Coventry 3 United 1 - report/ratings

[Deadbat]

On March 28th, United beat Coventry 3-1 in an extremely one-sided contest and moved 24 points ahead of the Sky Blues and went back to the top of the Championship table with only 7 games to play. Sadly, United only picked up another 7 points from a possible 21 and blew automatic promotion. After a tumultuous summer for the Blades, brought on by their own nonsensical decisions, United now somehow sit 22 points behind City, after the league leaders dispatched United at the CBS Arena on Tuesday evening. A remarkable 46 points turnaround in 21 games have seen both sides fortunes move in different directions. Tonight, it was City on the right end of a 3-1 scoreline as they came back from a one goal deficit at the half to completely turn the game around. This time, the big mistake came from substitute goalkeeper Adam Davies whose failure to get anywhere near a cross and it saw Bobby Thomas complete the turnaround.



It was two changes from the defeat to Derby with Riedewald and Cannon in for Soumare and Brooks. Seriki was back on the bench.



High scoring Coventry looked to bounce back from their first defeat of the season at Wrexham and started with the dangerous Wright flanked by Thomas Asante and Sakamoto. They had numerous offensive options on the bench with Simms and Mason Clark in reserve showing why they have scored so many goals this season.



The Blades began this contest better than the previous two and had a chance in the first minute as Tanganga flicked on McCallum’s long throw but it was put behind by a home defender leading to a corner. As the ball came over, it caromed off McGuiness, maybe inadvertently and Rushworth made a spectacular save. The referee somehow saw an offence that no one else did and Coventry won a free kick. A ball then came across from O’Hare as United continued their fast start.



The Sky Blues has not made any forays into the Blades half but their first move saw O’Hare draw jeers from his former supporters as he took out Sakamoto. McGuinness’ poor header was seized upon from Eccles whose shot was hit hard and low through bodies. Cooper made the save but fumbled it out of play leading to a corner. From this delivery, it dropped for Kitching whose shot was blocked by McCallum. The same player was guilty of a totally unnecessary foul when he took out Sakamoto. The former Coventry man compounded his error by not retreating and was cautioned.



Torp hit the free kick and this was spilt by Cooper who remained unconvincing. Cannon and Peck combined well leading to a chance for Campbell but it was saved by Rushworth. Another silly free kick, conceded this time from Riedewald gave another opportunity for City but Tanganga cleared. Coventry were now dominating the ball after United had began well and Sakamoto was looking dangerous down the right. His run saw him blocked out and the ball dropped but was cleared by the visitors.



A long throw saw Kitching beat McGuiness to the first header and Mee lost Wright at the far post but the striker could not turn the ball home.



United finally had the ball for a period and patient possession football led to them winning a corner. Peck took it and it was a flat, low one and Mee managed to expertly flick on and MCCALLUM did superbly to steer home despite being under pressure. The Blades had the shock lead on the road at the league leaders and it was the former Coventry man who made the breakthrough.



Da Silva was booked for protesting an award of a goal kick before Cooper went down for treatment as he was struggling with his back. Cannon did well to get down the side and pull the ball back but Ogbene could not get across as United were looking threatening. O’Hare’s flicked header from Mee’s cross was comfortable for Rushworth but the Blades were looking an attacking threat.



Coventry had struggled to respond but Da Silva was not tracked and his low shot after a one two was dragged not far wide. Thomas then clumsily caught O’Hare and was lucky not to be booked such was the force and height of his challenge. Sakamoto was not as fortunate as he scythed down McCallum and given a yellow card. The play was allowed to go on before the referee went back but Cannon could not get on the cross from Peck. Mee’s ball into the box was blocked but fell for O’Hare who hit it ferociously but a defender diverted it behind. McCallum then did well to get back and stop the break in a game that was moving from end to end.



Peck then had a great opportunity to make it two after starting the move and exchanging passes with Ogbene but the midfielder’s shot was blocked by Thomas. Peck’s long wait for a goal carries on.



McGuinness error in but McCallum recovered well at the far post before United won another corner which Mee flicked on at the near post and nearly led to another chance. The final chance came for the home side and their best chance they created as Thomas Assante was given too much time and his cross found the unmarked Wright but his header was straight to Cooper. It was a chance he should have converted. United saw out the final moments to go in with a surprise lead.



Mason Clark was on for Eccles for the home side but Cooper’s back issues meant he had to be replaced by Davies at the half, for the visitors. Coventry came out in the ascendancy looking to put the new goalkeeper under pressure and launched several long throws with appeals for a handball on Tanganga after it came off his own man. From another long throw, the ball dropped as Tanganga and McCallum both went for the same ball with Thomas – the ball dropped and SAKAMOTO dropped on it before O’Hare and steered it into the corner.



Coventry were now swarming all over United and balls coming into the box as the visitors were now resorting to just clearing their lines. McGuiness error led to a chance for Mason Clark being in but he fired the ball over. Peck then had to make the block as the pressure was incessant on the United goal. Mee cut out Grimes cross leading to another corner. The corner came in and Davies got nowhere near the ball with a hopeless flailing dive and THOMAS got above the keeper and Mee to head the ball home. It was an awful goal to concede and yet another dreadful error from a Blades player that cost them a goal.



O’Hare fired over before United made a double change as Ings and Davies came on for Cannon and Riedewald. Davies did make a save from Mason Clark as he drove down the side. Torp’s free kick hit the stanchion, as Davies watched on helplessly. Coventry were camped into the Blades half who could not get out. McGuiness and Ogbene came on for Seriki and Brooks. United had not really threatened but Brooks and Seriki combined and Peck’s shot deflected wide as the midfielder somehow hit an opponent again. Brooks got down the side but his cross was sent behind the goal. United were finally having a go – Davies and Brooks had chances but the chance of a shot went away as the Blades took too long.



O’Hare and Ings exchanged passes but the ball deflected over as the former Coventry man tried to get in on goal and United did win two corners. However, as the game ticked into four minutes of stoppage time, United could not really test Rushworth and the final piece of action saw the Sky Blues seal the game at the death. Mee and Davies made a mess of the trying to get the ball forward and the home side broke. Wright managed to streak away and as Davies stayed at home, Wright beat the offside trap with Mee playing him onside. He cooly rolled the ball across and THOMAS ASSANTE tapped home to lead to jubilant scenes for the home players, coaching staff, and fans. They remain clear at the top of the league whilst the Blades desperate start to the season shows no sign of abating.







Coventry – Not surprised me they have done well. It’s kind of painful to see a team that we beat and beat well only last Easter, be so far ahead of us. They have the same manager and largely the same team (with a few additions) and now look a far better side with pace, power, goals and an attitude to get after teams. They take games to teams and play front foot football. We are the complete antithesis of this. I do believe that the continuity of course helped but we also lose key players – they added to a good squad with even more quality. I had them in the playoffs but they have been even better than I thought – helped by the three relegated teams being nowhere near where I thought they would be. They have more strength in depth this time. I do think they will have a drop off at some point but the division looks so weak in comparison to last year, that I see them now as the best team and would not be shocked if they got automatic promotion. Lampard, despite a lot of criticism, did well at this level with Derby before (helped by a good squad and some fantastic loans) and has done really well since he took over. I think they would have improved anyway under Robins last year and sacking him after everything he did, was harsh but Lampard got them flying up the league and also got them close to the playoff final (were better than Sunderland over 2 legs – mad that Sunderland were the poorer side over 3 playoff games but went up and are now flying in the top flight!).



