Deadbat
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2009
- Messages
- 6,706
- Reaction score
- 40,267
Sorry no ratings/reports from the last two games. Been away and did not see all if the streams properly....
Tonight, we were extremely lucky to win. First half we concede after we kicked off with Choudhury nowhere and we are behind again after a minute! We again get level instantly and then play ok going forward and miss a good chance. Some decent link play and look the more likely but then the last 20 they exploited our problems in transition and down the right and had quite a few chances too. I felt the score was about right but the game was entertaining due to poor play from each side with errors aplenty. Gale and Donovan very good for both sides.
I hoped we would wrestle back control 2nd hslf but never happened. They took over and dominated much of the half. They had chances before they scored and you felt it coming. We reacted again to be fair, made subs but we still struggled. They looked the far more likely and Cooper made 3 great saves. It looked like a point was outer limit and that would be undeserved too but then some brilliance at the death and Donovan wins it.
Overall, it's a win and we showed some character but the overall tactics, shape and defensive set up leaves major concerns. 40+ shots v two promoted teams is a big red flag. It will catch up with us. I feel for Wilder with the sales and is really hindering him but the tactics/ lack of a plan was there, even with those players. I think the performances have been a bit of a mess and we somehow have 6 points and are unbeaten but better finishing from opponents this week and its 2. Lot of work to be done despite the win. Lovely to get a last minute winner even if it was smash and grab. Cooper and Donovan two huge plusses too.
Cooper 8.5/10 - First half conceded early as it pinballed across the box. Given little protection at all. 2nd half exposed badly again and he then kept us in it with one excellent save and 2 or 3 good ones. He looked like the Cooper of old with so many last ditch stops. Our best player along with Donovan.
Choudhury 2/10 - Had a nightmare 2nd debut. He started badly and was off the pace all night. He then seemed to be out of position, not reacting and the winger beat him every time it felt. 2nd half they just went to the lad Gale and he tore him apart. Surprised he stayed on - Doherty clearly is not able to play? Only caveat as he had little protection but then he has to be tighter. My concern was he looked shattered after 15 minutes. Kept looking at the bench as if to say, 'help!'
McCallum 4.5/10 - Thought he struggled too. Both wingers caused us problems. They were given too much space and crosses came in all night. He made a few errors early on with the ball too. Needed to maybe come across on the 2nd as can see the danger. He did play some ok balls forward and then made the second with persistence and composure. Looked like he picked up a knock at the end. RND might have been best left back we have seen this season!
Tanganga 4.5/10 - Best of a pretty shocking backline but he was poor. He also made a few misplaced passes but did make some blocks. The first goal, he fails to deal with a ball into the box. He did score a good header to redeem himself. Defensively we looked so poor all night. When the ball came into the box, we lost so many balls or failed to mark. The 2nd half the lack of reaction/marking was hideous sadly. He was out wide covering for Choudhury on the 2nd goal. McGuiness may get pelters but not sure JT did much right but crosses were reigning in too.
McGuinness 3.5/10 - After a decent start to the season, where he has largely done ok- thought we saw some of the old McGuiness at times Saturday. Tonight thought it was more like the player he probably is. On the 2nd he just stands there as Dalby does not even move. This was repeated time after time as they sent crosses in and they were first to every ball- in the air and on the ground. They almost scored an identical goal. We simply did not mark or attack the ball. As the so called taller/more dominant one of the two, you need him to impose himself. He did not. It was easy for the striker/s. The new lad will have to come in.
Peck 4/10 - Better than Saturday but not by much! Too slow, dawdled on the ball and went backwards too much. Few neat touches but was all too slow and deliberate and got caught too much. Other than Phillips, noone is really impressing in midfield but the structure/shape seems all wrong. His corners were dreadful. 3 or 4 never got past the first man.
Riedewald 5/10 - Thought that he at least kept possession more than others but not sure it was more than just help it on really. He rarely passes forward and sadly he was not really protecting the defence as they seemed to have extra men flooding through? Concerning that another test did not really take his chance.
Brereton Diaz 5/10 - Some ok touches and started decent working off the left. Made some good runs but poor shot when well placed. Put one decent cross in that noone reacted to. Seemed to fade badly and looked another that looked unfit as after half time, he stopped making runs. Did miss a good headed chance - a rare moment for us 2nd half. Least gives us a forward option.
