Play off opponents

[Turveyman]

It now looks as if we will finish 5th. If York beat Grays then lose to Stevenage, we will have to beat both Wrexham and Luton which is a tough challenge. Obviously, playing Oxford in the semis would have been preferable as they continue to produce some disappointing performances:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/ArticleSea ... e=Football

However, we have beaten Luton already this season and they are by no means infallible (only managing a draw recently at Tamworth). Also, they will feel the pressure of expectation from their Board and supporters far more than us. I still feel that we can make the final as long as we don't lose any more key players to injury - in particular, I think it is critically important that Downer is fit enough to complete both legs.

[Mad Dog]

True, although Grays did pull off a shock result against Wimbledon. Would be typical for York to be on a high and then to draw against them. If we won against Wrexham, barring an 8+ goal turn around, we would need to match on the final day to finish 4th on goal difference. Could still happen.

[ID]

To be honest I think we have little to fear in Luton, their recent form has been exaggerated by the poor teams they've been playing: Histon, Grays, Hayes, Ebbsfleet, Forest Green, Hayes again...

Other than their victory over Stevenage (which, admittedly, is impressive) here is their recent form against 'good' teams: drew with York, lost to Wimbledon, lost at Crawley, drew with Mansfield.

All their impressive victories have come against pretty crap teams, while they've struggled against the calibre of team they will be facing in the play-offs. Don't forget they recently drew with Tamworth, and just conceded 3 goals against Histon.

[Biggles]

Be it Luton or Oxford in the playoffs does not matter, the most important part will be the first leg at Nene Park, if we can sneak an advantage or even go into the 2nd leg on level terms we will have the big advantage of going hell for leather for it as the underdogs with nothing to lose whilst the home fans expectations in the 2nd leg will add great pressure on their team amd managment.

[jimbobjaw]

Be it Luton or Oxford in the playoffs does not matter, the most important part will be the first leg at Nene Park, if we can sneak an advantage or even go into the 2nd leg on level terms we will have the big advantage of going hell for leather for it as the underdogs with nothing to lose whilst the home fans expectations in the 2nd leg will add great pressure on their team amd managment.

And as mentioned previously, we have been stronger away from home, so actually it may be an advantage.

As mentioned, i don't think we have too much too fear, and we have absolutely nothing to lose, unlike the other "bigger" teams!

[Harry]

Be it Luton or Oxford in the playoffs does not matter, the most important part will be the first leg at Nene Park, if we can sneak an advantage or even go into the 2nd leg on level terms we will have the big advantage of going hell for leather for it as the underdogs with nothing to lose whilst the home fans expectations in the 2nd leg will add great pressure on their team amd managment.

Agreed with the first leg being at home being important. Certainly helped last time we were in the play-offs.

In fairness there is no way we'll finish in the top 3 and be away first now, even though it is still technically possible.

[therushden]

one of my favourite goals that. butterworth volleying that ball into the floor and it going into the roof of the net.

[Mad Dog]

Just want to make it clear again, following on from my post on this thread and on previous similar threads. My sole reason for hoping to avoid Luton had nothing to do with how Luton having been playing as a side recently or any on the pitch issues. I don't fear them or the other two teams on the pitch, I'd fancy our team against all of them.

My preference for one of the other two has always been due to the security in terms of cost that the semi – final home leg would probably involve and ensuring they don’t try to get in the home end of the ground.

As has already been said, we should fear none of the teams when we play them, it’s just Luton will most likely be more of a pain in the neck off the pitch.

[Mad Dog]

Looks like a few of us have been quoted on their boards:

http://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutla ... 71691.html

Plus this poll question:

http://members.boardhost.com/lutonoutla ... 22191.html

[Superhans]

been on there quite a bit in the last few weeks.
they are a bunch of cocky twats who think they have a divine right to be in the football league, well quote this one boys.....

they are a non league side who will have to work bloody hard to get promoted we have had a great season and will all be happy whatever happens and will push on with a good hope of progressing next year if we go up or not, no presssure on us, we are the underdogs with nothing to lose.
luton on the other hand will see it as a failure if they do not get promoted through the playoffs.
the fan base will turn on the club and they could end up being down here for a few more years yet!



luton, oxford and york all think they are better than this league.
well, i would love it....in a kevin keegan style.....LOVE IT if the 2 sides from the top 5 are the so called poxy shit village teams stevenage and rushden.