Post-Match Thread and Ratings Southend United 1-2 Torquay United

[Shrimper]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1566449273637675013

There it is. Jesus, what a frustrating game.

If only we could finish

 

[in the know]

For the second home game in a row (since Steve's injury) we haven't practiced shooting before the game - it appears to be simply because there's no reserve keeper!! It's not surprising our shots in the match are shxt and uncoonfident.
It doesn't take a lot to have a youth keeper or squad player in the practice net for 10 mins in the warm up. I find it ametuerish . Imagine a pro golfer not practicing putting before the round.
Everyone says (rightly) we're not winning due to no strikers. The facts are cardwells not anywhere near starting. Murphy's knee swells elephant man stylie when he tries to up his effort. Can't see his return to games for a while. Hyde is possibly only a couple of weeks away as it was better than first thought, but to a certain extent is an unknown quantity.
Lopata has not played games for ages. As much as he enjoyed being on loan here - his choice that he was told in no uncertain terms was to accept being left to rot with the U18s for a year or find a club outside the league's. We are the fortunate beneficiary and I'm sure he's been welcomed , but has he has the opportunity to join a league club in the higher leagues where he should be he wouldn't be here. Hopefully he will enjoy himself and when sold on we get to keep a reasonable amount.
The issue is how to fit him in. Move Ollie left?
Bridge is so good when he comes on but it's a fact that when he starts he invariably goes missing in the game.
Powell clearly still hasn't learnt to look up and be a team player. As soon as we have options he 'l be back on the bench.
I've not watched the highlights but was at the game. Am impressed with GSM but from memory the first goal was initially down to him allowing their guy all the time in the world to get a cross in. He ambled out at snails pace to close their guy down not getting within 5 yds. I appreciate the ball went in after coming in from the other side but I'm afraid gus let the who!e phase start. Apart from that I like his skills and heading.
Overall I felt both goals were very avoidable. Lack of organisation pre match warm up. Subs too late (again) .
Better organised we could've won or drawn ....Hopefully the next one we will.

 

[onceknownasrab]

Torquay were a hard working, determined outfit that could frustrate many top sides. They defended stoically and to a man they put in a shift and got in the way of any and every ball we tried to promote. They didn't go overboard with fouls and their time wasting was, if adopted by us, game management.
Southend were caught between a nightMaher and a Mooney Misfire. We pushed the ball out wide again and again and took four passes where one or two would do. Low balls put in from wide were met by a sea of Torquay legs and lifted balls rarely beat the first man. It was lamentable.

Collin - young and learning. I like the way he tries to keep the play going but he went for a leave of absence for the first goal.

GSM - He is a real prospect. Great engine, no nonsense, adds weight to the attack and likes to ping balls in after one touch. My MOM and I think there is much more to come.

Hobson - Kensdale and Lomas - Good unit coming together. They can boot it into orbit or play the ball out nicely. Mistakes are still there but they will improve.

Clifford - I really want him to come good but for me he is still the Achilles heel. Currently he is more a part of the problem than the solution.

Fonguck - Good feet, can make driving runs and then you can smell the contents of his undies when it comes to letting one fly. Always lays the ball off even when he should just buy a ticket. He definitely is one that can be so much more and I think he will.

Miley - Very good player. Needs to find a few more positive balls. Breaks a lot of the opposition play up but I am sure he can and will contribute so much more to the play ahead of him.

Mooney - oh dear. Super player that had a day to forget. Worked hard, made good runs, found space and produced nothing. His radar was definitely out of kilter. His efforts were naff, his set piece deliveries were awful and I can only say he will likely never have such a poor output again.

Powell - I really like this guy and I think he will produce so much more but I hope he stops going to the Murphy School of Gravity. He falls after a nudge or tap as if incredible forces are dragging him to the floor.

AC - I really do not see what he is bringing to the side. My eldest boy thinks he works hard and suffers from lack of service. For me he needs to work harder to get where the ball is. Early days and I may, hope, to be proved wrong.

Subs:

Bridge - made a terrific impact and should start instead of Clifford. Very good feet.

Wreh - He must wonder why he has to be on the bench. I think we can get a lot out of him if we give him the starts.

