Well, what an afternoon of football, a pretty dire and demoralising first half where little went right for us. You'd have thought the challenge (I am pretty sure it was Wordsworth and not Lenny, RHB?) on the midget Oztumer, might have worked in our favour but no, on comes the Moussssse and he ends up getting two goals. Don't think there was much to criticise in the first but Ted certainly comes in for some criticism for the 2nd.
Set up seemed wrong to me, we've tried and tried the lone striker many times over recent years and it just doesn't suit us. Definitely didn't suit Ranger, who I thought was quite poor in the 1st half, and was actually quite surprised he was nominated on BBC Essex as one of their MOTM candidates. Atkinson worked his socks off first half, as did Lenny but things were happening for Will and I was actually quite surprised to see him subbed. Amos was a bit over enthusiastic for his first few minutes but settled down and did ok, played one excellent cross pitch ball. Inniss always concerns me unfortunately, he's a big unit but always seems to have the potential for red cards. He wasn't having much fun and White was under pressure as a result as much of Walsall's play came down the right. We did have chances and should have scored through Ranger, Woody had a stormer saved by the keeper too.
I think we were all surprised not to see any subs at half time but when they came, there is no doubt they changed the game. Was surprised not to see Cox on at the first opportunity but Theo came on and showed some strength and him and Demetriou brought some genuine width. I think most know I'm not the greatest fan of Demetriou, but there is no doubt that, when there is the opportunity to get forwards, he is a huge threat. We're missing genuine width on the right, so what about putting him at right mid next match, with White behind him at RB?
Getting back to 2-2, the impetus and desire we were showing, was the result ever in doubt? Up steps Cox, and same as Tuesday, we called it - what a moment when it went in!
Smith - 6.5, he'll be unhappy with himself, needs to learn to look to release the ball quicker
White - 7, looked so much more comfortable once Inniss had gone off
Inniss - 6, for such a big bloke he should be more dominant
Ferdinand - 7.5, improved from Tuesday, much more in control. Still has the tendency to pass the ball behind players though
Coker - 8, thought Ben had a good game
Atkinson - 7.5, ran himself ragged in the first half and was genuinely put out and let everyone know after the 2nd goal went in
Leonard - 8.5, would agree with the sponsors' MOTM, was absolutely everywhere, especially once the confines of a 5 man midfield were lifted
Amos - 7, the youngster did ok as already mentioned, unlucky to have to be subbed
Wordsworth - 7.5, on form again, two great shots one of which the keeper made a fantastic sub. Links well with Ranger in particular, and perhaps should have been greedy and taken one of the shots Nile fluffed himself
McLaughlin - 7, he's still not back to full match fitness but is getting there
Ranger - 7, kept drifting out wide when he was the only striker and guilty of a couple of fluffs but at least he's now got the monkey off his back by having scored finally at RH!
Subs:
Robinson for Inniss - 7.5, his pace was a problem for them and he's strong, I hope he gets more chances
Demetriou for Amos - 8, wanted to prove a point and I think he did, made a massive difference
Cox for Atkinson - 7.5, he'll always deliver given the chance - great free kick.