that Maclean would have been better playing in that position, Marshall was wasted being moved further back, and Pinto is after all a defender who could have been used. But it is clear Farke still likes Srbeny, and Pinto would seem to be done for us now.
Hi Michael
Interesting comment about Marshall – there are rumours of a loan to Birmingham, but hey, what are rumours? I also know Millwall would appreciate him back but they’re now on the upturn so I doubt anything will happen there.
Srbeny puts a lot of effort in but I don’t see him anything other than a squad member. tbh.
Thanks as ever.
The Sheffield United game is of course at home! I meant that the games against West Brom, Leeds and Sheffield United could well determine our season.
Martin, there is some debate about the red card. The law was changed in 2016 so that “last man” does not apply any more, unless the tackle is deemed dangerous, so the referee was a bit hasty in diving into his pocket. I thought VAR was in use for all third round ties, so maybe he should have paused to get a second opinion on whether it was red or yellow. He was subsequently very slow to get the yellow card out for tackles that should definitely have earned one.
However, as you have said, we didn’t look like only ten men, so all credit to the team and Herr Farke for that. It’s nice to see that fringe players can step in and play in our usual style. I spoke to some Pompey fans after the game and they were full of praise for our passing game, and said how nice it was to see a team who didn’t just lump it.
Hi Jim
Yeah, Gary (and indeed Daniel) spelled out the letter of the law yesterday. It must be worth an appeal.
The Pompey supporters were top class and good luck to them and their Clubfor the rest of the season.
Thank you.
Hi Martin – my bad! Talked to a qualified referee this morning at the bowls club, he says the change to the last man law is only if the foul occurs in the penalty area, in which case it’s a yellow and a penalty. If it’s outside the area, then the red card applies.
By the way, 28 bus? From how far out of the city (speaking as a resident of Taverham)?
Okay Jim – it’s complicated re the 28 bus but I’ll give it my best shot!
My personal residence is on the Trimingham/Mundesley border but Mrs P retains her own property on the main Drayton Road, quite near to the Whiffler Road junction to ASDA, aka the edge of Mile Cross.
It’s an ideal place to get to the Carra from tbh – I wouldn’t want to do that journey from Mundesley! Sure the entrails of the estate has a reputation but we’re very much on the fringe and have never had a problem. We divide our time between the two houses.
Football coming down the track means an overnight stay in NR3!
We also have a further option as in a flat in Paper Mill Yard but being early retired we need the rental income just now:-)
The FA Cup has about a much magic as Sooty’s wand and is for an era where footballers retired and ran Post Offices or became publicans. A sad state of affairs, but priorities have changed since those days and Norwich City are no different.
A crucial month coming up where results matter more than performances to stop the wheels potentially falling off our promotion challenge, though as the ambitious Farke’s contract winds down you get the feeling that this season is becoming all or nothing in the world of footballs snakes and ladders.
Ha!
Izzy Wizzy let’s get busy as Sooty (okay Harry Corbett) would have said. Magic or not the FA Cup is over early for yet another season.
The old cliché of we can now concentrate on the league has never been more apposite.
I too think January will be pivotal, but when I look at our run-in I reckon six or seven points from the next four games will do us a treat.
Thanks – good to see you back on MFW:-).
Yes Jim, I read that yesterday as well and Curtis I think it was had played the ball quite a way in front before being tackled.
As you say, there were numerous occasions when severe tackles went unpunished, but that seems to be expected whoever our opponents are and certainly was a mitigating factor in the injuries to both Buendia and Leitner.
Absolutely agreed.
Ed, see my second posting this morning – the yellow is given if the (non-malicious) foul occurs in the penalty area, in which case it’s also a penalty, but it is a red card if the foul is outside.
A great read Martin. Fully agree with the sentiment regarding the Hanley decision.
This reminded me of the Arsenal cup tie last season. Picture the scene, Nelson clean through on goal, straight down the middle taken out from behind by a labouring centre half. The wretched mr Madley saw fit to award a yellow card and out of the cup we went.
At the time, we were educated by the pro ref lobby with regard to the change in the laws. Apparently there is no such thing as the last man rule. The perpetrator is only dismissed should the tackle be deemed dangerous, as if to cause injury. Hanleys challenge was as clumsy as you like, but not malicious. Therefore, mr Bond, of Andover or somewhere similar no doubt can join the list,
With regard to the ruined cup tie that followed, we were comfortably the better side throughout. But for some poor decision making in the final third a morale boosting victory would have been achieved. As match of the day highlighted later on, the break that led to the winning goal in the 95 th minute owed much to Daniel Farke sending 7 men into the Portsmouth box in an attempt to force a win and avoid a replay and a long trip just three days before a vital league game.
The way a much weakened side thrown together for the first time knitted together and played some decent football keeping Portsmouth at arms length for long periods despite numbering just ten men was a major plus. As was the performance of Zimmermann, who appears to have played his way back into his best form after a shaky spell. He was colossal in the absence of his partner.
