16-08-2023, 10:22 AM
(16-08-2023, 07:27 AM)Lawrence Wrote:(16-08-2023, 06:59 AM)Hermann's_no_hermit Wrote: A rare midweek game for me as can't normally make it across from Kent for an evening game. Went home buzzing after what I thought was an excellent overall performance with a great atmosphere though we did hang on a bit at the end with a brilliant point blank save from Norris keeping us in front. Was so pumped up I watched the game again on Sky when I got home!
So here are my bleary eyed player ratings from the game
Norris - As I said 1 brilliant save and all round good game - 8
Rafferty - Some good crosses, overall decent game - 7 1/2
Poole - Sheer class - 9
Shaughnessy - Did well both in defence and late on in midfield - 8
Ogilvie - Looked dangerous going forward, solid in defence - 8
Pack - A couple of errors and looked to tire but excellent first 60 minutes - 8
Morrell - One of our best on the night. Helped make us tick - 8 1/2
Robertson - Great signing. Could make the difference for us this season. - 9
Whyte - The weakest link on the night - 6
Scully - If only his set pieces were better would have been a 9 so - 8
Bishop - Fantastic goal, scared the s**t out of their defence. My MOM - 9 1/2
Got to go to work now so don't have time to mark the subs.
PUP
Some generous markings there. The worrying thing for me is "the untouchables" of Pack, Morrell and Oglvie. All 3 work hard and contribute in their own way but are a weakness too. Pack and Morell, at home, contribute nothing creatively. Passing backwards and slowing down play until the opposition are all ready. Its why, so far, our chief form of attack is from the opposition trying to play out. We can afford one defensive midfield maestro but having two means we're resorted to the traditional hopeful punt and the sideways football more frequently. I thought Pack in particular looks a bit lost at home when teams are set up for 0-0. Whilst Ogilvie does at least offer a shot on goal this season he doesn't seem to be willing to take on a player which I think was one of his strengths. Who is Ogilvie's competition for his position?
I like that Robertson takes a shot or two (especially at home when so far we run out of ideas really quickly), but the real difference is Saydee and Kamara. When we resort to that long ball krap at least we have two players who can hold up the play and who are reactive and that gives Bishop a bit more than the scraps he's still feeding on. Sparkes also seems to make an impact (no pun intended although I'll take it). The understanding is getting there but we need more width and more pace in my opinion.
We really do need to work on our home strategy because the first two games brought lucky (but deserved) outcomes. It won't continue forever. We have to address the creativity and pace that is severely lacking in the squad. Maybe Lane coming back will help in that respect?
Cracking atmosphere although shame despite attempts by the twat with the drum to curtail it.
Did you watch the game last night ? If so, how can you say Morrell contributed nothing creatively and passed backwards and slowed down play ?? That is complete nonsense. There was a notable change in his play last night and nearly every time he got the ball he drove forward at some pace, often 20 yards or so to turn defence into attack. It was a major feature of our performance and tactics but you appear to have missed it totally.