MATCH REPORT :
I have to say that the three centre-halves could have worked, but the personnel was wrong. You have to play Kyps there, so you have a bit of pace.
Then, we should have played 3-5-2 and had Cox upfront with Wabo. I don't think McGlash and Macca ever work playing off the front man. It's a proven failed system. Kightly then sat too deep and was trying to play 40 yard balls. Against Fleetwood at home, Tims could have covered that role on his own and left Kites and Macca further up and played Cox and Wabo together. Then you had the option of changing the personnel if you need to. McGlash is only ever an impact sub. Pretty much everyone knows that.
We played straight into Fleetwood's hands with one up against Bolger and Pond. Poor Cox, it really isn't his game. He likes to play short triangles and move the ball around and create space.
Fleetwood grew into the game, but they did the basics so much better than us. No nonsense defending under pressure. When they did get near our penalty area, they were so much more clinical. Like the pace and whip on that first half free kick which Cokes headed onto the bar. Just a whole level better than we ever deliver the ball.
Paddy Madden comes on and five minutes later they've scored two goals.
I'd love to find something positive from that, but that was the performance of a nervous, disorganized and frankly beaten side. We have always been better when moving the ball at pace and closing down space, but it was like 11 strangers out there trying to play ponderous accurate passes. We were half a yard too slow. That comes from a number of things, but primarily it's a lack of belief in the system and what we are trying to do.
Over-thinking from PB and trying to be clever. Selections to plug holes rather than create pressure on the opposition.
The pitch is poor and frankly we matched that today.
One of the worst performances I think I've seen under PB and possibly other managers as well.
I've been patient on the PB front and have wavered recently on whether he can make this work, but frankly I really do think time is up. We have a massive six pointer next week and then two of the toughest home games you can imagine after that.
Thus far and no further, I think. If there's a Brown out petition, send it through and I'll sign it now!
RATINGS :
Oxley 6.5 - I guess he didn't do much wrong, but wasn't as commanding as he has been, at times today.
Demetriou 6.5 - Thought he worked really hard, but is struggling to keep his feet on this pitch.
Ferdinand 5 - Pretty woeful and clearly not fit. Think it was like putting something out of it's misery when his number came up.
Turner 6.5 - Was doing OK until he went off. Not sure what the injury was.
White 6 - Did OK, but the three of them together doesn't really work. Not JW's fault, I accept
Coker 7 MOM - Thought he defended really well today and got two great blocks in and that header onto the bar.
Timlin 7 - Close on MOM. Did the basic things well and got some good challenges in.
Kightly 6.5 - Didn't think he did too bad, but playing way too deep.
McLaughlin 6 - Nothing really came off for him, but looked a bit lost to be honest.
McGlashan 5.5 - Pretty ordinary, in truth. Just doesn't work starting with him.
Cox 6.5 - One of his poorer performances, but how he is meant to play upfront on his own is anyone's guess.
SUBS :
Hendrie 6 - Didn't really contribute much.
Fortune 6 - Was OK, but just doesn't look like he'll score another goal.
Wabo 7 - Really impressed with him. Would have been a great goal, had that one gone in.
OVERALL :
Going forward, a change needs to be made and Kyps, Yearwood and Wabo need to start games from now on in. Help the older legs and give us something of a spark and energy on the park.
PB has to go, I'm afraid. The guts were ripped out in November with some of the bizarre post-match rants and since then, he is clearly hanging on and almost inviting the sack.