McLean too looked keen to get involved and prompted nicely, always looking for the ball. Possibly a starter at west brom?
Hi Chris
Yeah Dion highlighted on MotD that we had seven, yes seven, players in the Pompey box for the McLean free kick. They even got the old graphic gear out to illustrate it!
As you so rightly say Farke wanted to avoid a replay and the fact it went Portsmouth’s way rather than ours concerns me not a jot.
I agree with you about Kenny McLean. It must have done his confidence and physical well-being to have played the full ninety. And for what it’s worth, Zimmermann is undroppable imo. Probably our best plater this season – sorry Timmu and Marco.
Thank you.
Hi Martin,
Interesting points made about Marshall although I would probably add Passlack to the list too. Both looked a bit rusty (unsurprisingly) but I’m a bit surprised we’ve not seen more of both in U23 games (especially Passlack) to boost match sharpness and tactical familiarity.
As for Srbeny, considering the huge step-up to the Championship from the German Div 3 the lack of game time must be hindering his development – especially for a striker. I wonder whether a loan to a League 1 / Bundesliga 2 team for the remainder of the season would help. Carlton Morris will also need some game time between now and the end of the season especially with his contract up in the summer.
OTBC.
Hi Jon
My fingers have finally warmed up after the dog walk so hopefully my reply to you will be less illiterate than the one to Chris (above).
My problem (?) with Serbny is that he doesn’t deliver at Championship level when it comes down to fulfilling his role – eg putting the ball in the net. No shame on him for Saturday and he works very hard for the team. As somebody said earlier Farke sees something in him, and he knows more than me.
I’ve seen very little of Carlton since our magnificent youth triumph which is now quite a few years ago believe it or not! Therefore I cannot judge how he will shape up on his soon-to-come return from a nasty injury.
All I want in this wretched but unavoidable January transfer window is to ship out Nelson and get some cover in for LB.
Thanks as always.
I’m always disappointed when our FA Cup is over so early, doubly so when it’s a result of losing to a lower league side.
I’m glad I’m not a Leicester fan though. I’d be fuming. They aren’t going to win the league, nor get into a relegation scrap. The FA Cup this year was surely made for them to have a tilt at. But their selection left the door ajar, and to be fair to Newport they took full advantage.
We really could have done with a morale-boosting win on Satuday. Since Blackburn kicked our 2 key midfielders out of the game for a few weeks we’ve drawn twice and lost twice – and one of those draws was by the skin of our teeth. We could do with getting back into the winning habit as soon as possible, especially given the games coming up (even the Birmingham home game looks tricky now, given their progress in recent weeks).
It seems to me that we’ve had a number of injuries in the last couple of years as the result of over-zealous tackling by the opposition (that’s the polite way of putting it….) Can anyone think of a situation where we have been guilty of the same thing? We’ve had the odd lunge or badly timed tackle – I think Gary O’Neill and Johnny Howson were guilty of a couple – but as far as I can recall they didn’t do any lasting damage. We haven’t put anyone out of the game for weeks or even months, have we?
Hi Keith
There are certain players from “the oppo” whoever they might be, who want to kick us off the pitch whoever they may be. Best for me not to ID them as MFW can’t afford to defend a lawsuit but I’m sure you’ll know who I mean.
I’ve had over 50 years of watching football and it never changes in that respect. They’re just far more subtle these days. Chopper Harris, Frank Lampard Snr, Vinnie Jones, Terry Hurlock.. I could go on and on.
You’re correct about Gary O’Neill but I never thought of Jonny Howson in that way – he might have been late in on occasions but he didn’t have the physicality to crunch anybody.
The trouble is that if the “oppo” think they’re up against a bunch of “Fancy Dans” they will go in even harder. And the attractive, expansive way we play we will suffer from that situation until we regain the promised land of the PL.
Thank you for the comment.
I would definitely have been more than a bit miffed if the sending off incident had been at the other end and their defender hadn’t been sent off. I see little point in an appeal (which may result in an increase in the one match ban) as GH was unlikely to start against West Brom.
I’m slightly uncomfortable with how little I care now about the FA Cup; growing up it seemed so glorious and glamorous but is now reduced to a welcome rest for frontline players after a busy Christmas-who needs a mid-season break? I think it’s telling that the top 3 in the Championship are all out without a replay.
I use the box office regularly. Sometimes I am held in a queue for longer than I’d like and forced to listen to some of the worst music imaginable but, once through, I have always been efficiently dealt with and nothing has ever gone wrong-my ticket for WBA has arrived safely.
Hi Don
I remember watching the build up to the FA Cup final on the BBC from about 12 noon onwards either at my own house or round at one of my little mates’ places. And afterwards the match itself of course. Jeff’s mum made great Nutella sandwiches and provided plenty of Coke and crisps!
