Deadbat
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2009
- Messages
- 6,231
- Reaction score
- 35,049
Another week, another Sheffield United home defeat. Their latest; a reverse to Ipswich Town followed the pattern of many of the games that had preceded it with another poor, disjointed performance that featured more abysmal defending coupled with poor finishing. The Blades are no doubt in a relegation battle and the confidence in the club appears to be rock bottom with no leadership on and off the pitch. With manager Gary Speed seemingly unable to change the performances, results or personnel and silence emanating from the boardroom it seems difficult to see how things will change. The fact that the same fixture last season was watched in front of 9,000 more fans says it all about the worrying situation at Bramall Lane.
The Blades were without skipper Chris Morgan and also new loan signing Andy Reid through injury so opted to bring in Matt Lowton and put Johnny Ertl back into defence. Nick Montgomery came back into the side and was named skipper. United also began the game with a 4-4-2 formation with Cresswell partnering Ward and Quinn and Yeats out on the flanks. Ipswich began with Jason Scotland and Tamas Priskin up front leaving young starlet Connor Wickham on the bench.
United kicked towards the Kop in the first half but were defending straight away despite having the kick off! Scotland looked to get in on goal but was blocked by Bartley. Edwards long throw had already been used by Ipswich and the game was only 5 minutes old when from another throw the visitors took the lead. The ball somehow was allowed to bounce in the box and after Montgomery failed to clear, the ball was helped on by Colback and PRISKIN scored easily from close range.
Ipswich were back on the attack and won a corner and another long throw. United were clearly struggling to defend set plays and without the presence of captain Morgan, the rearguard looked susceptible against a tall Ipswich side. United had offered little going forward with Ward’s control poor on several occasions despite Cresswell winning more headers than he had in recent weeks. Town broke away and should have doubled their lead when Smith played in Priskin and the goalscorer easily held off Ertl before hitting the outside of the post.
The home side finally had an opportunity when from Ward’s deep cross Cresswell headed the ball across but as Quinn looked to convert from close range the ball was cleared from Livermore. Montgomery’s follow up was also scrambled clear. United had an improved spell after this and looked to get Yeates on the ball and from one such cross they were level. The ball was partially cleared by McAuley but QUINN was onto the loose ball and took one touch before drilling the ball low past Fulop’s left hand to equalise.
United seemed to be the better side at this stage after a poor start but Ipswich were still creating chances aplenty and Priskin flicked just wide with not a challenge in sight from a defender or the goalkeeper. However, United were now well in the game but more abject defending saw them facing an uphill task once again. This time it came from a Leadbitter cross as McAULEY won the initial header but only managed to head the ball up in the air. Somehow the defender was able to react first and smashed the ball into the net from close range. The Blades were stunned and were unable to exert any real pressure on the visitors goal in the remaining minutes before half time.
The second half saw Speed make a change as Evans replaced the disappointing Ward but Ipswich had the first effort on goal which was from inside their own half as Leadbitter tried to catch Simonsen out with a cheeky effort. United had their own long range effort as Bartley advanced and hit a long range effort from fully 30 yards that Fulop pushed onto the post and then turned round to gather the rebounding ball!
United had appeals for a penalty when a cross seemed to hit a hand in the box but they had another let off at the other end when McAuley headed straight at Simonsen when he ought to have scored. Bogdanovic came on for Ertl as United tried to get something from the game as it entered the final 10 minutes. Evans shot wide from range but Lowton had to be alert to sop Peters sealing the game. United finally created chances at the death as Cresswell was firstly cynically hauled down by Delaney. Quinn’s effort looked goalbound but was deflected wide for a corner which Bogdanovic headed wide at the near post. The referee added on five additional minutes and should have been level when Lowton’s cross found Evans clear on goal but the striker’s effort was abject as he chose to use his right foot and flicked it tamely into Fulop’s hands. Soon afterwards Cresswell’s rather ambitious overhead kick from distance saw many fans frustrations boil over and their mood was not helped as Simonsen’s free kick with all the men in the box sailed straight into the keeper arms. The final whistle came not long after and signalled the third consecutive Blades defeat with boos coming from all around the ground.