Campbell 5.5/10 - First half started well and thought he played well, linking well and looking dangerous. Had a few good runs and looked sharp. Excellent nutmeg and assist where Bamford should score. After good first half hour, seemed to gas out and never recall him doing anything after that. Forgot he was playing 2nd half.
Bamford 6/10 - Mixed. He missed a big chance and fluffed another before half time but at least got on the ball more and felt he was dangerous, getting in good areas. He looks a bit off the pace but then he was one of few outlets in a desperate 2nd half. Was on the spot to score and won a few free kicks as Bolton were piling on the pressure.
Donovan 8.5/10 - Maybe just shades Cooper for man of the match. He was a constant threat. He always looked to be positive and whilst not everything came off, he never stopped trying to attack and showed quick feet and impressive trickery. He is a real box of tricks. Still raw but got a lot of talent and confident too. One player who looked most likely to unlock the door. The winner was only a half chance but drove at the defence and hit a superb shot high into the net via the post. Looks a real talent and the big brightspot of the night. Maybe shaved a bit off as he left Choudhury on an island at times.
Subs -
Cannon 5/10 - Saw a lot giving him criticism but at this stage we were just defending. Not sure he was any worse than the rest! He did make a few poor choices and run offside but actually thought he made some ok runs. He eon the header in the lead up to the Bamford goal.
Phillips 5/10 - Actually think it was poorest he had been after a few good cameos. He seemed to struggle to get into it as they were swarming through us. I think we actually got worse after the two CM changes and the two who went off were non existent 2nd half, so could understand the changes. However, made one decent pass just before the excellent assist which was driven and perfect for Donovan to run onto so gains a mark for that.
Arblaster 3.5/10 - Sad to say but thought it was heavy going again. Slow to react and we had no control of the middle of the park. Looks like he is running through treacle. Everything seems full stretch. His passing lacked conviction too. Did not really influence the game at all. Worse than Peck - who was poor himself.
Shackleton - Thought he did well in the time he was on. Gave us some energy and nearly threaded a few balls through. Least seemed to get around when most of the team looked dead on their feet, against a seemingly more energetic Bolton side. The fact he came on for a forward summed up how the game was going.
Norrington Davies - Only played briefly as McCallum seemed to pull up. Might play Saturday now.
Wilder 5/10 - Without that late winner, it probably is a 3 and maybe a 2 if they win it, as they deserved to do. Do have sympathy for him as he has lost his best 3 attackers and we are scrambling around and ultimately will not properly replace them. However for all the issues off the field, the way two newly promoted sides have essentially played us off the park- least 2nd half today. They both take their chances and it's two comfortable and deserved defeats. The poor starts to both the last two away games and then the complete no shows 2nd half. The defensive improvements of the first two games, have completely gone sadly as we have ceded chance after chance. First hakf saw some improvements offensively but we still were ran through the other way and Bolton had as many chances as us. After the break Schumacher made a change, pushed the midfield up and exploited our weaknesses. Wilder just threw like for like on. He made no tactical or formation changes. Did not plug the issues on the right side and Bolton completely took over.
Credit that we fought back three times and showed spirit to hang in and win. However for all the criticism we do have 6 points and are unbeaten. We have not had a hard start but we have given ourselves a decent start, points wise, if not performances. I have major concerns over structure, set up and lack of a plan, with or without the ball. Statistically teams are creating chances too easily and too readily. The better teams will exploit this unless we improve. He looked relieved and delighted at the end and seemed to mean a lot to him, as a last minute winner should but knows we have to do better and he does too in terms of our approach and drop off in games.
Bolton - First half scored and then were pegged back but became an even game after we looked like taking control. They did have chances as much as us. They made mistakes at the back but did not sit back. 2nd half they went for it, scored after threatening to do so before but then switched off instantly again. After this though they had 3 or 4 really good chances but did not take them. Their bold approach deserved the win but then they left a big gap at the end, which Donovan exploited. They deserved to win for their 2nd half and chances created but their defending was really poor and ultimate cost them the game, as much as not finishing their chances.
Opposition player of the match - Gale. Both wingers were very good but Gale was superb. He was relentless and as good as Donovan for us. Some superb crosses on top of his dribbling/direct running
Opposition weak link - Ben Davies never impressed me at the Lane and didnt again tonight. Larrazabal struggled and went off but Brunt also had issues with Donovan when he switched wings. No idea why he was so high up at the end?
Ref - Tony Harrington. He was ok. Tried to let things flow. Booked two Bolton players. Few dives both ways he rightly waved away. Also correct not to award pens for handball at both ends. Bolton fans seem annoyed with him but thought he was decent in an action packed game.