Overall it wasn't a dreadful performance but one that lacked intelligence. I put much of the blame on Maher and not the players but hopefully he and the team will iron out the issues.

 

[Rayleigh boy]

For the second home game in a row (since Steve's injury) we haven't practiced shooting before the game - it appears to be simply because there's no reserve keeper!! It's not surprising our shots in the match are shxt and uncoonfident.
It doesn't take a lot to have a youth keeper or squad player in the practice net for 10 mins in the warm up. I find it ametuerish . Imagine a pro golfer not practicing putting before the round.

i agree this is poor ... getting a feel for shooting should be part of the warm up...

I wonder if the management team reflect and review their own performance - I don't always get a sense of KM having a considered approach during the game ...

 

[Evening Echo]

AN afternoon starting with Kacper Lopata inspired excitement ultimately ended in frustration for Southend United on Saturday.

Read more on this story


Help with Echo links

 

[Blue Yonder]

For the second home game in a row (since Steve's injury) we haven't practiced shooting before the game - it appears to be simply because there's no reserve keeper!! It's not surprising our shots in the match are shxt and uncoonfident.
It doesn't take a lot to have a youth keeper or squad player in the practice net for 10 mins in the warm up. I find it ametuerish . Imagine a pro golfer not practicing putting before the round.
Everyone says (rightly) we're not winning due to no strikers. The facts are cardwells not anywhere near starting. Murphy's knee swells elephant man stylie when he tries to up his effort. Can't see his return to games for a while. Hyde is possibly only a couple of weeks away as it was better than first thought, but to a certain extent is an unknown quantity.
Lopata has not played games for ages. As much as he enjoyed being on loan here - his choice that he was told in no uncertain terms was to accept being left to rot with the U18s for a year or find a club outside the league's. We are the fortunate beneficiary and I'm sure he's been welcomed , but has he has the opportunity to join a league club in the higher leagues where he should be he wouldn't be here. Hopefully he will enjoy himself and when sold on we get to keep a reasonable amount.
The issue is how to fit him in. Move Ollie left?
Bridge is so good when he comes on but it's a fact that when he starts he invariably goes missing in the game.
Powell clearly still hasn't learnt to look up and be a team player. As soon as we have options he 'l be back on the bench.
I've not watched the highlights but was at the game. Am impressed with GSM but from memory the first goal was initially down to him allowing their guy all the time in the world to get a cross in. He ambled out at snails pace to close their guy down not getting within 5 yds. I appreciate the ball went in after coming in from the other side but I'm afraid gus let the who!e phase start. Apart from that I like his skills and heading.
Overall I felt both goals were very avoidable. Lack of organisation pre match warm up. Subs too late (again) .
Better organised we could've won or drawn ....Hopefully the next one we will.

You seem to be well informed about injury situations. I understand Murphy and Caldwell are some way away from fitness. Is there a concern about the longer term prognosis ? At Murphys age will he ever be the same player again ? For a younger fit guy Caldwell feels like its taking forever to repair. Our hopes in the medium term seem to rest on Hyde. In the short term I guess we have to support the available guys who are putting the effort in if not delivering at this level.

 

[Chapperz]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1566449273637675013

There it is. Jesus, what a frustrating game.

This is a good sign for long term success, but can't deny how frustrating it is for days like today.

30 shots and the only ones who didn't get a shot were Ndi (not surprising), Kensdale (middle defender but not surprising), Clifford (a little surprising), and Cosgrave (very surprising and disappoint TBH).

Any reason as to why Cosgrave couldn't get a shot? A little disconnected up front with him? Closed down with good defending? Lack of movement? Lacking match fitness/sharpness?

Either way, expecting Wreh to start the next game.

 

[RHB]

This is a good sign for long term success, but can't deny how frustrating it is for days like today.

30 shots and the only ones who didn't get a shot were Ndi (not surprising), Kensdale (middle defender but not surprising), Clifford (a little surprising), and Cosgrave (very surprising and disappoint TBH).

Any reason as to why Cosgrave couldn't get a shot? A little disconnected up front with him? Closed down with good defending? Lack of movement? Lacking match fitness/sharpness?

Either way, expecting Wreh to start the next game.