United – It was another game where we were not awful but were certainly far from brilliant. The players did put in effort for the most part and did not hide but there was little in the way of quality football or real spark in the side. We lacked leadership today and Ipswich looked like they could score from set pieces all afternoon. To see a ball bounce in our box several times was a real concern as was our inability to win first and second balls. In general play we were not much worse than Ipswich but could easily have been 2 or 3 down after half an hour. We finally started to play and got level and then seemed to be on top when we tossed away another goal. After the break we huffed and puffed but other than a long range effort from Bartley and then a few late efforts at the death we did not look that dangerous and I felt Ipswich soaked things up.
The defending was awful on the goals but there were other instances when they could have scored. Sure we had bad luck when we hit the post but so did they in the first half. We did not exactly have chance after chance in the second half and the same as last week I cannot remember many saves from the keeper all afternoon.
The atmosphere around the Lane at the moment is one of complete depression and disinterest. It was only at the death that fans made their feelings clear. For the most part people just sat in stunned silence as they watched another inevitable defeat. The games at the moment offer no excitement, passion nor enjoyment.
It is hard to see where we go from here as the management do not seem able to change things with the current personnel we have. The squad is a mixture of loan players, experienced players on the downward spiral and players simply not good enough. I do have some sympathy for Speed and maybe one day he may make a good manager. Unfortunately he is learning on the job with us and his mistakes are being made at Championship level not with a League 1 or 2 side. He maybe a nice bloke but if we keep losing games then he will be replaced. It is that simple. It is ok saying we need to keep him even if we go down but going down would be a disaster. I really hope he can turn things around as I don’t want us to change our manager again but if we are in the bottom 3 around Christmas then we have to look if anyone can do any better. I think it is a hard job and he has been dealt a bad hand but we still should be doing better than we are I feel and several experienced players are letting him down but he cannot get the best out of the players we have which is the managers job. I do not think teams like Watford, Derby etc have many better players than us but they seem to be doing ok? It is clear the squad needs an overhaul though (4 defenders and 3 full backs ont he bench tells a sign that we have such a threadbare squad) but I cannot see that happening with no money seemingly available. He has to either roll up his sleeves and get on with what he has or decide he cannot change things and walk away. I really want him to do well but I have not seen anything from the side or the players to suggest things have got any better under Blackwell. The results continue to be poor but the performances and generally style is no better. With 2 tough away games in a week I will be surprised if we are not in the bottom three by the next time we return to Bramall Lane. I think there is strong possibility we could go down unless things change fast but with the coaching and players we have I think things could get worse before they get better.
Simonsen 6/10 – I don’t think he covered himself in glory again today and remains unconvincing but is hardly helped by the constant changes in the defence. On both goals he did seem rooted to his line. Maybe he could not do anything on the first but on the second he ought to have come after the first header and the finish when it came was on the 6 yard box. He made one or two other standard saves but the ball does seem to be going past him at an alarming rate. His kicking today was also dreadful and on more than one occasion he failed to get any air on them or could not get even close to half way.
Lowton 7/10 – Thought he played ok today. He defended well and also tried to get forward and put in quite a few crosses and balls into the box; including the one at the end where Evans should have scored. Worrying about the lack of leadership in the side though that a young full back who has not even been playing is entrusted with taking many of our set plays in our own half. Surely more senior players should take some responsibility? He does need a run in the side now and should get one as Speed must see he is one of our better players currently.
Nosworthy 7/10 – I actually thought he did ok today. I cannot remember any glaring mistakes he made and other than one misplaced pass and once when he overplayed, he was fairly solid today. To say he is right footed he did well at left back. I do not rate him but could not understand the criticism of him today from some fans. He just did the basics and did them well.
