Was out all day yesterday so no chance to read until now, so just sat down with a cup of tea and one of the fondant fancies from the hamper from Betty's tea rooms my daughter got me for Mother's Day to read through :smile:
Absolutely gutted for David Worrall, he looked, as he usually does, a threat and he always manages to make you think something good is going to happen out there, in a way none of our other players do. I don't know where McLaughlin was, and I have no idea on the fitness of Hurst or Weston, but we need to be getting at least one of these fit and functioning because, as long as we continue to play so narrowly, we're going to look boring for a while yet. Maybe let's look at converting O'Neill into a right winger?
As I said Tuesday, the midfield trio of Deegan, Atkinson and Wordsworth does NOT work. There is no leadership, no vision. I am not a massive fan of Deegan's but it was clear to see his frustration at the lack of outlet he had when looking for a forward pass which is why he had to go backwards so often. Having said that, in the role he's playing he has to be able to tackle, and he's clearly been so chastised that he now doesn't have a clue how to.
Wordsworth the most forward of the trio, couple of near chances but not linking with the forward players. Atkinson continues to run and run but not achieve anything, there is no link up play from any of them.
I thought defence looked much improved with White back, he's a much more solid defender than O'Neill and an impressive header of the ball. I also thought the much maligned Bolger had a decent game. Problem is that they're all trying to bypass an unproductive midfield to create chances.
Barnett looked tired to me and was still having to drop deep. It surprises me how little he and Hunt seem to understand each other, though Hunt was asked to play in a role he didn't seem at all suited to. It wasn't his natural game at all. As others have said, it was a strange substitution, I'd have gone with McQueen at that stage.
Payne clear MOTM, just look at the highlights and look at his contribution, it was like that most of the game.
Bentley - 6, didn't do too much wrong, but if he's going to go up for late corners then I want to see him bully the defence a bit more. Distribution wasn't too bad, needed to look at options once Worrall went off.
White - 7, welcome back, nice to see some confidence back in that position. Some good crossing in early on when he and Worrall had some interaction down the right. Needs to get his eye back in as tended to overhit a few times.
Bolger - 7, did ok, and if the crowd got off his back a bit more then they might see he's actually trying really hard, and is composed and solid in that position. He and John work really well together, if John's caught out of position then Bolger's out there and John drops into the middle.
Barrett - 6, got to level a bit of criticism for their goal, we all love him but he's not got the legs he used to have. And, if he's going to go forward then a midfielder should drop back to cover - Lenny or Timlin would have done.
Coker - 6, another who looked happier for the short time Worrall was on. He's getting there, but I do feel he was rushed back too soon
Worrall - 7, worked hard and worked the wings, have seen the pictures, hope the injury's not going to keep him out too long.
Deegan - 6, it's now Deegan "lite", that competitiveness has gone and so has the ability to tackle. Look for the short pass please
Atkinson - 6, looked rather aimless
Wordsworth - 5, struggling to impress at the moment. C&P said he was a bit of a confidence player and we're certainly seeing that
Payne - 8, MOTM, huge credit for never giving up, actually did really well
Barnett - 6, thought he looked very jaded
Subs:
Hunt for Worrall - 6, played too wide and didn't suit him
McQueen for Atkinson - 6, defended better than any of the other midfielders had
Mooney for Barnett - 6, this season's scapegoat
Credit to Chesterfield, I thought they played the ball about very well. Wouldn't agree they came for a draw.
