What Has Impeded Our Results On The Road

[Hipper]

From reports we were very lucky at Swansea (they hit the woodwork, we got that penalty) and yet we seemed to meet a Swansea team that played better then they usually do. We still lost!

Of course the winning goal was very late and with a shove in the back on Mee.

[claretspice]

I think the answer is pretty straightforward really.

We had some bad luck early in the season on the road, particularly with the fixture list which pitted us against a lot of the better sides early on, and our confidence on the road got dented when those games unsurprisingly failed to yield results. Having started badly away, weve never really recovered our belief on the road, weve snatched at chances and lacked the bit of luck to turn things around.

Two years ago we started better on the road, and we picked up a few more points through the season as a result. Of course, we started like a train at home this season (after the Swansea game) and that generated a feel good factor weve never let go of, whereas two years ago our early results at home weren't great and we maintained that mediocrity throughout.

There were other factors of course - but for all we all talk about tactics, don't underestimate the crucial importance of confidence and belief.

[JohnMac]

In more than a few games it could be down to the lack of a 'positive plan', we often look lost when we have to take responsibility for the ball against sides that set up not to lose a game (similar to us). The poorest side we have played away was probably West Ham and we looked frightened to take the game to them even when they were literally shaking in their boots.

Playing on the 'front foot' more may have reaped more than a few wins this season but we won't know because we very rarely try it unless we have gone behind. We have played very well on occasions and probably deserved a few more points, especially against some of the 'bigger sides'.

[claretspice]

In more than a few games it could be down to the lack of a 'positive plan', we often look lost when we have to take responsibility for the ball against sides that set up not to lose a game (similar to us). The poorest side we have played away was probably West Ham and we looked frightened to take the game to them even when they were literally shaking in their boots.

Playing on the 'front foot' more may have reaped more than a few wins this season but we won't know because we very rarely try it unless we have gone behind. We have played very well on occasions and probably deserved a few more points, especially against some of the 'bigger sides'.

All true John - but what we dont know is whether we really were set up "not to lose" or whether it is a function of confidence that we appeared hesitate and reluctant to take the game to the opposition.

Im fairly sure the manager insists it isnt the former, ao it must be at least in large part the latter. Once weve gone behind of course, we have nothing to lose.

[JohnMac]

One thing is for sure, they have never capitulated, especially against the 'big boys'.

I know a lot of our fans think we should be beating the bottom 6 away but by the same token they will believe they should be beating us at home.

I'm not bothered anymore if we don't win away as long as we stay up.