Ertl 4/10 – Put back in defence which I thought was a good move after his performance at Cardiff there (granted he was poor v QPR) and how he has played in midfield. However he was really poor for the most part and looked slow and laborious. He even got outmuscled a few times and his actual passing/clearing was pretty dire all day. A player who would be taken out of the team but is playing because we have no one else.
Bartley 6.5/10 – He did ok for long spell of the game but was badly at fault for the second goal as he not only lost his header but then failed to react to the second ball. Putting this aside I felt he was one of the few that showed some passion and tried to fight; shown by the long range effort when he carried the ball forward and tried to take responsibility. The booking at the end was a positive for me in a strange way as at least he was fighting for his team and showing some passion when he protested about the booking/potential red card on Delaney.
Montgomery 5/10 – Did not even notice he was playing for long spells of the game. He had been really poor this season and like Cresswell, Quinn and Morgan who were all given long contracts seems to be just coasting. His passing and touch remains really poor but even the qualities he had last season seems to be missing. The Monty of old would at least break up play and win tackles but he does not even seem to be doing that anymore. He actually does not seem to know his role anymore.
Britton 6/10 – He is one of our better players but he is not having the impact I thought he would. Felt he tried to get on the ball and for the most part his passing was better than last week but he did disappear for long spells of the game again and does not seem to get on the ball enough to make his undoubted quality count. Second half I cannot remember him being involved at all.
Cresswell 6/10 – First half he played well and was the best we had seen of him all season. He did nothing remarkable but won a lot of headers against taller opponents and also showed a few nice touches/dummies etc. I felt like he actually was working hard too and was more like the player we saw last season. After half time he seemed to offer little and his movement and threat disappeared. He seems genuinely shattered after about an hour but never seems to be taken off which is odd.
Ward 3/10 – Thought he was awful. He put in one good cross but apart from that his touch, passing and contribution was really poor. He does not seem to have the same pace that he had when he first came to the club and I am wondering if the different injuries he has had have affected him? He has been poor for a while now and the prospect and excitement he offered when he first came seems a distant memory. Another one that would not play if we had others to come in that could improve things but plays by default as he is the only one who has any kind of pace/mobility in the front line.
Quinn 6/10 – He was one of our better players today but that says more about the rest of them than Quinn! He took his goal well and was lively in the first half being involved in the better things we did. After the break he seemed to lose interest and his head dropped. He swopped wings a few times but was not involved as much and faded badly.
Yeates 6/10 – A really inconsistent game that saw more balls/crosses wasted than finding our shirts. He rarely beat his man all day and his control was poor. He did keep going and finally in the second half started to be more direct and get down the line rather than coming inside as he often did in the first half. Numerous times he bottled challenges and pulls out of contact if a defender comes in with force. After the burst of games last month where he looked a world beater he has now settled down to mediocrity with the rest of the side!
Subs –
Evans 5/10 – Did put himself about when he came on and won a few headers but he still fails to do the basics of a centre forward; which is to get into the box and get n the right positions from crosses/balls. The one time he did it he fluffed his chance as he used the outside of his right foot rather than his left foot and really should have scored. To see him taking throw in's or stuck near the touchline is perplexing as surely as a centre forward he should be in the box. He is not really getting any better and surely ranks up there with the likes of Cadette, Guthrie etc as one of the poorest centre forwards we have seen at the Lane considering the money we spent on them. We need to see if we can get any money for him in January as he is simply not good enough.
Bogdanovic – Actually showed some desire when he came on and he ran back twice to defend/win the ball. Headed wide from a corner when he maybe should have done better. I am not sure he is the answer but I would probably play him ahead of Ward and Cresswell who have been poor all season.
