just back

Quoted from Maringer

What an inane comment.

Anyway, otherwise, I think you have to take into account that Donny's No. 10 and No. 11 were both excellent - their best players - so it isn't too surprising that our full-backs struggled, especially as our central midfield might as well have not bothered turning up on that performance.

Ironside looked gangly, clumsy and slow. I'd hope we can do better than him unless he's signed as a cheap 5th choice striker!

You do realise it was a tongue in cheek comment.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Bit unfair on Ironside, thought he was good, looks like a footballer!

Mmm a long way from being  that

Quoted from brad_gtfc

I've seen someone say on Twitter they'd sign Clay and Ironside after tonight, are they mad?

Was it themselves ?

Jesus, after seeing them their is hope for terry barwick.

It certainly read as a negative dig at Hurst of the sort we see so often on here.

Regardless, I'm mostly in agreement with you about the players. No thanks to Clay (especially!) or Ironside, but possibly yes to Pittman.

I actually left the game feeling in a relatively positive frame of mind despite the heavy defeat as I think we already have a stronger squad than last season regardless of any future signings!

I'd like another look at Ironside as I think he showed some nice touches and might have something. Clay however was very poor IMO, decent workrate but displayed a poor touch and control, limited passing and no positional sense. Vertu much in the mould of Michael Leary and Anthony Church which should tell you ask you need to know!

There has to be better out there!

Pittman in the other hand was very good I thought. Very strong, good control and quick feet. I'd sign him tomorrow as I think he could score a load at this level!

Quoted from Mighty_Mariner

I'd like another look at Ironside as I think he showed some nice touches and might have something. Clay however was very poor IMO, decent workrate but displayed a poor touch and control, limited passing and no positional sense. Vertu much in the mould of Michael Leary and Anthony Church which should tell you ask you need to know!

There has to be better out there!

Pittman in the other hand was very good I thought. Very strong, good control and quick feet. I'd sign him tomorrow as I think he could score a load at this level!

I agree about pitman , you can just tell the lad has ability and would be happy if he joined us.

Is completely different to what we have, will score goals in this league for sure.

I can't believe some the suicidal drivel from some posters on some threads tonight. Remember it was a pre-season friendly. And it was against a League One side, so of course they would outclass us at times.

In fact, although Donny were tidy in possession in the middle third, they didn't actually play through us and didn't create chances aside from the goals - all of which were very preventable on our part.

McKeown had a couple of shaky moments early on. Pearson and Toto won everything in the air and I can see them becoming a great partnership. Magnay is taking some stick but I thought he looked like a decent player with a football brain, who just got caught on his heels a couple of times that cost us.

Thought Clay didn't really have anything about him. Seemed to do a few tidy things and kept it simple, but didn't show much. Him and Paddy would definitely be too soft a centre-midfield partnership. I accept it's difficult to judge someone against that level of opposition but for me he didn't have enough in any aspect of his game.

Brown impressed me when he came on in the 2nd half. Very busy getting on the ball and linked well with Nielson.

Arnold and Mackreth will both destroy plenty of full-backs at our level for sure. Both clever players too, with good movement,  always looking to make angles to receive the ball to feet.

Pittman I would offer a permanent deal in the morning. Strong as intercourse and lightning quick too. Will be a real threat.

Ironside looks an intelligent player and I can see why we're interested in him. Holds it up, controls it well on the chest and to feet, and lays it off to others. A good alternative or competition for LJL for that role in the forward line.

Id sign clay, just because it would urine off so many on here! In all seriousness, and no disrespect to the lads as they gave effort, just technically not good enough- clay and iron- pitmann on the other hand worth another look

Quoted from Teestogreen

Interesting statement H M - I thought that of him at Harrogate (and said so), which allowed LJL to look better. Will be interesting to see what the Grimsby management think.

All our best chances in the second half involved him and he was closest to scoring. I thought he won headers and held the ball up well, don't think he will score many goals but could see him setting a fair few up.

Quoted from Mighty_Mariner

I'd like another look at Ironside as I think he showed some nice touches and might have something. Clay however was very poor IMO, decent workrate but displayed a poor touch and control, limited passing and no positional sense. Vertu much in the mould of Michael Leary and Anthony Church which should tell you ask you need to know!

There has to be better out there!

Pittman in the other hand was very good I thought. Very strong, good control and quick feet. I'd sign him tomorrow as I think he could score a load at this level!

Good summary for me, I`d sign Pittman tomorrow, Ironside could improve and did so slightly towards the match end, lets not forget Donny outclassed us throughout the match, and so they should with a strong team out.
With a bit of poise in front of goal we should have scored at least twice, lets get the wrinkles ironed out preseason ready for the important stuff