Why drawing 0-0 to Woking was a good thing

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

OK, we didn't beat Woking with the equivalent of a team we would have to turn out if flu had swept through the squad (rather like Exeter had the other day).

But we kept another clean sheet and we get another go in a weeks time. We don't want extra games but we'd hope to win this time.

But was was it a good thing? Easy. This is what Gus said ""We didn't make the right decision today. It was not what I was expected.

"We've played really difficult games at home this season and we've sorted them out, but we didn't today. I'll take home plenty of ideas and situations that will help me for the future. A few players will have an extra game."

So Gus' take on this is that he has learned a lot from this. He knows more about some of his back-up players and he knows we need other plans to break down stuborn sides. And all this learning without dropping points in the League.

Irritating to have to play another game ("a sideshow" as Matt Sparrow called it) but we know that Gus has a superb football brain. I think we'll see some players given one more chance - but Gus will be looking for more players to keep this promotion push going. He'll also be working on new plans to unlock "park the bus" sides.

So, not ideal to draw, but some very valuable learnings coming out of the game I suspect, which can only benefit us in the League.

 

[Simster]

For me it's simple. I'd rather get the inevitable crap performance out of the way in a cup game than drop points. And we'll beat Woking eventually anyway.

 

[Mendoza]

I'd rather lose to Woking, then to lose to FCUM and have them, along with their fans on the back of every paper, celebrating on the Withdean pitch.

The draw is good as it means I get to go to a new ground.

 

[Hercules Rockerfeller]

I hope the players don't feel the way I do about the draw. It feels like a massive anti-climax and that we have lost momentum.

 

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

I hope the players don't feel the way I do about the draw. It feels like a massive anti-climax and that we have lost momentum.

If you read Matt Sparrow's comments on Seagulls.com, I think it's clear that they all feel they let the supporters down [read: we stuffed up our chance to impress the boss]. The fringe players will have had a shock. The first teamers who didn;t play will know that it's all about keepingup their own standards.

No harm done apart from having to play one extra game. Can't see Gus changing the team for the replay - but I can see the fringe players taking Woking apart.

 

[eastlondonseagull]

Totally agree. Think it may have shaken the boys up a little, too. We looked a bit complacent and a touch arrogant in first half against Exeter, so a little bit of humble pie is good. As you say, points haven't been dropped in the League, now back to normal service

.

 

[Hercules Rockerfeller]

If you read Matt Sparrow's comments on Seagulls.com, I think it's clear that they all feel they let the supporters down [read: we stuffed up our chance to impress the boss]. The fringe players will have had a shock. The first teamers who didn;t play will know that it's all about keepingup their own standards.

No harm done apart from having to play one extra game. Can't see Gus changing the team for the replay - but I can see the fringe players taking Woking apart.

Yeah, I read it and it feel sas though the buzz we had going has gone. I am naturally pessmistic though, so my views don't necessarily reflect the views of the players!

 

[BLOCK F]

I feel confident we will beat Woking in the replay....at least there should be no complacency within the team.

 

[KZNSeagull]

We are having a great run in the league and that does sometimes lead to complacency. Failing to beat Woking is a reality check and came at the right time as we have some tricky league games coming up.

That quote from Gus is spot on. It is often said the people should learn more from their failings than their successes and from what Gus has said, that should be the case here.

So yes, definately a good thing as it should benefit Gus and everyone else in the longer term.

 

[k2bluesky]

I hope the players don't feel the way I do about the draw. It feels like a massive anti-climax and that we have lost momentum.

My thoughts too, players cannot just switch off the will to win because it's only Woking, without Lua Lua and Bennett we were toothless, anyone will let you do a pretty passing game if there's no bite at the end, I fear for the result at Hartlepool.

Play the full first team squad at Woking and against FC United (or other) Gus if you want to win (the players only have a Saturday without a game otherwise), we need the potential big money from future rounds and not to reach 3rd round now will be a loss of momentum for the club and reveal our weakness to the rest of Lg 1, no matter what is said about the FA cup and how it doesn't matter ask (Sheff Wed and Southampton)

 

[gullshark]

As much as the game was dire I'm pleased we've got the replay on the telly as it means Woking get a bit of a cash injection. The scoreline was a fair reflection on Woking's gameplan and ability to defend against us so they deserve it.

 

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

Lua Lua and Bennett we were toothless

LuaLua didn't play against Peterborough. We weren't toothless then.

 

[Tooting Gull]

If you want a bit of a wake-up call, I'd rather it was a 0-0 Cup draw against Woking with another chance, than a 3-0 defeat at Southampton.

 

[Easy 10]

I think it was our failure to up the pace that played into Wokings hands. They were quiet happy to sit back and let us play the ball around, but without Bennett in the side we never really got behind them or managed that penetrative pass to unlock them. Barnes had a stinker as well, he had a couple of decent situations in front of goal where his control let him down. And bringing on Gary Hart for Murray so early in the 2nd half was somewhat bewildering as well.

Woking defended superbly, but we made it relatively easy for them to do so. I don't expect to see that again in the replay, where you would hope that (a) we won't play as poorly, and (b) Woking will be a bit more positive.

 

[mcshane in the 79th]

Can't decide if the replay is a good thing or not until that game is finished and we know of any injuries or suspensions picked up from it

 

[mcshane in the 79th]

And bringing on Gary Hart for Murray so early in the 2nd half was somewhat bewildering as well.

I nearly upped and left at that point! It was clear then that Poyet didn't have a proper interest in trying to win the game

 

[Napper]

Hudds , Peterborough and Charlton all have replays so makes no odds really.

More risk of injuries etc but they could happen anywhen and we are walking a tightrope in certain positions anyway

 

[Easy 10]

I nearly upped and left at that point! It was clear then that Poyet didn't have a proper interest in trying to win the game

Yeah, that was kind of indicative that Gus just wanted to this over and done with so he could get home for X Factor.

 

[Perry Milkins]

Yeah, that was kind of indicative that Gus just wanted to this over and done with so he could get home for X Factor.

I think the t-shirt with 'I love Wagner' was a clue as well.

 

[Vankleek Hill Seagull]

delete - wrong thread