Ipswich – I thought they were pretty average but so were Coventry, Watford and many others I have seen this season. They all keep beating us. These are the sort of teams even last season we would have beat. They did create a quite a lot of chances, particularly in the first half and could have been 2 or 3 up before we came into the game. They did not play any real scintillating football although the midfield players for them kept the ball better than we did for the most part. Priskin was more of a threat than Scotland who Bartley did well against. Ertl struggled with Priskin who could have had more goals and looked stronger, faster and more skilful than his opponent. Leadbitter and Edwards are two decent footballers who always try to pass the ball. Colback looked like Quinn in his appearance and playing style but was actually even worse than him! At the back McAuley is a handful especially when going forward but as shown on our goal does make mistakes and is technically poor. I also felt we did not get enough shots in as Fulop can be error prone too. He nearly threw that Bartley shot in when he should have thrown his hat on it. I think they are another team that could finish anywhere from playoffs to near the bottom but will probably finish around mid table. They certainly looked no better than us for most of the game but they took advantage of our awful defensive mistakes, had a bit of luck and defended in numbers.
Officials – Graham Salisbury. I felt he was pretty decent and I have not said that all season. He kept game flowing and did not book people unless he had to. I cannot remember too many decisions he got wrong. He clamped down on the time wasting with two bookings which was refreshing and I think he got the yellow card right for Delaney as there was a man just across from him and was not a direct goalscoring opportunity. It was a great foul, if you know what I mean, as was not a penalty and not a red card. There was one block on Yeates he gave the other way strangely and maybe we could have had a penalty for a handball (the South Stand seemed convinced it was judging by their reaction?).
Crowd – I felt the crowd were patient and kept with the team until the closing stages when frustration set in. A lot of people have criticised the reaction and the boos but this only started at the end. I think it was fair enough. We have lost 5 games at home and fans are not being entertained. People pay a lot of money and they were very patient for a lot of the game. The reaction to Cresswell’s stupid overhead kick was just a culmination of everything that had happened all game and maybe all season. The boos at the end were very loud and Speed seemed visibly stunned by the reaction. He cannot be surprised as since he took over things have got worse and he seems unable to do anything about it. It was a poor crowd with the numbers now below 20,000 and I cannot see how that will not change with present performances and results. If we did go down then we would be back to 12,000-14,000 crowds if we are lucky. McCabe could be faced with all the work the club did to attract youngsters and with the run up to the Premiership we managed to get 25,000+ average most weeks. That work now seems to be wasted.
The Blades were without skipper Chris Morgan and also new loan signing Andy Reid through injury so opted to bring in Matt Lowton and put Johnny Ertl back into defence. Nick Montgomery came back into the side and was named skipper. United also began the game with a 4-4-2 formation with Cresswell partnering Ward and Quinn and Yeats out on the flanks. Ipswich began with Jason Scotland and Tamas Priskin up front leaving young starlet Connor Wickham on the bench.
United kicked towards the Kop in the first half but were defending straight away despite having the kick off! Scotland looked to get in on goal but was blocked by Bartley. Edwards long throw had already been used by Ipswich and the game was only 5 minutes old when from another throw the visitors took the lead. The ball somehow was allowed to bounce in the box and after Montgomery failed to clear, the ball was helped on by Colback and PRISKIN scored easily from close range.
Ipswich were back on the attack and won a corner and another long throw. United were clearly struggling to defend set plays and without the presence of captain Morgan, the rearguard looked susceptible against a tall Ipswich side. United had offered little going forward with Ward’s control poor on several occasions despite Cresswell winning more headers than he had in recent weeks. Town broke away and should have doubled their lead when Smith played in Priskin and the goalscorer easily held off Ertl before hitting the outside of the post.
The home side finally had an opportunity when from Ward’s deep cross Cresswell headed the ball across but as Quinn looked to convert from close range the ball was cleared from Livermore. Montgomery’s follow up was also scrambled clear. United had an improved spell after this and looked to get Yeates on the ball and from one such cross they were level. The ball was partially cleared by McAuley but QUINN was onto the loose ball and took one touch before drilling the ball low past Fulop’s left hand to equalise.
