Well, that was an interesting experiment on what we’d look like against a decent team without Connell playing. Say we get promotion, and sell him, is that what a home game looks like next season? I dunno. Pre-match, I stuck up for Russell as the pub gave out a collective groan upon hearing the line-up. Where’s Luca? (Illness?) For me, Russell looks a class act. And as Tuesday showed, shame he can’t run. Was it Darrell likened him to Tom Huddlestone (and not in a complimentary way)? Former England international, I added. Of course he was….played a few games for Spurs, didn’t he?
Russell’s sole contribution…and I enjoyed it, actually….was ‘racing’ back to cover after Cadden got the ball stuck under his feet and lost it. Their bloke jogged 40 yards with the ball before Russell finally almost caught up and scythed him down in our half for a booking. Honestly, it had to be done. Otherwise, I’d be likening him to Jacob BF Mellis, in that he’s obviously got skill, but doesn’t move. I think most of this is down to manager’s orders. However, there is no doubt he lacks the bite of Connell, and is incapable of bringing the ball forward. I’d say he’s a bigger version of Mitch Ward, master of the 6 yard square pass.
This is not to do down Ipswich. They are far and away the best side I’ve seen us play this season. Even when it was goalless, they looked the more likely. Such a shame then that on the cusp of half-time (and a talking to from Duff) we find time to concede not one, but two, poor goals. A corner is flicked home at the near post. How can their player POSSIBLY be unmarked? Oh, he’s Russell’s man. The look of bewilderment on the latter’s face is not a joy to behold. ‘What’s this? My man is allowed to MOVE? No-one told me that.’ On a serious note, losing a player late on affects your defensive set-up on deadballs. But it’s still criminal defending.
Then, a minute later, Mads gets into a tussle with George Hirst, son of former Red, David. The ghost of Bolton home must loomed large as Mads, no doubt scared he’ll get another sending off, allows Hirst to run on before rifling it in from 20 yards. Dad would be proud of that power. 2-0 down, the second half is a formality. The ref finds them a penalty (saved; the one bit of cheer we got) but as Ipswich start showboating, a chip over our defence has us in all kinds of trouble. Isted saves the initial toepoke before former Red Conor Chaplin completes the rout, controlling and lobbing the ball over our stranded keeper. ‘Norwich City, we’re coming for you’ rings out as Oakwell empties with ten minutes to go.
Onwards and upwards!
*** Bobby Thomas. All of these are based purely on the first half. Thomas returned to form with good defending and confident distribution.
** Kitching. The one player to run with the ball. Our left sided centre half.
* Phillips. As well as actually trying to score (he had half our first half shots) he tracked back well.
Official MOTM: Isted.
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1= Kane / Kitching 3. Bobby Thomas
Despatches:
In a must-win game, our attempts at goal were as follows (and if I’ve missed any, I was having a p***):
1. Phillips breaks from midfield and we’ve numbers in attack. With more space in front of him, he elects to drag one wide from 30 yards. This is the typical panicked shot of a team who think they’re up against a superior side. Shoot early and hope for the best.
2. Phillips again. 20 yard shot from edge of box, deflected softly into keeper’s hands.
3. A Norwood 20 yard left foot bobbler eventually reaches the keeper. Tomorrow.
4. 2nd half, Cole turns and shoots inside the box…high and wide. Rubbish.
5. Watters turns and hits one while wide left in the box. Excellent strike, but easily saved as the angle was against him.
And that was it. In a game we had to win. True, there were promising first half performances (I’d add Jordan Williams and Kane) but it’s summed up when the keeper gets MOTM for a penalty save. Did he stop any others? None that weren’t routine. Meantime, they hit 3 and had had another effort smash the bar, 1st half.
To end, we need to not let this bother us (Ipswich are, after all, going up automatic). Presumably Connell is back next game, we end well, and prepare for the play-offs, where we absolutely have to improve away from Oakwell, or we’re out. And with Bolton surprisingly losing at home to Accrington tonite, our opponents could still be any of Wanderers, (Not Wayne Rooney’s) Derby County, or Posh. I vote losing at home to Posh on the last day so we can do them in the play-offs!
Drink du jour: Jaipur in Heaven and Ale with Wolfie. He’s a beauty!
Away: 4,855. Fantastic, midweek and all. Mind, they were louder pre-match than actually during it.
Today’s take home: Without Connell in midfield, we are nothing.
The Damage:
c. £30 petrol
= £30
