Here goes for the first match rating of 2013;
Entertaining game, but for all the wrong reasons. Gills were far the better team in the first half, and were unlucky to only be one up. We were better first 20 mins of second half, and had them rattled, but couldn't find the net . Gills can count themselves unlucky not to get a second in the second half when Weston (I think) hit the inside of the post.
As I said in another post, I wondered whether Legge would be signed in time to play, and his inclusion alongside Barret at centre half kept our lacklustre forwards at bay.
Smith; 5 Indecisive, could, and probably should have come for the goal. Lack of communication with back four meant that especially in the first half, we were all at sea. The second half strike that hit the post he just watched, and made no attempt to dive for, which was lucky, as he was then in the right place to collect the resulting rebound.
Clohessey 6 Better going forward than defending! got skinned a couple of times in first half (two games running now) and again in the second.
Cresswell 6 Seen him have better games, needs to keep it simple on a cutting up pitch. Had his hands full especially in first half.
Prosser 6.5 pick of the back four(just) didn't put a foot wrong.
Barker 6.5 The obvious lack of pace, was made up for by his reading of the game. One moment in the second half, where he lost a challenge, then made up 40 yards, and slid in to win the tackle shows a lot for his desire. Also, a good covering job for clohessey in the second half when he slipped.
Laird 6 Don't know whether it was a cut lip, that meant he didn't make the second half, but he got out-muscled a fair few times in the first anyway.
Makandawire 6 Too physical for him in the midfield. Looked like he didn't want to get injured before returning. When he did get time on the ball looked ok, but not often enough.
Timlin 5 Oh dear, not one of his better games. Everything he tried didn't come off. Sticky pitch didn't help his passing, nor his desire to try 40 yard passes too often. Tried to get himself booked for a lunge in the 90th minute when there was no need.
Hurst 6.5 MOM just. Looked the only player in the first half who had any control when on the ball. In the second, played central midfield, and I actually thought it suited his game better.
Tomlin 6 Struggled with balls played over his head in the first half, with the exception of one run, where he fed Britt. Played wider in a front three in the second without much joy.
Assombalonga 6 Looked like he was still carrying the injury a bit. Had a shot just over, but again service to him was poor.
Subs; Corr 6 Made a difference, and in fairness Luggy had to change something, and he gave Barrett and Legge something to think about at least. Although should have done better with the ball at his feet from 4 yards.
Eastwood 6 Why did he make no attempt to take the free kick 5 mins from time from 35 yards out.Just jogged into the box!
Wonder if the rumour I heard today via his dad, that he is going on loan to Canvey is true?
Donnelly 6 Looked tidy, kept it simple, but accurate. Don't know if he will fill Tam's shoes but needs to be given a chance over spicer.
