Well, I witnessed both games, and not a lot there was between them.
The most worrying thing for me is the lack of any bite in midfield, or any pacey breaks. To be fair to Mr Brown, during his early period at the club, the midfield he put together was an absolute unit, switching between defence and attack quickly and in unison – you knew that once we had won the ball, there would be players streaming forward to overwhelm the opposition. Now though? Absent, presumably without leave, but it’s hard to be sure.
Once again a reasonable first half followed by a second half collapse. For all his nonsense chat, Mr Brown has been comprehensively taken apart by a manager who is, in theory at least, well, well below him in thefootball echelon.
Yes JET is a fearsome player, who was a class above anyone else on the pitch, but the real issue for me is the lack of energy in midfield, players looked listless and directionless – too many times the ball was played square or backwards because there was no forward movement, and once again they were allowed to regroup. It’s all very well having creative players (even assuming that we do have some), but all the sublime passes in the world won’t amount to anything if there’s no one available on the end of them.
Anyway, ratings:
Oxley: 5 I don’t think he’s a terrible keeper, far too soon to judge that, but I would have liked him to make more saves. Three would have been a start.
Demetriou: 6 Did ok, but I would rather he went wide more, he was pulled into the middle a lot, whether to cover or not, I’m not sure.
Sokolik 6.5 Little bit shaky, but on the whole solid enough, few poor passes,few good passes, in general, glad to see him back.
White 6.5 Not bad, without being remarkable in any way.
Coker 6 Far short of his swashbuckling best sadly, but this may be down to the fact that the team doesn’t seem to be on the same wavelength which will stop him going forward with any confidence.
O'Neill 4 I really like O’Neill, but on this showing he is not a right winger. Shame.
Leonard 6 Workmanlike, but makes a mockery of his and Brown’s pre-season comments that he would be a more attacking midfielder this season. We actually do need him to make some of his trademark marauding runs, ending in the standard foul. I’m not sure I have seen him grab the ball out of the air once yet this season. Disappointing.
King: 6.5 Worked hard enough but with the team so all at sea around him it’s hard to say anything else about him. Didn’t set the world alight but looks good enough quality.
McLaughlin: 7 scored and looks full of running, we need players like this to take a chance every once in a while – it’s no coincidence he is scoring goals with his forward drive.
Mooney 4.This man drives me to distraction. Spends most of the game on his arse appealing for fouls that are never going to get given, when he should concentrate on playing the damn game instead. Still, not sure he was offside, which is a minor miracle in itself.
Cox 6 – certainly works hard, and is very obviously trying to build a partnership with Mooney which is good to see, however, what would be better to see is that partnership actually start to work.
McGlashan 6 - not enough time, should have come on much sooner, looks sharp and up for it, which is what we need.
Bridge –6.5 – not enough time but just looks quality, made some excellent challenges, can’t wait for him to nail down a starting place, which surely can’t be tool ong coming.
Williams –1. Sorry (again) Jason. Found his level at Chelmsford last season. Offers us nothing in this league. Really hope I’m wrong about him, but at this stage I’d rather have Bedsente Gomis in the team.
Phil Brown: 1, for the one goal we scored. I have a surprising amount of patience, but it has now virtually run out. I am sick of the claptrap he spouts in the media, otherwise to be honest I'd probably not be so cross with him. Anyway, on to the next one.