They have a nice balance of experience and younger players but have a relatively solid defence (still think they can be got at in the middle of the defence as we showed last season at the Lane) and improved with the addition of Grimes in the centre. They also have got the best out of Thomas Assante to compliment Simms and Wright. They have pace and power and can be quite direct but have creative and skilled performers like Grimes and Rudoni. They remind me a bit of the side that went up under Wilder – a lot of players hitting their peak at the right time and a good chemistry helped by a belief from the crowd – there is a real togetherness and now they have more of a settled set up off the field in terms of the ownership and stadium – seem set to finally get back to the top flight. As I say, it might not be plain sailing in the same way as Burnley and Leeds had it but the lack of real competition and the fantastic start they have had, means they can afford the odd poor result/game. After today they had scored 39 and only conceded 13 for +26– in comparison to us 11 scored and 26 conceded for which is -15. That is a 41-goal swing. That is crazy but shows how much better they have been than us in all aspects of the game.



Tonight, not sure they were brilliant and at times thought they looked very average but they fought back and made changes to turn it around. Mason Clark caused us real problems and we struggled with the movement of the front players all game. I felt they just upped the intensity for 20 minutes after the break and played higher up the field and with quicker, more physical players, they imposed themselves and did what they had to do. In the end they were hanging on a bit but we did not seriously threaten and score a clincher. They deserved to win on chances and on overall possession/touches in the box and control of the game when it mattered. At half time they were probably wondering if it was another defeat but they really reacted and as Preston did in the last away game for United, they just upped it and they ran faster, won tackles and drove at our players. They got balls in the box and we fell apart. In the end, it was a deserved victory for them even if they were not superb. They did what they had to do.



Opponent Man of the Match – Thomas got it on Sky and scored the winner and was dominant against our slow strikers who do not move but thought Grimes played well second half and Mason Clark made a huge difference. Thomas Assante was decent throughout and always lively.



Opponent Weak link – Thought that Kitching was not up to the level of his partner but Eccles was poor first half as Peck did well to control midfield but they improved hugely after he went off.



Referee / Officials – James Lingington. Not reffed us much. Oxford away last season which was non-descript and then going further back the win v Sunderland and the defeat v QPR in Hecky’s promotion season. Think he sent off Neil for Sunderland but also should have given us a penalty for a foul on Berge late in that QPR defeat. Today he was largely ok. We got a few stupid bookings and deserved. I did think that Thomas should have been carded. They had 3 to our 2 and thought we were quite cynical at times but then they stuck the boot in too as the game went on. Not sure there were many really bad decisions to be honest. He was fine.

 

[Deadbat]

United – Another game, another defeat. Really frustrating that once again we throw away some decent stuff at times and a much better first half performance than much of the season but it’s pointless if we cannot do it for more than a small period. We have to play for a full game. We have showed we cannot and our stats that have us 24th in the league for goals conceded after the break sums it up. Another three goals conceded and another complete throwaway from leading the game to being behind fairly quickly. More individual mistakes of course but the way we played in the second half was poor again – it’s ok saying we had a go towards the end but games are 90 minutes. We played ok for a period but then cannot sustain it as we lack fitness, discipline and cannot keep the ball. It happens time after time. Granted mistakes keep happening and people will say if Davies does not do that or Peck does not do that but we invite pressure with such negative and weak-minded play where we show no courage and just sit back and wait for the inevitable. I am not even sure Coventry were that great – or they much better than last season really – or is the division just weaker but they have pace and power and go and attack teams.



For us, in terms of the positives, it was better than Saturday tonight – and against a better side. We looked more dangerous going forward, thought we competed better and made a real game of it against the best side in the league. We played fairly well first half and scored a decent goal and could have had another possibly but Coventry had a few chances and Cooper remained uncertain. Wright missed a few chances and a sitter on half time but overall we led at the leaders, had been in the game and took the lead. However, as had happened the last two games (and others this season) we show no resolve to keep the lead and completely fell apart second half. We concede territory constantly and it seems inevitable that goals will concede. Every week we are shipping goals and making mistakes. This continues, we will go down. I am sorry but we cannot keep blaming luck or injuries – we are losing every week as we concede stupid goals, show no bravery and when we get into good areas we have little to no proper attacking threat going forward. Even tonight for all the promise we showed going forward, not sure the keeper has another save to make really and it is all sort of half hearted when we get in the box (Peck’s blocked shot apart – there was nothing that clear cut really). Coventry still had the better chances over the game and were ruthless when they had opportunities. Of course, Davies’ error was a huge helping hand but if that had not gone in, does anyone think we hold out? They were going to score at some point -still your keeper effectively throws one in then it really does not help! Still, we saw it with Peck, Tanganga and many others that keep gifting teams goals. This is not unfortunate. It is poor play. I am sure a lot will be more positive as took the top of the league close for periods of the game but as soon as they score after the break, the writing was on the wall. Why do we have a late go at 80 minutes. We never show that urgency prior to that? It was another odd side but I am not sure Cannon was as bad as he has been – he had a few ok touches – better than Campbell for me! We had little up front all game compared with the movement and pace of the Coventry front line. Midfield continue to look leggy and never keep the ball for any sustained period and the defence is constantly at full stretch.



We have now lost 11 in 14. We continue to ship goals and cannot play for sustained spells in games at all. Others at the bottom are getting results (Blackburn/Derby etc). Wednesday will go but who else do we think are worse than us? I am struggling really. The way we fall apart every week, other teams are not doing that and are picking up results here and there. We have now lost three straight and 6 in 9 under Wilder – I am not sure it is really improving sadly in terms of the basics. If the players and coaching staff do not wake up – we are going to be really stuck and find it hard to get out.



Ratings:



Cooper 2.5/10 – A real struggle. He pushed one out unconvincingly. Then he made a mess of a free kick that they should have punished. Went down holding his back and then had to come off. Looks way out of sorts but as bad as he was, he is still better than the replacement and we are going to really see how much we miss him (even when he has struggled) if he is out for any length of time.



Ogbene 2.5/10 - Thought he was completely anonymous again. Not in the game offensively and when he had it he gave it away a lot. A few link ups with Peck first half but overall, he looks a poor addition. He is no better than Brooks or Seriki – our own players. They may frustrate but at least may improve. He seems to have not got his pace back from his injury and as a result not sure what he is offering at all?



McCallum 7/10 –Our best player for me. He scored the goal – well taken and stuck to his task despite a silly early booking. His touch was good and he got down the side and showed good energy. His link play was also good and he looked one of few who looked up for the fight. Maybe should be in front of the Coventry man on the header for the goal. Made some good interceptions too. Deserves to keep his place.



McGuiness 3/10 – Another poor performance. He got under the ball too many times again, headed it straight down to them when he did head it. Lost a key header that nearly led to a goal. Miskicked two to put them in both just before half time and just after. He also was slow to react to the ball dropping on the first goal. He looks very clumsy and does not dominate at all. Always looks full stretch. Not sure many things he did where I thought he has done well there and 2nd half when we need some big headers or someone to dominate – he as the biggest defender – fails to do that and the ball keeps coming back in from throws/corners that we fail to clear.



Tanganga 3.5/10 – I know it is not his best position but thought he got pulled about a fair bit again. He did make some blocks but they really went down his side second half and Mason Clark caused us all sorts of problems. Goes for the header on the first but sort of misses it – or gets sandwiched with McCallum. He is not really impacting games in that his strength is heading but you do less of that playing wider and he does not get forward. We need him to be played instead of McGuiness in the middle and change the formation. We are conceding 3 goals every game so it is not working.



Mee 4/10 – An odd performance in that he actually did some really good things attacking wise. He flicked on for the goal and nearly led to another few chances. Put a few decent crosses in too. He also made a few blocks but then defensively completely switched off on a number of occasions – the two chances Wright had, he is nowhere near him and he should score at least one. Second half he makes one decent block but then a wild tackle for a booking and also gets caught a few times too. The third goal he makes two errors -giving them the ball in the middle and then playing the man onside (was close but he needs to step out). He looks like it is a real struggle to keep playing every week with fast and physical forwards.



