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Meath v Carlow 3 Jan 2018

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Lads its probably best to not dwell too much on last nights game, it was shocking fare!(referee didn't help) It wasn't an easy night to shine, I did feel sorry for the newcomers as the tactics employed by carlow meant that the forwards had no space whatsoever to work in. Tho it has to be said, I couldn't understand what Meath were at in the first half, for a large period of it they had no one in the carlow half,and I mean NO ONE!! At least in the 2nd half,they kept their most dangerous forward - lenihan - close to the goals. Brennan did score some excellent individual points but there were very few if any flowing moves,at least he had the confidence to take them on from well out the field In some cases. still a bit worried about midfield area, only time we seemed to be able to win possession/catches was when we were totally on our own. I would say that only killian o sullivan and donal keoghan (maybe Harry Ronney, if he is fit) were missing from what most would agree is our strongest available team so im not so sure how experimental it was. But you have to give the management the benefit of the doubt, as stated many times, im sure the aim is to hit the ground running in the league and that means giving your probable starting team as much game time as possible in relation to match fitness, tactics etc, so all in all, plenty of room for improvement but im sure that it will come. Footnote (Meath) - Posts: 66 - 04/01/2018 10:02:49 2066735 Link
Difficult game, a lot of lads having problems staying on their feet, wrong boots?? Carlow so negative, and for the first 50 mins of the game we kept doing exactly as they wanted, trying to carry the ball into contact up the middle, mixed it up a bit later on and finished very strong, some of the changes made a difference, Brennan the standout, some poor finishing and handling which you would expect at this time of year, very good level of fitness, issues at midfield, longroadback (Meath) - Posts: 325 - 04/01/2018 10:14:42 2066740 Link
Replying To longroadback: "Difficult game, a lot of lads having problems staying on their feet, wrong boots?? Carlow so negative, and for the first 50 mins of the game we kept doing exactly as they wanted, trying to carry the ball into contact up the middle, mixed it up a bit later on and finished very strong, some of the changes made a difference, Brennan the standout, some poor finishing and handling which you would expect at this time of year, very good level of fitness, issues at midfield," Would the conditions have not played a part in the players losing their footing fella? GlasgowRoyal (Meath) - Posts: 293 - 04/01/2018 10:41:33 2066744 Link
Replying To longroadback: "Difficult game, a lot of lads having problems staying on their feet, wrong boots?? Carlow so negative, and for the first 50 mins of the game we kept doing exactly as they wanted, trying to carry the ball into contact up the middle, mixed it up a bit later on and finished very strong, some of the changes made a difference, Brennan the standout, some poor finishing and handling which you would expect at this time of year, very good level of fitness, issues at midfield," On reflection I think that our ability to not panic was the most pleasing thing. Look Carlow have a system it's just to keep score respectable and maybe nick a win. I thought the instructions from line as well as changes were very effective. It was one of those games we would have lost for the past 8 years. But no one panicked. I wouldn't agree with footnote that it was near our full team. I think the only one of new players who is nailed on starter is Ben, after that there is still plenty to prove. royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 04/01/2018 11:17:05 2066750 Link
very poor game to look at it which was mostly down to Carlows tactics. Brennan our best player on show, seen a few comments that he will bring a bit of bite to our forwards which he does, he's aggressive and looks for every ball and not afraid to take shots on. Thought Tobin and Conlon when brought on brought more speed and attack to our play and could nearly say pushed us over the line. Seen a few people talk about fitness, pitch wasn't in good shape with a lot of lads slipping but Biggy doesn't look fit still, was on his knees after 20 minutes (sorry Royaldunne) Wins a win this early and it means Sundays game means something, win that and we have a semi final and an extra game to prepare for the league meathforsam09 (Meath) - Posts: 116 - 04/01/2018 11:17:40 2066751 Link
