If Sherlock Holmes were there today he would struggle to find a clue as to what CP is thinking when the team sheet is prepared. At home against a lower order club and we play one up top! Sorry CP, I know you have problems to deal with, not withstanding injuries, but I cannot back you on this decision.
To call the performance woeful is an insult to woeful. The problem is I can see something in this team and am of the mind that it is twelve months too soon for it to really do the business.
We need to lose a few faces, Turner and Kightly for sure, and probably bring in four new players to make a decent squad. Further to that, Dieng the Drongo, needs a size ten up his 'arris. He was dreadful.
I think, if much of the personnel remains, we will have a good side. Of the more senior players, Mantom can improve, Hyams looked useful at times today and Bunn, if we keep him, is a trier. For me, the real asset is the youth. Bishop has the makings of a fine keeper, Dru is Dru, Bwomono will definitely come good, Hutchinson has promise and Kelman looks a prospect. All very promising but a tad early in their careers.
On to the ratings;
Bishop 6 - Not his best performance by far but the defeat was not all down to him. I like the way he looks for the quick ball out.
Bwomono 5 - He is learning. It was a struggle at times for him today but there is a player in there.
Turner 3 - His days at this level are over.
White 5 - You can never fault his heart or commitment but he is just short of being good enough. Will always look worse with Turner alongside him.
Hendrie 5 - He tried. He failed. I am sure there is more to come from him but not enough went right for him today. He needs a few better players with him in defence.
Dieng 4 - For a player who can make his presence felt, I wasn't sure if he watched the game from the stands. He has the ability to do well but clearly has put it in Rons warchest. Played deep in front of back four but, instead of enforcer, he was more invisible.
Mantom 5 - looked ineffectual. I don't think he ever got out of second gear.
Hyams 7 - I saw more from him today than ever previously. Surprised me and is one to watch. He might well be a better acquisition than I suspected.
Dru 6 - Had flashes of the player he can sometimes be but never really influenced the game.
Hutchinson
6 - I saw something of promise but maybe he is a little lightweight? Deserves more time to prove himself. Tired and predictably substituted.
Cox 6 - He needs another striker alongside him. The only time he had space and time was when he took the penalty. Fluffed too many moments with poor ball control. He deserves a better set up.
Bunn 6 - Looked lively and eager before his injury. Hamstring I believe. Certainly looks as though he could be a very good player.
Subs:
Kightly 5 - He just isn't a game changer for me. He weakened the team coming on.
Kelman 7 - Not on long so can't score him too high but he looked quick, both with his feet and his thinking, was nippy, keen and scored the goal that made my ticket money worth it. When he came on we looked more dangerous. Oh yes, two up top. What a surprise.
Ref: 7 - Got most things right but a little fussy and he gave advantage to Plymouth by taking an age talking to two Plymouth players after the spot kick award. He booked neither and happily Cox maintained the composure to score.
This team will not go down and with some additions I believe next season could be very interesting. However, for that to happen, CP has to grow a pair, especially at home.