I actually felt sorry for Cosgrove, he took up some promising positions but to capitalise on those he needs to be given the ball. Powell especially was more intent on shooting than putting Cosgrove in on goal, and to a lessor degree, Mooney was also guilty of that. As a result Cosgrove's chances were few. Many on here reckon he's not up to the task, that may be true, but to make that judgement the bloke should be given more of a chance. Maybe if we could clone Wreh and Cosgrove that would solve our problems.

 

[Chapperz]

I actually felt sorry for Cosgrove, he took up some promising positions but to capitalise on those he needs to be given the ball. Powell especially was more intent on shooting than putting Cosgrove in on goal, and to a lessor degree, Mooney was also guilty of that. As a result Cosgrove's chances were few. Many on here reckon he's not up to the task, that may be true, but to make that judgement the bloke should be given more of a chance. Maybe if we could clone Wreh and Cosgrove that would solve our problems.

Stats would support that. Powell with 3 crosses, Mooney with 9 crosses and Bridge also with 8 crosses. All of them only completing one cross each.

Does Mooney take all our corners and freekicks when he is on the pitch? I couldn't listen to the last game but it sounded like it was him from previous ones (especially for Scott-Morriss's goal).

 

[RHB]

Stats would support that. Powell with 3 crosses, Mooney with 9 crosses and Bridge also with 8 crosses. All of them only completing one cross each.

Does Mooney take all our corners and freekicks when he is on the pitch? I couldn't listen to the last game but it sounded like it was him from previous ones (especially for Scott-Morriss's goal).

More or less, yes.

 

[kentblues]

I actually felt sorry for Cosgrove, he took up some promising positions but to capitalise on those he needs to be given the ball. Powell especially was more intent on shooting than putting Cosgrove in on goal, and to a lessor degree, Mooney was also guilty of that. As a result Cosgrove's chances were few. Many on here reckon he's not up to the task, that may be true, but to make that judgement the bloke should be given more of a chance. Maybe if we could clone Wreh and Cosgrove that would solve our problems.

Wreh in the short time he was on scored one and had a decent chance before that. Wreh will not go a game without creating for himself or getting on the end of a few opportunities. When we only have one fit "natural" goalscorer who also gets into positions to "buy a ticket" as Crowny would say we should probably play him...In particular Wreh has a goalscorer's awareness in the box to get on the end of things.

Of course he is a rough diamond and a bit to learn. But so does Cosgrove. And it's not like he also doesn't put himself around and work his socks off also.

I hope the fact that Cosgrove is a loanee in no way influences who gets minutes on the pitch. pretty sure it doesn't and expect a resultingly "hungry" Wreh to start next up.

 

[in the know]

You seem to be well informed about injury situations. I understand Murphy and Caldwell are some way away from fitness. Is there a concern about the longer term prognosis ? At Murphys age will he ever be the same player again ? For a younger fit guy Caldwell feels like its taking forever to repair. Our hopes in the medium term seem to rest on Hyde. In the short term I guess we have to support the available guys who are putting the effort in if not delivering at this level.

I think there is a bit of concern about Murphys knee. On the face of it he may be one who has to be 'managed' through the weeks training like one or two others with issues. Luckily Kev is very good at that.
Cardwell is apparently doing ok as far as im aware but has been out for ages on top of no pre-season and thats on top of making the step up to full time playing before that. The rupture was quite bad and I doubt anyone wants to rush it.
Think you are right about the hopes at the moment resting on Hyde. Lets hope he can get and stay fit and enjoy some goals

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Wreh in the short time he was on scored one and had a decent chance before that. Wreh will not go a game without creating for himself or getting on the end of a few opportunities. When we only have one fit "natural" goalscorer who also gets into positions to "buy a ticket" as Crowny would say we should probably play him...In particular Wreh has a goalscorer's awareness in the box to get on the end of things.

Of course he is a rough diamond and a bit to learn. But so does Cosgrove. And it's not like he also doesn't put himself around and work his socks off also.

I hope the fact that Cosgrove is a loanee in no way influences who gets minutes on the pitch. pretty sure it doesn't and expect a resultingly "hungry" Wreh to start next up.

Wreh is the more talented player but Cosgrave does is the one who does everything the management ask of him (except score) with the way he presses and works for the team, keeps himself in shape etc.