Tonight, we were extremely lucky to win. First half we concede after we kicked off with Choudhury nowhere and we are behind again after a minute! We again get level instantly and then play ok going forward and miss a good chance. Some decent link play and look the more likely but then the last 20 they exploited our problems in transition and down the right and had quite a few chances too. I felt the score was about right but the game was entertaining due to poor play from each side with errors aplenty. Gale and Donovan very good for both sides.
I hoped we would wrestle back control 2nd hslf but never happened. They took over and dominated much of the half. They had chances before they scored and you felt it coming. We reacted again to be fair, made subs but we still struggled. They looked the far more likely and Cooper made 3 great saves. It looked like a point was outer limit and that would be undeserved too but then some brilliance at the death and Donovan wins it.
Overall, it's a win and we showed some character but the overall tactics, shape and defensive set up leaves major concerns. 40+ shots v two promoted teams is a big red flag. It will catch up with us. I feel for Wilder with the sales and is really hindering him but the tactics/ lack of a plan was there, even with those players. I think the performances have been a bit of a mess and we somehow have 6 points and are unbeaten but better finishing from opponents this week and its 2. Lot of work to be done despite the win. Lovely to get a last minute winner even if it was smash and grab. Cooper and Donovan two huge plusses too.
Cooper 8.5/10 - First half conceded early as it pinballed across the box. Given little protection at all. 2nd half exposed badly again and he then kept us in it with one excellent save and 2 or 3 good ones. He looked like the Cooper of old with so many last ditch stops. Our best player along with Donovan.
Choudhury 2/10 - Had a nightmare 2nd debut. He started badly and was off the pace all night. He then seemed to be out of position, not reacting and the winger beat him every time it felt. 2nd half they just went to the lad Gale and he tore him apart. Surprised he stayed on - Doherty clearly is not able to play? Only caveat as he had little protection but then he has to be tighter. My concern was he looked shattered after 15 minutes. Kept looking at the bench as if to say, 'help!'
McCallum 4.5/10 - Thought he struggled too. Both wingers caused us problems. They were given too much space and crosses came in all night. He made a few errors early on with the ball too. Needed to maybe come across on the 2nd as can see the danger. He did play some ok balls forward and then made the second with persistence and composure. Looked like he picked up a knock at the end. RND might have been best left back we have seen this season!
Tanganga 4.5/10 - Best of a pretty shocking backline but he was poor. He also made a few misplaced passes but did make some blocks. The first goal, he fails to deal with a ball into the box. He did score a good header to redeem himself. Defensively we looked so poor all night. When the ball came into the box, we lost so many balls or failed to mark. The 2nd half the lack of reaction/marking was hideous sadly. He was out wide covering for Choudhury on the 2nd goal. McGuiness may get pelters but not sure JT did much right but crosses were reigning in too.
McGuinness 3.5/10 - After a decent start to the season, where he has largely done ok- thought we saw some of the old McGuiness at times Saturday. Tonight thought it was more like the player he probably is. On the 2nd he just stands there as Dalby does not even move. This was repeated time after time as they sent crosses in and they were first to every ball- in the air and on the ground. They almost scored an identical goal. We simply did not mark or attack the ball. As the so called taller/more dominant one of the two, you need him to impose himself. He did not. It was easy for the striker/s. The new lad will have to come in.
Peck 4/10 - Better than Saturday but not by much! Too slow, dawdled on the ball and went backwards too much. Few neat touches but was all too slow and deliberate and got caught too much. Other than Phillips, noone is really impressing in midfield but the structure/shape seems all wrong. His corners were dreadful. 3 or 4 never got past the first man.
Riedewald 5/10 - Thought that he at least kept possession more than others but not sure it was more than just help it on really. He rarely passes forward and sadly he was not really protecting the defence as they seemed to have extra men flooding through? Concerning that another test did not really take his chance.
Brereton Diaz 5/10 - Some ok touches and started decent working off the left. Made some good runs but poor shot when well placed. Put one decent cross in that noone reacted to. Seemed to fade badly and looked another that looked unfit as after half time, he stopped making runs. Did miss a good headed chance - a rare moment for us 2nd half. Least gives us a forward option.
Campbell 5.5/10 - First half started well and thought he played well, linking well and looking dangerous. Had a few good runs and looked sharp. Excellent nutmeg and assist where Bamford should score. After good first half hour, seemed to gas out and never recall him doing anything after that. Forgot he was playing 2nd half.