Peck 6/10 – He did some ok things and first half thought it was the best he has been for a while. He got on the ball and also got forward well. He played some decent combination stuff and had the effort but hit the man. 2nd half he was not in the game at all until towards the end and the midfield got completely overran. He had done a good job on Grimes but then the Coventry man pulled the strings and we did not react and ended up so deep. He had a late resurgence with a few moments but his shot once again hits a defender again. He does this constantly and this is why he never scores or even works the keeper (it’s not even like he makes the goalie make saves – all his shots are off target or hit a man). Thought he was one of our better players but still no meaningful moments really?



Riedewald 4/10 – Steady first half without being spectacular but thought as the game went on, he struggled to keep on and after the break he was miles off it. They ran off the middle; we failed to deny the service out wide and it kept coming back at us. Harsh on Soumare not to be involved at all. He at least gets about the pitch. Not convinced he is really a difference maker. Looks functional but does not see enough of the ball and does not really break things up enough. Just seems another nothing sort of midfielder -we have an array of these!



O’Hare 6/10 –Not sure he was as good as he has been and struggled first half at times as the crowd got at him and he committed a few fouls but kept working hard and did improve as the game went on. He started to win the ball back and had a few decent moments but a shot over and one deflected. Probably cannot believe his former club look set for promotion and the one he moved to, could be getting relegated!



Cannon 5/10 – You know what, that is the best he has been. He was still not great and not sure he did a lot but I counted double figure touches first half and he played a few round the corner balls, crosses into areas and at least got involved. Not sure he offered too much attacking wise and pulled out of one header but he at least looked mobile tonight. I am sure some will slate him again but there were poor performers in general play – he just does not look a goal threat and not even a nuisance. Harsh he was taken off before Campbell.



Campbell 2.5/10 – Thought it was another disappointing performance where he had little energy, made poor choices on the ball, it never stuck to him and he did not offer any kind of goal threat, Had one shot at the keeper but everything else he did was poor. Constantly making wrong decisions, losing the ball or allowing his defender to get in front of him. Did not move and was static much of the second half. One decent cross at the end apart, thought he was simply not in the game. He then managed to be offside twice in succession – once a few years in the visiting half. He looks completely spent at the moment. Our striking options are appalling. We need to sign 2 up here. He needs to come out but like with Peck – the options are so limited, Wilder keeps picking him – it’s the same with the keeping situation. You’d have took Campbell and Cooper out but those behind are even worse somehow! He really frustrated me tonight as thought a few were working hard and trying to find chance.



Subs -



Davies 1/10 – Not sure I can give him more than that? My wife joked it has to be 0.5 and she said that is just for getting the right bus and putting his shirt the right way round! He has never been great when he has played and we have never got a proper number two – but we still keep him. How he plays for Wales is beyond me – their keeping pool must be so small? As bad as Cooper has been, you know we are still downgrading and when he came on you fear the worst. The first goal he is slow down to (to be fair sort of goals Cooper has been conceding too), the second is absolutely park league (in fact park keepers would do better) and simply hands them the lead. It is beyond embarrassing. He pushes one save out – even that not great but then the third he comes and then goes back – so gets in no mans’s land. Overall, he is culpable for all three goals. An absolute nightmare and he probably has to play on Saturday – maybe longer. Frightening that we are conceding 3 every week and now he is playing behind an already shambolic defence.



Davies 3.5/10 – Thought he found it hard and made lots of unforced errors. A few moments where he got on it but he made some poor choices and all seemed a bit rushed. He ended up making poor choices with passes and then combined with Mee on the third with a mistake – more Mee’s fault. Clearly cannot play from the start but then comes into games and the pace is a bit much.



Ings 2.5/10 – Not sure he touched the ball much? Looked slow and immobile. Had one run where he chased the keeper but outside of that – completely anonymous although maybe there needs to be a point made about us never getting the ball into the box or to his feet but he like Campbell, has to move or make runs. So static and slow.



Seriki 6.5/10 – Looked lively and along with Brooks we finally had a threat. He looked to create and showed some good touches and gave us some energy. Surely he is a better option than the ineffective Ogbene for a period of games- if he can stay fit – which he normally cannot.



Brooks 6/10 – As above. Got on the ball, tried to create and other than one poor cross behind, he looked like he wanted to make things happen. Should have done better with once chance and sort of toe poked it and had more time. I would like him and Seriki to get some games. I know they may have ups and downs but they are our players and the ones who have been playing have not been performing so at least give them a run of games.



Manager: Wilder 4/10 – First half would be a 7 or 7.5 as we came out, had a go and looked to at least attack them. We showed some bravery and forced them back at times. Sure, we conceded chances but it was not like we were being dominated. The set up was ok as we swarmed on Grimes but despite the decent play Wright could and should have scored at least one and Cooper makes 2 saves so they did have more chances. However, we led and were looking ok. Second half yet again we sit back, wait for the pressure and concede. At least this time it was more than a few seconds. As soon as one went in, you feared the worst and so it proved. I know people will say it’s another mistake and that is not on Wilder but the way we sit back and invite pressure- we then simply cannot soak it up as we cannot defend crosses/balls into the box and we concede. After this it sort of petered out but to be fair we did have a late go – but Brooks and Seriki were not given enough time and it was sort of too little too late. It is another loss. He said we went toe to toe with the best side but not sure it really matters if we concede three goals and when it really matters we fall apart and have the same mentality after half time every week whether it’s Preston, Derby or Coventry. We do not play full games due to either being afraid, lacking confidence, unfit or simply unable to have a plan to keep the ball. It is happening every week and Wilder and his coaching staff have to take some responsibility for this. Individual errors do keep happening but we invite pressure and increase the opportunity for mistakes. Still Davies’ error you cannot really legislate for but we keep saying the same about x player every week.



The team selection was again baffling though. He retained faith with the same clunky formation and set up at the back (despite all of the 3 defenders being miles off on Saturday) and then brings Cannon back into the squad and starts him after him not featuring at all – dropped from the squad? It was bizarre. Brooks was not great Saturday but he had been decent the previous two whereas Peck seems to get picked no matter what – he made two huge errors on Saturday. Soumare was better than Peck yet Wilder takes out the better player from the previous game. That is not fair and shows to players it does not matter how you play – as the manager is not picking people on performances but on whom he likes. Peck and Cannon did do ok but I have to be honest with how I felt when I saw the team. The first three subs – all experienced players – Davies x 2 and Ings were awful but the younger players Brooks and Seriki did well and made an impact as we finally had a go.

 

[Barry Butlin]

You do seem to love a blades defeat, played ok tonight against best team in the league, 3 points off 4th bottom with 99 points to play for, not sure we’re down just yet !

 

[Sheffsteel]

Pretty much agree with those player ratings.

Your comment on Cannon made me laugh because 1st half he was simply OK/ acceptable….5 or 6 out of 10.
Just shows how crap he’s been when we’re saying that 1st half (where he was just OK) was his best ever performance playing for us.

Must be so frustrating for Wilder…..we gifted all 3 goals to the opposition.

Defence is having a really poor spell where we’re almost gauranteed to concede 3 goals every game.
We must have about 7 centre backs….the Mee/ McGuiness pairing doesn’t seem to be working and we have Tanganga playing out of position.
Maybe he needs to experience trying a new centre half pairing.

 

[Sheffsteel]

You do seem to love a blades defeat, played ok tonight against best team in the league, 3 points off 4th bottom with 99 points to play for, not sure we’re down just yet !

Agree…we more than matched them for long spells….so there are positives.
If it was a one-off I’d agree but we’ve played reasonably well in most recent games under Wilder….so again plenty of positives.

However if a team keeps playing quite well but keeps losing by making stupid mistakes or having bad luck
Then this is deeply concerning. What you find is poor teams always seem to be unlucky.

Our players have sufficient individual ability but when confidence is low…..then character and mentality become more important and I think we lack it.

