|
Was at the game in Ennis. Tricky swirling wind to play against in the first half. I did quesion one or two of the team selections in the half forward/ midfield area and I feel management got this wrong. In particular taking off Spillane in the 2nd half when he was the only player in this sector who showed the ability to break the Clare defensive line.
Sligo had lots of possession against a fairly well organised Clare defense in the first half, and time and time again recycled rather than taking the chance or the inside pass. I get it though somewhat, the pressure of div 3, and the need to focus on possession in the modern game. However, a few wides or 50 50s in on top of the Clare square would have been more benificial than the eventual turnovers between the 21 and the 45 that happended during this half (Sligo's goal came from a dropping shot).
In the 2nd half, Clare offered very little in attack even with the numbers advantage. Just scored enough to get the win but had they the shooting boots required could have been well out of sight really. However with the amount of possession Sligo enjoyed for the first 45ish mins, I was confident we would turn it around. Until a stupid red card.
We still had our chances, Carrabine missed a free or two, the one proper kick pass into Murphy when he was one on one showed he was well capable of winning the ball in front and take the shot, he was just unlucky it fell short. We had such a mixed bag of luck. THe goal was lucky enough, Devanney did really well to save the penalty (prob our best player on the day, although the full back line were all really good and I don't think Spillane should have been withdrawn). On the other hand the 2nd yellow for PK was unlucky and the contact looked 2 metres outside the square only for the Clare player to launch himself either with his momentum or a dive into the square.
Alot to focus the mind in training this week. Mullen back is a plus to replace Towey. IN fairnous, I was happy with the backs and defensive workrate and the kickouts were better than they have been previously for most of the game. Going forward, we need to think about how the defensive blanket of the opposition can be broken down and how we transition from defense to attack quicker before we have to recycle. We need more from our half forwards/midfield players and the likes of Carrabine and Murphy need more time in closer to goal and opportunities to get one on one. Its up to the coaches and expertise to design offensive structures to create this. Still along way to go. Keep the faith. Sligeach Abú!
FearSligeach (Sligo) - Posts: 8 - 29/01/2024 21:29:02
2523176
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Sligonian: "By all accounts yesterday was very poor. McEntee himself said he was "mad" is more his emotions after the game.
Carrying into 3 players, giving away possession, very poor discipline, several frees brought forward, no punch, going nowhere with the ball.
McEntee said the pressure of Div3 maybe an issue for the players. Ball in possession a problem. " our target is to be promoted, hopefully as champions" easily said.
Most reports I got were, we looked a mess, we look like no gameplan, didn't know what to do, no structure to our attacks,
This is McEntee's 4th year and he pretty much uses the same players, should he not be mad at himself? Does the team not reflect the manager and his mistakes. We were here last year after Laois. He picked an atrocious team that day and I was angry when I saw the 26 and then starting 15 yday. 4 or 5 of the starting 15 wouldn't make the 26 if I was manager and players continue to regress within this set up.
I have always felt it was a mistake keeping McEntee on another year. I think he's very poor on team selection and tactics. I don't really see how he develops or improves players. Where is the evidence? 3 months of preparation and 3 years of developing that squad and your team produces that yday?
For me we were always far more likely to go down than up. The players and management can talk about promotion all they want but you keep picking this starting 15 and you'll get a rude awakening.
We are vunerable against Wicklow but starting Alan Mcloughlin and home advantage should see us win that one. Towey will be suspended. Hopefully Canice and Joe make the 26. Hopefully we can stay up as its like its going to be tough year for the seniors." Totally agree Sligonian. He picks his favorites. Some on the 26 has been terrific servants to the county but its time to freshen up the team/squad with younger players who have been successful at under age.Mayo started Tuohy, Callinan and Reid yesterday whereas Keaney, Mulligan who beat these guys 2 years in a row didnt make the Sligo 26. McEntee/ Keane should have went long ago. A lose next weekend should be the final straw but it probably wont.
Anto (Sligo) - Posts: 345 - 29/01/2024 22:57:24
2523197
Link
2
|
|
It was a game that was so frustrating to lose because it was there for the taking. Clare were no world beaters and secretly I think know they got lucky with poor discipline and a bit of reluctance to have a go at them from Sligo. Had this been a round 3/4 game played in the same conditions I think we'd have come home as winners. A bit nervy and some dirty diesel to the return to Division 3 but remember Clare were operating in Division 2 for a long period and many would not have expected Sligo to have been just one point a drift at full time, but they are fairly average and I think they know they are rebuilding a team again. I think a draw would have been a fair result as Sligo had the winning of it but blew it themselves. Spillane coming off made no sense and not so sure on the impact of some of the bench in general. Devaney had a great game to be fair.