Bamford 6/10 - Mixed. He missed a big chance and fluffed another before half time but at least got on the ball more and felt he was dangerous, getting in good areas. He looks a bit off the pace but then he was one of few outlets in a desperate 2nd half. Was on the spot to score and won a few free kicks as Bolton were piling on the pressure.
Donovan 8.5/10 - Maybe just shades Cooper for man of the match. He was a constant threat. He always looked to be positive and whilst not everything came off, he never stopped trying to attack and showed quick feet and impressive trickery. He is a real box of tricks. Still raw but got a lot of talent and confident too. One player who looked most likely to unlock the door. The winner was only a half chance but drove at the defence and hit a superb shot high into the net via the post. Looks a real talent and the big brightspot of the night. Maybe shaved a bit off as he left Choudhury on an island at times.
Subs -
Cannon 5/10 - Saw a lot giving him criticism but at this stage we were just defending. Not sure he was any worse than the rest! He did make a few poor choices and run offside but actually thought he made some ok runs. He eon the header in the lead up to the Bamford goal.
Phillips 5/10 - Actually think it was poorest he had been after a few good cameos. He seemed to struggle to get into it as they were swarming through us. I think we actually got worse after the two CM changes and the two who went off were non existent 2nd half, so could understand the changes. However, made one decent pass just before the excellent assist which was driven and perfect for Donovan to run onto so gains a mark for that.
Arblaster 3.5/10 - Sad to say but thought it was heavy going again. Slow to react and we had no control of the middle of the park. Looks like he is running through treacle. Everything seems full stretch. His passing lacked conviction too. Did not really influence the game at all. Worse than Peck - who was poor himself.
Shackleton - Thought he did well in the time he was on. Gave us some energy and nearly threaded a few balls through. Least seemed to get around when most of the team looked dead on their feet, against a seemingly more energetic Bolton side. The fact he came on for a forward summed up how the game was going.
Norrington Davies - Only played briefly as McCallum seemed to pull up. Might play Saturday now.
Wilder 5/10 - Without that late winner, it probably is a 3 and maybe a 2 if they win it, as they deserved to do. Do have sympathy for him as he has lost his best 3 attackers and we are scrambling around and ultimately will not properly replace them. However for all the issues off the field, the way two newly promoted sides have essentially played us off the park- least 2nd half today. They both take their chances and it's two comfortable and deserved defeats. The poor starts to both the last two away games and then the complete no shows 2nd half. The defensive improvements of the first two games, have completely gone sadly as we have ceded chance after chance. First hakf saw some improvements offensively but we still were ran through the other way and Bolton had as many chances as us. After the break Schumacher made a change, pushed the midfield up and exploited our weaknesses. Wilder just threw like for like on. He made no tactical or formation changes. Did not plug the issues on the right side and Bolton completely took over.
Credit that we fought back three times and showed spirit to hang in and win. However for all the criticism we do have 6 points and are unbeaten. We have not had a hard start but we have given ourselves a decent start, points wise, if not performances. I have major concerns over structure, set up and lack of a plan, with or without the ball. Statistically teams are creating chances too easily and too readily. The better teams will exploit this unless we improve. He looked relieved and delighted at the end and seemed to mean a lot to him, as a last minute winner should but knows we have to do better and he does too in terms of our approach and drop off in games.
Bolton - First half scored and then were pegged back but became an even game after we looked like taking control. They did have chances as much as us. They made mistakes at the back but did not sit back. 2nd half they went for it, scored after threatening to do so before but then switched off instantly again. After this though they had 3 or 4 really good chances but did not take them. Their bold approach deserved the win but then they left a big gap at the end, which Donovan exploited. They deserved to win for their 2nd half and chances created but their defending was really poor and ultimate cost them the game, as much as not finishing their chances.
Opposition player of the match - Gale. Both wingers were very good but Gale was superb. He was relentless and as good as Donovan for us. Some superb crosses on top of his dribbling/direct running
Opposition weak link - Ben Davies never impressed me at the Lane and didnt again tonight. Larrazabal struggled and went off but Brunt also had issues with Donovan when he switched wings. No idea why he was so high up at the end?
Ref - Tony Harrington. He was ok. Tried to let things flow. Booked two Bolton players. Few dives both ways he rightly waved away. Also correct not to award pens for handball at both ends. Bolton fans seem annoyed with him but thought he was decent in an action packed game.
haha.
