BOROCHAT
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We Are NOT Top of the League
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Cardiff hav just beaten Luton...
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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This is a shit season and I hate it
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Revs out.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Great battling effort today, I personally just thought it was crying out for Gas to come on earlier, as the whole the the first half it kept coming straight back and you felt momentum was building for them. Also wish we'd leave someone up at defensive corners as well, especially with this new 8 second rule. No disgrace in that performance though, did us proud. Still a million miles more entertaining than last year.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Praise in defeat from Rockybottom! Something good must be happening! Almost makes it feel like a win! š
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Agreed. Top effort but no outlet up top and nothing stuck. Just kept coming back and they dominated possession and play up to their goal.
When Ahadme and Phoenix (and Sweeney and Phillips for that matter) came on it was a different game. We looked really good, with lots of lovely play between Phoenix, Kemp and White mostly.
I know by Huddersfield had stopped playing so take it with a pinch of salt but it would be superb to watch the style of the last 15 minutes all game/all season. Probably would leave us defensively open when the other side isn't just defending a one goal lead though.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 4119
They have CB Joe Low, he played for Wycombe last season.
I think it's no coincdence how Wycombe lose him and they're now struggling.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3736
They were struggling for the final third of last season as well.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Phoenix is a great impact sub off the bench when they are tiring. He's so hard to stop with the ball at his feet and uses it intelligently. I think Chem think started as he makes us more solid defensively.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3896
Chem was our best player IMO. Going forward and tracking back.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Agree the ball wasn't sticking up top, not sure we had the quality for Gass coming on earlier to be the decider though. Phoenix looked promising.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Pheonix is great and did well, but it was very much a like for like change. We needed someone to bully their cbs.
Edited by RockyBottom at 18:29:23 on 23rd August 2025
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Agree with all that and I feel that Revs was still far more proactive with the changes than in similar situations last season. Didn't quite come off in the final third today.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 4137
We stayed in the game and showed flashes of creativity.
Very happy with the spirit and performance overall.
A few minor gripes around decision-making, our right hand side looking exposed and Roberts (again), but play like that and we'll be fine.
They're a decent outfit. So are we.
Marachall getting done again for holding the ball... sort that out
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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We were good on the whole, and got significantly better after the substitutions (not least because Roberts simply didn't turn up). Apart from holding the ball too long, Marschall was excellent today.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Agree , we also need some of injured strikers back to have a few more options.PS transfer window ends next week can't see much movement, perhaps a mid fielder in and kids out on loan.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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I think the pot is empty or PSR limit reached, so we might need to offload more than just a couple of kids if we want anyone in.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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I wasn't expecting any more transfers unless as you say we move someone out but was just assuming we have our squad complete now.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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I just hope no one goes out before the window closes, Kemp particularly
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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I assume Revs has dropped Kemp's phone down the toilet along with Reid's.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Rev's phone is on airplane mode until the end of the window
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Midfield wise we only have Phillips, White and Kemp , Thompson out to Xmas and Freeman whole season .We are bound to pick up another injury or suspensions.If no incoming we might need them to blood Doherty.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Err.. What about Houghton and Mattheus Roberts? Pattenden and Early could also do a job there if necessary.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Yep fsorryorgot about Houghton but Roberts is more of a winger plus possibly injured and Earley injured again too.Some others on here too thought we may need Midfield back up when Thompson went backwards again, but as I say perhaps we should just keep Doherty then
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Sweeney can do a job as a DM, not for a full game but to give players a rest towards end of games.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Sweens is also a decent striker.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Todayās game at Huddersfield showed we can compete in most areas with a team that many people see as a favourite for a top four place.
As identified by Revs, PW and almost all fans a couple of months back, there is the need for a āstand outā front man if we are to make a serious challenge. BGR is doing really well so far but he needs top quality help (or replacement when he will be absent), and itās not there.
So Iām pretty pleased with our start. I donāt think we will be in the promotion or play off places at the finish but at least comfortable just above mid table.
With our low fan base numbers and relative income for the division, thatās a better destination than I could have hoped for at the end of last season.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Interesting comment from a Huddersfield fan from their forumā¦..
I think that's the key thing about the whole game. Stevenage are an in-form side. They have their limitations (a small budget for this level means they'll be looking for ways to maximise what they do have) and they set up to frustrate and nick something, but they backed themselves to do it. Players knew their jobs and did them - for the most part pretty well. Despite this, we created chances and up to the goal were looking quite good value for any lead we got. When we did score, it was after a period where it started to look like a matter of time.
