Deadbat
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A bizarre night and ultimately really disappointing. After the good win Saturday, the game started quite open and after they had a few scrambles, we started to take control of the game and ended up creating two good chances and should have led. I thought the ref missed a nasty one on Bamford (would have been a red with VAR) but we had done ok and looked like the better side despite it being end to end.
Their goal came out of nothing but was a superb striker – even though we gave it away and we backed off. Then the double blow of the second yellow. I think it is harsh but this ref has form for throwing cards around against us. That seemed like game gone. Really frustrating, as we had done some good things and looked to build on Saturday but a great goal and two yellows and the game has changed completely and looks out of reach.
They had chances to extend the lead and then finally do and you worry it could get really ugly. We got a goal out of nothing from Tanganga which was well taken. Then another one, from Cannon. An incredible turnaround. Credit to the team for showing some fight and getting back into it. There was still a long time to go and we started to tire. After that, they started to slowly get back control and Cooper had to make a couple of decent saves. We made changes and tried to slow things down and to be fair, they did not have lots of chances after this. We seemed to have done enough but we do not stop the cross and they end up getting a free finish after we stand off. That is that. All the hard work counted for nothing in the end.
It was a really annoying night. We should have led, missed chances and then concede to a wonder strike. Then we have the red card and you just sense it is another frustrating night but we did show some resolve and the players stuck at it. I did not think they had that fightback in them, so credit to them but not sure some of the subs did enough when we needed them to help us see out the game. The stats make out Pompey dominated, which they did not but after doing so well to get back into it, poor marking cost us on the two goals second half and ultimately cost us. I think we showed a lot of battling qualities and the referee’s decision has had a big impact.
Still, despite a lot to admire about the attitude, we have assembled a slow, veteran side that does not control games and are getting routinely outshot in games (even before today which of course if influenced by the red card). Pompey are a poor side and will be near the bottom – and we were behind even before the red card. We can say we should have led but we did not take our chances and then our punished. The red card comes and then it is a struggle. Pompey were there for the taking but we did not finish them off before the moments that changed the game. The fightback had a lot to admire and I cannot be too critical because we did show some resolve and at least spirit. We have also shown some attacking stuff we had not seen before the last few games. Yet, all the work is wasted by not closing down and doing the basic at the end. The same issues of doddering defending, where we do not mark or stop crosses, continues to be an issue – regardless of the red card. Both goals came when we should have had enough men back. The winner is so poor and really soft but we have conceded goals like that for the last two seasons.
I worry that we may not get much Saturday. Bristol City are not doing great but have just lost and will want to bounce back. I’d take a point now but that is a poor return from two games against sides that will be middle or lower (sadly that is where we will be). Also, tonight will have taken a lot out of them and sure Wilder will crank up the extra day’s rest for them narrative. It has been an incredibly disappointing season so far and now we have one win in five – against a poor Lincoln side. Pressure will be ramped back up on Wilder if we do lose Saturday for the following home game against a struggling Derby side. The scoreline tonight does not tell the whole story and I feel the team and manager deserve credit but as I say, ultimately, we are not picking up enough points.
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Cooper 6.5/10 – Handling was good early and took crosses. One good throw out too but then gets beat with an absolute worldie. No pressure on the ball but you kind of are happy with teams taking shots from that area. Made a great save to deny the one on one second half but then came for a ball he should not have and got away with it. No chance on the 2nd goal. Made one great save from Anderson and another one low down. Kept us in it but then the late heartbreak -had little chance with that as it bounced down and in.
Choudhury 2/10 – We were going to struggle to get anything from the game at 1-0 down but soon as he goes off, that makes it so hard. Started ok and played a decent ball to Cannon and seemed ok but then he started losing his man and was getting beat. The first yellow he got tangled up, but then had two goes at him and was right to be booked. The second seemed a bit harsh. He probably cannot get out of the way but technically it’s still a block with the player going past him but I think a ref who does not crave the limelight, gives him a final warning. He has not covered himself in glory at all since he came back. Wingers are having a field day against him. He looks slow, clumsy and unfit.
McCallum 6.5/10 – Won a few headers early on and got forward but one loose pass led to a chance but he was doing ok with no real help from BBD when he looked up. After the break, we never seemed to get to grips with the new formation for a period but kept going and I thought put a lot into the game.
Tanganga 6.5/10 – At the start of the game they had a few scrambles inside out box and we could not get it away but we settled down and were the better side Made one really good block. Second half they got through us way too easily as we had a high line and they should have scored a few, before they did get the second goal. Took his goal really well with a swept finish from the cross. Went to right back when McGuiness came on and did ok.