United seemed to be the better side at this stage after a poor start but Ipswich were still creating chances aplenty and Priskin flicked just wide with not a challenge in sight from a defender or the goalkeeper. However, United were now well in the game but more abject defending saw them facing an uphill task once again. This time it came from a Leadbitter cross as McAULEY won the initial header but only managed to head the ball up in the air. Somehow the defender was able to react first and smashed the ball into the net from close range. The Blades were stunned and were unable to exert any real pressure on the visitors goal in the remaining minutes before half time.
The second half saw Speed make a change as Evans replaced the disappointing Ward but Ipswich had the first effort on goal which was from inside their own half as Leadbitter tried to catch Simonsen out with a cheeky effort. United had their own long range effort as Bartley advanced and hit a long range effort from fully 30 yards that Fulop pushed onto the post and then turned round to gather the rebounding ball!
United had appeals for a penalty when a cross seemed to hit a hand in the box but they had another let off at the other end when McAuley headed straight at Simonsen when he ought to have scored. Bogdanovic came on for Ertl as United tried to get something from the game as it entered the final 10 minutes. Evans shot wide from range but Lowton had to be alert to sop Peters sealing the game. United finally created chances at the death as Cresswell was firstly cynically hauled down by Delaney. Quinn’s effort looked goalbound but was deflected wide for a corner which Bogdanovic headed wide at the near post. The referee added on five additional minutes and should have been level when Lowton’s cross found Evans clear on goal but the striker’s effort was abject as he chose to use his right foot and flicked it tamely into Fulop’s hands. Soon afterwards Cresswell’s rather ambitious overhead kick from distance saw many fans frustrations boil over and their mood was not helped as Simonsen’s free kick with all the men in the box sailed straight into the keeper arms. The final whistle came not long after and signalled the third consecutive Blades defeat with boos coming from all around the ground.
United – It was another game where we were not awful but were certainly far from brilliant. The players did put in effort for the most part and did not hide but there was little in the way of quality football or real spark in the side. We lacked leadership today and Ipswich looked like they could score from set pieces all afternoon. To see a ball bounce in our box several times was a real concern as was our inability to win first and second balls. In general play we were not much worse than Ipswich but could easily have been 2 or 3 down after half an hour. We finally started to play and got level and then seemed to be on top when we tossed away another goal. After the break we huffed and puffed but other than a long range effort from Bartley and then a few late efforts at the death we did not look that dangerous and I felt Ipswich soaked things up.
The defending was awful on the goals but there were other instances when they could have scored. Sure we had bad luck when we hit the post but so did they in the first half. We did not exactly have chance after chance in the second half and the same as last week I cannot remember many saves from the keeper all afternoon.
The atmosphere around the Lane at the moment is one of complete depression and disinterest. It was only at the death that fans made their feelings clear. For the most part people just sat in stunned silence as they watched another inevitable defeat. The games at the moment offer no excitement, passion nor enjoyment.
It is hard to see where we go from here as the management do not seem able to change things with the current personnel we have. The squad is a mixture of loan players, experienced players on the downward spiral and players simply not good enough. I do have some sympathy for Speed and maybe one day he may make a good manager. Unfortunately he is learning on the job with us and his mistakes are being made at Championship level not with a League 1 or 2 side. He maybe a nice bloke but if we keep losing games then he will be replaced. It is that simple. It is ok saying we need to keep him even if we go down but going down would be a disaster. I really hope he can turn things around as I don’t want us to change our manager again but if we are in the bottom 3 around Christmas then we have to look if anyone can do any better. I think it is a hard job and he has been dealt a bad hand but we still should be doing better than we are I feel and several experienced players are letting him down but he cannot get the best out of the players we have which is the managers job. I do not think teams like Watford, Derby etc have many better players than us but they seem to be doing ok? It is clear the squad needs an overhaul though (4 defenders and 3 full backs ont he bench tells a sign that we have such a threadbare squad) but I cannot see that happening with no money seemingly available. He has to either roll up his sleeves and get on with what he has or decide he cannot change things and walk away. I really want him to do well but I have not seen anything from the side or the players to suggest things have got any better under Blackwell. The results continue to be poor but the performances and generally style is no better. With 2 tough away games in a week I will be surprised if we are not in the bottom three by the next time we return to Bramall Lane. I think there is strong possibility we could go down unless things change fast but with the coaching and players we have I think things could get worse before they get better.
