I wasn’t intending to post anything about today’s game, even before the first half, as I really just wanted to enjoy a game of football at The Valley. I was always going to miss the Colchester game, having my scheduled Amsterdam work-related trip. In the event I didn’t get there and still didn’t make the game as my mother died in hospital on Wednesday. She wasn’t an outright Addick, but my father was and he made sure that the line continued. She actually persuaded him to skip a game just before Christmas to do some shopping instead; it was that 7-6 Huddersfield game. I don’t think she made any such suggestion again.
However, one type of person and one individual persuaded me otherwise. The former were the people that left before half-time. I genuinely feel sorry for them. They’ve paid for their ticket and sure can do what they want. But they will never truly enjoy the highs. I don’t understand their attitude and don’t want to. I’d just ask them to look up in the dictionary the definition of supporter. It’s their loss. The latter was the linesman in front of the East Stand. Incompetence personified. Having pulled it back to 2-4 he stood motionless - possibly for the only time of the game having spent the rest of it dancing up and down the line – as Wright-Phillips was bundled over. It was a blatant penalty and a red card to boot. The ref might have missed it, but he had the same view I did and froze. 3-4 with 30 minutes to go and who knows? We might have had a great afternoon, maybe even something to compare with the game my father missed.
We may of course still have lost. In the greater scheme of the season we hope it still won’t really count; and the past week has probably affected my sense of perspective. I enjoyed the second half, even the burning sense of injustice at the penalty decision (I didn’t feel anything similar about BWP’s foul on their keeper for our first). But a win would have been preferable.
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Saturday, 25 February 2012
Another Stride Forward
Another game against a top six side, another win. If only we could play them every week. And when you have to surface at 04.30 French time to make your way back home in time for the game, all you really want is a problem-free journey and three points. Mission accomplished, even though it was a bad start. When you get a train that early you’re inclined to think that no-one else will be daft enough to do so. Only to be reminded that the train from Lyon to Lille for the Eurostar connection goes through Marne La Vallee, ie Disneyworld. With a passable hangover after a few hours’ kip, it’s not what you need. The day got better after that.
We all knew that a win today was important to remain on track, so we would have taken one however it came. In the end it came with a performance that got better as the afternoon progressed, largely because the pressure lifted once we went ahead and as a second gave some comfort. The sub-plot was Wright-Phillips’ afternoon, as just about every passable opportunity fell to him. By the time he departed the scene I made it one out of seven, but the important thing is the one. Everything else can be forgiven, especially as the fact that the chances came his way was no accident.
After the enforced shuffling against Rochdale, the team was pretty much Plan A, with Solly and Jackson returning from injury. Stevenage were to have the better of the early exchanges, without looking particularly threatening, except for an iffy back pass. But we were to discover that if we could play the game in their half we’d get chances and a spell of sustained pressure almost provided the breakthrough. Kermorgant was to win the first of a series of effective headers to leave BWP juggling with the ball going through and ultimately unable to get the shot away. Green, who’d fluffed a cross from a good position, then curled in a peach crying out to be buried, only for Wright-Phillips to put it over the bar. After that Sevenage proved adept at breaking up the play and a few injury breaks worked against any momentum, although we should have been awarded a penalty for a clear shove from behind; the referee might not have been well place, but the linesman had the same view we had and it was blatent.
The third BWP chance of the first half was the best of the lot, but having been played through and the ball sitting up the attempted lob also went too high. That was a bad miss and at that stage the world seemed against him – except for the crowd, which kept doing all they could to keep the spirits high. Stevenage did have a shout for a penalty of their own, as a set piece move saw their guy move on to a flick at the far post and seemed to be claiming a pull back. I certainly didn’t see one. They also had an opportunity at the death, but left in the clear at the far post from a cross their guy mishit the shot into the ground.
At the break we were clearly ahead on chances, but no cigar. The feeling was that the midfield hadn’t worked as well as it might, with Hollands and Stephens, and Jackson, a little subdued and clearly controlling the game, but the defence was holding firm, with Solly winning balls he had no right to and getting forward to good effect. It seemed to be a case of whether Wright-Phillips would actually bury one.
His next chance came so early in the second half it almost went unnoticed. But it was a good one. The shot seemed to lack conviction and sailed wide. That only served to galvanise Morrison to show the forwards how it’s done. When the ball broke to him around the edge of the box he fairly hammered it home, with their keeper getting a hand to it but really standing no chance. The goal lifted everyone and it was apparent that Hollands and Stephens were getting more of a grip. Stevenage would have to be more aggressive and that promised more opportunities. The next one came, of course, to BWP and this time the shot was dispatched, probably with a deflection or two, but who cares?
Drought over, you felt that the next one that came his way he would bury without a second thought. But their keeper had other ideas as two more gilt-edged chances to finish off the game were blocked. It didn’t seem to matter much, but Stevenage were throwing on forwards with abandon, with nothing to lose, and the key moment came when they fluffed their best chance of the afternoon. Another set piece was flicked on and their guy running onto the ball towards the far post only had to put it between the sticks. A goal then and the ending could have been tough, but he put it wide. Haynes had by then come on for Jackson, to try to take advantage of the greater space going forward (once chance did come his way as he made the most of an opening to fire in a good shot which brought a smart save), and Wright-Phillips departed for Pritchard to keep things sealed up. Stevenage had had their chance, hadn’t taken it, and the final minutes were negotiated without alarm.
There were some fine performances this afternoon – not least from Solly, Morrison and Kermorgant, while for me Hollands and Stephens got to grip with things after the break – and we were worthy winners. There was palpable relief at the finish; two goals from open play, and one for BWP, and another major step towards the end-goal. Today was another tough test and a pressure game, given some recent home draws, and overall they deserve another pat on the back. If the text lacks inspiration today, that’s because I’m fading fast through a combination of fatigue and red wine. But there’s a smile on my face.
Player Ratings:
Hamer – 8/10. Not much to report in terms of saves, but he was assured with the high ball against a team noted for its aerial threat and exuded confidence.
Solly – 8/10. Splendid, not least for his ability to read situations (in defence and attack) and to regain and retain possession.
Wiggins – 8/10. Some hesitation at times, but only by his very high standards. Also made important interceptions and got forward to good effect.
Morrison – 9/10. Strong at the back against a team which likes it in the air and scored a goal out of almost nothing which was to prove decisive.
Taylor – 8/10. Nothing outstanding, but when the opposition have two chances all afternoon things are working very well.
Jackson – 6/10. Perhaps feeling his way back but not as influential as we’re used to in a first half in which we didn’t dominate in midfield.
Hollands – 7/10. Would have been a lower mark at the break, but the midfield all round operated better in the second half.
Stephens – 7/10. With him too the second-half performance seemed to me to go up a notch and it had the desired effect.
Green – 7/10. Something of a mixed bag, with a naff cross here and there but also one beauty which deserved to produce a goal.
Kermorgant – 8/10. Truly good performance in leading the line and creating chances. Won headers with regularity and seldom were the flick ons aimless.
Wright-Phillips – 6/10. What mark do you give a guy who has broken his drought but could easily have had four (or more)? Has to be marked down for not converting some of them, but never hid and played his part outside the box. On that basis could have been a much higher mark.
We all knew that a win today was important to remain on track, so we would have taken one however it came. In the end it came with a performance that got better as the afternoon progressed, largely because the pressure lifted once we went ahead and as a second gave some comfort. The sub-plot was Wright-Phillips’ afternoon, as just about every passable opportunity fell to him. By the time he departed the scene I made it one out of seven, but the important thing is the one. Everything else can be forgiven, especially as the fact that the chances came his way was no accident.
After the enforced shuffling against Rochdale, the team was pretty much Plan A, with Solly and Jackson returning from injury. Stevenage were to have the better of the early exchanges, without looking particularly threatening, except for an iffy back pass. But we were to discover that if we could play the game in their half we’d get chances and a spell of sustained pressure almost provided the breakthrough. Kermorgant was to win the first of a series of effective headers to leave BWP juggling with the ball going through and ultimately unable to get the shot away. Green, who’d fluffed a cross from a good position, then curled in a peach crying out to be buried, only for Wright-Phillips to put it over the bar. After that Sevenage proved adept at breaking up the play and a few injury breaks worked against any momentum, although we should have been awarded a penalty for a clear shove from behind; the referee might not have been well place, but the linesman had the same view we had and it was blatent.