Kitching 6/10 –He was ok to start the game and made a few decent challenges as we restricted them to a few ricochets but then after they score- we became stretched and his lack of pace showed at times. They got down the middle and through way too easy (10 men or not). On the goal he just does not react at all and stands there as the player just side foots home. A few aimless balls towards the end did not help us keep possession.
Peck 5.5/10 – Ok to start the game but we went forward a bit quicker and put in a really good ball for the chance for Cannon/Bamford but then as the half progressed, we started to lose the loose balls and it became scrappy. The goal came after his dreadful clearance. Second half did show some battling qualities and thought we had a go, but then he completely switches off and Adams scores the winner. He did some decent things but two goals he has to do better on.
Rothwell 5/10 – Started with a few neat and tidy touches and busy enough but not sure we saw enough of him or Peck, as midfields were almost bypassed. He lacks pace but also lacks physicality for me and teams just outmuscles us in this area. Eventually went off for Arblaster.
Brereton Diaz 3/10 – Completely nonexistent. Did a few decent things Saturday but tonight a complete waste of a shirt. Slow, ambling and not in the game. Taken off at half time but I barely noticed he was even playing. Been totally unconvincing since he returned and another, like Choudhury, that just seemed to be signed on past endeavors from a few seasons ago. These players have struggled to make an impact at this level since but Wilder signed them again.
Chong 6.5/10 – First half our best player and maybe a 7.5/10, as he got down the wing and really cause the full back all sorts of problems. He was the main threat and came inside and outside. Put some good balls into the box too. I think he will be frustrated that the strikers did not get on the end of any of them. Second half ended up right wing back and struggled with the winger, who beat him a few times and crucially too easily on the second. Really poor. He did send over the cross though that led to the Tanganga goal. Take away the 5 minutes where he struggled defensively and he has a decent game actually.
Cannon 6/10 –Had a couple of big chances and missed them both. First one he did well but then took a bit long after creating the space but then the second he does not attack the ball. I thought that the ball did not stick and so many times he does not read situations. Just bounced off him. He was left being the lone striker after the break but to be fair did battle. Had one shot from range and then scored a well taken header but then was completely exhausted and had to come off. Did put a shift in 2nd half.
Bamford 5/10 – Started harrying and trying to get on the ball and got a really bad tackle that should have seen further action. After this he had a really good chance but somehow put it over as maybe he expected Cannon to win the first ball. Taken off at half time as we tried a different formation with ten men.
Subs –
McGuinness 6/10 – He competed and tried to get his body in the way but the lack of pace down the middle was clear when they broke and had a few one on ones before they got the second. He won a few headers and was reasonably solid.
Phillips 5.5/10 – Brought on to try and give us some legs and tenacity in the middle but they kind of swarmed all over us first 10 minutes and they found gaps and got the second from his good corner. He then at least got struck in for a spell and we started to break the game up. I thought near the end, he would get on the ball and slow it down but he did not do that and looked panicky.
Arblaster 3/10 – Not sure I noticed him, on or off the ball. Just seemed slow to get out to players and looked off the pace. We did get back level when he was on but not sure he contributed very much at all. The winner, he just stands off, does not react and allows his man twice to get on the ball and eventually pick the man out for the cross. Looks way off the pace still.
Donovan – Had a few balls to chase but we had no men up with him and got crowded out. Why is he not playing over the awful BBD I do not know?
Campbell – Twice had chances to hold it up or run down the side and both times just coughed up possession. One near the end he could have stuck his backside into his man and won a free kick but gave it away and I think they ended up recycling it for the late winner?
Manager Rating: Wilder 6/10 – Credit for the comeback and we did start ok and needed to score when we were on top but after the goal, we lose our head a bit and get a red card (harsh as it may be) and become frustrated – maybe understandably. They get a 2nd but the changes kind of gave us more men in the middle and we got the ball into the box and scored two goals. Not sure we created much from general play and after this, rather than try and keep attacking, we sat back probably unsure what to do? We looked like we had done enough but nobody stops a cross (again) and nobody goes with the runner again. For all the talk of the red card, we concede so many goals like this. We are still a soft touch. The number of shots/touches in the box opponents have is staggeringly high still. I cannot be too critical of him as we fought back and showed some resolve. The subs I was ok with too – rotated to fresher legs – but sadly Campbell and Arblaster cannot run. 1 win in 5 is really poor – no matter how it is dressed up. Still under a fair bit of pressure as it has been mostly a season of struggle where statistically we are second best most games and now the results are starting to show this. As I say, tonight was an odd one to assess but as I say we were behind even 11 v 11. 46 touches in our box to 17 and 24 shots to 11, is not great reading. Again. Saw him ranting and raving at the ref at the end and could understand his frustration to be fair but we have to improve in so many aspects of our play. The spirit was good but the actual play/strategy and style, remains a mess. We saw a few glimmers attacking wise but overall, we have now sank to a level where we are a similar sort of pecking order to Pompey (no offence).