 

[John Street West Terrace]

Some harsh ratings there .. we were better than Saturday & I’d say those scorings were applicable to that game

 

[Deadbat]

Agree…we more than matched them for long spells….so there are positives.
If it was a one-off I’d agree but we’ve played reasonably well in most recent games under Wilder….so again plenty of positives.

However if a team keeps playing quite well but keeps losing by making stupid mistakes or having bad luck
Then this is deeply concerning. What you find is poor teams always seem to be unlucky.

Our players have sufficient individual ability but when confidence is low…..then character and mentality become more important and I think we lack it.

We cannot play well for two halves. We simply fade away so any decent performance achieves nothing if we don't sustain it.

It was better but in the end we got the same result and we are losing every week. As you say it keeps happening. That is not bad luck.

 

[Deadbat]

You do seem to love a blades defeat, played ok tonight against best team in the league, 3 points off 4th bottom with 99 points to play for, not sure we’re down just yet !

Report it as I see it. We played ok but once again only did it for a half.

We aren't down and a long way to go but if we keep conceding 3 every week, we will be. The teams above us all play tomorrow so we may be more than 3 points off. 99 points! On current form we are going to get to 33 points. That puts us down by a long way.

I hope we can pick up but the same issues are happening every week. We are almost a third of the season gone now too. Just hope we do not get cut adrift but will be if we keep losing.

 

[coaxingstar71]

As ever, thanks for the report Deadbat . Your unfaltering dedication is to be admired if not baffling.
Agree with just about every word but not on Cannon. He did two decent things, one where he ran the channel and pulled the ball back, blindly I might add, and where he got on the ball and played it into Peck for the chance just before half-time. Apart from that he did some dreadful things due to his seeming lack of any semblance of touch or control. He also did his usual trick of hiding by running into places where he's never going to get the ball and then half-heartedly tries to win the ball. Watch him, he moves toward the ball and then backs out at the last second. Another cowardly performance and I hope he's done in a Blades shirt after being taken off again.

 

[Houston_Blade]

You do seem to love a blades defeat

He writes a report based on the game, do you expect him to write that we won the game?!

 

[dc_blade]

For once I think you're more positive than me Deadbat. We were okay first half and looked dangerous at times--but really did not create a huge amount. Second half I thought we were absolutely woeful, especially for the 20-25 minutes after half time but really until the last 10 minutes when we had a bit of a go.

I'll just highlight my agreement with your low mark for Ogbene who I felt was terrible. McCallum MOTM, Peck and O'Hare also decent. I thought Mee did ok as well.

Coventry are showing what a long-term squad building strategy can accomplish. I bet their wage bill is a lot lower than ours but they've built something quite impressive and done a lot of clever business. It can be done without parachute payments but not with our current antiquated set up.

 

[Dkc]

Some harsh ratings there .. we were better than Saturday & I’d say those scorings were applicable to that game

Very harsh. I though it was shaping up for our best performance of the season. If Peck's shot doesn't hit their player (after.being set up intelligently by Cannon) we're 2-0 up.

Lots of positives from last night, and one huge negative that lost us the game. We need Cooper back on Saturday.

 

[Deaneandagana]

We’re looking like racing certs to be relegated, selling your better players & replacing them with inferior ones only leads to one outcome.

Refer back to McCabe & 6 years in Divn1.

 

[Blade59]

One phrase that kept cropping up in your report was McGuiness error. I thought to be fair he was not that bad in his first few games but the last 2 or 3 have really showed up his limitations. To make matters worse we are making Tanganga a poor player to accommodate him. Surely the best centre back pairing would be Tanganga / Mee with Seiki and McCallum as full backs. The problem is lack of options at RB if Seriki breaks down and we would probably have to use Shackleton to cover (assuming he is not injured again). This hybrid back 4 / 5 with Ogbene does not work and the latter is offering very little anyway.

 

[Bladesthorpe]

Thanks Deadbeat, agree with most of that but Thomas didn't head the ball in it hit him in the back and luckily went in.
The third goal was offside as proved in the Sky studio afterwards.

 

[dexter101]

It was definitely a better performance but I think we can all agree that the players that struggled... struggled.

I like Campbell but I do actually think he is carrying an injury as he doesn't quite look with it. But... there... is... no one else! If he actually goes down injured, who is starting the next game.

Same with Cooper, if he is out, I have very little confidence in our ability to no concede.

The challenge is now, if we perform like we did yesterday, every match, we should continue to come away with some points. but we are an injury away from being really exposed in pretty much every position on the pitch. When O'Hare got cleaned out, I was really nervous!

 

[ZLB]

On March 28th, United beat Coventry 3-1 in an extremely one-sided contest and moved 24 points ahead of the Sky Blues and went back to the top of the Championship table with only 7 games to play. Sadly, United only picked up another 7 points from a possible 21 and blew automatic promotion. After a tumultuous summer for the Blades, brought on by their own nonsensical decisions, United now somehow sit 22 points behind City, after the league leaders dispatched United at the CBS Arena on Tuesday evening. A remarkable 46 points turnaround in 21 games have seen both sides fortunes move in different directions. Tonight, it was City on the right end of a 3-1 scoreline as they came back from a one goal deficit at the half to completely turn the game around. This time, the big mistake came from substitute goalkeeper Adam Davies whose failure to get anywhere near a cross and it saw Bobby Thomas complete the turnaround.



It was two changes from the defeat to Derby with Riedewald and Cannon in for Soumare and Brooks. Seriki was back on the bench.



High scoring Coventry looked to bounce back from their first defeat of the season at Wrexham and started with the dangerous Wright flanked by Thomas Asante and Sakamoto. They had numerous offensive options on the bench with Simms and Mason Clark in reserve showing why they have scored so many goals this season.



The Blades began this contest better than the previous two and had a chance in the first minute as Tanganga flicked on McCallum’s long throw but it was put behind by a home defender leading to a corner. As the ball came over, it caromed off McGuiness, maybe inadvertently and Rushworth made a spectacular save. The referee somehow saw an offence that no one else did and Coventry won a free kick. A ball then came across from O’Hare as United continued their fast start.



The Sky Blues has not made any forays into the Blades half but their first move saw O’Hare draw jeers from his former supporters as he took out Sakamoto. McGuinness’ poor header was seized upon from Eccles whose shot was hit hard and low through bodies. Cooper made the save but fumbled it out of play leading to a corner. From this delivery, it dropped for Kitching whose shot was blocked by McCallum. The same player was guilty of a totally unnecessary foul when he took out Sakamoto. The former Coventry man compounded his error by not retreating and was cautioned.



Torp hit the free kick and this was spilt by Cooper who remained unconvincing. Cannon and Peck combined well leading to a chance for Campbell but it was saved by Rushworth. Another silly free kick, conceded this time from Riedewald gave another opportunity for City but Tanganga cleared. Coventry were now dominating the ball after United had began well and Sakamoto was looking dangerous down the right. His run saw him blocked out and the ball dropped but was cleared by the visitors.



A long throw saw Kitching beat McGuiness to the first header and Mee lost Wright at the far post but the striker could not turn the ball home.



United finally had the ball for a period and patient possession football led to them winning a corner. Peck took it and it was a flat, low one and Mee managed to expertly flick on and MCCALLUM did superbly to steer home despite being under pressure. The Blades had the shock lead on the road at the league leaders and it was the former Coventry man who made the breakthrough.



Da Silva was booked for protesting an award of a goal kick before Cooper went down for treatment as he was struggling with his back. Cannon did well to get down the side and pull the ball back but Ogbene could not get across as United were looking threatening. O’Hare’s flicked header from Mee’s cross was comfortable for Rushworth but the Blades were looking an attacking threat.



Coventry had struggled to respond but Da Silva was not tracked and his low shot after a one two was dragged not far wide. Thomas then clumsily caught O’Hare and was lucky not to be booked such was the force and height of his challenge. Sakamoto was not as fortunate as he scythed down McCallum and given a yellow card. The play was allowed to go on before the referee went back but Cannon could not get on the cross from Peck. Mee’s ball into the box was blocked but fell for O’Hare who hit it ferociously but a defender diverted it behind. McCallum then did well to get back and stop the break in a game that was moving from end to end.