The third BWP chance of the first half was the best of the lot, but having been played through and the ball sitting up the attempted lob also went too high. That was a bad miss and at that stage the world seemed against him – except for the crowd, which kept doing all they could to keep the spirits high. Stevenage did have a shout for a penalty of their own, as a set piece move saw their guy move on to a flick at the far post and seemed to be claiming a pull back. I certainly didn’t see one. They also had an opportunity at the death, but left in the clear at the far post from a cross their guy mishit the shot into the ground.
At the break we were clearly ahead on chances, but no cigar. The feeling was that the midfield hadn’t worked as well as it might, with Hollands and Stephens, and Jackson, a little subdued and clearly controlling the game, but the defence was holding firm, with Solly winning balls he had no right to and getting forward to good effect. It seemed to be a case of whether Wright-Phillips would actually bury one.
His next chance came so early in the second half it almost went unnoticed. But it was a good one. The shot seemed to lack conviction and sailed wide. That only served to galvanise Morrison to show the forwards how it’s done. When the ball broke to him around the edge of the box he fairly hammered it home, with their keeper getting a hand to it but really standing no chance. The goal lifted everyone and it was apparent that Hollands and Stephens were getting more of a grip. Stevenage would have to be more aggressive and that promised more opportunities. The next one came, of course, to BWP and this time the shot was dispatched, probably with a deflection or two, but who cares?
Drought over, you felt that the next one that came his way he would bury without a second thought. But their keeper had other ideas as two more gilt-edged chances to finish off the game were blocked. It didn’t seem to matter much, but Stevenage were throwing on forwards with abandon, with nothing to lose, and the key moment came when they fluffed their best chance of the afternoon. Another set piece was flicked on and their guy running onto the ball towards the far post only had to put it between the sticks. A goal then and the ending could have been tough, but he put it wide. Haynes had by then come on for Jackson, to try to take advantage of the greater space going forward (once chance did come his way as he made the most of an opening to fire in a good shot which brought a smart save), and Wright-Phillips departed for Pritchard to keep things sealed up. Stevenage had had their chance, hadn’t taken it, and the final minutes were negotiated without alarm.
There were some fine performances this afternoon – not least from Solly, Morrison and Kermorgant, while for me Hollands and Stephens got to grip with things after the break – and we were worthy winners. There was palpable relief at the finish; two goals from open play, and one for BWP, and another major step towards the end-goal. Today was another tough test and a pressure game, given some recent home draws, and overall they deserve another pat on the back. If the text lacks inspiration today, that’s because I’m fading fast through a combination of fatigue and red wine. But there’s a smile on my face.
Player Ratings:
Hamer – 8/10. Not much to report in terms of saves, but he was assured with the high ball against a team noted for its aerial threat and exuded confidence.
Solly – 8/10. Splendid, not least for his ability to read situations (in defence and attack) and to regain and retain possession.
Wiggins – 8/10. Some hesitation at times, but only by his very high standards. Also made important interceptions and got forward to good effect.
Morrison – 9/10. Strong at the back against a team which likes it in the air and scored a goal out of almost nothing which was to prove decisive.
Taylor – 8/10. Nothing outstanding, but when the opposition have two chances all afternoon things are working very well.
Jackson – 6/10. Perhaps feeling his way back but not as influential as we’re used to in a first half in which we didn’t dominate in midfield.
Hollands – 7/10. Would have been a lower mark at the break, but the midfield all round operated better in the second half.
Stephens – 7/10. With him too the second-half performance seemed to me to go up a notch and it had the desired effect.
Green – 7/10. Something of a mixed bag, with a naff cross here and there but also one beauty which deserved to produce a goal.
Kermorgant – 8/10. Truly good performance in leading the line and creating chances. Won headers with regularity and seldom were the flick ons aimless.
Wright-Phillips – 6/10. What mark do you give a guy who has broken his drought but could easily have had four (or more)? Has to be marked down for not converting some of them, but never hid and played his part outside the box. On that basis could have been a much higher mark.
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Pressure? This Team Can Handle It
Pressure. It’s everywhere, in every circumstance. What matters is how you deal with it, whether you can turn it into a positive (motivation, commitment etc) or whether it makes you small. And on reflection I think last night’s game (especially the second half) was the season condensed. We may be eight points clear at the top and at least nine clear of third with two games in hand, having never been out of the top three and having held the top spot since mid-September. But let’s not pretend that doesn’t bring pressure of its own. From the hard-won position we are in, we can after all only blow it; and nobody wants to think about the consequences of not going up. Last night in a short space of time an even contest turned into a 2-0 lead against 10 men and a half-time break to think about it. We could only blow it.
What we saw in the second half last night was a team increasingly frustrated at its inability to either finish it off with another goal or at least play out time comfortably, with players arguing with each other. We know how it can go when you’re a man up as the opposition work harder and players naturally, perhaps subconsciously, tend to pass the buck in the expectation that someone else will make the extra man pay. That is being harsh; we were up against a decent team. And it’s not attributable to any one or few players; it’s a collective thing and hard to turn around. The players just wanted the game over and won.
We clearly haven’t been helped by the cancellations. One would have been OK for a breather, but two in succession against the bottom two sides meant some rustiness in our play but perhaps more important they meant that the team had to get up mentally for another big test against a promotion rival. I can’t help thinking that the two games in quick succession against the Sheffield clubs have left us mentally running low, if not on empty.
Let me stress I have absolutely no complaints about how we have found ways to win against our closest rivals. The resolve and commitment shown by the players has been magnificent. We are where we deserve to be and the criticism from others that we are just grinding out results, including a string of remarks from opposition managers about having played better than us, had more chances etc count for absolutely nothing. But it is reasonable to conclude that a deterioration in the quality of service to the forwards and their current goal drought (none from the front two in seven, with our only goals from open play in the last five games having been Green’s fumbled cross and Stephens’ wonder strike), perhaps the result of a greater focus on defence (four clean sheets in the last six), have taken out some of the joy and exuberance from the team, the simple pleasure of playing.
There’s clearly not going to be any respite in terms of games coming up and we’re some way yet from talking about the run-in. We play Saturday and Tuesday all the way to mid-March. But the fixtures from now on are against lesser opposition (no, I’m not encouraging complacency and every game is a challenge to be won). We have got ourselves into a position whereby an occasional setback is far from terminal. We can only blow it – but we’re not going to. The players and the management have shown they are made of stronger stuff.
There’s nothing here that Sir Chris and his team will not be fully aware of. But perhaps there’s a case for a bit of letting off steam, pinning the league table on the wall and the whole squad patting each other on the back for the fruits of their labour. A collective love-in and bit of R&R. Once that’s done, you focus again on the next task as we venture north again to Tranmere and then welcome Rochdale and Stevenage.
For my part, having planned a week in Lyon I shall not only be staring at the BBC site on Saturday afternoon but the following Tuesday as well. Why always bloody Rochdale? Perhaps it’s some grand plan to prevent me from being able to exorcise one of my worst memories as an Addick – a 1-0 home win against Rochdale (Arthur Horsfield) on a freezing January night in 1973 at an old, open-plan Valley in front of 5,000 scattered supporters. Eurostar permitting (or more probably my partner Suzanne’s ability to get me out of bed in time for a train before 06.00 French time), I will be back for Stevanage. Bring it on.
Sorry to say that my Lyon trip won’t include a Lyon Duchere game, but they are doing well enough without me, tucked in in third spot in CFA Groupe B. They have a record of won eight, drawn five and lost only two of their 15 games so far, with Olympique Lyon’s B team heading the division. The way things are shaping up regarding planned future trips, it seems that Suzanne won’t even be able to get to one of our games this season (I had been looking forward to a few cries of encouragement in Breton for Kermorgant from her). But we are doing well enough without her.
