Firstly, a massive 10/10 for the efforts of all involved to get the pitch cleared and the game on. Was lurking on the OS and BBC Sport websites all day to see if I had to leave work early to get there or not. In hindsight, maybe some snowmen would've helped, especially on the goal-line...:smile:
Was utterly p**d off and bloody freezing when I got home last night, and I think I have a bit more perspcetive today, so will try to reflect on positives as well as the obvious!
There are loads of behind the scenes antics rumoured again (sound familiar anyone??), and I think that this has had a massive impact on the morale of the manager and the whole squad. On paper, we have a fabulous manager, good backroom staff and squad of talented and decent players for this level - good people dont suddenly become useless overnight for no reason... there is definately more to this than poor tactics and playing hoofball! We have gone from a squad that was too small to suddenly almost having too many to pick from, which isnt helpful. Add in a drop in form for Hall, who was our most creative player earlier this season, and a distinct lack of confidence all round and suddenly we are in quite a bit of trouble. Yes, we are still third, but only because we had such a good run before Christmas - we have just dropped 11 points out of a possible 12, which in my book is relegation form! It would be so bad if we had been playing to the best of our ability and lost, or we had a run of bad luck and a few bad results, but we just dont even look interested! I have said it before, the coincidence between TB leaving and the dramatic drop in form is quite astounding. Sadly, if we even make the playoffs now, I will be surprised!!
Morris - 6. Poor guy is never going to be the same standard as Daniels, and its unfair to make that comparison as he is a good keeper at this level and did well at the start of the season before his injury. He did what he could competently and couldnt do much about either goal.
Clohessy - 6. Showed a lot of character last night, he probably shouldnt have played as he wasnt well, and he was the best of the crop in defence (again!), maybe just not quite to his usual standard.
Gilbert - 5. I dont think he is as bad as he is portrayed, to be honest. He plays "direct" no nonsense balls and looks for the safe(ish) clearance, which combined with a non existent midfield and no credible target man up top makes for a lovely display of hoof!
Barker - 4. Was involved in both goals, so not the best performance of the season! I still dont think he is fit after his injury, I tend to agree that the captain shouldnt be an automatic selection. I would have had him on the bench and Baldwin out there last night.
Mohnsi - 7 MOM. Put in a lot of effort last night, and is always entertaining. I am still not convinced about his positioning, he does tend to "wander" into other player's zones but very strong in the air and was our only creative outlet. Definately an asset as he is so versatile and because he is unpredictable it makes him a bigger threat. One of these days, one of the lobs over the opponents goalkeeper from the halfway line will go in!
Kalala - 4. Not doing it for me, may as well have stayed in the dressing room for the amount he contributed.
Grant - 4. Ditto
Timlin - 5. Out of position and trying to do his own job as well as Grants & JPK's... just not effective on any level.
Hall - 5. Unlucky with 2 reasonable efforts, but didnt do much else. We shouldnt be relying so heavily one one player.
Benyon - 6. Some good touches and awareness, but not able to deal with the long high ball. Needs a decent strike partner.
Dickinson - 1. The manager must be seeing something on the training ground that we arent seeing. I just dont get it - another awful display from a player who was highly rated at his last club. Why he was in the starting line up regularly is totally beyond me, he is not a target man, he ducks when a head height ball comes anywhere near him (which is a lot of the time), he seems to have lead feet and his attempts to control the ball end up further away than any of his (wayward) passes, which mostly go straight to the opposition. Apart from the odd penalty, I cant see what he adds. I would have Blair out there in his place any day of the week, because at least you know what you are getting. In fact, I would go as far to say I would prefer Drewe Broughton...
Subs - Left far too late, esp Sampson & Harris. changes should have been made at half time. Still, the team looked far more balanced, the ball was suddenly back on the deck and we looked more ready to attack when the three of them finally came on.
Martin -7 Looks positive and brought some decent touches. Linked in well with Timlin and looks like the starts of a good understanding with Gilbert.
Sampson - 6 Should be starting over Dickinson. Looks strong and positive, and would be a better partner for Benyon.
Harris - 6 experience showed last night, some good runs and lots of intelligence but the poor old legs are not what they were.
