Post by deadbat on Mar 30, 2019 20:06:10 GMT
The Blades promotion hopes took a blow when they suffered a rare and shock defeat to Bristol City at Bramall Lane. In truth United never got going and despite leading twice, the away side deserved the three points. United had not conceded a goal in seven and non at the Lane since Boxing Day but shipped three in one afternoon in a desperately disappointing performance.
Leeds comeback win against Millwall meant United hard work the previous game was undone as Leeds went back into 2nd spot with seven games to play. With Norwich’s victory at Middlesbrough it was as bad a day as it could have been for the Blades.
In front of an almost capacity crowd, United froze and put in a really poor performance with most of the side nowhere near their best. In contract City pressed, were hungrier and played the better football and had the better chances throughout. It would have been a travesty if they had not taken anything from the game but United did lead with just over quarter of an hour to play but City stuck to their principles and scored two excellent goals to win it with Andrea Weismann scoring a hat trick. After Ryan Sessegnon last season, this was the second successive season a player had scored a hat trick at the Lane for a visiting side.
Manager Wilder was given a blow when Duffy was deemed not fit enough to even be in the match day squad with an Achilles injury. Basham went back into defence and Dowell came in with Cranie the unfortunate man to miss out. Johnson and Washington were back amongst the substitutes.
In front of a near capacity crowd, United forced Bristol City back with McGoldrick lively in the early running. A neat one to led to a chance but the visitors cleared. United won a corner after good build up and Sharp was blocked out and the same man headed wide from the delivery. United won a free kick and from the resultant delivery SHARP nodded home. Bristol City claimed a foul in the melee but it seemed a bit of a desperate plea as United’s leading scorer celebrated being back amongst the goals. United came again soon after with a good run and shot from McGoldrick saved by O’Leary.
Steadily Bristol City came back into the game and they started to control midfield. United sat back and were giving the ball away as City pressed. Gradually Brownhill started to get on the ball and United were forced back. It became City in control for a long spell of play and the crowd started to become restless as the home team gave the ball away when under pressure. Brownhill had a long-range shot tipped away from Henderson and City then won a series of free kicks as they took control of the game.
Pack was booked for a late foul on Norwood but this was temporary rest bite as City came again. Poor play from Norwood saw United give the ball away and then soon after the deserved equaliser came. Stevens should have cleared but miskicked and Norwich got down the right and Hunt sent over a cross that WEIMANN flicked goalward with his head. Henderson seemed to lose the ball in flight and it nestled into the top corner. In truth it had been coming as City had played really well since going behind.
The final stages of the first half saw Bristol look more comfortable on the ball and continue to force United back. Still a decent chance when O’Connell headed over when Sharp seemed to get in his way. The final chance came when Weimann had a debatable free kick saved by Henderson.
At the break Hogan came on for Dowell with McGoldrick dropping into the number 10 role. City began the better side though and Smith forced a save from Henderson. Weimann then nearly got in as United still sat off the Bristol players who seemed to have a lot more time on the ball. United still were not getting any fluency at all although Fleck had a good run and shot pushed away that led to a corner.
Norwood then was booked for a tackle on Weimann and the free kick from Brownhill seemed to have beaten Henderson but hit the post and for the third successive game the woodwork denied United.
The Blades slowly came back into it and Basham and Sharp linked up but the ball was played too far ahead of Hogan. United kept plugging away and good work from Baldock down the right saw his cross perfect for HOGAN to nod down and in. United had the lead with 20 minutes to play.
However, Bristol continued to be the side with more poise and continued to switch play. O’Connell had to go off with a knock and Johnson was given the nod and United seemed to go to a 4-4-2. As United were still re-organising City were level again.
There was no pressure applied on the midfield and a simple ball was allowed into the path of Diedhiou who held it up too easily, rolled it back and Palmer’s cross cut out the whole defence with Stevens and Egan ball watching and WEIMANN superbly turned it into the far corner.