As one poster said it too reminded me a lot like the Laois game last year and I fully expect them to make amends against Wicklow this weekend and put the Clare game behind them. Clare will not be in the shake up for promotion or relegation no more than ourselves. Both outfits would be content with a mid table finish I would suspect. Take wins against Wicklow, Limerick, Antrim and Offaly and we will be.
Sligoman1234 (Sligo) - Posts: 359 - 29/01/2024 23:02:53
2523199
Link
0
|
|
Scoring 1-5 is simply not good enough to win a match in division 3. But also conceding only 0-9 is a positive. Conditions was a factor obviously so I will hold my judgment until this weekend. Personally I felt the wrong 15 was put out and the 26 didn't give us our best opportunity to win the match but that's only my opinion.
Last year we lost to Laois at home in the first round and when the pressure came on for the rest of the league, everyone stepped up. It's a tougher task this year but one I think we can handle. Promotion should be the goal still. If we win our home games and take a few points in the games away from home we will be there and thereabouts. The negativity thrown at the management is pointless. Lost one game and already people calling for it to be his last year. What good does it achieve? One game lost and it seems to be the end of the world. They're not going to be ran during the year so either way at least see how the league goes before you make your final judgement. If we won the game by a point or if the last free went over there would be no complaining even if we played the exact same way.
I don't blame management for the 6 yellows we picked up as well as 2 red cards.
If we win this weekend and get the show back on the road everyone will be happy and a push for promotion can begin again.
Sligeach abú
Sligobuck21 (Sligo) - Posts: 114 - 29/01/2024 23:29:10
2523209
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Sligonian: "By all accounts yesterday was very poor. McEntee himself said he was "mad" is more his emotions after the game.
Carrying into 3 players, giving away possession, very poor discipline, several frees brought forward, no punch, going nowhere with the ball.
McEntee said the pressure of Div3 maybe an issue for the players. Ball in possession a problem. " our target is to be promoted, hopefully as champions" easily said.
Most reports I got were, we looked a mess, we look like no gameplan, didn't know what to do, no structure to our attacks,
This is McEntee's 4th year and he pretty much uses the same players, should he not be mad at himself? Does the team not reflect the manager and his mistakes. We were here last year after Laois. He picked an atrocious team that day and I was angry when I saw the 26 and then starting 15 yday. 4 or 5 of the starting 15 wouldn't make the 26 if I was manager and players continue to regress within this set up.
I have always felt it was a mistake keeping McEntee on another year. I think he's very poor on team selection and tactics. I don't really see how he develops or improves players. Where is the evidence? 3 months of preparation and 3 years of developing that squad and your team produces that yday?
For me we were always far more likely to go down than up. The players and management can talk about promotion all they want but you keep picking this starting 15 and you'll get a rude awakening.
We are vunerable against Wicklow but starting Alan Mcloughlin and home advantage should see us win that one. Towey will be suspended. Hopefully Canice and Joe make the 26. Hopefully we can stay up as its like its going to be tough year for the seniors." "starting Alan Mcloughlin and home advantage should see us win that one. Towey will be suspended. Hopefully Canice and Joe make the 26"
Some might accuse you of having a Molaise bias. From the reports I heard, Joe was very poor in recent challenge games so I don't see him breaking into the team this year
muscles (Sligo) - Posts: 443 - 30/01/2024 15:28:39
2523332
Link
2
|
|
Replying To muscles: ""starting Alan Mcloughlin and home advantage should see us win that one. Towey will be suspended. Hopefully Canice and Joe make the 26"
Some might accuse you of having a Molaise bias. From the reports I heard, Joe was very poor in recent challenge games so I don't see him breaking into the team this year" From the report I heard Keaney didn't even get a run in the latest challenge game! …
Sligowizard (Sligo) - Posts: 16 - 30/01/2024 16:45:39
2523346
Link
1
|
|
So judging by all the posts everyone is in agreement that mistakes were made on the starting 15 and 26 but some seem to think that's not a criticism of management even though they pick the team.
Muscle's - I'd imagine plenty of people outside of Molaise would start Alan McLoughlin.