It’s not a straight forward decision: do you reward the lazy but talented player or the one who follows instructions and does everything you ask? Do you go for the individual or the team player? What’s the effect on squad morale/discipline if you back the one who takes shortcuts over the one who follows instructions to the letter?

I expect Wreh is the medium term option but Maher is trying to make him work for it and not hand him this opportunity on a plate. Picking Cosgrave I think is as much a motivation tactic for Wreh to try and keep him working.

 

[OrangeyBrown]

I actually felt sorry for Cosgrove, he took up some promising positions but to capitalise on those he needs to be given the ball. Powell especially was more intent on shooting than putting Cosgrove in on goal, and to a lessor degree, Mooney was also guilty of that. As a result Cosgrove's chances were few. Many on here reckon he's not up to the task, that may be true, but to make that judgement the bloke should be given more of a chance. Maybe if we could clone Wreh and Cosgrove that would solve our problems.

Agreed and this was one of my biggest frustrations from the 1st half. Powell and Mooney are quality players but they have this tendency to shoot from distance when we're on the break. Sometimes it feels like if they just play a pass we could create a better chance inside the box.

I feel like their decision-making improved in the 2nd half though and we were more patient on the ball overall, maybe Maher had a word.

It feels like sometimes the players 'know' they're not scoring enough goals, so when the chances come we're snatching at them when we just need a little more composure.

 

[kentblues]

Wreh is the more talented player but Cosgrave does is the one who does everything the management ask of him (except score) with the way he presses and works for the team, keeps himself in shape etc.

It’s not a straight forward decision: do you reward the lazy but talented player or the one who follows instructions and does everything you ask? Do you go for the individual or the team player? What’s the effect on squad morale/discipline if you back the one who takes shortcuts over the one who follows instructions to the letter?

I expect Wreh is the medium term option but Maher is trying to make him work for it and not hand him this opportunity on a plate. Picking Cosgrave I think is as much a motivation tactic for Wreh to try and keep him working.

But I have heard no suggestion there is a problem with Wreh's fitness or workrate? If its a motivation tactic it could be a very costly one based on Saturday's evidence. If he is wanting to start Cosgrove despite apparent lack of goal threat because of all the other things he does, then maybe he has to bite the bullet and drop Powell or Mooney. Although not sure that would be my approach either.

Anyway in Kev we trust.

 

[amsemp]

I think once Hyde, Murphy and Cardwell return, Wreh’s role will likely be as a backup option to Mooney on the right of the 3. That will give us really good options and cover for the front three.

 

[Shrimpet steve]

I actually felt sorry for Cosgrove, he took up some promising positions but to capitalise on those he needs to be given the ball. Powell especially was more intent on shooting than putting Cosgrove in on goal, and to a lessor degree, Mooney was also guilty of that. As a result Cosgrove's chances were few. Many on here reckon he's not up to the task, that may be true, but to make that judgement the bloke should be given more of a chance. Maybe if we could clone Wreh and Cosgrove that would solve our problems.

The difference is wreh doesent need service and can create chances out of nothing.

 

[Chrisb]

I actually felt sorry for Cosgrove, he took up some promising positions but to capitalise on those he needs to be given the ball. Powell especially was more intent on shooting than putting Cosgrove in on goal, and to a lessor degree, Mooney was also guilty of that. As a result Cosgrove's chances were few. Many on here reckon he's not up to the task, that may be true, but to make that judgement the bloke should be given more of a chance. Maybe if we could clone Wreh and Cosgrove that would solve our problems.

As usual, whoever he is playing alongside it's the same..

 

[RHB]

The difference is wreh doesent need service and can create chances out of nothing.

Providing he parks his lazy gene, yes.

 

[davewebbsbrain]

But I have heard no suggestion there is a problem with Wreh's fitness or workrate? If its a motivation tactic it could be a very costly one based on Saturday's evidence. If he is wanting to start Cosgrove despite apparent lack of goal threat because of all the other things he does, then maybe he has to bite the bullet and drop Powell or Mooney. Although not sure that would be my approach either.

Anyway in Kev we trust.

Agree. Whenever i have seen Wreh play, he closes down and chases everything. Nothing wrong with his effort, fitness or workrate