Post by stevek192 on Nov 21, 2015 21:26:41 GMT
On a really cold day for watching football we suffered a rare away defeat when a draw was the very least we deserved. Apart from a mad 2 minutes when we conceded two goals one of which was blatantly offside, we dominated the game for long spells and the second half was completely one way traffic.
The problem was mainly that it was not our day. We missed a lot of chances but more to the point the standard of crossing was quite poor and all we had to show for our efforts was a penalty that really came a little too late. I have no doubt whatsoever that had it come 15 minutes earlier then we would now be celebrating another away win which our second half performance deserved. A Billy Bodin shot that hit the post and rebounded straight into the keepers hand summed up our day as we just didn't get the little bit of luck needed to turn around a 2-0 deficit.
An unchanged team meant that our two Welsh under 21 players started on the bench but the decision to keep an unchanged team was right after last week's fine display.
Nichols 7 A competent performance. Handled the ball really well distribution throughout was of a very high standard. Not sure about the second goal on his positioning but it was a fine shot and the wind being against it helped it to dip under the crossbar.
James Clark 6 A steady game. Although he lacks that bit of pace he makes that up with a good defensive understanding although he was caught a a few times in the first half. He carried the ball forward well in the second half and passed accurately.
Parkes 8 My Man of the match Tom has returned to his best form and today was a follow-on from last weeks performance. When he is on form he is the best defender in the club due to his ability to bring the ball out from defence. He showed great composure on the ball and headed the ball well and also defended well when we were under any pressure. Had an attempt in the first half cleared off the line.
McChrystal 5 This was a below par performance from our captain. It was his header which caused the second goal when he should really have cleared the ball
without any trouble. He found Harrold a handful and it was one of those games where his lack of passing ability really showed. Playing with the wind in the first half most of his passes went too long and it was no surprise when he was substituted at half time.
Lee Brown 7.5 another good performance from Lee both defensively and in going forward. He was also guilty of some poor crossing at times but at least he was able to get forward on numerous occasion
s.
Billy Bodin 6 This was another mixed game from Billy. He is without doubt one of the most skilful players in the club and shows it on occasions but today he was too often gone missing. He is worth keeping on the field for some moments of pure magic. He hit the post with a shot from the corner of the penalty area and was also tripped to obtain the penalty. He should have hit the target in the first half.
Sinclair 7.5 this was pretty well a standard performance from Stuart Sinclair. He covered every inch of the pitch and tackled and spread the ball about well. His hard work enabled us to get on top of the opposition and move forward in the second half and we had numerous chances to cut into the two goal lead.
Montano 5 After last week's performance this was a bit of a disappointment He was substituted at half time but in truth it could have been any of about five players.He did work hard but in my opinion he too often waited for Lee Brown to overlap rather than take on the man himself. The problem is that when Lee attacks it means Montano has to drop back to cover, which he did but IMO he loses his effectiveness.Perhaps he should be used on the right.
Matty Taylor 7 Had a good game.Worked hard and unlucky a few times.
Easter 7 My question would be should he be played behind a front two as he was very good in the second half in what was then a midfield role. He rarely gives the ball away,holds off players well and has great control of the ball and the vision toi pick a pass.
Harrison 6 Tried hard and showed strength and skill and was twice unlucky with headers that were saved.
Lockyer 8 Faultless performance when he came on
Gosling 4 Did little and wasted a chance by shooting high and wide instead of passing.
Crowd 7 Another tremendous turnout of 850 odd
Referee 4 Could somebody tell the referee that it is the game we come to watch and not him. Polly get the Kettle off!!
Linesman on our side 2 Very poor as their first goal was yards offside and was often behind play.
Dc Can't fault either his selection or his substitutions.
I apologise for the shortness of this report but still suffering!! Hopefully Tuesday Montano will be given another chance as Gosling just isnt up to it.