It was now anybody’s game but United continued to look a little ragged. The passing was poor and Bristol City had midfielders running at them and causing problems. At this stage the away side looked the more likely and a lovely one two led to a hat trick from WEIMANN. Diedhiou played it back into his back and his scored with aplomb. United were stunned but they could not argue at the score line as they had been second best.
With just over 5 minutes to play United tried to launch a last-ditch attempt for a point and Johnson nearly found Hogan with a nod back but it was cleared. A late corner came in as the game entered the final 6 minutes of stoppage time but McGoldrick headed over. United could not create any other chances and City soaked things up comfortably to take the big three points.
United – We have been heroic at times in the last few games with effort, desire and organisation. We have not played the football we have seen over the last few seasons and been more of a resilient type of performance. Indeed, Brentford and Leeds have been the better sides with the ball. Today, another side dominated us football wise but worked harder and we got exactly what we deserved.
We did not press them, defended poorly and had no control of the midfield. We led twice but never looked in control and individually and collectively we were second best. United never got going and served up a bit of a bottle job of a performance. On and off the ball we were not at it. Other than maybe McGoldrick, Basham and Fleck and Baldock in spells; most of the team were not good enough today. We looked nervous but never got to grips with City’s tactics. They pressed Norwood, got the wing backs playing right back in our own half an made us go long. When they had it, we never pressed them and sat off. I could not believe how much time our midfield gave them in comparison to the other way around.
We deserved to lose today. Credit to Bristol City. Johnson does seem to have Wilder worked out and we have no answer at times when teams press Norwood and make him go long. We need to have others step up and today we did not. I thought the lack of effort and desire was a concern. I can cope wit the odd bad pass or decision but we just sat off and they made us pay. I felt they looked very dangerous every time they attacked and going the other way it was hard work. We got the lead but never built on it and you felt the leveller coming. After the break it was a bit more even and then we scored after having a let off with the free kick. Once again, we did not build on it. I felt if they scored, they would go on and win and so it proved. They attacked us and got men forward and we struggled. Loads are blaming Johnson but not sure he is at fault for Wilder putting us 4-4-2 at this stage and Stevens made a number of errors today. The midfield also was really poor today and never laid a glove on the opponents who had all the time in the world. I felt out tight defence did not win the balls forward and Diedhiou caused us all sort of problems. The lad was never marked for three goals.
However, the biggest issue for me was the midfield never got to grips with them on the ball and let them dictate the play. We just sat off all game and never got close to them. On the ball we went long and never tried to play much football. It was very scrappy and if we had got anything it would have been undeserved.
Leeds and Norwich both won and after feeling on top of the world a few weeks ago; we now are probably all despondent. We now have two tricky away games and have to show our character. How we do in these will probably dictate whether we are still in the running when we come back to the Lane in a fortnight. Today, we did seem to panic a bit but I felt Bristol also played well and made it hard for us. Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition. However, from the determined, organised and workmanlike team we have seen we saw none of these qualities and were easy to run past and easy to score against today. We lacked fluency on the ball and did not seem to have the shape and pattern of play we normally have. They disrupted us and we never really got going at all. Even at 2-1, it was a less than convincing performance and I would have taken a draw even at that stage. That sums up how the game had been going and how little control we had of proceedings.
We now have a week to reflect and maybe we are better as the chaser and being the underdog again. All the other top 4 won. It has been a dire weekend but it is not over. We have to go again and go on another run. The team has to respond. They will be backed by nearly 6,000 Blades next week – I will be there so report to come probably Sunday morning! We just have to get back to the basics of what got us there. Good quick football with bravery but working hard and outworking the opponent. Today, they did those things better than us. It happens. We just have to move on.
Bristol City – Played really well. They went behind twice but kept in the game; played some good football and controlled things for long periods of the game. They kept coming back and scored three goal goals. Fair play to them. They pressured us high and worked harder than us I felt. They really put a lot into the game and even when pegged back and went behind they kept at it and came right back at us. One of the better sides that have come here. A bit like Brentford with a goal threat really. They have a chance of the 6th spot with Boro slipping back. They have lost lots of key men but keep up near the top and as irritating as he is, Johnson has done a good job there. They play decent attacking football too. Like Swansea; have now done the double over us too.