We used to love it then but I’m not nine any more (I’m 61) and it’s pretty much grating to see how the proud old competition has become devalued.
Shame the Ticket Office plays techno but at least they give a regular queue position countdown. I can just imagine how Mr Grumpy of Gorleston would feel while listening to that!
Hi Martin
Well the FA cup over again in the 3rd round is it a surprise I would say so but again the result rested on a Ref’s decision, maybe it was a rash tackle but for sure it was a hurried decision he might have reached for the yellow and found he had left them in the changing room as he never got them out.
A Blackpool supporter got arrested for dancing on top of the Arsenal coach prior to the game and they are out of the cup as well.
Your comment on Srbeny I agree with possible a good sub to come on but must say his game time will never get him ready for the hustle and bustle of the championship and would have liked him to go out on loan to get use to the english game.
Bolton have sent Mathews back and Forest Green recalls their striker and they win 5 – 1 also other players were recalled by their repetitive clubs under the broken contract excuse due to them not being able to full fill the opposions to buy in January, Sky are now reporting that they are asking the FA to lift the transfer embargo so they can sign the promised players but who would sign for them.
City according to many outlets will sign William Remy, This I don’t understand we have 2 CB out on loan Franks and Raggett both playing well for the loan clubs if city are short on cover recall 1 or both.
Raggett was and is a young CB that will grow into the club given a chance if that chance is not going to be handed to him then it was a waste of money in the first place so now is the time to sell, the same for Franks there is an agreement for the loan club to buy at a set fee wether it be now or in the summer.
Millwall have just sold a player and are looking for an ex loanee to bring back to the club will they show interest in a city player that Birmingham are interested in this could be a loan but more like a permanent move for Marshall.
Will city buy anyone that is the question but the bigger one is will we sell anyone even a sell and loan back just might upset the spirit in the team.
Hi Alex
You can’t climb onto the roof of a coach that easily – the guy must have had some good and trustworthy mates to help him!
Archant’s Paddy Davitt has rubbished the Remy rumours and instinct tells me he’s right.
Raggett is an enigma – six feet five, hard and can nut or hoof the ball away but are his floor skills good enough for Farke & Co? I’d be surprised if he were here at the start of next season – I don’t think I’ve seen him play in a Yellow shirt and there’s doubtless a reason for that as Webber and Farke didn’t buy him in the first place, of course.
All I want in this window is nobody but Nelson to go and LB cover to arrive.
Here’s hoping:-)
Hi Martin
Just read that the bus culprit climbed a tree and dropped from a branch more nerve than me.
Yes I agree with you Paddy has ridiculed the Remy rumours.
We do need sone LB cover and the Pinto rumour to Turkey would drop some money into the kitty, as for Nelson all has gone quite last week it was a chouce of Swansea or Turkey if only I had those choices life would be so much easier.
24 days and the window closes
Since no-one else has challenged a repeated view in this thread, let me do it.
There isn’t anything in the Laws (nor should there be, in my view) about the stage of the game when an offence happens. If it was a red-card offence in the 15th minute – or the 2nd, or the 82nd – it should be a red card.
I was confused about the Law change, and thought we might have a case for appeal. But it’s no surprise that the officials knew the Laws, and the clarifications above are useful. For me. it was a red. One of the few downsides of Saturday is that Grant Hanley didn’t get the 90 minutes under his belt that would have been useful to his rehabilitation.
But onwards and upwards.
Hi Stewart
I would bet there are several laws of the game that many of us (including me) don’t know but as in mainstream life it’s always good to learn something new!
Couldn’t agree with you more about Hanley and his rehabilitation.
Thanks
Hi Martin: surely one of the least regarded rules (at least by referees) is that a keeper can only be in possession of the ball for a maximum of 6 seconds before he releases it. OK, releasing it is deemed dropping it to feet in order to clear upfield/pass to a team-mate, but if you’re sad like me, just count how long some keepers take with the ball being held by them. (Butland of Stoke wasted so much time this way, with absolutely NO intervention from the referee).
Personally I thought Hanley HAD to go, but was then amazed at some of the challenges which not only went unpunished with a yellow, but the perpetrators were not even spoken too.
And given your (and my) aversion to the bookies, what odds on the Championship’s top 3 all falling at the first hurdle??
O T B C
Hi John
Nothing sad about your GK observation – Tim Krul is one of the very few that rarely breaks that six-second rule.
I joshed about the Pompey-Barnet double but when you add LUFC into the equation it does make you think.
My only objection to gambling is that I was a Saturday morning help-out in the 1970s in an independent on London’s Commercial Road called Jordan’s run by a Spanish guy called Paco.
A very old boy in a filthy raincoat scooping up the discarded tickets from the floor, dumping them in front of me on the counter and asking “any winners mate?” put me off betting for life.
Thank you.