D 1-1 vs Gillingham (A) - League Two - Sat 3rd Feb, 3pm

Match Centre Archive Match Centre 23/24
101

Evans :see_no_evil:

102

Not sure what Evans did to keep his place in the side, much like Iā€™m not sure what Smith did to lose his place last weekā€¦ strange.

11 Likes
103

Agreed. This is one decision I actually donā€™t understand. We donā€™t have the quick restarts with Evans in goal and he made some really odd mistakes.

1 Like
104

The best 10 we could have selected PLUS EVO ā€¦ there is no way he should start over Jacko, another Sadler gaff Iā€™m afraid, the bloke is just so stubborn, hope we are not looking back at 5:00pm and regretting the man between the sticks

2 Likes
105

Newport County 2 Swindon Town 1 (74 min)

106

Such a strange decision if based on footballing reasons. I am wondering if Sadler has had falling out with Smith and he is being put on the naughty step (A la Danny Johnson)

I would add this theory is not based on any rumour or behind scenes gossip, I am just struggling to see the justification for dropping Smith and then not re-instating him after last weeks horror show.

4 Likes
107

Now thatā€™s taken me right back. Thanks. Now on yer bike son

2 Likes
108

Didnā€™t someone say last week that Jacko had been ill and was only on the bench as Barrett is out on loan (although he played for the yoof in the Walsall Senior Cup midweek)? Evans was always the first choice, so now heā€™s got the opportunity it would have to be another unforseen drop-out or very bad run of form for Jacko to replace him again.

109

Smith has been dropped because he canā€™t catch the ball in his 6 yard box. Big problem for a keeper.
If Evans can be persuaded to pass the ball to his defenders so we can build from the back he will be a much better keeper. His long distribution is pretty grim.

110

Smith wasnā€™t ill.

111

Evans is the slightly better goalie in my view.

112

OK, just going off what I saw someone say pre-match last week.

Edit: The second part of what I said still stands though.

113

Based on the last 5 matchesā€¦ who do you think should be in goal today?

114

Walker

5 Likes
115

I donā€™t like it for two reasons (and I hope Evans plays well today by the way).

  1. Tactically - Evans distribution is poor and so very slow. I think we all saw last week how it was detrimental to the team.

  2. The message sent to others - so Sadler is now saying that heā€™s picking a player who had a poor game last week, and dropped a player who was playing well - and then not reinstated him.

I donā€™t get it.

That said, hope for a clean sheet today and a good performance - but itā€™s just a strange decision.

6 Likes
116

Sadler has his favourites, not a great look for any manager.

117

No, I think Knowles and Evans are in a joint venture, blackmailing Sadler into playing them bothā€¦can be no other reason.

118

Evans is a first team player, or was signed as one, so he plays, when heā€™s fit. Anyway, it looks like no pressure game, so no big stress. just play and enjoy.

1 Like
119

Mcentee in goal , evans up front and smith right wing back.

120

No pressure? Surely we need a few games ASAP to win to keep any hope of a strong season alive?

Iā€™m definitely not ready to throw the towel in on the season and stop caring about results.