What we saw in the second half last night was a team increasingly frustrated at its inability to either finish it off with another goal or at least play out time comfortably, with players arguing with each other. We know how it can go when you’re a man up as the opposition work harder and players naturally, perhaps subconsciously, tend to pass the buck in the expectation that someone else will make the extra man pay. That is being harsh; we were up against a decent team. And it’s not attributable to any one or few players; it’s a collective thing and hard to turn around. The players just wanted the game over and won.
We clearly haven’t been helped by the cancellations. One would have been OK for a breather, but two in succession against the bottom two sides meant some rustiness in our play but perhaps more important they meant that the team had to get up mentally for another big test against a promotion rival. I can’t help thinking that the two games in quick succession against the Sheffield clubs have left us mentally running low, if not on empty.
Let me stress I have absolutely no complaints about how we have found ways to win against our closest rivals. The resolve and commitment shown by the players has been magnificent. We are where we deserve to be and the criticism from others that we are just grinding out results, including a string of remarks from opposition managers about having played better than us, had more chances etc count for absolutely nothing. But it is reasonable to conclude that a deterioration in the quality of service to the forwards and their current goal drought (none from the front two in seven, with our only goals from open play in the last five games having been Green’s fumbled cross and Stephens’ wonder strike), perhaps the result of a greater focus on defence (four clean sheets in the last six), have taken out some of the joy and exuberance from the team, the simple pleasure of playing.
There’s clearly not going to be any respite in terms of games coming up and we’re some way yet from talking about the run-in. We play Saturday and Tuesday all the way to mid-March. But the fixtures from now on are against lesser opposition (no, I’m not encouraging complacency and every game is a challenge to be won). We have got ourselves into a position whereby an occasional setback is far from terminal. We can only blow it – but we’re not going to. The players and the management have shown they are made of stronger stuff.
There’s nothing here that Sir Chris and his team will not be fully aware of. But perhaps there’s a case for a bit of letting off steam, pinning the league table on the wall and the whole squad patting each other on the back for the fruits of their labour. A collective love-in and bit of R&R. Once that’s done, you focus again on the next task as we venture north again to Tranmere and then welcome Rochdale and Stevenage.
For my part, having planned a week in Lyon I shall not only be staring at the BBC site on Saturday afternoon but the following Tuesday as well. Why always bloody Rochdale? Perhaps it’s some grand plan to prevent me from being able to exorcise one of my worst memories as an Addick – a 1-0 home win against Rochdale (Arthur Horsfield) on a freezing January night in 1973 at an old, open-plan Valley in front of 5,000 scattered supporters. Eurostar permitting (or more probably my partner Suzanne’s ability to get me out of bed in time for a train before 06.00 French time), I will be back for Stevanage. Bring it on.
Sorry to say that my Lyon trip won’t include a Lyon Duchere game, but they are doing well enough without me, tucked in in third spot in CFA Groupe B. They have a record of won eight, drawn five and lost only two of their 15 games so far, with Olympique Lyon’s B team heading the division. The way things are shaping up regarding planned future trips, it seems that Suzanne won’t even be able to get to one of our games this season (I had been looking forward to a few cries of encouragement in Breton for Kermorgant from her). But we are doing well enough without her.
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Mostly Gossip; The Table Doesn't Lie
When they come to write the history of this season, the records will show that we secured another victory against a promotion rival. That’s four points from two games against MK Dons, the same return against Sheff Wed, six from two against Sheff Utd, and three from one game against Huddersfield, making it 17 from seven games against our main contenders, with just three goals conceded. The rest, as Shankly apparently once said, is just gossip. Sometimes you have to graft, sometimes you blow the opposition away, and sometimes games are handed to you in a few minutes. There’s no complaints from me, although perhaps we stretched playing out a game seemingly won a little too far in the second half.
It did prove to be a strange night. The team saw the perfectly understandable return of Wright-Phillips up front, after his break, but otherwise no changes, with Stephens retaining the spot in central midfield alongside Hollands. Having gone to the away game against MK Dons, we knew that they could play football; we also had a fair idea that on the basis of the evidence of that night they can struggle to convert possession and chances into goals. With us not firing on all cylinders it was going to be a tough game and an important night, with the top six playing each other.
Both teams settled into a sort of pattern, with them happy to knock it around and us looking to be more incisive when we had the chance. Attempts on goal were few and far between, but a key moment of the night came when they did fashion a chance inside the box, but Hamer reacted sharply and pulled off a superb save. They score then and the night’s different. For all their nice football, MK Dons were not averse to a physical challenge, or to going for balls in the air by wrapping themselves around their opponent, usually Kermorgant. But aside from a deflected effort, which their keeper took somewhere around the goalline and which the linesman was in no place to judge whether it had crossed the line (it almost certainly didn’t, but I appealed along with everyone else), we hadn’t done much to test them. Rather tellingly, when BWP got into a decent position he was crowded out and looked like a guy crying out for a goal.
As the game moved towards half-time there was nothing much in it, aside from the Hamer save and a Jackson free kick which perhaps surprisingly (in view of recent efforts) went wide of the post, although we seemed to be gaining the upper hand in terms of possession. Thoughts turned to us having to play with greater commitment, and better movement, in the second half to get the win. Then it changed, entirely for the good. A ball into the box was cleared and as everyone’s eyes (including mine) followed it out, the referee spotted an obvious case of violent conduct, seemingly involving their centre-back and Kermorgant. Penalty and a sending off. Who could argue? Jackson stepped up and hit it well to their keeper’s right; he got a hand to it but didn’t keep it out. And it just got better. Instead of making a substitution, MK Dons carried on and as we moved into stoppage time Green moved forward and unleashed a terrific shot which came back off the bar. In the scramble that followed Jackson (I think) jinked inside only to be brought down. Penalty number two, again no arguments. This time Jackson put it in the opposite corner and the keeper was nowhere.
Basically a game which was looking like a real contest, one in which we could easily have gone behind, suddenly appeared over at the break. 2-0 up against 10 men. Serves them right for obliging us to attack the Covered End in the first half.
The problem was how to get motivated for a second half when all you really want is the game to be over. The priority was not to give them any encouragement and ideally to get the third to finish it all off. That perhaps understandably converted into players not looking to force the game but instead sucking them forward to catch them on the break. Again, no complaints from me. We just didn’t really do it well enough as a number of half-chances – usually falling to Wright-Phillips – were not converted. As the game progressed, our intent was increasingly to hold what we have and we did get a little sloppy in seeing out the game.
There was one fierce shot from outside the box which Hamer managed to get a touch on and send over the bar. But aside from that it was comfortable, if not riveting. Haynes came on for Jackson, with Green switching to the left, and as against Bury showed menace with the ball. With about five minutes left and the crowd often complaining about balls back, I turned to a friend and said I have no complaints whatsoever – but that now is not the time to let one in. As the words came out their guy on the right took a ball and drilled it past Hamer into the side of the net.
With nothing to lose, MK Dons understandably went for it, to the point of their keeper coming up for corners, and the possibility of blowing two points was very much to the fore, even though Wiggins broke forward and unleashed a decent shot which forced the save. We just wanted the end and eventually, after Pritchard had come on for Wright-Phillips, it came.
This was an important game, our penultimate one against our four closest challengers, and came after a couple of cancellations. That an MK Dons defender set us on the road to victory isn’t our fault. All it provided was further evidence that our team works out ways to win games even when we aren’t as fluid as we’d like to be. It has been seven games since our front two scored. We should have closed the game out better, but I’m still a happy bunny looking at the league table, even if the Rochdale game has been rearranged for the week I’m going to be in Lyon. Given the other results, we’re eight clear at the top, 10 clear of third with two games in hand (OK, nine with two in hand if Huddersfield win their extra one), and our number for points required to gain automatic promotion is down to 101 points, or 34 from 17 games. The rest is just gossip.
Player Ratings:
Hamer – 9/10. His save in the first half was pivotal to the game. That goes in and it could all have been different. Very good one too in the second and I don’t think he can be blamed for their goal. But still gets edged for man of the match by their muppet defender who cost them big time.