Peck then had a great opportunity to make it two after starting the move and exchanging passes with Ogbene but the midfielder’s shot was blocked by Thomas. Peck’s long wait for a goal carries on.



McGuinness error in but McCallum recovered well at the far post before United won another corner which Mee flicked on at the near post and nearly led to another chance. The final chance came for the home side and their best chance they created as Thomas Assante was given too much time and his cross found the unmarked Wright but his header was straight to Cooper. It was a chance he should have converted. United saw out the final moments to go in with a surprise lead.



Mason Clark was on for Eccles for the home side but Cooper’s back issues meant he had to be replaced by Davies at the half, for the visitors. Coventry came out in the ascendancy looking to put the new goalkeeper under pressure and launched several long throws with appeals for a handball on Tanganga after it came off his own man. From another long throw, the ball dropped as Tanganga and McCallum both went for the same ball with Thomas – the ball dropped and SAKAMOTO dropped on it before O’Hare and steered it into the corner.



Coventry were now swarming all over United and balls coming into the box as the visitors were now resorting to just clearing their lines. McGuiness error led to a chance for Mason Clark being in but he fired the ball over. Peck then had to make the block as the pressure was incessant on the United goal. Mee cut out Grimes cross leading to another corner. The corner came in and Davies got nowhere near the ball with a hopeless flailing dive and THOMAS got above the keeper and Mee to head the ball home. It was an awful goal to concede and yet another dreadful error from a Blades player that cost them a goal.



O’Hare fired over before United made a double change as Ings and Davies came on for Cannon and Riedewald. Davies did make a save from Mason Clark as he drove down the side. Torp’s free kick hit the stanchion, as Davies watched on helplessly. Coventry were camped into the Blades half who could not get out. McGuiness and Ogbene came on for Seriki and Brooks. United had not really threatened but Brooks and Seriki combined and Peck’s shot deflected wide as the midfielder somehow hit an opponent again. Brooks got down the side but his cross was sent behind the goal. United were finally having a go – Davies and Brooks had chances but the chance of a shot went away as the Blades took too long.



O’Hare and Ings exchanged passes but the ball deflected over as the former Coventry man tried to get in on goal and United did win two corners. However, as the game ticked into four minutes of stoppage time, United could not really test Rushworth and the final piece of action saw the Sky Blues seal the game at the death. Mee and Davies made a mess of the trying to get the ball forward and the home side broke. Wright managed to streak away and as Davies stayed at home, Wright beat the offside trap with Mee playing him onside. He cooly rolled the ball across and THOMAS ASSANTE tapped home to lead to jubilant scenes for the home players, coaching staff, and fans. They remain clear at the top of the league whilst the Blades desperate start to the season shows no sign of abating.







Coventry – Not surprised me they have done well. It’s kind of painful to see a team that we beat and beat well only last Easter, be so far ahead of us. They have the same manager and largely the same team (with a few additions) and now look a far better side with pace, power, goals and an attitude to get after teams. They take games to teams and play front foot football. We are the complete antithesis of this. I do believe that the continuity of course helped but we also lose key players – they added to a good squad with even more quality. I had them in the playoffs but they have been even better than I thought – helped by the three relegated teams being nowhere near where I thought they would be. They have more strength in depth this time. I do think they will have a drop off at some point but the division looks so weak in comparison to last year, that I see them now as the best team and would not be shocked if they got automatic promotion. Lampard, despite a lot of criticism, did well at this level with Derby before (helped by a good squad and some fantastic loans) and has done really well since he took over. I think they would have improved anyway under Robins last year and sacking him after everything he did, was harsh but Lampard got them flying up the league and also got them close to the playoff final (were better than Sunderland over 2 legs – mad that Sunderland were the poorer side over 3 playoff games but went up and are now flying in the top flight!).



They have a nice balance of experience and younger players but have a relatively solid defence (still think they can be got at in the middle of the defence as we showed last season at the Lane) and improved with the addition of Grimes in the centre. They also have got the best out of Thomas Assante to compliment Simms and Wright. They have pace and power and can be quite direct but have creative and skilled performers like Grimes and Rudoni. They remind me a bit of the side that went up under Wilder – a lot of players hitting their peak at the right time and a good chemistry helped by a belief from the crowd – there is a real togetherness and now they have more of a settled set up off the field in terms of the ownership and stadium – seem set to finally get back to the top flight. As I say, it might not be plain sailing in the same way as Burnley and Leeds had it but the lack of real competition and the fantastic start they have had, means they can afford the odd poor result/game. After today they had scored 39 and only conceded 13 for +26– in comparison to us 11 scored and 26 conceded for which is -15. That is a 41-goal swing. That is crazy but shows how much better they have been than us in all aspects of the game.



Tonight, not sure they were brilliant and at times thought they looked very average but they fought back and made changes to turn it around. Mason Clark caused us real problems and we struggled with the movement of the front players all game. I felt they just upped the intensity for 20 minutes after the break and played higher up the field and with quicker, more physical players, they imposed themselves and did what they had to do. In the end they were hanging on a bit but we did not seriously threaten and score a clincher. They deserved to win on chances and on overall possession/touches in the box and control of the game when it mattered. At half time they were probably wondering if it was another defeat but they really reacted and as Preston did in the last away game for United, they just upped it and they ran faster, won tackles and drove at our players. They got balls in the box and we fell apart. In the end, it was a deserved victory for them even if they were not superb. They did what they had to do.



Opponent Man of the Match – Thomas got it on Sky and scored the winner and was dominant against our slow strikers who do not move but thought Grimes played well second half and Mason Clark made a huge difference. Thomas Assante was decent throughout and always lively.



Opponent Weak link – Thought that Kitching was not up to the level of his partner but Eccles was poor first half as Peck did well to control midfield but they improved hugely after he went off.



Referee / Officials – James Lingington. Not reffed us much. Oxford away last season which was non-descript and then going further back the win v Sunderland and the defeat v QPR in Hecky’s promotion season. Think he sent off Neil for Sunderland but also should have given us a penalty for a foul on Berge late in that QPR defeat. Today he was largely ok. We got a few stupid bookings and deserved. I did think that Thomas should have been carded. They had 3 to our 2 and thought we were quite cynical at times but then they stuck the boot in too as the game went on. Not sure there were many really bad decisions to be honest. He was fine.

Not sure count: 13

 

[FTPE]

Your missus is correct.
0.5 for Davies

 

[Freddie]

Not sure count: 13

It was going well for the first 18 paragraphs to be fair.

 

[cooperblade]

I definitely thought there were some positives from last night and can see that we are gradually improving in terms of our attacking input.

I'd like to see Wilder now move our best centre-back back to centre-back (I'd drop Mee but could understand a case for McGuiness missing out) and then get some more youth, energy and combination-play into the side by playing Seriki and Brooks down the right (either in a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1). I'd also rather see Soumare get a run of games than Reidewald or Davies and I'd have One ahead of Cannon and, especially, Ings in the queue.

I don't think CW will do that and I understand why he thinks experience is best in our current situation but I think we become so physically limited when we include the likes of Mee and Ings and playing Tanganga out of position when the other CB options are poor and we have Seriki available doesn't make sense to me. I also think Ogbene has had a long run in the side now and delivered very little so Brooks deserves more than the odd cameo.

 

[Dkc]

I definitely thought there were some positives from last night and can see that we are gradually improving in terms of our attacking input.

I'd like to see Wilder now move our best centre-back back to centre-back (I'd drop Mee but could understand a case for McGuiness missing out) and then get some more youth, energy and combination-play into the side by playing Seriki and Brooks down the right (either in a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1). I'd also rather see Soumare get a run of games than Reidewald or Davies and I'd have One ahead of Cannon and, especially, Ings in the queue.