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Opponent man of the match – Brownhill and Pack were excellent in midfield and outplayed Fleck and Norwood but Weimann takes the man of the match. Three superb goals all of a different type. Despite them being the better side, they needed these moments of quality to win the game. Palmer made a difference with a superb ball for the second. Diedhiou is a decent player but cost a lot of money and much more than we have paid for any of our strikers.
Weak link – I felt the keeper for a rookie was not tested. I also thought Wright at the back looked shaky. Hunt is a bit of a clumsy defender and got booked for a poor foul but then made the goal to get them level. Man for man though they are similar to us in quality really so shows how well we have done.
Henderson 6/10 – Made one good save but then three goals that went past him. Not sure he had any chance on the two goals they scored second half but seemed to lose the flight of the ball on the first and I felt he should have done better. Also, I thought at times he was slow out and a few times Stevens and Egan kicked away when he should have come and taken it.
Baldock 7/10 - He did ok and made the second with a great cross but did not get forward as much as he would have liked. Was pushed back more than normal at home. Second half we saw more of him as an attacking force but his final ball or run did not quite come off until the goal.
Stevens 5/10 – Poorest he has been for a while. He started the game ok but then a few moments of indecision and then I felt he should have cleared in the lead up to the goal. Him and Johnson did not seem to know who they were marking on the second and the lad got in to steer home but seemed his man. On the third he was not close enough and did not react to the one two. Not sure he was helped by no pressure on the ball in front of him.
Egan 5.5/10 – Not at his best today. Diehiou actually physically caused him problems and held it up and came off him causing problems. He was too deep also as was the whole defence. I did not feel we marked when the ball came across either and
O’Connell 6.5/10 – Did ok defensively but like the rest seemed a bit on his back foot when they attacked and not quite as assertive as he has been. The defence did not win the headers and loose balls like they have done. Went off with a knock and we paid the price.
Basham 7/10 – Out best defender. He ran around a lot, got his foot in and was a threat going forward. Drew fouls and did the basics well. I felt he was let down by many around him today and had to carry it forward as none of the midfield penetrated much with or without the ball.
Fleck 6/10 – Better than Norwood and Dowell but that was not hard. He had a few runs forward and one driving shot but all too often too passive on and off the ball. He just did not seem to get his foot on the ball and off it, they ran off him a lot. He was not the player he has been biting around the opponents or linking with others. I felt it looked testimonial style how much our midfield sat off today.
Norwood 5/10 – Poor. He was pressed and harried and went long but even when under little pressure he gave it away. Constantly had his hand up. The other side of the game he stood off and let players run at him and past him. Fleck and him were outplayed today for most of the game on and off the ball. Really disappointing performance today when we needed a big game and he served up a nothing sorts of game. Booked for a poor late tackle that nearly cost us a goal.
Dowell 4.5/10 – Never in the game at all. Looks pitifully weak at times as players pushed him off the ball. He is too slow to react to players pressing him. The last few games he has played I have been disappointed with him and he has been hauled off at half time. Needs to sharpen up. Sadly, looks like a loan player at the moment that knows he won’t be here in 6 weeks. Not sure we are seeing much fight or real desire to make things happen on or off the ball. I have been a bit disappointed with him so far. He has had very few efforts on goal and other than the assist at Villa and goal at WBA; he has been anonymous in many games.
Sharp 6/10 – Worked hard and got his goal but he did not have much of the ball as United played a lot of long ball all game. He tried to hold it up but with so little football played it was hard for him to do much at all. Second half he had one decent bit of link up with Basham but the ball evaded Hogan.
McGoldrick 7.5/10 – Our best player. He chased lost causes and held it up. Had no service whatsoever and fed off scraps. Came deep and then second half he got lost a bit but was given very little of the ball to work with. I felt sorry for him as the midfield behind him never got on the ball to help him.
