Time to go out to WIN

Well that was certainly a point gained given we were 2-0 down but how many more times is DC going to have to use all three substitutions because of wrong team selection and tactics to start with? It is about time that he selected a team to start based on the team that FINISHED the last game and one that actually looks likely to win the game. When all three substitutes had been used today we finally looked like we had a team where the players actually wanted the ball and were capable of holding on to the thing. First half was a total nightmare where Halifax scored from pretty well their only two real chances and both should have been prevented.The first the defender should have been marking the scorer but in all honesty the tactics employed meant that similar to last week when forwards drop off our defenders allow them to move unmarked and then the defence are 3 yards too deep. The three at the back get dragged everywhere rather than be up close and marking their players, The two wide players Leadbitter and Brown both looked lost in the first half and the midfield three of Clarke, Mansell and Lines also played far too deep. I would personally say that DC has been "found out" by his opponent counterparts in the last two games

Mildenhall 5 Still looking a shadow of his former self. Seemed to move far too slow to the first (though I may be being harsh on him and will need to see the goal again) and was caught in no mans land for the second although there appeared to be three queries over this goal-a) the free kick to start with b)looked offside and c) there appeared to be a foul on our defender. Mind you the referee was awful all game and a "homer" His distribution was poor in general.

Leadbitter 5 Not a winger and never will be but at full back he is improving and made a great tackle to prevent Halifax regaining the lead after our equaliser. We need to play proper wingers and Lockyer and Leadbitter should be fighting for the full back position with Leadbitter  being the better option at the moment due to his pace.

McCrystal 5 Caught out on a number of occasions and allowed his opponent far too much room.Needs to lead the side again and stop us looking disorganised at the back

Parkes 6 Not at his very best but certainly brought the ball out far more assured than McCrystal and passed the ball reasonably well considering the playing surface

Lockyer 4.5 Has limitations and the pitch did not help his cause when it came to passing. Looks in need of a rest to regenerate the batteries and is starting to look a bit ragged by Clarke's questionable tactics with starting with three at the back.

Brown 6 Far better second half than first half and improvement summed up with a belter of an opening goal that in the late Colin Howlett's words gave the keeper "no chance at all"

Mansell 5 Has looked below his best since he has been trying to avoid the punishable 10th Booking. Take away the tigerish tackles and you are left with an ordinary player particularly when played in a very defensive side. Stupid booking for dissent means he misses two games. To his credit you can't fault his effort and he was always trying to start attacks and should have scored a winner close to the end.

Clarke 3 Sorry but I just can't see why he gets selected as he looks out of his depth and not creative enough to warrant a place in the team and not good enough defensively to challenge Mansell. A place on the bench at best. His only worthwhile contribution was a fierce shot in the first half that the keeper saved well.

Lines 5 A tough debut for him given the state of the pitch but needs to be at the centre of everything in midfield and allowed the freedom to dictate the pace of the game. looked far better second half when the substitutions were made and better players made themselves available to receive the ball. Deliveries were ok and I am sure he has a big part to play in the remaining games. He assisted on the second goal.

Taylor 4 Should have come away with at least one goal and probably two. He is a good footballer but not such a good striker. DC cannot afford to start him at the moment now he has Easter available as IMO his misses are becoming very costly to the team.

Monkhouse 4 I thought after the Lincoln game that he could do a good job as a targetman but certainly today he did not have a good game other than creating two good moves in the first half that could have provided goals. Was guilty of missing an open goal but not sure what the score was at that time.

Substitutions

Harrison 7 Another very important goal and a very good one at that that was one of the best scored this season. Showed some good aerial power and some lovely touches. Would start him with Easter next game.

Balanta 5.5 Did nothing outstanding but showed good control and neat touches but deserves a run of games because we look a lot better when he is on the pitch and he has the confidence to do something with the ball.

Easter 6 Same as Balanta showed good touches in and around the box and held the ball well. Must start every game now as we need a striker with a proven record.

DC 4 Main marks are for making the changes rather than his selection or tactics which were both found wanting today. Seems to be getting very Wardish in his team selection and seems very unsure what formation he wants to play. I feel that opponents are now fully aware of how he sets the team up and are doing a good job of making things very difficult for us. I am of the opinion that making substitutions is an art but regularly having to make 2 or 3 to try to save a game is proving that the team selected at the start was incorrect. 

Referee 2 That is being generous!!!

It was great to have 4 players of the ability of Dawson,Balanta,Easter and Harrison on the bench today but my worry is that 80% of the teams in this league would jump at the chance of having these players in their side whereas I am not convinced that a very high percentage of the teams would want the players that were taken off today. It seems strange to have four attackers on the bench at an away game and it was unfortunate for Dawson that he was not given any game time. This is just my opinion and others will feel differently as I would much prefer to play further up the pitch and attack teams. IMO we are now paying every team we play too much respect.