I don't think CW will do that and I understand why he thinks experience is best in our current situation but I think we become so physically limited when we include the likes of Mee and Ings and playing Tanganga out of position when the other CB options are poor and we have Seriki available doesn't make sense to me. I also think Ogbene has had a long run in the side now and delivered very little so Brooks deserves more than the odd cameo.

We'll also have Hamer, Chong and Arblaster available soon.

 

[Rodley]

Very harsh. I though it was shaping up for our best performance of the season. If Peck's shot doesn't hit their player (after.being set up intelligently by Cannon) we're 2-0 up.

Lots of positives from last night, and one huge negative that lost us the game. We need Cooper back on Saturday.

If Cooper kept the shirt I don’t think we lose that one.

 

[Balti Pie]

I can only think that Wilder keeps picking McGuiness for his height. I'd really like to see a centreback pairing of Tanganga and Mee with Seriki at right back.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Ratings:



Cooper 2.5/10 – A real struggle. He pushed one out unconvincingly. Then he made a mess of a free kick that they should have punished. Went down holding his back and then had to come off. Looks way out of sorts but as bad as he was, he is still better than the replacement and we are going to really see how much we miss him (even when he has struggled) if he is out for any length of time.



Ogbene 2.5/10 - Thought he was completely anonymous again. Not in the game offensively and when he had it he gave it away a lot. A few link ups with Peck first half but overall, he looks a poor addition. He is no better than Brooks or Seriki – our own players. They may frustrate but at least may improve. He seems to have not got his pace back from his injury and as a result not sure what he is offering at all?



McCallum 7/10 –Our best player for me. He scored the goal – well taken and stuck to his task despite a silly early booking. His touch was good and he got down the side and showed good energy. His link play was also good and he looked one of few who looked up for the fight. Maybe should be in front of the Coventry man on the header for the goal. Made some good interceptions too. Deserves to keep his place.



McGuiness 3/10 – Another poor performance. He got under the ball too many times again, headed it straight down to them when he did head it. Lost a key header that nearly led to a goal. Miskicked two to put them in both just before half time and just after. He also was slow to react to the ball dropping on the first goal. He looks very clumsy and does not dominate at all. Always looks full stretch. Not sure many things he did where I thought he has done well there and 2nd half when we need some big headers or someone to dominate – he as the biggest defender – fails to do that and the ball keeps coming back in from throws/corners that we fail to clear.



Tanganga 3.5/10 – I know it is not his best position but thought he got pulled about a fair bit again. He did make some blocks but they really went down his side second half and Mason Clark caused us all sorts of problems. Goes for the header on the first but sort of misses it – or gets sandwiched with McCallum. He is not really impacting games in that his strength is heading but you do less of that playing wider and he does not get forward. We need him to be played instead of McGuiness in the middle and change the formation. We are conceding 3 goals every game so it is not working.



Mee 4/10 – An odd performance in that he actually did some really good things attacking wise. He flicked on for the goal and nearly led to another few chances. Put a few decent crosses in too. He also made a few blocks but then defensively completely switched off on a number of occasions – the two chances Wright had, he is nowhere near him and he should score at least one. Second half he makes one decent block but then a wild tackle for a booking and also gets caught a few times too. The third goal he makes two errors -giving them the ball in the middle and then playing the man onside (was close but he needs to step out). He looks like it is a real struggle to keep playing every week with fast and physical forwards.



Peck 6/10 – He did some ok things and first half thought it was the best he has been for a while. He got on the ball and also got forward well. He played some decent combination stuff and had the effort but hit the man. 2nd half he was not in the game at all until towards the end and the midfield got completely overran. He had done a good job on Grimes but then the Coventry man pulled the strings and we did not react and ended up so deep. He had a late resurgence with a few moments but his shot once again hits a defender again. He does this constantly and this is why he never scores or even works the keeper (it’s not even like he makes the goalie make saves – all his shots are off target or hit a man). Thought he was one of our better players but still no meaningful moments really?



Riedewald 4/10 – Steady first half without being spectacular but thought as the game went on, he struggled to keep on and after the break he was miles off it. They ran off the middle; we failed to deny the service out wide and it kept coming back at us. Harsh on Soumare not to be involved at all. He at least gets about the pitch. Not convinced he is really a difference maker. Looks functional but does not see enough of the ball and does not really break things up enough. Just seems another nothing sort of midfielder -we have an array of these!



O’Hare 6/10 –Not sure he was as good as he has been and struggled first half at times as the crowd got at him and he committed a few fouls but kept working hard and did improve as the game went on. He started to win the ball back and had a few decent moments but a shot over and one deflected. Probably cannot believe his former club look set for promotion and the one he moved to, could be getting relegated!



Cannon 5/10 – You know what, that is the best he has been. He was still not great and not sure he did a lot but I counted double figure touches first half and he played a few round the corner balls, crosses into areas and at least got involved. Not sure he offered too much attacking wise and pulled out of one header but he at least looked mobile tonight. I am sure some will slate him again but there were poor performers in general play – he just does not look a goal threat and not even a nuisance. Harsh he was taken off before Campbell.



Campbell 2.5/10 – Thought it was another disappointing performance where he had little energy, made poor choices on the ball, it never stuck to him and he did not offer any kind of goal threat, Had one shot at the keeper but everything else he did was poor. Constantly making wrong decisions, losing the ball or allowing his defender to get in front of him. Did not move and was static much of the second half. One decent cross at the end apart, thought he was simply not in the game. He then managed to be offside twice in succession – once a few years in the visiting half. He looks completely spent at the moment. Our striking options are appalling. We need to sign 2 up here. He needs to come out but like with Peck – the options are so limited, Wilder keeps picking him – it’s the same with the keeping situation. You’d have took Campbell and Cooper out but those behind are even worse somehow! He really frustrated me tonight as thought a few were working hard and trying to find chance.



Subs -



Davies 1/10 – Not sure I can give him more than that? My wife joked it has to be 0.5 and she said that is just for getting the right bus and putting his shirt the right way round! He has never been great when he has played and we have never got a proper number two – but we still keep him. How he plays for Wales is beyond me – their keeping pool must be so small? As bad as Cooper has been, you know we are still downgrading and when he came on you fear the worst. The first goal he is slow down to (to be fair sort of goals Cooper has been conceding too), the second is absolutely park league (in fact park keepers would do better) and simply hands them the lead. It is beyond embarrassing. He pushes one save out – even that not great but then the third he comes and then goes back – so gets in no mans’s land. Overall, he is culpable for all three goals. An absolute nightmare and he probably has to play on Saturday – maybe longer. Frightening that we are conceding 3 every week and now he is playing behind an already shambolic defence.



Davies 3.5/10 – Thought he found it hard and made lots of unforced errors. A few moments where he got on it but he made some poor choices and all seemed a bit rushed. He ended up making poor choices with passes and then combined with Mee on the third with a mistake – more Mee’s fault. Clearly cannot play from the start but then comes into games and the pace is a bit much.



Ings 2.5/10 – Not sure he touched the ball much? Looked slow and immobile. Had one run where he chased the keeper but outside of that – completely anonymous although maybe there needs to be a point made about us never getting the ball into the box or to his feet but he like Campbell, has to move or make runs. So static and slow.



Seriki 6.5/10 – Looked lively and along with Brooks we finally had a threat. He looked to create and showed some good touches and gave us some energy. Surely he is a better option than the ineffective Ogbene for a period of games- if he can stay fit – which he normally cannot.



Brooks 6/10 – As above. Got on the ball, tried to create and other than one poor cross behind, he looked like he wanted to make things happen. Should have done better with once chance and sort of toe poked it and had more time. I would like him and Seriki to get some games. I know they may have ups and downs but they are our players and the ones who have been playing have not been performing so at least give them a run of games.