Subs –
Hogan 6/10 – Scored a flicked header he could not miss and got in a good position to finish. Outside of this not sure he did much. Very slow to react to things and got outmuscled a few times. Not sure he is anywhere near the speed needed at this level
Johnson – He will get hammered on the forums as inevitable when he plays or comes on, we do seem to struggle but the tide was already set long before he came into the game. He is not great and seems slow to sense danger or do the basics. He was slow to react on the second as he did lose a tackle in the lead up but not sure it his man that puts in the net. He kicked one out horribly for a corner near the end but also nearly made a goal with a header and also had a good run. Still lots will blame him for the defeat when so many others were really poor long before he entered the fray.
Wilder 5/10 – Once again Johnson gets the better of him. They changed tactics a few times and when we did it did not work. They pressed us and Norwood and pushed the wing backs into our own half. They controlled the midfield most of the game. Their defence looked ropey but we did not take advantage and barely put them under pressure. For a home side they had more of the ball and more chances. The Johnson sub did not work. It seemed much simpler to put Stearman or Cranie on. He may have wanted a left footer but to change the formation was odd. Not sure Johnson was at fault for them scoring two but it was odd to see him out there when we needed a more solid defensive shape. The Dowell selection did not work either and not sure Hogan did much – of course he scored. Worrying that the blueprint to disrupt us seems to have been set. Other teams will notice this.
Referee – Seen a few blaming the ref which is desperate. Most of the bookings were right. Not sure the one on Hunt was a sending off – it was not as bad as the Baldock one a few weeks ago. The rest were regulation. He gave them a fair few free kicks but most saw our players slow and late. The only one I doubted was the fair Egan tackle. We had a half shout for a penalty on Baldock but not sure it was one. Overall, I thought he was fine. I felt they got more free kicks as they ran at us and were quicker to the ball – nothing to do with the referee or officials at all.
Crowd - It is a concern that in front of a big crowd we did not really turn up. People will say it was quiet but not sure they gave the crowd much to cheer about at all. We scored but then gave the advantage away soon after and after this it was all a bit full stretch. We did go in front and there was a huge roar but quickly threw this momentum away. I felt the team did not give the fans much and wanted a bit more effort and desire but we looked really lacklustre both with and without the ball. Outside of the goal there were barely much goalmouth action for a home side and we did not play much football at all really going direct. Shame that so many came and the team served up a real anti climatic performance.
Leeds comeback win against Millwall meant United hard work the previous game was undone as Leeds went back into 2nd spot with seven games to play. With Norwich’s victory at Middlesbrough it was as bad a day as it could have been for the Blades.
In front of an almost capacity crowd, United froze and put in a really poor performance with most of the side nowhere near their best. In contract City pressed, were hungrier and played the better football and had the better chances throughout. It would have been a travesty if they had not taken anything from the game but United did lead with just over quarter of an hour to play but City stuck to their principles and scored two excellent goals to win it with Andrea Weismann scoring a hat trick. After Ryan Sessegnon last season, this was the second successive season a player had scored a hat trick at the Lane for a visiting side.
Manager Wilder was given a blow when Duffy was deemed not fit enough to even be in the match day squad with an Achilles injury. Basham went back into defence and Dowell came in with Cranie the unfortunate man to miss out. Johnson and Washington were back amongst the substitutes.
In front of a near capacity crowd, United forced Bristol City back with McGoldrick lively in the early running. A neat one to led to a chance but the visitors cleared. United won a corner after good build up and Sharp was blocked out and the same man headed wide from the delivery. United won a free kick and from the resultant delivery SHARP nodded home. Bristol City claimed a foul in the melee but it seemed a bit of a desperate plea as United’s leading scorer celebrated being back amongst the goals. United came again soon after with a good run and shot from McGoldrick saved by O’Leary.
Steadily Bristol City came back into the game and they started to control midfield. United sat back and were giving the ball away as City pressed. Gradually Brownhill started to get on the ball and United were forced back. It became City in control for a long spell of play and the crowd started to become restless as the home team gave the ball away when under pressure. Brownhill had a long-range shot tipped away from Henderson and City then won a series of free kicks as they took control of the game.