Watching the highlights back, they looked to congest the space as much as possible. They had a couple of flurries where they did come out to engage us, but largely they were sat in when we had the ball; on turnovers they tried to win it back quickly but if they couldn't they very quickly got into a narrow block and told us to break it down if we could. Could we have maybe done more outside the area? Possibly. At one point I got a bit annoyed at Ledson, who held space 35 yards out when he could have stepped forward into a shooting position in space. We perhaps tried to be a bit too cute - had we shot more outside the box it might have forced Stevenage out of their block and created space for just the kind of killer pass we were looking for, but not to worry. We won.
Stevenage won't lose many this season on the road based on what I saw yesterday and their early-season performances. I have to give this to them. For their relative resources, they do incredibly well. People keep decrying them as an average League One team. Well, that's a hell of a compliment for a side that averages 4,000 at home (the biggest crowds they have ever got), has an income perhaps a quarter of ours, and constantly has to feed on scraps of other teams as a result. They're a club who do damn well for their relative size and which has left bigger, better-funded sides below them. Good luck to them.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Pleased to see a Huddersfield "take" that is pretty mush how I saw it
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Whoever that guy is he talks a lot of sense.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Sensible comment from a football fan? Wow
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1 person
Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Don't worry it's never gonna catch on.
Especially not on Borochat.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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He did also fumble two crosses. Not saying that negates the good he did, he did some good saves and seems a decent enough keeper. Just if it was Taye who fumbled two ball we'd not hear the last of how bad he is etc from some.
Good to have two good keepers.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3953
The annoying thing about that 8 second rule is he is waiting for the players to get forward. It disadvantages teams who kick long, fine if you play short, you can release straight away but you have to wait for everyone to run 40 yards before you can kick it.
Also, you're fine spending 20 seconds taking a thrown, goal kick, corner or free kick and the ref doesn't hurry you up.
I like the idea but maybe 10 seconds would be better and just annoying it only one minor aspect of time wasting being addressed.
No excuses for keepers though because the ref clearly counts it down with his fingers in the air.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3966
āAlso, you're fine spending 20 seconds taking a thrown, goal kick, corner or free kick and the ref doesn't hurry you up.ā
This makes the rule an absolute farce. I like the concept but it needs to be applied to all elements of the game otherwise itās pointless.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Would like the same 8 second rule to apply for throw-ins, goal kicks and indirect free kicks too. It's actually a good innovation for a change.
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1 person
Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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I think the point being the ball is in play when the keeper has it in their hands. Time wasted at set pieces should be added on as injury time. A more effective deterrent for this would be a stopped clock like they use in rugby
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3652
True. But yesterday for example there was a free kick that a defender placed down as if he was taking it, and the ref blew the whistle (so presumably restarted his watch) then the keeper came up to the ball, moved it yet again a few inches, and set it up for him to finally kick.
Not moaning about Huddersfield, every team does that sort of thing.
Also there was one time their keeper picked up the ball at his feet when forced to by Ahadme but then did the Pickford dive on the floor, then stand up 3 second later then release the ball 7 seconds later. So is it from the point they stand up or the point they touch it. If it's the first then perhaps our keeper needs to be diving to the floor each time to allow the players to get into position.
Edited by Sev at 08:07:39 on 24th August 2025
Edited by Sev at 08:08:01 on 24th August 2025
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3663
There was also the goal-kick at the end where they shaped up to 'play it out'. Then the keeper decided that wasn't going to be the case so we had to wait whilst all the defenders got to the half-way line before the kick took place. Legal time-wasting. There was obviously nothing added on for this.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3740
Yes, Drysdale was very poor and inconsistent (surprise!). Pretty sure the corner that we gave away he counted to 2 then signalled a corner! Marschall should have just dropped it to his feet, and we need to be wiser to the situation, but the counting I've seen so far has been somewhat suspect.
You'll get a natural variance with referees which I don't actually mind too much. However the regulations seem to be attempting to standardise how they manage the game. It's better than Wenger's suggestion to reduce the duration of a match to 60 mins!
I don't mind the 8 second rule, but it's just another point of contention and I would rather leave it up to the individual to manage the situation
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3622
If there is an opposition player near them it's a subjective call as to whether they are deliberately impeding the keeper releasing, which is aainst the rules. But the count doesn't start until the keeper is 'able' to release unimpeded.