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Portsmouth – I thought they might push on last year but never really happened and they seem stuck in a bit of a mire, where the buoyancy of promotion has gone but now lack the funds to kick on. I think Mousinho has done a good job there but they do not seem to be anywhere close to the playoff contenders and probably will have to look over their shoulders again. They struggle to score goals and will rely on their home form to keep them out of trouble but expect them to be between middle and bottom again.
Tonight they looked poor for the opening half hour and the crowd were getting on their back a bit but then a great goal and the red card and the game completely changes. They then started to create chances with the numerical advantage and get a second and looks an easy victory. They give a poor goal away and the game is back in the balance somewhat and then Cannon scores. The crowd get on their back a bit too after this. They had a few chances where Cooper made some big saves.
They do have some players with more pace and running power than us, but also some plodders like us! They do have some quick wide men and a few decent technical players but lack probably leadership in midfield and at the back – also probably an out and out striker too. However, will pick up enough results to stay out of trouble.
Opposition player of the match – Kavuma McQueen was a real threat and caused lots of problems. Got Choudhury sent off and was involved in the 2nd goal. Quick and tricky and did everything Donovan has been doing for us – but we do not play our most dangerous creative player!
Opposition weak link – Schmid the keeper looked decidedly dodgy all night but we did not test him. Missed a few crosses and thought he fluffed the Cannon header too. Not great on the Tanganga one either.
Referee – Oliver Langford. He did the Charlton game last season (2 red cards) and no other games. Going further back, he refereed Bristol City in the playoffs when he sent Dickie off for the foul on Moore. We won a number of games he did that season also but the way he quickly brandished the cards at the Valley to essentially end a game, is probably still raw for Wilder. No surprise he wanted to be the star of the show. He should have sent a Pompey player off for an awful challenge but missed it. The first yellow is right on Choudhury but the second I think a good ref, gives him a final warning. He seems like he is desperate to get his cards out in any game. A good ref tries to let games flow, gives free kicks for obvious fouls. Ditto for cards. He does the oppositive. A dreadful referee who seems to want everyone to know he is there. Hope we do not see him for a very long time.
Their goal came out of nothing but was a superb striker – even though we gave it away and we backed off. Then the double blow of the second yellow. I think it is harsh but this ref has form for throwing cards around against us. That seemed like game gone. Really frustrating, as we had done some good things and looked to build on Saturday but a great goal and two yellows and the game has changed completely and looks out of reach.
They had chances to extend the lead and then finally do and you worry it could get really ugly. We got a goal out of nothing from Tanganga which was well taken. Then another one, from Cannon. An incredible turnaround. Credit to the team for showing some fight and getting back into it. There was still a long time to go and we started to tire. After that, they started to slowly get back control and Cooper had to make a couple of decent saves. We made changes and tried to slow things down and to be fair, they did not have lots of chances after this. We seemed to have done enough but we do not stop the cross and they end up getting a free finish after we stand off. That is that. All the hard work counted for nothing in the end.
It was a really annoying night. We should have led, missed chances and then concede to a wonder strike. Then we have the red card and you just sense it is another frustrating night but we did show some resolve and the players stuck at it. I did not think they had that fightback in them, so credit to them but not sure some of the subs did enough when we needed them to help us see out the game. The stats make out Pompey dominated, which they did not but after doing so well to get back into it, poor marking cost us on the two goals second half and ultimately cost us. I think we showed a lot of battling qualities and the referee’s decision has had a big impact.
Still, despite a lot to admire about the attitude, we have assembled a slow, veteran side that does not control games and are getting routinely outshot in games (even before today which of course if influenced by the red card). Pompey are a poor side and will be near the bottom – and we were behind even before the red card. We can say we should have led but we did not take our chances and then our punished. The red card comes and then it is a struggle. Pompey were there for the taking but we did not finish them off before the moments that changed the game. The fightback had a lot to admire and I cannot be too critical because we did show some resolve and at least spirit. We have also shown some attacking stuff we had not seen before the last few games. Yet, all the work is wasted by not closing down and doing the basic at the end. The same issues of doddering defending, where we do not mark or stop crosses, continues to be an issue – regardless of the red card. Both goals came when we should have had enough men back. The winner is so poor and really soft but we have conceded goals like that for the last two seasons.