Pack was booked for a late foul on Norwood but this was temporary rest bite as City came again. Poor play from Norwood saw United give the ball away and then soon after the deserved equaliser came. Stevens should have cleared but miskicked and Norwich got down the right and Hunt sent over a cross that WEIMANN flicked goalward with his head. Henderson seemed to lose the ball in flight and it nestled into the top corner. In truth it had been coming as City had played really well since going behind.
The final stages of the first half saw Bristol look more comfortable on the ball and continue to force United back. Still a decent chance when O’Connell headed over when Sharp seemed to get in his way. The final chance came when Weimann had a debatable free kick saved by Henderson.
At the break Hogan came on for Dowell with McGoldrick dropping into the number 10 role. City began the better side though and Smith forced a save from Henderson. Weimann then nearly got in as United still sat off the Bristol players who seemed to have a lot more time on the ball. United still were not getting any fluency at all although Fleck had a good run and shot pushed away that led to a corner.
Norwood then was booked for a tackle on Weimann and the free kick from Brownhill seemed to have beaten Henderson but hit the post and for the third successive game the woodwork denied United.
The Blades slowly came back into it and Basham and Sharp linked up but the ball was played too far ahead of Hogan. United kept plugging away and good work from Baldock down the right saw his cross perfect for HOGAN to nod down and in. United had the lead with 20 minutes to play.
However, Bristol continued to be the side with more poise and continued to switch play. O’Connell had to go off with a knock and Johnson was given the nod and United seemed to go to a 4-4-2. As United were still re-organising City were level again.
There was no pressure applied on the midfield and a simple ball was allowed into the path of Diedhiou who held it up too easily, rolled it back and Palmer’s cross cut out the whole defence with Stevens and Egan ball watching and WEIMANN superbly turned it into the far corner.
It was now anybody’s game but United continued to look a little ragged. The passing was poor and Bristol City had midfielders running at them and causing problems. At this stage the away side looked the more likely and a lovely one two led to a hat trick from WEIMANN. Diedhiou played it back into his back and his scored with aplomb. United were stunned but they could not argue at the score line as they had been second best.
With just over 5 minutes to play United tried to launch a last-ditch attempt for a point and Johnson nearly found Hogan with a nod back but it was cleared. A late corner came in as the game entered the final 6 minutes of stoppage time but McGoldrick headed over. United could not create any other chances and City soaked things up comfortably to take the big three points.
United – We have been heroic at times in the last few games with effort, desire and organisation. We have not played the football we have seen over the last few seasons and been more of a resilient type of performance. Indeed, Brentford and Leeds have been the better sides with the ball. Today, another side dominated us football wise but worked harder and we got exactly what we deserved.
We did not press them, defended poorly and had no control of the midfield. We led twice but never looked in control and individually and collectively we were second best. United never got going and served up a bit of a bottle job of a performance. On and off the ball we were not at it. Other than maybe McGoldrick, Basham and Fleck and Baldock in spells; most of the team were not good enough today. We looked nervous but never got to grips with City’s tactics. They pressed Norwood, got the wing backs playing right back in our own half an made us go long. When they had it, we never pressed them and sat off. I could not believe how much time our midfield gave them in comparison to the other way around.
We deserved to lose today. Credit to Bristol City. Johnson does seem to have Wilder worked out and we have no answer at times when teams press Norwood and make him go long. We need to have others step up and today we did not. I thought the lack of effort and desire was a concern. I can cope wit the odd bad pass or decision but we just sat off and they made us pay. I felt they looked very dangerous every time they attacked and going the other way it was hard work. We got the lead but never built on it and you felt the leveller coming. After the break it was a bit more even and then we scored after having a let off with the free kick. Once again, we did not build on it. I felt if they scored, they would go on and win and so it proved. They attacked us and got men forward and we struggled. Loads are blaming Johnson but not sure he is at fault for Wilder putting us 4-4-2 at this stage and Stevens made a number of errors today. The midfield also was really poor today and never laid a glove on the opponents who had all the time in the world. I felt out tight defence did not win the balls forward and Diedhiou caused us all sort of problems. The lad was never marked for three goals.