Solly – 8/10. Another good game in which he did nothing wrong defensively and got forward to good effect.
Wiggins – 8/10. His standards mean you notice even the slightest mistake and there were a couple. But nothing of note.
Morrison – 8/10. Assured through the game, some misdirected distribution but that’s about it.
Taylor – 8/10. Didn’t see anything wrong with him either.
Jackson – 7/10. Gets an extra point for two coolly taken penalties, but wasn’t especially influential in open play.
Hollands – 7/10. A driving force – one break forward in the first half won us the free kick which Jackson went close with - and covered effectively.
Stephens – 6/10. Still perhaps feeling his way back; not a bad game, but not especially influential in keeping possession and moving us forward in the second half.
Green – 6/10. Good moments, including the shot which came back off the bar and led to the second penalty.
Kermorgant – 7/10. Perhaps deserves higher mark as whatever he did to upset their centre-half worked. Put in a real shift in the absence of decent service in.
Wright-Phillips – 6/10. The guy clearly needs a goal; one off his backside will do. But didn’t hide and looked to shoot at every opportunity. It will come.
Subs – Haynes (7/10 – once again looked threatening, with pace to burn); Pritchard (not enough time for a mark).
It did prove to be a strange night. The team saw the perfectly understandable return of Wright-Phillips up front, after his break, but otherwise no changes, with Stephens retaining the spot in central midfield alongside Hollands. Having gone to the away game against MK Dons, we knew that they could play football; we also had a fair idea that on the basis of the evidence of that night they can struggle to convert possession and chances into goals. With us not firing on all cylinders it was going to be a tough game and an important night, with the top six playing each other.
Both teams settled into a sort of pattern, with them happy to knock it around and us looking to be more incisive when we had the chance. Attempts on goal were few and far between, but a key moment of the night came when they did fashion a chance inside the box, but Hamer reacted sharply and pulled off a superb save. They score then and the night’s different. For all their nice football, MK Dons were not averse to a physical challenge, or to going for balls in the air by wrapping themselves around their opponent, usually Kermorgant. But aside from a deflected effort, which their keeper took somewhere around the goalline and which the linesman was in no place to judge whether it had crossed the line (it almost certainly didn’t, but I appealed along with everyone else), we hadn’t done much to test them. Rather tellingly, when BWP got into a decent position he was crowded out and looked like a guy crying out for a goal.
As the game moved towards half-time there was nothing much in it, aside from the Hamer save and a Jackson free kick which perhaps surprisingly (in view of recent efforts) went wide of the post, although we seemed to be gaining the upper hand in terms of possession. Thoughts turned to us having to play with greater commitment, and better movement, in the second half to get the win. Then it changed, entirely for the good. A ball into the box was cleared and as everyone’s eyes (including mine) followed it out, the referee spotted an obvious case of violent conduct, seemingly involving their centre-back and Kermorgant. Penalty and a sending off. Who could argue? Jackson stepped up and hit it well to their keeper’s right; he got a hand to it but didn’t keep it out. And it just got better. Instead of making a substitution, MK Dons carried on and as we moved into stoppage time Green moved forward and unleashed a terrific shot which came back off the bar. In the scramble that followed Jackson (I think) jinked inside only to be brought down. Penalty number two, again no arguments. This time Jackson put it in the opposite corner and the keeper was nowhere.
Basically a game which was looking like a real contest, one in which we could easily have gone behind, suddenly appeared over at the break. 2-0 up against 10 men. Serves them right for obliging us to attack the Covered End in the first half.
The problem was how to get motivated for a second half when all you really want is the game to be over. The priority was not to give them any encouragement and ideally to get the third to finish it all off. That perhaps understandably converted into players not looking to force the game but instead sucking them forward to catch them on the break. Again, no complaints from me. We just didn’t really do it well enough as a number of half-chances – usually falling to Wright-Phillips – were not converted. As the game progressed, our intent was increasingly to hold what we have and we did get a little sloppy in seeing out the game.
There was one fierce shot from outside the box which Hamer managed to get a touch on and send over the bar. But aside from that it was comfortable, if not riveting. Haynes came on for Jackson, with Green switching to the left, and as against Bury showed menace with the ball. With about five minutes left and the crowd often complaining about balls back, I turned to a friend and said I have no complaints whatsoever – but that now is not the time to let one in. As the words came out their guy on the right took a ball and drilled it past Hamer into the side of the net.
With nothing to lose, MK Dons understandably went for it, to the point of their keeper coming up for corners, and the possibility of blowing two points was very much to the fore, even though Wiggins broke forward and unleashed a decent shot which forced the save. We just wanted the end and eventually, after Pritchard had come on for Wright-Phillips, it came.
This was an important game, our penultimate one against our four closest challengers, and came after a couple of cancellations. That an MK Dons defender set us on the road to victory isn’t our fault. All it provided was further evidence that our team works out ways to win games even when we aren’t as fluid as we’d like to be. It has been seven games since our front two scored. We should have closed the game out better, but I’m still a happy bunny looking at the league table, even if the Rochdale game has been rearranged for the week I’m going to be in Lyon. Given the other results, we’re eight clear at the top, 10 clear of third with two games in hand (OK, nine with two in hand if Huddersfield win their extra one), and our number for points required to gain automatic promotion is down to 101 points, or 34 from 17 games. The rest is just gossip.
Player Ratings:
Hamer – 9/10. His save in the first half was pivotal to the game. That goes in and it could all have been different. Very good one too in the second and I don’t think he can be blamed for their goal. But still gets edged for man of the match by their muppet defender who cost them big time.
Solly – 8/10. Another good game in which he did nothing wrong defensively and got forward to good effect.
Wiggins – 8/10. His standards mean you notice even the slightest mistake and there were a couple. But nothing of note.
Morrison – 8/10. Assured through the game, some misdirected distribution but that’s about it.
Taylor – 8/10. Didn’t see anything wrong with him either.
Jackson – 7/10. Gets an extra point for two coolly taken penalties, but wasn’t especially influential in open play.
Hollands – 7/10. A driving force – one break forward in the first half won us the free kick which Jackson went close with - and covered effectively.
Stephens – 6/10. Still perhaps feeling his way back; not a bad game, but not especially influential in keeping possession and moving us forward in the second half.
Green – 6/10. Good moments, including the shot which came back off the bar and led to the second penalty.
Kermorgant – 7/10. Perhaps deserves higher mark as whatever he did to upset their centre-half worked. Put in a real shift in the absence of decent service in.
Wright-Phillips – 6/10. The guy clearly needs a goal; one off his backside will do. But didn’t hide and looked to shoot at every opportunity. It will come.
Subs – Haynes (7/10 – once again looked threatening, with pace to burn); Pritchard (not enough time for a mark).
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Not The Expected Script, But Decent Ending
Just goes to show how unpredictable football is. We score a goal, of course, but we don’t win. What’s going on? What went on tonight was a reasonable reminder of some home truths: first, nothing’s perfect – and nothing’s entirely predictable; second, unless and until we rediscover our goalscoring touch we are vulnerable to at least the occasional setback; and third, sometimes you’ve got to tip your hat to the opposition. Bury worked hard, made few mistakes, and while not threatening much almost saw the game out for a notable victory. On the balance of play and chances created, we should have won. But after three 1-0 wins in a row, each a testament to the team’s defensive capabilities, perhaps a little of the bravery has gone out of our game in terms of players taking the risk of getting forward. That’s a bit harsh on a night when we could have won well if we’d scored first; a quick look at the stats shows we had 21 attempts on goal (against seven for Bury, with four notionally on target but only one real strike). But don’t you just love stoppage time goals to get something out of a game?