Simonsen 6/10 – I don’t think he covered himself in glory again today and remains unconvincing but is hardly helped by the constant changes in the defence. On both goals he did seem rooted to his line. Maybe he could not do anything on the first but on the second he ought to have come after the first header and the finish when it came was on the 6 yard box. He made one or two other standard saves but the ball does seem to be going past him at an alarming rate. His kicking today was also dreadful and on more than one occasion he failed to get any air on them or could not get even close to half way.
Lowton 7/10 – Thought he played ok today. He defended well and also tried to get forward and put in quite a few crosses and balls into the box; including the one at the end where Evans should have scored. Worrying about the lack of leadership in the side though that a young full back who has not even been playing is entrusted with taking many of our set plays in our own half. Surely more senior players should take some responsibility? He does need a run in the side now and should get one as Speed must see he is one of our better players currently.
Nosworthy 7/10 – I actually thought he did ok today. I cannot remember any glaring mistakes he made and other than one misplaced pass and once when he overplayed, he was fairly solid today. To say he is right footed he did well at left back. I do not rate him but could not understand the criticism of him today from some fans. He just did the basics and did them well.
Ertl 4/10 – Put back in defence which I thought was a good move after his performance at Cardiff there (granted he was poor v QPR) and how he has played in midfield. However he was really poor for the most part and looked slow and laborious. He even got outmuscled a few times and his actual passing/clearing was pretty dire all day. A player who would be taken out of the team but is playing because we have no one else.
Bartley 6.5/10 – He did ok for long spell of the game but was badly at fault for the second goal as he not only lost his header but then failed to react to the second ball. Putting this aside I felt he was one of the few that showed some passion and tried to fight; shown by the long range effort when he carried the ball forward and tried to take responsibility. The booking at the end was a positive for me in a strange way as at least he was fighting for his team and showing some passion when he protested about the booking/potential red card on Delaney.
Montgomery 5/10 – Did not even notice he was playing for long spells of the game. He had been really poor this season and like Cresswell, Quinn and Morgan who were all given long contracts seems to be just coasting. His passing and touch remains really poor but even the qualities he had last season seems to be missing. The Monty of old would at least break up play and win tackles but he does not even seem to be doing that anymore. He actually does not seem to know his role anymore.
Britton 6/10 – He is one of our better players but he is not having the impact I thought he would. Felt he tried to get on the ball and for the most part his passing was better than last week but he did disappear for long spells of the game again and does not seem to get on the ball enough to make his undoubted quality count. Second half I cannot remember him being involved at all.
Cresswell 6/10 – First half he played well and was the best we had seen of him all season. He did nothing remarkable but won a lot of headers against taller opponents and also showed a few nice touches/dummies etc. I felt like he actually was working hard too and was more like the player we saw last season. After half time he seemed to offer little and his movement and threat disappeared. He seems genuinely shattered after about an hour but never seems to be taken off which is odd.
Ward 3/10 – Thought he was awful. He put in one good cross but apart from that his touch, passing and contribution was really poor. He does not seem to have the same pace that he had when he first came to the club and I am wondering if the different injuries he has had have affected him? He has been poor for a while now and the prospect and excitement he offered when he first came seems a distant memory. Another one that would not play if we had others to come in that could improve things but plays by default as he is the only one who has any kind of pace/mobility in the front line.