Lads any mention on captain, still Biggy?? Loyalroyal17 (Meath) - Posts: 627 - 04/01/2018 12:22:34 2066772 Link
Job done last night, first half was an absolute shocker but the fare in the second half improved a bit. Hopefully we'll take care of Wicklow and have another outing before the huge game in Roscommon. Colgan pulled off a fine double save which will give him a great boost while Ben Brennan showed glimpses of his undoubted ability. We were poor at midfield for long periods so Rooney is badly needed there. On another note RoyalDunne just curious to know which Carlow player is in the top 3 in the country? RoylerKing (Meath) - Posts: 809 - 04/01/2018 12:41:18 2066776 Link
God lads I thought Meath did a fair bit of 15 behind the ball themselves. Anyway. Most teams play like that in waves. The great dubs even. The conditions at this time of year really don't lend themselves to playing that type of transition game. But I'd say Carlow will be happy. They had about 7/8 newcomers. Meath had the little bit of experience at the end to get them over the line. Shouldn't have an issue with Wicklow Sunday I wouldn't imagine. It might be a bit more open and yee can see some nice scores ;) anyway good luck for the year Hometown45 (Carlow) - Posts: 203 - 04/01/2018 12:59:22 2066780 Link
Replying To GlasgowRoyal: "Would the conditions have not played a part in the players losing their footing fella?" I'd say so. I still haven't warmed up. royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 04/01/2018 13:32:13 2066788 Link
Replying To meathforsam09: "very poor game to look at it which was mostly down to Carlows tactics. Brennan our best player on show, seen a few comments that he will bring a bit of bite to our forwards which he does, he's aggressive and looks for every ball and not afraid to take shots on. Thought Tobin and Conlon when brought on brought more speed and attack to our play and could nearly say pushed us over the line. Seen a few people talk about fitness, pitch wasn't in good shape with a lot of lads slipping but Biggy doesn't look fit still, was on his knees after 20 minutes (sorry Royaldunne) Wins a win this early and it means Sundays game means something, win that and we have a semi final and an extra game to prepare for the league" Ah no I'm all for calling a spade a spade. Biggy hadn't a good game by his standards, still scored score of the night and should have had 2 goals. If anything I think the pass to Conlon for the disallowed goal he should have fisted over bar. But I agree his fitness would have been below majority, I guess age takes it's toll on us all. So maybe not the bombing up field roll this year. Inside forward I think might best suit a late 20s biggy royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 04/01/2018 13:38:20 2066789 Link
Replying To royaldunne: "Ah no I'm all for calling a spade a spade. Biggy hadn't a good game by his standards, still scored score of the night and should have had 2 goals. If anything I think the pass to Conlon for the disallowed goal he should have fisted over bar. But I agree his fitness would have been below majority, I guess age takes it's toll on us all. So maybe not the bombing up field roll this year. Inside forward I think might best suit a late 20s biggy" Was Biggy in that bad condition RD? I was told last night he looked in good nick but if hes not fit.... Don't think he is past it yet though in fairness to him we know what he is capable of and he is a moody player so depending how he feels half the time hes not bothered. But he will have to up his anti now with all the young lads like Brennan coming up the ranks or he will well and truly be left behind. Loyalroyal17 (Meath) - Posts: 627 - 04/01/2018 14:48:31 2066807 Link
it is very possible they were all training the night before so this would not surprise me at all. pretender (Meath) - Posts: 358 - 04/01/2018 15:10:47 2066809 Link
Good to start the year with a win, I wasn't there I can't make much comment about the game or the opposition but by all accounts Carlow like to keep things tight. I suppose the pleasing thing is that we managed to grind out the win and get the last few scores. I know we were against Div4 opposition but finishing strong is something to aim for, for the rest year. Anyway very early days, but congrats to the lads on the win. Htaem (Meath) - Posts: 8657 - 04/01/2018 16:07:34 2066814 Link