The team showed two changes. Stephens did indeed come back to replace Pritchard in central midfield. Harsh on him but I think understandable. Less predictable was the decision to give Wright-Phillips a rest (he wasn’t even on the bench) and the pairing of Kermorgant with Clarke rather than Haynes. I’d imagined that after a few very tough games in which we’ve not created that much BWP would have been licking his lips at the opportunity tonight. Also, I’ve been assuming that Clarke is the natural back-up for Kermorgant and Haynes for BWP. Perhaps tonight Sir Chris was expecting Bury to defend in depth and was looking for maximum muscle in the box. It didn’t work to the extent that Kermorgant and Clarke are not a natural pairing, looking used to playing a similar game. The lack of pace up front meant that Bury were seldom pulled out of position. That said, the chances did come; we just needed to convert one to go ahead. When Haynes did come on, with about 20 minutes left, he caused them more problems with his pace and greater mobility.
Powell talked about the different atmosphere at Exeter after the intensity of the two Sheffield games and tonight, with the crowd less than 14,000, the place didn’t exactly rock in the first half. Neither did the team, although after an indifferent start as we began to go up the gears it did seem that we would have too much for Bury to hold out. Wiggins was doing sterling work down the left; one cross went invitingly across the face (where were you Bradley?). And from set pieces their keeper looked dodgy on high balls (although perhaps too many through the night were put under his nose). The best opportunity created was when Jackson robbed their guy of possession and moved towards the box. Instead of shooting he slid it left to Clarke, but the space was a bit tight and the shot was blocked by the keeper. There were other moments and no sense of danger at the back, even though Bury played it around well enough. Then they scored.
It was a strange goal in that there were probably four, maybe more, almost 50:50 challenges in the build-up and each time we just failed to nick the ball or get in a block. It ended up getting played through and their guy put in a decent enough shot. Hamer got at least one hand to it but failed to keep it out. I remember thinking that if you have to win that many challenges to score against us there’s nothing wrong with our defending. Just that this time they did. By the law of averages it had to happen sometime.
The rest of the half was much as before, with us not exactly playing great football but showing enough to have confidence about the outcome. At the half-time whistle I swear I heard a few isolated boos. Just what are some people on? (for once whatever it is I don’t want any of it).
Attacking the Covered End in the second half raised the spirits but as the minutes ticked down and the chances came and went the crowd’s anxiety increased. The policy of putting corners under the nose of their keeper continued, but one delivered to the far post was hooked back by Kermorgant and Taylor coming onto it seemed sure to score but put it over the bar. Even a free kick outside the area was put over, by Kermorgant (it was the wrong side for Jackson). Bury’s not surprising time-wasting tactics intensified, to the extent of Hamer giving one of their guys a helping push towards the touchline. But the clock kept ticking.
The introduction of Haynes for Clarke did change the pattern of the game as there was someone on the pitch capable of getting in behind them. This made their clearances more hurried and helped us to increase the pressure. But still no goal. One dropped invitingly around the penalty spot but the shot went just wide, with claims that their guy had handled it; the ref gave a goal kick, so I guess he wasn’t convinced. Green had a decent enough shot, but still nothing was dropping.
Pritchard came on, for Hollands rather than Stevens, whose reintroduction to the team was steady to that point but unspectacular. And sometimes as a manger you either get lucky or have a moment of inspiration. Most people would have expected Stevens to make way, given he is feeling his way back. Heavens be praised that he didn’t. As after the board showed five minutes of stoppage time another race through the middle led by Haynes saw a desperate clearance which dropped to Stevens outside the box. I don’t know what went through his mind, but he executed it perfectly. Stayed over the ball to keep it down but absolutely leathered it, which gave their keeper and retreating defenders no chance whatsoever. There were still a couple of minutes left but no perfect ending. Just a decent enough one.
My overall impression of the game was that we didn’t play at a high enough tempo throughout to really stretch Bury. On most nights it probably wouldn’t have mattered as the game would have opened up if we had scored first, as we had opportunities to do so. We didn’t look like going behind but once we did there was a lack of guile and neither the passing nor movement was incisive enough, at least until Haynes came on. Let’s learn from it and move on. Ten points clear at the top and all is well enough, just some thinking about how we set up for Rochdale on Saturday.
Player Ratings:
Hamer – 6/10. Might have done better with the shot for the goal as he seemed to get hands to it, even though it was well struck. Otherwise seldom troubled.
Solly – 8/10. Even when he’s beaten he’s not beaten as his capacity to recover and win the ball back is outstanding. Was instrumental in keeping the pressure on them especially in the second half.
Wiggins – 9/10. It’s getting boring, but I’d give him the MoM award (again). Some of his interceptions, covering, tackling etc were exceptional and a couple of his crosses were begging to be put away.
Morrison – 8/10. Sterling work at the back as usual.
Taylor – 7/10. It’s not fair to dock a centre-back a point for missing a chance up front, but it was a very good one. No problems otherwise.
Jackson – 7/10. Didn’t feature prominently but linked up with Wiggins to good effect and generally sound.
Hollands – 7/10. Back paired with Stevens, our passing game still really didn’t get going; but I’m inclined to think that that was as much down to the forward combination and lack of movement than anything else.
Stevens – 8/10. Decent return if undramatic until stoppage time. When the chance came he did everything right.
Green – 7/10. Did threaten and some of the balls played in would have tested a keeper happy with the high ball. A shot or two as well, but tonight didn’t make the vital contribution.
Kermorgant – 6/10. I don’t think the pairing with Clarke did either of them any favours as it made us more inclined to lump it too often and as there just wasn’t the pace and movement to stretch them often enough.
Clarke – 6/10. Same thinking really; had the chance in the first half to make his mark but didn’t bury it.
Subs – Haynes (8/10 – his introduction changed the game); Pritchard (7/10 – only on for the last 10 minutes).
The team showed two changes. Stephens did indeed come back to replace Pritchard in central midfield. Harsh on him but I think understandable. Less predictable was the decision to give Wright-Phillips a rest (he wasn’t even on the bench) and the pairing of Kermorgant with Clarke rather than Haynes. I’d imagined that after a few very tough games in which we’ve not created that much BWP would have been licking his lips at the opportunity tonight. Also, I’ve been assuming that Clarke is the natural back-up for Kermorgant and Haynes for BWP. Perhaps tonight Sir Chris was expecting Bury to defend in depth and was looking for maximum muscle in the box. It didn’t work to the extent that Kermorgant and Clarke are not a natural pairing, looking used to playing a similar game. The lack of pace up front meant that Bury were seldom pulled out of position. That said, the chances did come; we just needed to convert one to go ahead. When Haynes did come on, with about 20 minutes left, he caused them more problems with his pace and greater mobility.
Powell talked about the different atmosphere at Exeter after the intensity of the two Sheffield games and tonight, with the crowd less than 14,000, the place didn’t exactly rock in the first half. Neither did the team, although after an indifferent start as we began to go up the gears it did seem that we would have too much for Bury to hold out. Wiggins was doing sterling work down the left; one cross went invitingly across the face (where were you Bradley?). And from set pieces their keeper looked dodgy on high balls (although perhaps too many through the night were put under his nose). The best opportunity created was when Jackson robbed their guy of possession and moved towards the box. Instead of shooting he slid it left to Clarke, but the space was a bit tight and the shot was blocked by the keeper. There were other moments and no sense of danger at the back, even though Bury played it around well enough. Then they scored.
It was a strange goal in that there were probably four, maybe more, almost 50:50 challenges in the build-up and each time we just failed to nick the ball or get in a block. It ended up getting played through and their guy put in a decent enough shot. Hamer got at least one hand to it but failed to keep it out. I remember thinking that if you have to win that many challenges to score against us there’s nothing wrong with our defending. Just that this time they did. By the law of averages it had to happen sometime.
The rest of the half was much as before, with us not exactly playing great football but showing enough to have confidence about the outcome. At the half-time whistle I swear I heard a few isolated boos. Just what are some people on? (for once whatever it is I don’t want any of it).
Attacking the Covered End in the second half raised the spirits but as the minutes ticked down and the chances came and went the crowd’s anxiety increased. The policy of putting corners under the nose of their keeper continued, but one delivered to the far post was hooked back by Kermorgant and Taylor coming onto it seemed sure to score but put it over the bar. Even a free kick outside the area was put over, by Kermorgant (it was the wrong side for Jackson). Bury’s not surprising time-wasting tactics intensified, to the extent of Hamer giving one of their guys a helping push towards the touchline. But the clock kept ticking.