Manager: Wilder 4/10 – First half would be a 7 or 7.5 as we came out, had a go and looked to at least attack them. We showed some bravery and forced them back at times. Sure, we conceded chances but it was not like we were being dominated. The set up was ok as we swarmed on Grimes but despite the decent play Wright could and should have scored at least one and Cooper makes 2 saves so they did have more chances. However, we led and were looking ok. Second half yet again we sit back, wait for the pressure and concede. At least this time it was more than a few seconds. As soon as one went in, you feared the worst and so it proved. I know people will say it’s another mistake and that is not on Wilder but the way we sit back and invite pressure- we then simply cannot soak it up as we cannot defend crosses/balls into the box and we concede. After this it sort of petered out but to be fair we did have a late go – but Brooks and Seriki were not given enough time and it was sort of too little too late. It is another loss. He said we went toe to toe with the best side but not sure it really matters if we concede three goals and when it really matters we fall apart and have the same mentality after half time every week whether it’s Preston, Derby or Coventry. We do not play full games due to either being afraid, lacking confidence, unfit or simply unable to have a plan to keep the ball. It is happening every week and Wilder and his coaching staff have to take some responsibility for this. Individual errors do keep happening but we invite pressure and increase the opportunity for mistakes. Still Davies’ error you cannot really legislate for but we keep saying the same about x player every week.



The team selection was again baffling though. He retained faith with the same clunky formation and set up at the back (despite all of the 3 defenders being miles off on Saturday) and then brings Cannon back into the squad and starts him after him not featuring at all – dropped from the squad? It was bizarre. Brooks was not great Saturday but he had been decent the previous two whereas Peck seems to get picked no matter what – he made two huge errors on Saturday. Soumare was better than Peck yet Wilder takes out the better player from the previous game. That is not fair and shows to players it does not matter how you play – as the manager is not picking people on performances but on whom he likes. Peck and Cannon did do ok but I have to be honest with how I felt when I saw the team. The first three subs – all experienced players – Davies x 2 and Ings were awful but the younger players Brooks and Seriki did well and made an impact as we finally had a go.

Why does Ogbene keep being listed as the second player in the ratings section?

 

[Hillsboro Blade]

Are the players cramping up at half time due to a low fitness level and the non movement during the 15 minute break? Somethings obviously very wrong, last night the second half team were like a different side sgain, slow and lethargic.

 

[71Blade]

Some harsh ratings there .. we were better than Saturday & I’d say those scorings were applicable to that game

I think there is a mix of over ratings and under rating however we all see games differently i was on a night out and was in BOX our game was muted of course to allow for the Liverpool game, the opening paragraph just shows the state we find ourselves in and how we have fallen off a cliff. McCallum 6 at best for me the stupid yellow and im being kind dropped him 2 points from me and he was our best player last night (what does that say for the rest of the team) Coventry looked ok decent at best they were there for the taking a better team would have won that game last night, we just ship too many goals. Amble onto January and hope some go and better come in. in a word... SHITSHOW !

 

[Tarqs]

2.5 for cooper is ridiculous. He made a hash of one shot. Prior to that he made a cracking save from eccles and numerous saves thereafter.

EDIT: to say I agree with the rest.

 

[Espania blade]

United – Another game, another defeat. Really frustrating that once again we throw away some decent stuff at times and a much better first half performance than much of the season but it’s pointless if we cannot do it for more than a small period. We have to play for a full game. We have showed we cannot and our stats that have us 24th in the league for goals conceded after the break sums it up. Another three goals conceded and another complete throwaway from leading the game to being behind fairly quickly. More individual mistakes of course but the way we played in the second half was poor again – it’s ok saying we had a go towards the end but games are 90 minutes. We played ok for a period but then cannot sustain it as we lack fitness, discipline and cannot keep the ball. It happens time after time. Granted mistakes keep happening and people will say if Davies does not do that or Peck does not do that but we invite pressure with such negative and weak-minded play where we show no courage and just sit back and wait for the inevitable. I am not even sure Coventry were that great – or they much better than last season really – or is the division just weaker but they have pace and power and go and attack teams.



For us, in terms of the positives, it was better than Saturday tonight – and against a better side. We looked more dangerous going forward, thought we competed better and made a real game of it against the best side in the league. We played fairly well first half and scored a decent goal and could have had another possibly but Coventry had a few chances and Cooper remained uncertain. Wright missed a few chances and a sitter on half time but overall we led at the leaders, had been in the game and took the lead. However, as had happened the last two games (and others this season) we show no resolve to keep the lead and completely fell apart second half. We concede territory constantly and it seems inevitable that goals will concede. Every week we are shipping goals and making mistakes. This continues, we will go down. I am sorry but we cannot keep blaming luck or injuries – we are losing every week as we concede stupid goals, show no bravery and when we get into good areas we have little to no proper attacking threat going forward. Even tonight for all the promise we showed going forward, not sure the keeper has another save to make really and it is all sort of half hearted when we get in the box (Peck’s blocked shot apart – there was nothing that clear cut really). Coventry still had the better chances over the game and were ruthless when they had opportunities. Of course, Davies’ error was a huge helping hand but if that had not gone in, does anyone think we hold out? They were going to score at some point -still your keeper effectively throws one in then it really does not help! Still, we saw it with Peck, Tanganga and many others that keep gifting teams goals. This is not unfortunate. It is poor play. I am sure a lot will be more positive as took the top of the league close for periods of the game but as soon as they score after the break, the writing was on the wall. Why do we have a late go at 80 minutes. We never show that urgency prior to that? It was another odd side but I am not sure Cannon was as bad as he has been – he had a few ok touches – better than Campbell for me! We had little up front all game compared with the movement and pace of the Coventry front line. Midfield continue to look leggy and never keep the ball for any sustained period and the defence is constantly at full stretch.



We have now lost 11 in 14. We continue to ship goals and cannot play for sustained spells in games at all. Others at the bottom are getting results (Blackburn/Derby etc). Wednesday will go but who else do we think are worse than us? I am struggling really. The way we fall apart every week, other teams are not doing that and are picking up results here and there. We have now lost three straight and 6 in 9 under Wilder – I am not sure it is really improving sadly in terms of the basics. If the players and coaching staff do not wake up – we are going to be really stuck and find it hard to get out.



Ratings:



Cooper 2.5/10 – A real struggle. He pushed one out unconvincingly. Then he made a mess of a free kick that they should have punished. Went down holding his back and then had to come off. Looks way out of sorts but as bad as he was, he is still better than the replacement and we are going to really see how much we miss him (even when he has struggled) if he is out for any length of time.



Ogbene 2.5/10 - Thought he was completely anonymous again. Not in the game offensively and when he had it he gave it away a lot. A few link ups with Peck first half but overall, he looks a poor addition. He is no better than Brooks or Seriki – our own players. They may frustrate but at least may improve. He seems to have not got his pace back from his injury and as a result not sure what he is offering at all?



McCallum 7/10 –Our best player for me. He scored the goal – well taken and stuck to his task despite a silly early booking. His touch was good and he got down the side and showed good energy. His link play was also good and he looked one of few who looked up for the fight. Maybe should be in front of the Coventry man on the header for the goal. Made some good interceptions too. Deserves to keep his place.



McGuiness 3/10 – Another poor performance. He got under the ball too many times again, headed it straight down to them when he did head it. Lost a key header that nearly led to a goal. Miskicked two to put them in both just before half time and just after. He also was slow to react to the ball dropping on the first goal. He looks very clumsy and does not dominate at all. Always looks full stretch. Not sure many things he did where I thought he has done well there and 2nd half when we need some big headers or someone to dominate – he as the biggest defender – fails to do that and the ball keeps coming back in from throws/corners that we fail to clear.



