Missing arguably our 3 best performers this season we still comfortably won
this game. The only worrying this is how we didn’t win by more and why we
didn’t capitalise when we were in control. At 2-0 Grayson made some mind
boggling substitutions and tactical changes that almost let Stockport back in.
He’s got a habit of doing that and I think if he continues it may well cost us
late in games. Why take off your best striker and playmaker (Grella) and
replace him with a donkey (Enoch)? Why not put a recognised centre back
(Huntington) on when one is injured but instead move your right back to central
defence (Crowe). Surely if Huntington is on the bench he’s there to play should
injuries occur or maybe he’s just there for the sake of it ?
This was a lively game but lacked quality throughout. At least we showed some
quality, effort and ambition. Stockport came with mind boggling tactics with
just one lone striker. They never troubled the new partnership of Bromby and
Lubo. It was only late on after they’d made some changes and decided to go for
it they actually created some chances and actually looked the better side for a
period. It was too late then though.
We started well with Grella converting with a side footer. It looked like a
really well placed shot from where I was sat but listening to the radio later
Eddie Gray reckoned he could have saved it. Wouldn’t have surprised me really
‘cos their keeper had a stinker. The only person who was worse on the day was
the ref who looked like he’d never reffed a game before.
We went two up when their keeper spilled a cross which fell to Lubo who tapped
it in. We should have gone on to score more but we just lacked a bit of quality
and composure. Hughes just aimlessly concedes possession too many times,
Becchio can’t control a ball and just loses or flicks on to nobody, Snodgrass
does so many good things but then just unexplainably loses possession, Grella
does so many neat things but then there’s occasions where his flicks just don’t
work. It was all very frustrating to watch.
Doyle was having a decent game but went over the top with a tackle and then
followed up with another. The ref gave him the final warning and Grayson then
subbed him for Kilkenny. He came on and ran the show for 10 minutes and then
just seemed to lose interest and ended up a liability.
Second half we created a few chances but never really looked that threatening.
Enoch treated us to a few moments of high comedy. Robinson won us a dubious
penalty when his cross was deemed to be handled. Not sure myself. We’ve missed
so many pens. Becchio pleaded Snodgrass to let him take it. No chance. He then
took one of the worse pens I’ve ever seen. Surely this is something we need to
sort out.
Overall, another 3 points without the backbone of our team. You can’t be
unhappy about that can you ? So why am I ?
Scores:
Higgs – 8. Everything he did was excellent. I'd give him man of the match
although he didn't have loads to do.
Crowe – 7. Generally did ok and actually did ok at centre back but he still
worries me defensively.
Hughes – 5. Can’t pass but can get stuck in and ensure that he is not exposed
against tripe like this.
Lubo – 7. I’ve always been a Lubo fan. In that game against Histon he was our
best player for most of the game then he went to sleep for a minute and the
rest is history. He should be head and shoulders above the rest at this level,
but he just is too laid back at times. Did well today though. One or two
scrapes but managed to recover well.
Bromby – 6. Looked a bit edgy but generally did ok. Can pass a ball too and has
the long throw which I hate ‘cos I think we’re better than that.
Snodgrass – 6. Lively first half. Still not at his best though.
Howson – 7. Our best midfielder, lively throughout. Can still do more though in
my opinion.
Doyle – 7. I thought he was playing well until Grayson sent him off..
Johnson – 7. I thought he did pretty well again. I think he’s playing at the
top of his game. It’s still not pretty and he still lacks pace and skill for a
left winger but he is doing ok. Not the long term answer though.
Grella – 7. I like this lad. Too much talent to be sat on the bench.. He will
score goals and playing with Beckford he would create lots too, he even got a
few things going with Becchio – now that’s an achievement.
Becchio – 4. Garbage. When playing with Beckford he is bought time and space.
Without Beckford you just realise that here is a guy that needs to be spoon fed
chances. He struggles to do the basics. Completely off the pace. This guy is
not good enough to take us up.
Subs:
Kilkenny – 5. Looked class for 10 minutes but then just faded. I think he
thinks he’s better than he is. For me his awareness his way above any other
player at the club but that does not excuse him from getting stuck in,
defending and covering. Will need to be much better to displace Doyle.
Robinson – 5. Came on and really gave it his all but I think he was trying too
hard.
Enoch – 5. Comedy moment of the game when he tried to bend one in the top
corner with his left foot and it nearly ended up in the north east. He’s shite.
Him and Bechhio – nowt to choose between them.
Crowd – Category A game ! FFS Shame on Bates.
Grayson – got away with it. At 2-0 Simon and 20 minutes to go we have not won
the game. I think Grayson’s transfers and tactical changes are risky.
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