The introduction of Haynes for Clarke did change the pattern of the game as there was someone on the pitch capable of getting in behind them. This made their clearances more hurried and helped us to increase the pressure. But still no goal. One dropped invitingly around the penalty spot but the shot went just wide, with claims that their guy had handled it; the ref gave a goal kick, so I guess he wasn’t convinced. Green had a decent enough shot, but still nothing was dropping.
Pritchard came on, for Hollands rather than Stevens, whose reintroduction to the team was steady to that point but unspectacular. And sometimes as a manger you either get lucky or have a moment of inspiration. Most people would have expected Stevens to make way, given he is feeling his way back. Heavens be praised that he didn’t. As after the board showed five minutes of stoppage time another race through the middle led by Haynes saw a desperate clearance which dropped to Stevens outside the box. I don’t know what went through his mind, but he executed it perfectly. Stayed over the ball to keep it down but absolutely leathered it, which gave their keeper and retreating defenders no chance whatsoever. There were still a couple of minutes left but no perfect ending. Just a decent enough one.
My overall impression of the game was that we didn’t play at a high enough tempo throughout to really stretch Bury. On most nights it probably wouldn’t have mattered as the game would have opened up if we had scored first, as we had opportunities to do so. We didn’t look like going behind but once we did there was a lack of guile and neither the passing nor movement was incisive enough, at least until Haynes came on. Let’s learn from it and move on. Ten points clear at the top and all is well enough, just some thinking about how we set up for Rochdale on Saturday.
Player Ratings:
Hamer – 6/10. Might have done better with the shot for the goal as he seemed to get hands to it, even though it was well struck. Otherwise seldom troubled.
Solly – 8/10. Even when he’s beaten he’s not beaten as his capacity to recover and win the ball back is outstanding. Was instrumental in keeping the pressure on them especially in the second half.
Wiggins – 9/10. It’s getting boring, but I’d give him the MoM award (again). Some of his interceptions, covering, tackling etc were exceptional and a couple of his crosses were begging to be put away.
Morrison – 8/10. Sterling work at the back as usual.
Taylor – 7/10. It’s not fair to dock a centre-back a point for missing a chance up front, but it was a very good one. No problems otherwise.
Jackson – 7/10. Didn’t feature prominently but linked up with Wiggins to good effect and generally sound.
Hollands – 7/10. Back paired with Stevens, our passing game still really didn’t get going; but I’m inclined to think that that was as much down to the forward combination and lack of movement than anything else.
Stevens – 8/10. Decent return if undramatic until stoppage time. When the chance came he did everything right.
Green – 7/10. Did threaten and some of the balls played in would have tested a keeper happy with the high ball. A shot or two as well, but tonight didn’t make the vital contribution.
Kermorgant – 6/10. I don’t think the pairing with Clarke did either of them any favours as it made us more inclined to lump it too often and as there just wasn’t the pace and movement to stretch them often enough.
Clarke – 6/10. Same thinking really; had the chance in the first half to make his mark but didn’t bury it.
Subs – Haynes (8/10 – his introduction changed the game); Pritchard (7/10 – only on for the last 10 minutes).
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Be Prepared
OK, gloating, smug satisfaction and staring at the league table over. It doesn’t need to be stressed that it would be criminal if the hard work of the past two games - and the outcome – was to be blown by any easing up as we look ahead to four games that look winnable on paper. It’s reasonable to view them as a batch, before MK Dons come visiting, and Exeter and Chesterfield away bracketing Bury and Rochdale at home has to be seen as the opportunity to drive home a hard-won advantage, not an invitation to indulge in any premature patting on the back. The league this season is likely to be exceptional in terms of the points needed to get automatic promotion, so it’s one game at a time and full focus.
Seven points clear with a game in hand is of course splendid, especially as we only have two more games against teams in the top five (three if we start to include Stevenage). It’s too soon to be in any way definitive, but the way things are panning out it looks as if the top five are going to continue to scrap it out for the two automatic places with the three missing out to be joined by Stevenage, Carlisle or Bournemouth for the play-offs. But we haven’t (yet) reached the stage where any of them have abandoned hope of a top-two finish, or whereby they’re assuming that we’re uncatchable. It’s up to us to make the latter happen. We can’t expect the others to slip up, although they will have to play each other from time to time and something will have to give. I’d be more comfortable if there was a decent gap between second and third, but that’s not in our hands.
For the season to date, we’ve averaged 2.31 points per game, a stat bettered only by Man City. West Ham top the Championship but have ‘only’ managed 1.96 and Southend are top of League Two with 2.0. To be pedantic, even though we are seven points clear with a game in hand, our current (notional) target of 111 points (or 2.55 points per game) to be indifferent to everything else is actually higher than the equivalent number for either West Ham (107) or Southend (110). That is a reflection of the relatively stretched division we are in (largely because of us there’s a 40-points spread from top to bottom whereas in both the Championship and League Two it’s 31).
Again, nobody needs telling but there’s still a lot of work to be done, starting Saturday at Exeter. The FA Cup games mean that aside from us only Huddersfield have a league match (away at Tranmere), while the following Tuesday, while we take on Bury, MK Dons will be hosting Sheff Wed. Two wins for us, plus defeats for Huddersfield and Sheff Wed (OK, a draw with MK Dons wouldn’t be bad), and we’re suddenly 13 points clear at the top (perhaps annoyingly the automatic promotion points target would be unchanged at 111). We can but dream, but only a little over a week ago I was dreaming about beating both Sheffield clubs.
I do think Sir Chris has one selection issue to consider for Saturday. Beating Brentford and the two Sheffields and not conceding a goal in the three games (Fulham was fun but irrelevant) hardly makes a case for any change. But in these games we I feel haven’t had the degree of control in midfield that we’ve previously enjoyed – and I don’t think it’s unrelated that the service to the front two has been poorer than before. Pritchard has taken his chance well, done nothing wrong, and of course it’s a factor that the three games have been against higher class opposition – also that in all three games we spent long periods protecting a one-goal lead rather than bombing forward. But just as the front two and central defence is about partnerships, so for central midfield. And I’m not yet convinced that Hollands and Pritchard are hitting it off together.
Partnerships can take time to gel, but Hollands and Stephens began the season together in fine style before the latter seemed to lose form and got injured. In the 13 games they started together they contributed four goals between them (although it was none in five before they were separated). Hughes came in and with more defensive cover Hollands was able to get forward more and notched three goals in the five games in which they were paired. Then Russell joined him, to good effect, and the pair added two goals.
It’s unfair to draw conclusions after three league games of Hollands and Pritchard, especially given their nature. And Pritchard has earned the right to keep his place and to see how the partnership works in games where we should get more midfield control. Of course, Russell is not available (I’ve not seen any indication we’re appealing the sending off, although looking at the replays the decision looks very harsh), but Stephens and Hughes are options. It’s in Sir Chris’ hands and I’ve no idea how things look in training. Whatever he decides is fine with me.
I don’t think there’s any case for changing the front two, despite BWP’s run of goalless games (eight) and none in four for Kermorgant. Wright-Phillips just needs one to go in off his backside. But we now have Clarke and Haynes to press them hard, plus Hayes, who was unfortunate to be dropped and must now be suffering from lack of competitive games. Same may start to apply for Wagstaff if he continues to get squeezed out of a spot on the bench to accommodate both alternative forwards. That’s the only downside to a squad that’s now looking very strong; there are of course going to be more injuries and suspensions and Cort, Evina, and the midfielders and forwards just have to make sure they’re prepared.
Prepared? Well, my partner Suzanne is coming to London for the weekend and Exeter was, I’m afraid, a coach trip too far to justify. At least as Santa brought an ipad I can be with her in the living room during the game and pretend to be paying attention instead of burying myself in the kitchen watching the screen. And if we’re making sure all the dates are kept open to celebrate the day, it’s worth noting that our current 111 points target means 51 points left to secure, or 17 straight wins. Now on that basis we could secure promotion at .... you guessed it, Carlisle away. Deja vu eat your heart out.