However, the biggest issue for me was the midfield never got to grips with them on the ball and let them dictate the play. We just sat off all game and never got close to them. On the ball we went long and never tried to play much football. It was very scrappy and if we had got anything it would have been undeserved.
Leeds and Norwich both won and after feeling on top of the world a few weeks ago; we now are probably all despondent. We now have two tricky away games and have to show our character. How we do in these will probably dictate whether we are still in the running when we come back to the Lane in a fortnight. Today, we did seem to panic a bit but I felt Bristol also played well and made it hard for us. Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition. However, from the determined, organised and workmanlike team we have seen we saw none of these qualities and were easy to run past and easy to score against today. We lacked fluency on the ball and did not seem to have the shape and pattern of play we normally have. They disrupted us and we never really got going at all. Even at 2-1, it was a less than convincing performance and I would have taken a draw even at that stage. That sums up how the game had been going and how little control we had of proceedings.
We now have a week to reflect and maybe we are better as the chaser and being the underdog again. All the other top 4 won. It has been a dire weekend but it is not over. We have to go again and go on another run. The team has to respond. They will be backed by nearly 6,000 Blades next week – I will be there so report to come probably Sunday morning! We just have to get back to the basics of what got us there. Good quick football with bravery but working hard and outworking the opponent. Today, they did those things better than us. It happens. We just have to move on.
Bristol City – Played really well. They went behind twice but kept in the game; played some good football and controlled things for long periods of the game. They kept coming back and scored three goal goals. Fair play to them. They pressured us high and worked harder than us I felt. They really put a lot into the game and even when pegged back and went behind they kept at it and came right back at us. One of the better sides that have come here. A bit like Brentford with a goal threat really. They have a chance of the 6th spot with Boro slipping back. They have lost lots of key men but keep up near the top and as irritating as he is, Johnson has done a good job there. They play decent attacking football too. Like Swansea; have now done the double over us too.
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Opponent man of the match – Brownhill and Pack were excellent in midfield and outplayed Fleck and Norwood but Weimann takes the man of the match. Three superb goals all of a different type. Despite them being the better side, they needed these moments of quality to win the game. Palmer made a difference with a superb ball for the second. Diedhiou is a decent player but cost a lot of money and much more than we have paid for any of our strikers.
Weak link – I felt the keeper for a rookie was not tested. I also thought Wright at the back looked shaky. Hunt is a bit of a clumsy defender and got booked for a poor foul but then made the goal to get them level. Man for man though they are similar to us in quality really so shows how well we have done.
Henderson 6/10 – Made one good save but then three goals that went past him. Not sure he had any chance on the two goals they scored second half but seemed to lose the flight of the ball on the first and I felt he should have done better. Also, I thought at times he was slow out and a few times Stevens and Egan kicked away when he should have come and taken it.
Baldock 7/10 - He did ok and made the second with a great cross but did not get forward as much as he would have liked. Was pushed back more than normal at home. Second half we saw more of him as an attacking force but his final ball or run did not quite come off until the goal.
Stevens 5/10 – Poorest he has been for a while. He started the game ok but then a few moments of indecision and then I felt he should have cleared in the lead up to the goal. Him and Johnson did not seem to know who they were marking on the second and the lad got in to steer home but seemed his man. On the third he was not close enough and did not react to the one two. Not sure he was helped by no pressure on the ball in front of him.
Egan 5.5/10 – Not at his best today. Diehiou actually physically caused him problems and held it up and came off him causing problems. He was too deep also as was the whole defence. I did not feel we marked when the ball came across either and
O’Connell 6.5/10 – Did ok defensively but like the rest seemed a bit on his back foot when they attacked and not quite as assertive as he has been. The defence did not win the headers and loose balls like they have done. Went off with a knock and we paid the price.
Basham 7/10 – Out best defender. He ran around a lot, got his foot in and was a threat going forward. Drew fouls and did the basics well. I felt he was let down by many around him today and had to carry it forward as none of the midfield penetrated much with or without the ball.