I worry that we may not get much Saturday. Bristol City are not doing great but have just lost and will want to bounce back. I’d take a point now but that is a poor return from two games against sides that will be middle or lower (sadly that is where we will be). Also, tonight will have taken a lot out of them and sure Wilder will crank up the extra day’s rest for them narrative. It has been an incredibly disappointing season so far and now we have one win in five – against a poor Lincoln side. Pressure will be ramped back up on Wilder if we do lose Saturday for the following home game against a struggling Derby side. The scoreline tonight does not tell the whole story and I feel the team and manager deserve credit but as I say, ultimately, we are not picking up enough points.
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Cooper 6.5/10 – Handling was good early and took crosses. One good throw out too but then gets beat with an absolute worldie. No pressure on the ball but you kind of are happy with teams taking shots from that area. Made a great save to deny the one on one second half but then came for a ball he should not have and got away with it. No chance on the 2nd goal. Made one great save from Anderson and another one low down. Kept us in it but then the late heartbreak -had little chance with that as it bounced down and in.
Choudhury 2/10 – We were going to struggle to get anything from the game at 1-0 down but soon as he goes off, that makes it so hard. Started ok and played a decent ball to Cannon and seemed ok but then he started losing his man and was getting beat. The first yellow he got tangled up, but then had two goes at him and was right to be booked. The second seemed a bit harsh. He probably cannot get out of the way but technically it’s still a block with the player going past him but I think a ref who does not crave the limelight, gives him a final warning. He has not covered himself in glory at all since he came back. Wingers are having a field day against him. He looks slow, clumsy and unfit.
McCallum 6.5/10 – Won a few headers early on and got forward but one loose pass led to a chance but he was doing ok with no real help from BBD when he looked up. After the break, we never seemed to get to grips with the new formation for a period but kept going and I thought put a lot into the game.
Tanganga 6.5/10 – At the start of the game they had a few scrambles inside out box and we could not get it away but we settled down and were the better side Made one really good block. Second half they got through us way too easily as we had a high line and they should have scored a few, before they did get the second goal. Took his goal really well with a swept finish from the cross. Went to right back when McGuiness came on and did ok.
Kitching 6/10 –He was ok to start the game and made a few decent challenges as we restricted them to a few ricochets but then after they score- we became stretched and his lack of pace showed at times. They got down the middle and through way too easy (10 men or not). On the goal he just does not react at all and stands there as the player just side foots home. A few aimless balls towards the end did not help us keep possession.
Peck 5.5/10 – Ok to start the game but we went forward a bit quicker and put in a really good ball for the chance for Cannon/Bamford but then as the half progressed, we started to lose the loose balls and it became scrappy. The goal came after his dreadful clearance. Second half did show some battling qualities and thought we had a go, but then he completely switches off and Adams scores the winner. He did some decent things but two goals he has to do better on.
Rothwell 5/10 – Started with a few neat and tidy touches and busy enough but not sure we saw enough of him or Peck, as midfields were almost bypassed. He lacks pace but also lacks physicality for me and teams just outmuscles us in this area. Eventually went off for Arblaster.
Brereton Diaz 3/10 – Completely nonexistent. Did a few decent things Saturday but tonight a complete waste of a shirt. Slow, ambling and not in the game. Taken off at half time but I barely noticed he was even playing. Been totally unconvincing since he returned and another, like Choudhury, that just seemed to be signed on past endeavors from a few seasons ago. These players have struggled to make an impact at this level since but Wilder signed them again.
Chong 6.5/10 – First half our best player and maybe a 7.5/10, as he got down the wing and really cause the full back all sorts of problems. He was the main threat and came inside and outside. Put some good balls into the box too. I think he will be frustrated that the strikers did not get on the end of any of them. Second half ended up right wing back and struggled with the winger, who beat him a few times and crucially too easily on the second. Really poor. He did send over the cross though that led to the Tanganga goal. Take away the 5 minutes where he struggled defensively and he has a decent game actually.
Cannon 6/10 –Had a couple of big chances and missed them both. First one he did well but then took a bit long after creating the space but then the second he does not attack the ball. I thought that the ball did not stick and so many times he does not read situations. Just bounced off him. He was left being the lone striker after the break but to be fair did battle. Had one shot from range and then scored a well taken header but then was completely exhausted and had to come off. Did put a shift in 2nd half.
Bamford 5/10 – Started harrying and trying to get on the ball and got a really bad tackle that should have seen further action. After this he had a really good chance but somehow put it over as maybe he expected Cannon to win the first ball. Taken off at half time as we tried a different formation with ten men.