Seven points clear with a game in hand is of course splendid, especially as we only have two more games against teams in the top five (three if we start to include Stevenage). It’s too soon to be in any way definitive, but the way things are panning out it looks as if the top five are going to continue to scrap it out for the two automatic places with the three missing out to be joined by Stevenage, Carlisle or Bournemouth for the play-offs. But we haven’t (yet) reached the stage where any of them have abandoned hope of a top-two finish, or whereby they’re assuming that we’re uncatchable. It’s up to us to make the latter happen. We can’t expect the others to slip up, although they will have to play each other from time to time and something will have to give. I’d be more comfortable if there was a decent gap between second and third, but that’s not in our hands.
For the season to date, we’ve averaged 2.31 points per game, a stat bettered only by Man City. West Ham top the Championship but have ‘only’ managed 1.96 and Southend are top of League Two with 2.0. To be pedantic, even though we are seven points clear with a game in hand, our current (notional) target of 111 points (or 2.55 points per game) to be indifferent to everything else is actually higher than the equivalent number for either West Ham (107) or Southend (110). That is a reflection of the relatively stretched division we are in (largely because of us there’s a 40-points spread from top to bottom whereas in both the Championship and League Two it’s 31).
Again, nobody needs telling but there’s still a lot of work to be done, starting Saturday at Exeter. The FA Cup games mean that aside from us only Huddersfield have a league match (away at Tranmere), while the following Tuesday, while we take on Bury, MK Dons will be hosting Sheff Wed. Two wins for us, plus defeats for Huddersfield and Sheff Wed (OK, a draw with MK Dons wouldn’t be bad), and we’re suddenly 13 points clear at the top (perhaps annoyingly the automatic promotion points target would be unchanged at 111). We can but dream, but only a little over a week ago I was dreaming about beating both Sheffield clubs.
I do think Sir Chris has one selection issue to consider for Saturday. Beating Brentford and the two Sheffields and not conceding a goal in the three games (Fulham was fun but irrelevant) hardly makes a case for any change. But in these games we I feel haven’t had the degree of control in midfield that we’ve previously enjoyed – and I don’t think it’s unrelated that the service to the front two has been poorer than before. Pritchard has taken his chance well, done nothing wrong, and of course it’s a factor that the three games have been against higher class opposition – also that in all three games we spent long periods protecting a one-goal lead rather than bombing forward. But just as the front two and central defence is about partnerships, so for central midfield. And I’m not yet convinced that Hollands and Pritchard are hitting it off together.
Partnerships can take time to gel, but Hollands and Stephens began the season together in fine style before the latter seemed to lose form and got injured. In the 13 games they started together they contributed four goals between them (although it was none in five before they were separated). Hughes came in and with more defensive cover Hollands was able to get forward more and notched three goals in the five games in which they were paired. Then Russell joined him, to good effect, and the pair added two goals.
It’s unfair to draw conclusions after three league games of Hollands and Pritchard, especially given their nature. And Pritchard has earned the right to keep his place and to see how the partnership works in games where we should get more midfield control. Of course, Russell is not available (I’ve not seen any indication we’re appealing the sending off, although looking at the replays the decision looks very harsh), but Stephens and Hughes are options. It’s in Sir Chris’ hands and I’ve no idea how things look in training. Whatever he decides is fine with me.
I don’t think there’s any case for changing the front two, despite BWP’s run of goalless games (eight) and none in four for Kermorgant. Wright-Phillips just needs one to go in off his backside. But we now have Clarke and Haynes to press them hard, plus Hayes, who was unfortunate to be dropped and must now be suffering from lack of competitive games. Same may start to apply for Wagstaff if he continues to get squeezed out of a spot on the bench to accommodate both alternative forwards. That’s the only downside to a squad that’s now looking very strong; there are of course going to be more injuries and suspensions and Cort, Evina, and the midfielders and forwards just have to make sure they’re prepared.
Prepared? Well, my partner Suzanne is coming to London for the weekend and Exeter was, I’m afraid, a coach trip too far to justify. At least as Santa brought an ipad I can be with her in the living room during the game and pretend to be paying attention instead of burying myself in the kitchen watching the screen. And if we’re making sure all the dates are kept open to celebrate the day, it’s worth noting that our current 111 points target means 51 points left to secure, or 17 straight wins. Now on that basis we could secure promotion at .... you guessed it, Carlisle away. Deja vu eat your heart out.
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Got the Goal; Won the Game
It would appear from Wyn Grant’s posts that the Sheffield papers have been labelling us a team that grinds out results while theirs play the beautiful game. It’s unlikely that that impression will have changed after this afternoon. We ground out a result for sure, which is testament to a defensive display that should be sung about for years to come. As for them, quite frankly there’s no point in playing neat, tidy triangles without a cutting edge and a change of pace when it matters. The stand-out statistic, according to the BBC, is that they had one attempt on target all game. As that was a shot from outside the box that Hamer turned away comfortably enough, they can have no complaints. We got the goal that mattered and after that protected it with aplomb – and the assistance of an idiot called Beattie.
It wasn’t pretty from start to finish. We struggled to get anything going up front, never had control of midfield, and failed to keep possession in a way that would have made things a lot easier. I really think that today the pressure of the game got to us a bit. We knew that a victory would leave us at least seven clear – the target for automatic promotion is now 111 points, or 51 from 20 games – and that getting over the line today would mean just two more games against teams in the top five. We just wanted to win. Having gone in front the priority was a clean sheet and that did affect how we went about the rest of the game. Absolutely no objections from me. We’ve just beaten both of our main rivals, home and away. Proud? I’m glad all over and it’s only going to get better with the Sunday papers.
The team contained no surprises, with Pritchard keeping the central midfield spot alongside Hollands. On the bench, Haynes and Clarke provided the back-up for the forwards, Russell in midfield, and Cort for the defence. The opening 20 minutes were edgy as both teams sized each other up, aware of the importance of the game. They had the edge in possession but gave no indication of making it count; we didn’t threaten, but kept the shape. Aside from one Kermorgant knock-down that Wright-Phillips almost got on the end of in the box, and a Green free kick that had too much curl to be on target, I really can’t remember a goal threatening. But we’ve seen all that before.
On 20 minutes we won a free kick in a central position. It was well set up as it could go either way, with Kermorgant and Jackson lining up, both having scored direct in recent games. In the end it was Jackson – and if last week’s was good this one was better. Bent to the keeper’s right and in off the post. Unstoppable.
After that it was about nerve and resolve. We gave them some encouragement as Hamer was having trouble with balls in the air in the blustery conditions. He elected to punch two when catching them looked easer and when the third came around, direct from a corner, tried to catch it and failed. The ball was dragged behind the goal-line, but the referee had seen enough of a push and the danger passed. It had me a little worried for a moment I have to say, but if you reach the break ahead and that’s the best the opposition have offered things ain’t bad.
There was no change in the pattern of play in the second half. If anything, we were committing fewer players going forward, which left Kermorgant to nod on balls to nobody, as BWP seemed out of sorts with little support. There was an entertaining few minutes as Green fouled his opponent, who hobbled around for the subsequent five minutes and allowed Green to get in two decent shots in quick succession. Otherwise it was tick, tock, clock running down. I have to say I thought we should have had a penalty for handball as their guy clearly raised his hands to one headed back rather than the ball just hitting him, but the ref was having none of it.
Sheffield had to do more to put us under pressure as aside from an occasional dangerous cross nothing was happening for them. They made two changes with about 15 minutes left, with the one Green crocked going off and the other seeing the appearance of the ubiquitous Beattie. We adjusted with Russell coming on for Green, with Pritchard moving out wide as Wagstaff wasn’t on the bench and we did need to stiffen up midfield as our inability to hold the ball was only encouraging them. The changes were to set the scene for the final drama.