And as you say if the keeper can lay down with the ball.for 4-5 seconds before the count starts, the whole thing is messy.
And it should definitely apply to throw-ins somehow.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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In theory itās a good rule to keep the game moving. In practice itās clearly convoluted.
A solution would be a dedicated time keeper, whose sole responsibility is timing the game. Whenever the ball is out of play (including in a keepers hands) they either stop the clock rugby style until the ball is back in play, or time the stoppage to be added on at the end of the half/match.
The other alternative to make keepers get on with it is to make the punishment more severe for holding the ball for too long. Indirect free kick in the box and/or a booking.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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I am happy just for the corner to be awarded,
A change I would like to see when there is a free kick with a moving ball is for the free kick to then be given to the other side - currently there is no penalty for doing it.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3669
What about all the players are connected to electrodes and every time they take too long on a throw in, free kick, or the keeper doesn't release the ball, they get an electric shock. No timewasting then
I agree with Sev though, the delays over throw ins and free kicks are worse from the pov of the spectator, as they can be painful to watch
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3 people
Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3534
Why not have 30 seconds (or whatever is suitable) to get the ball back in play or endure a turn-over?
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3619
That's probably more sensible, but not as enjoyable for the viewer
Joking aside, there's no reason they couldn't introduce this - 20 seconds to take a throw in or it's reversed
Enjoyed listening to you and Neil yesterday, you're my little Saturday treat
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Never been called a ālittle Saturday treatā before!
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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A little sugary one!
In seriousness, love the commentary and that rogue Deano
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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It would help if the player that first picks up the ball has the throw it in, rather than wait 10/15 seconds and then leave it for a colleague.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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I used a vpn for the first time to watch ifollow at 3pm on a Saturday. (Still use a UK mobile for my internet).
Only $13.99
Hedgie's commentary over video works well, far more entertaining and knowledgeable than Sky.
I know I'm tempting fate but ifollow has worked well, audio and video, on the two occasions we've not been on Sky.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3526
Funny you should say that met a Boro fan I'n a pub in Hitchin yesterday who was streaming game live. He told me it was via a "dodgy" site..This is beyond me but seems ways out there to watch all our games for free or peanuts bypassing Sky and little chance as a user being caught.Heard stories though that they are clamping down hard on the suppliers
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3673
I live in France and if I uses a French IP address I could watch all Sat 3pm matches via ifollow.
It's only because I'm using data roaming on a UK mobile that I can't.
I can legitimately access Sky Sports app for all the red button games out here.
The free vpn just let's ifollow think I'm in France or the USA or wherever I select. Yesterday the best option was USA. I still pay them full whack.
So I'm not using an illegal stream or a dodgy firestick, (altho' I've heard they are very good and dont cost you loads like Sky and TNT does).
Edited by BALDOCKBORO at 14:00:12 on 24th August 2025
Edited by BALDOCKBORO at 14:01:28 on 24th August 2025
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Sorry did not mean to imply you were doing anything wrong but seems many in UK are .
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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No offence taken. Half the people I know out here have dodgy sticks, same in the UK.
Sky etc. must be losing literally millions every week, they have only got themselves to blame with their pricing models IMO.
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1 person
Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3593
I had one but it kept buffering. Iāve switched to the legit NowTv. Ā£20 a month.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3523
Yep wish I could take the plunge but if I I got caught as a civil servant instant dismissal, might have a go when I retire thoughš
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1 person
Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3584
Brilliant suggestion! š¤£ Electrodes on the nipples. Think how fast some of them might run!
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1 person
Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Glad you're on board, Delts. This would objectively improve football
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1 person
Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
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Some people like having their nipples electrocuted, apparently, erm... so I've heard.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 4067
He gets done because we bring everyone back and he has zero option of where to distribute it quickly, other than to aimlessly launch it up to no one. Putting one player up stops that.
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 4021
If we leave a man up top for corners the opposition will bring 2 men back to cover. It's a win win situation but I don't understand why clubs don't do it?
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Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 3976
Plus our keeper dropped a catch twice today because the area was so bloody crowded. Overall thought he was very good today in fairness and pulled off some important saves.
Edited by RockyBottom at 19:43:20 on 23rd August 2025
Edited by RockyBottom at 19:47:33 on 23rd August 2025
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2 people
Re: We Are NOT Top of the League
Views: 4214
Went for a point, looked good for it. Got done and changed it up. Looked ok but not enough quality to nick a point. The classic catch 22. Top 10 attitude/ performance.
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1 person
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