Do you think we tried our best to win against Charlton?

[Royal Lady]

As there seem to be conflicting opinions - mainly, it seems from those who watched on TV rather than those who were there, consider carefully the team choice and the way we played.

[zac naloen]

Yes, the team tried. But they lack the instinct in front of goal at the moment and teams defend in numbers against us which always makes it hard.

[southbank1871]

I've given it a yes.

I think those that actually went to the game may have a clouded view due to the time and money the spent on a goalless draw.

[Adrian's Fool]

I went to the game and yes it was frustrating watching a goalless draw, particularly after our run of results. However I cannot question the effort and commitment of the players, which was outstanding. As for team selection - who's to say we wouldn't have rolled over and died with 11 tired players on the pitch?

[size 12]

A definite YES

That was one of the fastest, high tempo games that I have seen this season involving any sides, and a team not looking to win would not have played at that tempo from start to finish.

I do however question the selection of Shane Long alongside Lita, but all that was missing was a bit of sharpness in front of goal. Sidwell seems to have forgotten where the goal is, Harper, Seuol, Shorey and Hunt should all have done better with chances too.

A team not looking to win would have packed out the midfield, something Reading have tried and failed to do earlier this season, rather than attack down both flanks and down the centre like we did last night

[Dirk Gently]

Bearing in mind that that was Charlton's fourth clean sheet in a row (and 5th in 6 games) it may just not be us - they're obviously concentrating on not conceding.

But to say we consciously tried not to win is ludicrous!

[Stranded]

Yes.

The only thing missing was a bit of composure/killer instinct in front of goal. If we'd made the most of our possession/chances and taken away a 1-0 win last night, people would be delighted this morning.

[Huntley & Palmer]

Not with that team selection, I don't think it would have mattered to anyone had we lost.

[Schards#2]

Bearing in mind that that was Charlton's fourth clean sheet in a row (and 5th in 6 games) it may just not be us - they're obviously concentrating on not conceding.

But to say we consciously tried not to win is ludicrous!

The question was not if we tried to win but if we tried our best to win.

Kitson and Doyle not having a second on the pitch between them suggests not.

[higher]

The lads looked right up for it and it was an excellent team performance which became almost one way traffic at times.11 corners to 1 tells something of the tale.
I appreciate the "if it aint broke dont fix it" school of thought but given Poodoo had to use 2 or his 3 subs early in the game I felt sure SSC would take advantage and upping the run rate by putting a few fresh legs on at least for the last 15/20 mins.
Bottom line is the collective foot seemed firmly on the pedal and no sign of the players having read too many holiday brochures!

[PieEater]

No for me, because of the starting line up and lack of subs. It seemed to be a cup side selection to keep fringe players happy.

Will I be going to Bolton to watch the same starting line up? Probably, but only because I've already made commitments.

[Maguire]

Whilst I respect Coppell's right to do whatever the hell he wants with his side (he's earned it), it's always disappointing when you don't see your strongest team out on the pitch. Or any substitutions.

It's the same discussion as we were all having last season after we'd won promotion. In that situation, Coppell gave some squad players a run out, which is fine. However, as a fan you're always going to feel a bit cheated when you go all the way to eg. Sheffield to watch a "cup side" take part in a tedious draw when you know a different set of players could've come away with a win.

[Wycombe Royal]

Those five player that came into the side are ALL current internationals - four full internationals and one U21.

Does that really constitute weakening your side?

[Royal Lady]

Those five player that came into the side are ALL current internationals - four full internationals and one U21.

Does that really constitute weakening your side?

Well, yes, actually, as they are not all first team "regulars" - they might be internationals for their respective countries, but they aren't the "best" at our club.

[Schards#2]

Those five player that came into the side are ALL current internationals - four full internationals and one U21.

Does that really constitute weakening your side?

Are you seriously suggesting that Long is better than Doyle and Kitson?

[Wycombe Royal]

Those five player that came into the side are ALL current internationals - four full internationals and one U21.

Does that really constitute weakening your side?

Well, yes, actually, as they are not all first team "regulars" - they might be internationals for their respective countries, but they aren't the "best" at our club.

That is another one open for debate though isn't it?

Neither Kitson or Doyle have been firing on all cylinders recently and having played a tough match on Saturday were left out for Lita and Long - I don't think we were weakened there.

De Le Cruz replacing Gunnarsson - De La Cruz is a vastly experienced right back who has played well every time he has been in the team. If he had replaced a "rested" Murty then you may have had a point.

Seol for Oster. Seol was great at the start of the season but has been off form. Oster has not been a regular either and neither are the best at the club in this position.

Bikey for Duberry - an enforced change.

[Wycombe Royal]

Those five player that came into the side are ALL current internationals - four full internationals and one U21.

Does that really constitute weakening your side?

Are you seriously suggesting that Long is better than Doyle and Kitson?

On current performances there isn't much to choose between them. When was the last good performance from Doyle or Kitson (and I mean in an attacking sense)?

Also it is a bit harsh asking Long to be better than two players.

[Schards#2]

Those five player that came into the side are ALL current internationals - four full internationals and one U21.

Does that really constitute weakening your side?

Are you seriously suggesting that Long is better than Doyle and Kitson?

On current performances there isn't much to choose between them. When was the last good performance from Doyle or Kitson (and I mean in an attacking sense)?

Also it is a bit harsh asking Long to be better than two players.

Every performance by Doyle and Kitson this season has been better than every performance by Long.

[southbank1871]

Those five player that came into the side are ALL current internationals - four full internationals and one U21.

Does that really constitute weakening your side?

Are you seriously suggesting that Long is better than Doyle and Kitson?

On current performances there isn't much to choose between them. When was the last good performance from Doyle or Kitson (and I mean in an attacking sense)?

Also it is a bit harsh asking Long to be better than two players.

Every performance by Doyle and Kitson this season has been better than every performance by Long.

That blatantly isn't true Schards

[Wycombe Royal]

Those five player that came into the side are ALL current internationals - four full internationals and one U21.

Does that really constitute weakening your side?

Are you seriously suggesting that Long is better than Doyle and Kitson?

On current performances there isn't much to choose between them. When was the last good performance from Doyle or Kitson (and I mean in an attacking sense)?

Also it is a bit harsh asking Long to be better than two players.

Every performance by Doyle and Kitson this season has been better than every performance by Long.

When strikers aren't scoring those waiting on the bench deserve their chance. Call it rotation, freshening up the team, or whatever else you like - it's what having a squad of players is for.

Doyle - 2 goals in his last 13 appearances.
Kitson - 1 goal in his last 10 appearances.