Subs –
McGuinness 6/10 – He competed and tried to get his body in the way but the lack of pace down the middle was clear when they broke and had a few one on ones before they got the second. He won a few headers and was reasonably solid.
Phillips 5.5/10 – Brought on to try and give us some legs and tenacity in the middle but they kind of swarmed all over us first 10 minutes and they found gaps and got the second from his good corner. He then at least got struck in for a spell and we started to break the game up. I thought near the end, he would get on the ball and slow it down but he did not do that and looked panicky.
Arblaster 3/10 – Not sure I noticed him, on or off the ball. Just seemed slow to get out to players and looked off the pace. We did get back level when he was on but not sure he contributed very much at all. The winner, he just stands off, does not react and allows his man twice to get on the ball and eventually pick the man out for the cross. Looks way off the pace still.
Donovan – Had a few balls to chase but we had no men up with him and got crowded out. Why is he not playing over the awful BBD I do not know?
Campbell – Twice had chances to hold it up or run down the side and both times just coughed up possession. One near the end he could have stuck his backside into his man and won a free kick but gave it away and I think they ended up recycling it for the late winner?
Manager Rating: Wilder 6/10 – Credit for the comeback and we did start ok and needed to score when we were on top but after the goal, we lose our head a bit and get a red card (harsh as it may be) and become frustrated – maybe understandably. They get a 2nd but the changes kind of gave us more men in the middle and we got the ball into the box and scored two goals. Not sure we created much from general play and after this, rather than try and keep attacking, we sat back probably unsure what to do? We looked like we had done enough but nobody stops a cross (again) and nobody goes with the runner again. For all the talk of the red card, we concede so many goals like this. We are still a soft touch. The number of shots/touches in the box opponents have is staggeringly high still. I cannot be too critical of him as we fought back and showed some resolve. The subs I was ok with too – rotated to fresher legs – but sadly Campbell and Arblaster cannot run. 1 win in 5 is really poor – no matter how it is dressed up. Still under a fair bit of pressure as it has been mostly a season of struggle where statistically we are second best most games and now the results are starting to show this. As I say, tonight was an odd one to assess but as I say we were behind even 11 v 11. 46 touches in our box to 17 and 24 shots to 11, is not great reading. Again. Saw him ranting and raving at the ref at the end and could understand his frustration to be fair but we have to improve in so many aspects of our play. The spirit was good but the actual play/strategy and style, remains a mess. We saw a few glimmers attacking wise but overall, we have now sank to a level where we are a similar sort of pecking order to Pompey (no offence).
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Portsmouth – I thought they might push on last year but never really happened and they seem stuck in a bit of a mire, where the buoyancy of promotion has gone but now lack the funds to kick on. I think Mousinho has done a good job there but they do not seem to be anywhere close to the playoff contenders and probably will have to look over their shoulders again. They struggle to score goals and will rely on their home form to keep them out of trouble but expect them to be between middle and bottom again.
Tonight they looked poor for the opening half hour and the crowd were getting on their back a bit but then a great goal and the red card and the game completely changes. They then started to create chances with the numerical advantage and get a second and looks an easy victory. They give a poor goal away and the game is back in the balance somewhat and then Cannon scores. The crowd get on their back a bit too after this. They had a few chances where Cooper made some big saves.
They do have some players with more pace and running power than us, but also some plodders like us! They do have some quick wide men and a few decent technical players but lack probably leadership in midfield and at the back – also probably an out and out striker too. However, will pick up enough results to stay out of trouble.
Opposition player of the match – Kavuma McQueen was a real threat and caused lots of problems. Got Choudhury sent off and was involved in the 2nd goal. Quick and tricky and did everything Donovan has been doing for us – but we do not play our most dangerous creative player!
Opposition weak link – Schmid the keeper looked decidedly dodgy all night but we did not test him. Missed a few crosses and thought he fluffed the Cannon header too. Not great on the Tanganga one either.
Referee – Oliver Langford. He did the Charlton game last season (2 red cards) and no other games. Going further back, he refereed Bristol City in the playoffs when he sent Dickie off for the foul on Moore. We won a number of games he did that season also but the way he quickly brandished the cards at the Valley to essentially end a game, is probably still raw for Wilder. No surprise he wanted to be the star of the show. He should have sent a Pompey player off for an awful challenge but missed it. The first yellow is right on Choudhury but the second I think a good ref, gives him a final warning. He seems like he is desperate to get his cards out in any game. A good ref tries to let games flow, gives free kicks for obvious fouls. Ditto for cards. He does the oppositive. A dreadful referee who seems to want everyone to know he is there. Hope we do not see him for a very long time.
