TOPIC: Portsmouth (A) Match Thread

Goalkeepers at L2 level make the odd mistake... in my view Gillespie is one of the best keepers I Have seen in L2 this season. His control of the box and catching of crosses could do with some work but he is an excellent shot stopper. It seems to be open season on him at the moment but some of the criticism aimed at him is clueless.... I heard him getting criticised for the Raynes balls up against Bristol... now he is being blamed for the second goal too... despite the fact he was unsighted as the ball was whipped round the defender. The real criticism should be going towards our two donkey centre backs.... but somehow they seem to be immune from criticism as they have a great attitude. Every game they give strikers a free header from about 6 yards out... against Bristol they both missed a 40 yard punt and Gillespie had to save them with a great 1 on 1 save. Our defence have cost us way more goals this season through individual errors than through our keeper. I guess it's not fashionable to have a pop at them though... despite a balls up in virtually every match.

Love this "good shot stopper" argument. I'm yet to see a goalie that isn't a good shot stopper, surely that's why they're goalie's!!

Unfortunately in the modern game keeping goal is about much more than keeping shots out and that's where Gillespie has been very suspect

Looked more of a fanny flapper than a good shot stopper on the highlights, what was he even trying to do?

I'm with you to Northumbrian. Ellis is slightly better of the 2 out of the cb's. Raynes although gives 100% to the cause is poor to say the least. Time and time again he is to blame for goals.

Oxford haven't looked back since getting rid of Raynes!