The ref had already booked Wiggins for a perfectly good tackle and this hinted at a little over-reaction to anything that could be considered rash. Only a few minutes after the changes Russell made a tackle which looked fair enough to me at the time, but a red card was quickly shown. I’ll have to see it again on the highlights. But just as Sheffield should have been thinking this is the opportunity, in wades Beattie. I’m not sure what he did, but there were some afters and the ref duly sent him off too. If I was their manager I’d have him running up and down sand dunes for a week. If Russell was over the top (again, I really don’t know) Beattie was plain stupid as in an instant he sacrificed their advantage.
Both sides dropping to 10 suited us more than them as it disrupted play and if anything reduced their ability to turn the screws in the final minutes. Haynes made his debut for Wright-Phillips and in the little time he was on the pitch showed a zip which augurs well, winning one free kick on the edge of the area (which this time Jackson elected to hit hard and very wayward) and winning the ball back a couple of times. There was one cross of theirs which clipped the bar, a couple of corners, but we denied them any real sight of goal right through to the end. Five minutes of stoppage time came and went and it was just left to Sir Chris to conduct the celebrations.
We all know it’s not done and dusted; there’s 20 games to go for crying out loud. But the big challenges have been dealt with and surely only complacency – or some horrendous bad fortune – can cost us now. The management, the team, and us can enjoy Sunday looking at the table and get back to it on Monday. Have a nice day off guys, you’ve earned it.
Player Ratings:
Hamer – 6/10. Has to be marked down for the uncertainty he showed with high balls in the first half. Could have cost us.
Wiggins – 9/10. Picked up a booking for no good reason but defensively superb and showed the usual drive going forward.
Solly – 9/10. Never passed, played his part to the full in a near faultless defensive display.
Morrison – 9/10. It could have been a 10.
Taylor – 9/10. Same as Morrison. Just look at the stats for their attempts on target.
Jackson – 8/10. Solid game and the free kick was just sublime (we’ll forget about the second one).
Hollands – 7/10. This was a day for holding what we secured and there were no frills. That said, we didn’t control midfield at all today.
Pritchard – 7/10. Not a bad game, although the fact he was pushed out wide to accommodate Russell (for a few minutes) said that we needed to beef up central midfield.
Green – 7/10. Dangerous at times and could have scored with the couple of shots.
Kermorgant – 6/10. The service today to the front two was limited; it just wasn’t a day for them to shine. Won his fair share in the air, but to no effect as BWP didn’t get on the end of any of the touches.
Wright-Phillips – 6/10. Expected more from him outside the box in a tough game. Not much happened for him today.
Subs – Russell (well, what mark do you give for a guy that’s sent off after a few minutes? I’ll reserve judgement as the decision looked harsh to me); Haynes (no mark, but an encouraging cameo).
Man of the Match – No question. Beattie.
It wasn’t pretty from start to finish. We struggled to get anything going up front, never had control of midfield, and failed to keep possession in a way that would have made things a lot easier. I really think that today the pressure of the game got to us a bit. We knew that a victory would leave us at least seven clear – the target for automatic promotion is now 111 points, or 51 from 20 games – and that getting over the line today would mean just two more games against teams in the top five. We just wanted to win. Having gone in front the priority was a clean sheet and that did affect how we went about the rest of the game. Absolutely no objections from me. We’ve just beaten both of our main rivals, home and away. Proud? I’m glad all over and it’s only going to get better with the Sunday papers.
The team contained no surprises, with Pritchard keeping the central midfield spot alongside Hollands. On the bench, Haynes and Clarke provided the back-up for the forwards, Russell in midfield, and Cort for the defence. The opening 20 minutes were edgy as both teams sized each other up, aware of the importance of the game. They had the edge in possession but gave no indication of making it count; we didn’t threaten, but kept the shape. Aside from one Kermorgant knock-down that Wright-Phillips almost got on the end of in the box, and a Green free kick that had too much curl to be on target, I really can’t remember a goal threatening. But we’ve seen all that before.
On 20 minutes we won a free kick in a central position. It was well set up as it could go either way, with Kermorgant and Jackson lining up, both having scored direct in recent games. In the end it was Jackson – and if last week’s was good this one was better. Bent to the keeper’s right and in off the post. Unstoppable.
After that it was about nerve and resolve. We gave them some encouragement as Hamer was having trouble with balls in the air in the blustery conditions. He elected to punch two when catching them looked easer and when the third came around, direct from a corner, tried to catch it and failed. The ball was dragged behind the goal-line, but the referee had seen enough of a push and the danger passed. It had me a little worried for a moment I have to say, but if you reach the break ahead and that’s the best the opposition have offered things ain’t bad.
There was no change in the pattern of play in the second half. If anything, we were committing fewer players going forward, which left Kermorgant to nod on balls to nobody, as BWP seemed out of sorts with little support. There was an entertaining few minutes as Green fouled his opponent, who hobbled around for the subsequent five minutes and allowed Green to get in two decent shots in quick succession. Otherwise it was tick, tock, clock running down. I have to say I thought we should have had a penalty for handball as their guy clearly raised his hands to one headed back rather than the ball just hitting him, but the ref was having none of it.
Sheffield had to do more to put us under pressure as aside from an occasional dangerous cross nothing was happening for them. They made two changes with about 15 minutes left, with the one Green crocked going off and the other seeing the appearance of the ubiquitous Beattie. We adjusted with Russell coming on for Green, with Pritchard moving out wide as Wagstaff wasn’t on the bench and we did need to stiffen up midfield as our inability to hold the ball was only encouraging them. The changes were to set the scene for the final drama.
The ref had already booked Wiggins for a perfectly good tackle and this hinted at a little over-reaction to anything that could be considered rash. Only a few minutes after the changes Russell made a tackle which looked fair enough to me at the time, but a red card was quickly shown. I’ll have to see it again on the highlights. But just as Sheffield should have been thinking this is the opportunity, in wades Beattie. I’m not sure what he did, but there were some afters and the ref duly sent him off too. If I was their manager I’d have him running up and down sand dunes for a week. If Russell was over the top (again, I really don’t know) Beattie was plain stupid as in an instant he sacrificed their advantage.
Both sides dropping to 10 suited us more than them as it disrupted play and if anything reduced their ability to turn the screws in the final minutes. Haynes made his debut for Wright-Phillips and in the little time he was on the pitch showed a zip which augurs well, winning one free kick on the edge of the area (which this time Jackson elected to hit hard and very wayward) and winning the ball back a couple of times. There was one cross of theirs which clipped the bar, a couple of corners, but we denied them any real sight of goal right through to the end. Five minutes of stoppage time came and went and it was just left to Sir Chris to conduct the celebrations.
We all know it’s not done and dusted; there’s 20 games to go for crying out loud. But the big challenges have been dealt with and surely only complacency – or some horrendous bad fortune – can cost us now. The management, the team, and us can enjoy Sunday looking at the table and get back to it on Monday. Have a nice day off guys, you’ve earned it.
Player Ratings:
Hamer – 6/10. Has to be marked down for the uncertainty he showed with high balls in the first half. Could have cost us.
Wiggins – 9/10. Picked up a booking for no good reason but defensively superb and showed the usual drive going forward.
Solly – 9/10. Never passed, played his part to the full in a near faultless defensive display.
Morrison – 9/10. It could have been a 10.
Taylor – 9/10. Same as Morrison. Just look at the stats for their attempts on target.
Jackson – 8/10. Solid game and the free kick was just sublime (we’ll forget about the second one).
Hollands – 7/10. This was a day for holding what we secured and there were no frills. That said, we didn’t control midfield at all today.
Pritchard – 7/10. Not a bad game, although the fact he was pushed out wide to accommodate Russell (for a few minutes) said that we needed to beef up central midfield.
Green – 7/10. Dangerous at times and could have scored with the couple of shots.
Kermorgant – 6/10. The service today to the front two was limited; it just wasn’t a day for them to shine. Won his fair share in the air, but to no effect as BWP didn’t get on the end of any of the touches.
Wright-Phillips – 6/10. Expected more from him outside the box in a tough game. Not much happened for him today.
Subs – Russell (well, what mark do you give for a guy that’s sent off after a few minutes? I’ll reserve judgement as the decision looked harsh to me); Haynes (no mark, but an encouraging cameo).
Man of the Match – No question. Beattie.
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