I know the narrative around Joe and the challenge games, I watched the Roscommon FBD game too. There were far worse performers than him in that game. For me Joe is a big game player. Not every player trains well, and plays well in challenge games in January and to get written off for the year based on that criteria is nonsense. Did you see his county final performance? The issue I have is some players who might train well but are consistently atrocious on gameday when it matters. Management don't seem to understand this concept. You are very quick to write him off for the year. Is that fair?
Sligonian (Sligo) - Posts: 1640 - 30/01/2024 17:35:25
2523355
Link
1
|
|
Replying To Sligonian: "So judging by all the posts everyone is in agreement that mistakes were made on the starting 15 and 26 but some seem to think that's not a criticism of management even though they pick the team.
Muscle's - I'd imagine plenty of people outside of Molaise would start Alan McLoughlin.
I know the narrative around Joe and the challenge games, I watched the Roscommon FBD game too. There were far worse performers than him in that game. For me Joe is a big game player. Not every player trains well, and plays well in challenge games in January and to get written off for the year based on that criteria is nonsense. Did you see his county final performance? The issue I have is some players who might train well but are consistently atrocious on gameday when it matters. Management don't seem to understand this concept. You are very quick to write him off for the year. Is that fair?" I am writing him off as I know he needed to show McEntee something to get a chance, I'm only writing him off only as I know McEntee is unlikely to give him a chance unless something dramatic changes
It's very hard for to select a player for a league game in January when that player does not train well or plays well in challenge games in January, especially when that player has not shown himself to be capable at this level yet. He can't select a player because a lad over in Canada from his club wrote on the internet that he could be a big game player and only plays well in big games. I am still hoping Joe will be the answer to our midfield woes in the future, he is still very young
muscles (Sligo) - Posts: 443 - 30/01/2024 19:49:27
2523386
Link
0
|
|
Any idea if Sean Taylor is in the panel or not? One of the best players in last years senior championship. We have plenty of backs I suppose but he would be an addition. We have a decent panel but the lack of excitement and enthusiasm around the county for the group is disappointing. People will crawl out of the woodwork to watch the U20s again this year. Hopefully I'm wrong and we get a big support on Sunday in the Park. It'll be a good barometer of where we're going as we were very similar in standard to Wicklow last year.
ShellyGael (Sligo) - Posts: 105 - 30/01/2024 21:02:08
2523398
Link
0
|
|
Where's this narrative about a young player coming from?
Sligowizard (Sligo) - Posts: 16 - 30/01/2024 21:47:38
2523406
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Sligowizard: "Where's this narrative about a young player coming from?" I agree he's only young but we don't really know what's going on in that set up
Sligowizard (Sligo) - Posts: 16 - 30/01/2024 21:49:25
2523407
Link
0
|
|
Replying To muscles: "I am writing him off as I know he needed to show McEntee something to get a chance, I'm only writing him off only as I know McEntee is unlikely to give him a chance unless something dramatic changes
It's very hard for to select a player for a league game in January when that player does not train well or plays well in challenge games in January, especially when that player has not shown himself to be capable at this level yet. He can't select a player because a lad over in Canada from his club wrote on the internet that he could be a big game player and only plays well in big games. I am still hoping Joe will be the answer to our midfield woes in the future, he is still very young" Fair enough, I agree, McEntee is unlikely to give him a chance by all accounts which is the wrong way to manage him in my opinion or anyone for that matter. Its a bit mad we are talking about the 26 not the starting 15.
Sligonian (Sligo) - Posts: 1640 - 30/01/2024 22:52:14
2523412
Link
1
|
|
Replying To Sligonian: "So judging by all the posts everyone is in agreement that mistakes were made on the starting 15 and 26 but some seem to think that's not a criticism of management even though they pick the team.
Muscle's - I'd imagine plenty of people outside of Molaise would start Alan McLoughlin.
I know the narrative around Joe and the challenge games, I watched the Roscommon FBD game too. There were far worse performers than him in that game. For me Joe is a big game player. Not every player trains well, and plays well in challenge games in January and to get written off for the year based on that criteria is nonsense. Did you see his county final performance? The issue I have is some players who might train well but are consistently atrocious on gameday when it matters. Management don't seem to understand this concept. You are very quick to write him off for the year. Is that fair?" I'd agree Keeney is a big game player. Also some who were absent in this years club championship again and also poor in FBD, started last weekend. Current management too loyal to past players and too slow to bring in new talent. What's the story with C Marren, thought he was good in FBD and also not named last week.