Tanganga 3.5/10 – I know it is not his best position but thought he got pulled about a fair bit again. He did make some blocks but they really went down his side second half and Mason Clark caused us all sorts of problems. Goes for the header on the first but sort of misses it – or gets sandwiched with McCallum. He is not really impacting games in that his strength is heading but you do less of that playing wider and he does not get forward. We need him to be played instead of McGuiness in the middle and change the formation. We are conceding 3 goals every game so it is not working.



Mee 4/10 – An odd performance in that he actually did some really good things attacking wise. He flicked on for the goal and nearly led to another few chances. Put a few decent crosses in too. He also made a few blocks but then defensively completely switched off on a number of occasions – the two chances Wright had, he is nowhere near him and he should score at least one. Second half he makes one decent block but then a wild tackle for a booking and also gets caught a few times too. The third goal he makes two errors -giving them the ball in the middle and then playing the man onside (was close but he needs to step out). He looks like it is a real struggle to keep playing every week with fast and physical forwards.



Peck 6/10 – He did some ok things and first half thought it was the best he has been for a while. He got on the ball and also got forward well. He played some decent combination stuff and had the effort but hit the man. 2nd half he was not in the game at all until towards the end and the midfield got completely overran. He had done a good job on Grimes but then the Coventry man pulled the strings and we did not react and ended up so deep. He had a late resurgence with a few moments but his shot once again hits a defender again. He does this constantly and this is why he never scores or even works the keeper (it’s not even like he makes the goalie make saves – all his shots are off target or hit a man). Thought he was one of our better players but still no meaningful moments really?



Riedewald 4/10 – Steady first half without being spectacular but thought as the game went on, he struggled to keep on and after the break he was miles off it. They ran off the middle; we failed to deny the service out wide and it kept coming back at us. Harsh on Soumare not to be involved at all. He at least gets about the pitch. Not convinced he is really a difference maker. Looks functional but does not see enough of the ball and does not really break things up enough. Just seems another nothing sort of midfielder -we have an array of these!



O’Hare 6/10 –Not sure he was as good as he has been and struggled first half at times as the crowd got at him and he committed a few fouls but kept working hard and did improve as the game went on. He started to win the ball back and had a few decent moments but a shot over and one deflected. Probably cannot believe his former club look set for promotion and the one he moved to, could be getting relegated!



Cannon 5/10 – You know what, that is the best he has been. He was still not great and not sure he did a lot but I counted double figure touches first half and he played a few round the corner balls, crosses into areas and at least got involved. Not sure he offered too much attacking wise and pulled out of one header but he at least looked mobile tonight. I am sure some will slate him again but there were poor performers in general play – he just does not look a goal threat and not even a nuisance. Harsh he was taken off before Campbell.



Campbell 2.5/10 – Thought it was another disappointing performance where he had little energy, made poor choices on the ball, it never stuck to him and he did not offer any kind of goal threat, Had one shot at the keeper but everything else he did was poor. Constantly making wrong decisions, losing the ball or allowing his defender to get in front of him. Did not move and was static much of the second half. One decent cross at the end apart, thought he was simply not in the game. He then managed to be offside twice in succession – once a few years in the visiting half. He looks completely spent at the moment. Our striking options are appalling. We need to sign 2 up here. He needs to come out but like with Peck – the options are so limited, Wilder keeps picking him – it’s the same with the keeping situation. You’d have took Campbell and Cooper out but those behind are even worse somehow! He really frustrated me tonight as thought a few were working hard and trying to find chance.



Subs -



Davies 1/10 – Not sure I can give him more than that? My wife joked it has to be 0.5 and she said that is just for getting the right bus and putting his shirt the right way round! He has never been great when he has played and we have never got a proper number two – but we still keep him. How he plays for Wales is beyond me – their keeping pool must be so small? As bad as Cooper has been, you know we are still downgrading and when he came on you fear the worst. The first goal he is slow down to (to be fair sort of goals Cooper has been conceding too), the second is absolutely park league (in fact park keepers would do better) and simply hands them the lead. It is beyond embarrassing. He pushes one save out – even that not great but then the third he comes and then goes back – so gets in no mans’s land. Overall, he is culpable for all three goals. An absolute nightmare and he probably has to play on Saturday – maybe longer. Frightening that we are conceding 3 every week and now he is playing behind an already shambolic defence.



Davies 3.5/10 – Thought he found it hard and made lots of unforced errors. A few moments where he got on it but he made some poor choices and all seemed a bit rushed. He ended up making poor choices with passes and then combined with Mee on the third with a mistake – more Mee’s fault. Clearly cannot play from the start but then comes into games and the pace is a bit much.



Ings 2.5/10 – Not sure he touched the ball much? Looked slow and immobile. Had one run where he chased the keeper but outside of that – completely anonymous although maybe there needs to be a point made about us never getting the ball into the box or to his feet but he like Campbell, has to move or make runs. So static and slow.



Seriki 6.5/10 – Looked lively and along with Brooks we finally had a threat. He looked to create and showed some good touches and gave us some energy. Surely he is a better option than the ineffective Ogbene for a period of games- if he can stay fit – which he normally cannot.



Brooks 6/10 – As above. Got on the ball, tried to create and other than one poor cross behind, he looked like he wanted to make things happen. Should have done better with once chance and sort of toe poked it and had more time. I would like him and Seriki to get some games. I know they may have ups and downs but they are our players and the ones who have been playing have not been performing so at least give them a run of games.



Manager: Wilder 4/10 – First half would be a 7 or 7.5 as we came out, had a go and looked to at least attack them. We showed some bravery and forced them back at times. Sure, we conceded chances but it was not like we were being dominated. The set up was ok as we swarmed on Grimes but despite the decent play Wright could and should have scored at least one and Cooper makes 2 saves so they did have more chances. However, we led and were looking ok. Second half yet again we sit back, wait for the pressure and concede. At least this time it was more than a few seconds. As soon as one went in, you feared the worst and so it proved. I know people will say it’s another mistake and that is not on Wilder but the way we sit back and invite pressure- we then simply cannot soak it up as we cannot defend crosses/balls into the box and we concede. After this it sort of petered out but to be fair we did have a late go – but Brooks and Seriki were not given enough time and it was sort of too little too late. It is another loss. He said we went toe to toe with the best side but not sure it really matters if we concede three goals and when it really matters we fall apart and have the same mentality after half time every week whether it’s Preston, Derby or Coventry. We do not play full games due to either being afraid, lacking confidence, unfit or simply unable to have a plan to keep the ball. It is happening every week and Wilder and his coaching staff have to take some responsibility for this. Individual errors do keep happening but we invite pressure and increase the opportunity for mistakes. Still Davies’ error you cannot really legislate for but we keep saying the same about x player every week.



The team selection was again baffling though. He retained faith with the same clunky formation and set up at the back (despite all of the 3 defenders being miles off on Saturday) and then brings Cannon back into the squad and starts him after him not featuring at all – dropped from the squad? It was bizarre. Brooks was not great Saturday but he had been decent the previous two whereas Peck seems to get picked no matter what – he made two huge errors on Saturday. Soumare was better than Peck yet Wilder takes out the better player from the previous game. That is not fair and shows to players it does not matter how you play – as the manager is not picking people on performances but on whom he likes. Peck and Cannon did do ok but I have to be honest with how I felt when I saw the team. The first three subs – all experienced players – Davies x 2 and Ings were awful but the younger players Brooks and Seriki did well and made an impact as we finally had a go.

I agree with you ratings alth5i thought Tanganga was the worst player on the pitch, which says a lot when Cannon is playing, and you are right Cannon did ok for me, if Cooper is out for a period can we (would we) get an emergency loan ?
Otherwise we are going to be in more trouble!

 

[Balham]

Why does Ogbene keep being listed as the second player in the ratings section?

Presumably because DB thinks he's still playing as RWB and therefore the #2.

 

[Barry Butlin]

He writes a report based on the game, do you expect him to write that we won the game?!

Of course not, he just seems happier when we lose!!