Replying To longroadback: "Difficult game, a lot of lads having problems staying on their feet, wrong boots?? Carlow so negative, and for the first 50 mins of the game we kept doing exactly as they wanted, trying to carry the ball into contact up the middle, mixed it up a bit later on and finished very strong, some of the changes made a difference, Brennan the standout, some poor finishing and handling which you would expect at this time of year, very good level of fitness, issues at midfield," I thought the midfield did okay. It was very hard to judge as it was totally crowded with players. Flanagan probably needs more game time as he played very little last year. The half forward line was poor. James McEntee kept running into trouble, Biggy was off the pace and Robert Garry looked very nervous. It was very difficult to play against a packed defence like Carlow put up. I also thought Sean Tobin and Brian Conlon had a big impact when they came on. Also Colgan in goal will have benefitted from the game. Great double save at crucial time. Onwards and upwards from here. kingofclubs (Meath) - Posts: 321 - 04/01/2018 17:24:12 2066826 Link
Replying To Loyalroyal17: "Was Biggy in that bad condition RD? I was told last night he looked in good nick but if hes not fit.... Don't think he is past it yet though in fairness to him we know what he is capable of and he is a moody player so depending how he feels half the time hes not bothered. But he will have to up his anti now with all the young lads like Brennan coming up the ranks or he will well and truly be left behind." Ahh I wouldn't say in bad condition, just looked to tire a bit earlier than some others. But it's first week in January. So wouldn't be overly concerned. royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 04/01/2018 18:25:55 2066834 Link
Replying To Loyalroyal17: "Was Biggy in that bad condition RD? I was told last night he looked in good nick but if hes not fit.... Don't think he is past it yet though in fairness to him we know what he is capable of and he is a moody player so depending how he feels half the time hes not bothered. But he will have to up his anti now with all the young lads like Brennan coming up the ranks or he will well and truly be left behind." I'd also add that he was very much bellowing out instructions. Think a more vocal biggy will be seen this year. royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 04/01/2018 18:28:12 2066836 Link
Replying To royaldunne: "Ah no I'm all for calling a spade a spade. Biggy hadn't a good game by his standards, still scored score of the night and should have had 2 goals. If anything I think the pass to Conlon for the disallowed goal he should have fisted over bar. But I agree his fitness would have been below majority, I guess age takes it's toll on us all. So maybe not the bombing up field roll this year. Inside forward I think might best suit a late 20s biggy" Jaysus im Getting old !! Biggy is seen as a veteran now lol...But in fairness you are correct and that role should suit him grahamc9897 (Meath) - Posts: 1174 - 04/01/2018 18:29:16 2066837 Link
Replying To grahamc9897: "Jaysus im Getting old !! Biggy is seen as a veteran now lol...But in fairness you are correct and that role should suit him" Biggys best position would be a closer ala McManamon. Imagine after 50 minutes having to face him fresh off the bench running at you, lethal. Unfortunately, we haven't got the players to bring us to 50 minutes in contention. Here hoping 2018 will be different. pauk123 (USA) - Posts: 189 - 04/01/2018 19:23:55 2066845 Link
Replying To pauk123: "Biggys best position would be a closer ala McManamon. Imagine after 50 minutes having to face him fresh off the bench running at you, lethal. Unfortunately, we haven't got the players to bring us to 50 minutes in contention. Here hoping 2018 will be different." Agree 100% bert09 (Meath) - Posts: 1792 - 04/01/2018 19:50:33 2066849 Link
Replying To pauk123: "Biggys best position would be a closer ala McManamon. Imagine after 50 minutes having to face him fresh off the bench running at you, lethal. Unfortunately, we haven't got the players to bring us to 50 minutes in contention. Here hoping 2018 will be different." But who is the player that can get or make the scores without him?? With the exception of Ben Brennan who probably is that player. Who can chip in 3 scores per game. We are forwardless in last number of years. And have been a one man scoring team. For 2016/17 45% of our scores either come directly or indirectly (either last pass/ or directly from free which he got) by biggy. These are the facts It would be a great addition to be able to rotate players. But we don't have the talent. royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 04/01/2018 20:45:52 2066854 Link