MrUnderhill (Sligo) - Posts: 50 - 30/01/2024 22:55:12
2523413
Link
2
|
|
Replying To muscles: "I am writing him off as I know he needed to show McEntee something to get a chance, I'm only writing him off only as I know McEntee is unlikely to give him a chance unless something dramatic changes
It's very hard for to select a player for a league game in January when that player does not train well or plays well in challenge games in January, especially when that player has not shown himself to be capable at this level yet. He can't select a player because a lad over in Canada from his club wrote on the internet that he could be a big game player and only plays well in big games. I am still hoping Joe will be the answer to our midfield woes in the future, he is still very young" I think Keaney played a few Sigerson games in January also - so it was a busy month for him. If the manager considers the 3 midfielders on the panel last Sunday as our starters then the season will not go well. The only way to give a young upcoming player a chance is to throw him in and give him a chance. Mayo did so at the weekend with Callinan, Reid Tuohy.
Anto (Sligo) - Posts: 345 - 30/01/2024 23:16:22
2523414
Link
2
|
|
Well chaps, get your thinking caps on, if you were manager what 15 would you like to see take to the field this weekend?
I may as well go first,
Devanney
Mullens
Lyons
McGuinness
D Walsh
Lavin
M Walsh
Keaney
Lally
McLoughlin
Smith
Diegnen
Carrabin
Murphy
Spilane
Sligowizard (Sligo) - Posts: 16 - 01/02/2024 10:59:46
2523643
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Sligowizard: "Well chaps, get your thinking caps on, if you were manager what 15 would you like to see take to the field this weekend?
I may as well go first,
Devanney
Mullens
Lyons
McGuinness
D Walsh
Lavin
M Walsh
Keaney
Lally
McLoughlin
Smith
Diegnen
Carrabin
Murphy
Spilane" With Towey suspended I wid bring in mullin and leave team same as last week. Does anyone know how many games towey will be gone for? Will be a big loss for us, hopefully only the 1
SligoGaa12 (Sligo) - Posts: 15 - 01/02/2024 11:22:30
2523645
Link
0
|
|
Devaney
Cox
McGuinness
Lyons
Mulligan
Cummins
Mullen
Kilcoyne
Marren
Cawley
Carrabine
O'Connor
Deignan
Murphy
Spillane
muscles (Sligo) - Posts: 443 - 01/02/2024 11:37:42
2523646
Link
0
|
|
Based on what I saw last week.
Devanney
McNamara
McGuinness
Lyons
Mullen
Cummins
Lavin
Kilcoyne
Lally
Smith
OConnor
Gordon
Carabine
Spillane
Murphy
FearSligeach (Sligo) - Posts: 8 - 01/02/2024 15:43:13
2523696
Link
1
|
|
All of the better teams last weekend throughout the divisions had one thing going for them - speed and a very offensive press, which is going to be the new way of setting up across the board. Towey will be a major loss for us in this regard. Could Evan Lyons be released to the halfback line as he is lethal going forward? I would give Mark Walsh the start for a few games and see how it goes as nobody else breaks the line as good. Daire O'Boyle should also get a good run. Too many of the players listed above are robotic prototypes built for the defensive game that is no longer in vogue. At least the U20 lads are more attacking minded, but the best ones are on this years team so it'll be a couple of years before we see them starting regularly. As someone else said, if Carrabine kicked the free over we wouldn't be panicking as much. Sunday is a must-win so hopefully we get a big performance
ShellyGael (Sligo) - Posts: 105 - 01/02/2024 18:11:05
2523733
Link
1
|
|
Remember last year when Daniel Lyons played very well for a few games and was then replaced by Devanney and we were all shocked. Turns out it was the correct decision and while Lyons is good, Devanney is better. We have to assume that the mgt are picking the best team because they see them up close a few times a week unlike us. I don't think there will be many changes. Finnigan Cawley is back with the hurlers so he is out of the equation. I would like to see Mulligan in for Towey, and the rest of defence staying the same. I would leave Lally and Kilcoyne in midfield with O Connor at 11 and Carrabine and O Reilly either side of him. Same corner forwards but I would give Daire O Boyle his first start.
We beat Wicklow twice last year, both times away from home. I imagine that the players got the hair dryer treatment this week and I expect a much improved performance and we will get the 2 points.
eoinog (Sligo) - Posts: 1658 - 01/02/2024 22:32:30
2523769
Link
0
|