So many of our players were below par. Kane gave the ball away 4 times in the first half hour, simple passes too. Jordan Williams appeared the player most likely to set up a goal – for the opposition. Phillips was so anonymous, he didn’t even blaze his usual shot into the crowd. Kitching found himself in their half, chased back…and still missed the cross for their opener (Johnson Clarke-Harris). And why did Bobby Thomas run to the line instead of being in the mix for the cross? He’s had a poor month or so, capped off with losing his man for the 2nd, a near post flick on. Is this one of our favourite goals to concede? Anyway, a fine time to lose form. At least Cole has an excuse….he’s never a footballer, nevermind a centre forward. I forget which former player said on the radio the other day ‘you’re only as good as your forward line’. In which case, we can say goodbye to promotion (but maybe a day at Wembley will pay for Cole’s replacement).
What did we have in attack? A couple of headers flicked wide from corners (Kitching and Thomas), a stabbed effort in a scramble (Kitching) and a Tedic header which was a goal all the way till the keeper got across to save. Duff says Tedic cost Man City 3 mill. He’s not worth that, but he looks the best we have. Actual movement before the ball comes in, not a reactive chase after a ball that’s gone.
We were so out of kilter in the final third that Cadden was given MOTM for…what? Putting in 4 low balls to that near post to NO-ONE? I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt – he played for that, the team have practiced that (!) and someone (anyone) should have been there. The 4th, Cadden actively avoided an easy cutback to put it in near the apex of the 6 yard box, where absolutely nobody was running towards. Well, nobody in a red shirt.
Yet some of the build up play was quite good (hence how Cadden, a wingback with no speed, had 4 opportunities to put the ball in). It was just that that penultimate ball always went wrong, meaning we’d almost get to their box, but not quite. Let’s put it down to not needing a win. Or let’s see if the rot has set in (Ipswich, MK Dons, Posh).
Onwards and upwards!
*** Cotter. Right wing back (Jordan switching to centre half) he dazzled at times, and found himself out of position at times. But he was certainly our most exciting player going forward. Just don’t take on that 4th Posh player!
** Isted. Made a few good saves and couldn’t do much with the goals.
* Cadden. 4 crosses to exactly the right place. Lineker woulda bagged a hattrick today.
Official MOTM: Cadden
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1. Cotter 2. Cadden 3. Isted
Despatches:
Another excuse for the defeat: we lacked star centre half and supporters’ player of the year, Mads Andersen (another poll I voted for the loser). Hopefully he’s back for the play-offs. And Derby never did make it. Those Reds fans who bleat on and on and on about every refereeing decision which goes against the Super Reds ought to have a look at this one, Curtis Davies sent off and penalty awarded for a foul that was never in a hundred years. Hilarious. (This will come back to haunt me when we get done by Washday in the final under similar circs.)
Drink du jour: Blue Moon in the Old Number 7. It dawns on me that a post-match drink does little to curb my efforts to avoid drink driving. At least with 3pm kick-offs, it gives a couple of hours for the effect to dissipate.
Away: 1,932. Whilst it’s always nice to see the away end celebrating (!) it struck me that in 40 odd years of supporting the Super Reds, I’m sure I’ve seen the visitors to Oakwell celebrate far more on the final day of the season than us. Or is my mind playing tricks on me? Anyway, I met several Posh after the match and they were very magnanimous. One even admitted we should’ve had a penalty (and not the keeper’s challenge on Norwood).
Today’s take home: People say you need momentum going into the play-offs. Well, we have that! (Losing momentum.)
The Damage:
c. £30 petrol
= £30
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