Fleck 6/10 – Better than Norwood and Dowell but that was not hard. He had a few runs forward and one driving shot but all too often too passive on and off the ball. He just did not seem to get his foot on the ball and off it, they ran off him a lot. He was not the player he has been biting around the opponents or linking with others. I felt it looked testimonial style how much our midfield sat off today.
Norwood 5/10 – Poor. He was pressed and harried and went long but even when under little pressure he gave it away. Constantly had his hand up. The other side of the game he stood off and let players run at him and past him. Fleck and him were outplayed today for most of the game on and off the ball. Really disappointing performance today when we needed a big game and he served up a nothing sorts of game. Booked for a poor late tackle that nearly cost us a goal.
Dowell 4.5/10 – Never in the game at all. Looks pitifully weak at times as players pushed him off the ball. He is too slow to react to players pressing him. The last few games he has played I have been disappointed with him and he has been hauled off at half time. Needs to sharpen up. Sadly, looks like a loan player at the moment that knows he won’t be here in 6 weeks. Not sure we are seeing much fight or real desire to make things happen on or off the ball. I have been a bit disappointed with him so far. He has had very few efforts on goal and other than the assist at Villa and goal at WBA; he has been anonymous in many games.
Sharp 6/10 – Worked hard and got his goal but he did not have much of the ball as United played a lot of long ball all game. He tried to hold it up but with so little football played it was hard for him to do much at all. Second half he had one decent bit of link up with Basham but the ball evaded Hogan.
McGoldrick 7.5/10 – Our best player. He chased lost causes and held it up. Had no service whatsoever and fed off scraps. Came deep and then second half he got lost a bit but was given very little of the ball to work with. I felt sorry for him as the midfield behind him never got on the ball to help him.
Subs –
Hogan 6/10 – Scored a flicked header he could not miss and got in a good position to finish. Outside of this not sure he did much. Very slow to react to things and got outmuscled a few times. Not sure he is anywhere near the speed needed at this level
Johnson – He will get hammered on the forums as inevitable when he plays or comes on, we do seem to struggle but the tide was already set long before he came into the game. He is not great and seems slow to sense danger or do the basics. He was slow to react on the second as he did lose a tackle in the lead up but not sure it his man that puts in the net. He kicked one out horribly for a corner near the end but also nearly made a goal with a header and also had a good run. Still lots will blame him for the defeat when so many others were really poor long before he entered the fray.
Wilder 5/10 – Once again Johnson gets the better of him. They changed tactics a few times and when we did it did not work. They pressed us and Norwood and pushed the wing backs into our own half. They controlled the midfield most of the game. Their defence looked ropey but we did not take advantage and barely put them under pressure. For a home side they had more of the ball and more chances. The Johnson sub did not work. It seemed much simpler to put Stearman or Cranie on. He may have wanted a left footer but to change the formation was odd. Not sure Johnson was at fault for them scoring two but it was odd to see him out there when we needed a more solid defensive shape. The Dowell selection did not work either and not sure Hogan did much – of course he scored. Worrying that the blueprint to disrupt us seems to have been set. Other teams will notice this.
Referee – Seen a few blaming the ref which is desperate. Most of the bookings were right. Not sure the one on Hunt was a sending off – it was not as bad as the Baldock one a few weeks ago. The rest were regulation. He gave them a fair few free kicks but most saw our players slow and late. The only one I doubted was the fair Egan tackle. We had a half shout for a penalty on Baldock but not sure it was one. Overall, I thought he was fine. I felt they got more free kicks as they ran at us and were quicker to the ball – nothing to do with the referee or officials at all.
Crowd - It is a concern that in front of a big crowd we did not really turn up. People will say it was quiet but not sure they gave the crowd much to cheer about at all. We scored but then gave the advantage away soon after and after this it was all a bit full stretch. We did go in front and there was a huge roar but quickly threw this momentum away. I felt the team did not give the fans much and wanted a bit more effort and desire but we looked really lacklustre both with and without the ball. Outside of the goal there were barely much goalmouth action for a home side and we did not play much football at all really going direct. Shame that so many came and the team served up a real anti climatic performance.