Quinn 6/10 – He was one of our better players today but that says more about the rest of them than Quinn! He took his goal well and was lively in the first half being involved in the better things we did. After the break he seemed to lose interest and his head dropped. He swopped wings a few times but was not involved as much and faded badly.
Yeates 6/10 – A really inconsistent game that saw more balls/crosses wasted than finding our shirts. He rarely beat his man all day and his control was poor. He did keep going and finally in the second half started to be more direct and get down the line rather than coming inside as he often did in the first half. Numerous times he bottled challenges and pulls out of contact if a defender comes in with force. After the burst of games last month where he looked a world beater he has now settled down to mediocrity with the rest of the side!
Subs –
Evans 5/10 – Did put himself about when he came on and won a few headers but he still fails to do the basics of a centre forward; which is to get into the box and get n the right positions from crosses/balls. The one time he did it he fluffed his chance as he used the outside of his right foot rather than his left foot and really should have scored. To see him taking throw in's or stuck near the touchline is perplexing as surely as a centre forward he should be in the box. He is not really getting any better and surely ranks up there with the likes of Cadette, Guthrie etc as one of the poorest centre forwards we have seen at the Lane considering the money we spent on them. We need to see if we can get any money for him in January as he is simply not good enough.
Bogdanovic – Actually showed some desire when he came on and he ran back twice to defend/win the ball. Headed wide from a corner when he maybe should have done better. I am not sure he is the answer but I would probably play him ahead of Ward and Cresswell who have been poor all season.
Ipswich – I thought they were pretty average but so were Coventry, Watford and many others I have seen this season. They all keep beating us. These are the sort of teams even last season we would have beat. They did create a quite a lot of chances, particularly in the first half and could have been 2 or 3 up before we came into the game. They did not play any real scintillating football although the midfield players for them kept the ball better than we did for the most part. Priskin was more of a threat than Scotland who Bartley did well against. Ertl struggled with Priskin who could have had more goals and looked stronger, faster and more skilful than his opponent. Leadbitter and Edwards are two decent footballers who always try to pass the ball. Colback looked like Quinn in his appearance and playing style but was actually even worse than him! At the back McAuley is a handful especially when going forward but as shown on our goal does make mistakes and is technically poor. I also felt we did not get enough shots in as Fulop can be error prone too. He nearly threw that Bartley shot in when he should have thrown his hat on it. I think they are another team that could finish anywhere from playoffs to near the bottom but will probably finish around mid table. They certainly looked no better than us for most of the game but they took advantage of our awful defensive mistakes, had a bit of luck and defended in numbers.
Officials – Graham Salisbury. I felt he was pretty decent and I have not said that all season. He kept game flowing and did not book people unless he had to. I cannot remember too many decisions he got wrong. He clamped down on the time wasting with two bookings which was refreshing and I think he got the yellow card right for Delaney as there was a man just across from him and was not a direct goalscoring opportunity. It was a great foul, if you know what I mean, as was not a penalty and not a red card. There was one block on Yeates he gave the other way strangely and maybe we could have had a penalty for a handball (the South Stand seemed convinced it was judging by their reaction?).
Crowd – I felt the crowd were patient and kept with the team until the closing stages when frustration set in. A lot of people have criticised the reaction and the boos but this only started at the end. I think it was fair enough. We have lost 5 games at home and fans are not being entertained. People pay a lot of money and they were very patient for a lot of the game. The reaction to Cresswell’s stupid overhead kick was just a culmination of everything that had happened all game and maybe all season. The boos at the end were very loud and Speed seemed visibly stunned by the reaction. He cannot be surprised as since he took over things have got worse and he seems unable to do anything about it. It was a poor crowd with the numbers now below 20,000 and I cannot see how that will not change with present performances and results. If we did go down then we would be back to 12,000-14,000 crowds if we are lucky. McCabe could be faced with all the work the club did to attract youngsters and with the run up to the Premiership we managed to get 25,000+ average most weeks. That work now seems to be wasted.
