United 1 Cardiff 1 - report

[Deadbat]

For the second consecutive game, United dominated a fellow promotion contender but had to settle for a point after a late goal gave Cardiff an underserved share of the spoils. Leon Clarke scored his first goal since January 1st and United were full value for this lead and really should have put the game to bed missing numerous chances. Despite this, Cardiff did not create much and it seemed the Blades were heading back into the top 6 before a late free kick fell to sub Anthony Pilkington who drove home from the angle. It was a desperately disappointing late blow and a real sickener for the home side who had out played a side that had won 8 straight games before tonight.


The game went ahead despite some awful weather conditions in the day with snow and then torrential rain but the ground staff had done a great job in ensuring the pitch was playable. Despite the weather and the game being on Sky, there was still a healthy crowd inside the Lane when kick off arrived.


Manager Wilder opted to give David Brooks a start alongside Leon Clarke and Lee Evans was back in, with Billy Sharp and Ryan Leonard reverting back to the bench. Cardiff had a three pronged attack of Zohore, Mendez Laing and Hoillet and noticeable started a side that featured a great deal of height and physique when the teams lined up before kick-off.


United began with a good early chance when the ball came over and Lundstram headed straight at Etheridge. It was a good chance and he should have done better. United then enjoyed a good spell of possession; Baldock, Clarke and then Evans were involved with the latter firing over. Basham and Baldock then worked an opening down the right and it led to a corner. Cardiff gradually came back into it and Grujic had a shot fired in that deflected off Zohore. Cardiff started to have a better spell and won a corner before another tame effort was saved by Moore.


United broke out from this spell and started to take control again. Fleck played in Stevens and his ball evaded everyone. The goal was not long coming though and neat work from Evans and Lundstram played in CLARKE who turned and hit a shot that deflected off a defender and nestled into the corner. It was a welcome moment for the striker whose barren spell was finally over.


A second goal almost came soon after as lovely play saw the ball switched to he left and then Clarke played a delightful ball inside the full back. Stevens hit a cross in and it just evaded Brooks. United then had another good chance. A corner came over and Stearman headed it towards goal but it was headed off the line by Bennett. Lundstram then had a chance when Clarke teed it up and curled an effort just wide.


The half time whistle came soon after. It had been a very good United performance and a deserved lead.


Madine came on for Mendez Laing and it was clear Warnock’s plan was to go even longer. So far, long throws and percentage stuff had been the sum of their efforts and more pumped long balls came in early in this half.


Fleck then drove forward and played in Evans on the angle but a last ditch save from Etheridge denied him as he shaped to shoot. Gunnarson then cut in for Cardiff and drove a low shot not far wide. Zohore then pulled away and got away from Stearman and Basham and drove a shot goalwards that Moore tipped over.


United came out and Lundstram then drove over after more good work from Fleck and then Stevens in the build-up. Baldock then drove forward down the other wide and Basham was released winning a corner. United continued to attack and Fleck was influential all over the field surging forward and had one effort saved from Etheridge. Brooks then had a shot saved after coming in on the angle after a good run; but it was not long before he was replaced by Donaldson.


United won a series of free kicks after more good build up and a second successive quick one saw Fleck play in Stevens and his low cross was hit against the post from Donaldson. United continued to attack and despite Cardiff making a double change; the home side looked more likely to get another goal.


Clarke had an effort saved from Etheridge and Evans had an appeal for a penalty turned away. Leonard came on for Lundstram and then Stearman had to hobble off and was replaced by Wright. United looked like they had done enough as the game approached the final stages. The referee opted to play four minutes of stoppage time and in the first of these played Donaldson gave a free kick away. The ball came over and Madine won the header and the ball dropped to PILKINGTON who fired home on the angle despite Moore getting his hand to the ball. It was a desperate blow for the home side but the away side celebrated like it was a winner. They had deserved nothing from the game but had grabbed a point somehow.



United – We played great. Again. As at Brentford, we dominated the game; had all the chances really and should have won easily. We played some lovely stuff, moved it around, the defence was solid, the wing backs got up and down, Clarke was a constant threat and more like the player of earlier in the season and the midfield three were busy all game and showed a nice range of passing. We outplayed a side who had won eight straight and had more possession, won the loose tackles/50-50’s and generally did enough to win. The late goal was devastating. They had not really looked like scoring.


They had the two chances at the start of the second half but we had 7 or 8 clear chances in the game and Donaldson missed another sitter. I was really pleased with how we played and felt we gave a really committed and skilful performance in awful conditions. No one really played badly. It was a showing that proved we believe we still have a chance of going up and in short, we turned up. The only criticism is, as at Brentford and v Villa/Bristol; we have to take our chances and have to be more ruthless. Both goals were very similar in the last two games. Silly free kick give away and then we do not clear it and do not deal with second ball. We sadly need about 10 chances to score 1 and then top teams do not. It should have been a routine win but sadly we do not have that extra class up the top of the pitch to blow teams away. If we had a player like Mitrovic we would be winning these games 4 or 5. We are not at that level of investment yet and maybe will not be for a while.


However, if we want to really challenge, it does not matter how well we play if we do not take chances and see games out. Today was massively disappointing and gutting. We had a great chance to get in the top 6 and kind of blew it; not in the performance but the fact we did not win a game we should have. We keep saying if we go like this we will be there or thereabouts but that is 3 games in a row without a win and we have to start turning good performances into wins.


Ultimately we do no win these sort of games as teams above us have players that are more clinical in the final third. They cost more generally and you get what you pay for – Snodgrass, Mitrovic etc. We sign Donaldson (Birmingham reserve) and Wilson – about 10th choice at Man Utd). That is the difference. Annoying as I do think we have some superb players, likes of Baldock, O’Connell, Fleck really are top class and with likes of Bash, Stearman so consistent also; we are very close.


Another couple of nearly shows and the likelihood is a few of those above will pull away and win a few. Saturday, we have to take out chances against a poor side and then set it up for next Tuesday. Tonight, though feels so raw. It felt when that goal went in like that was the nail in the coffin for the season. Not sure why, as it is not but it just seemed like it summed us up. For the most part we have been excellent and the last few weeks save for a poor 2nd half at home to Forest, got back to levels of earlier in the season.


We have played fearless football and attacked at will. We have created so much and really played well. It had been great to watch but…for all that we have not won these games. Still, proud of way United played and whatever happens, it is great to watch us play for the most part. We have some really good players; a great manager and the football is very entertaining. We need to remember that amongst all the inevitable disappointment tonight.

 

[Deadbat]

Cardiff – They have won eight straight and been on fire. They look set to go up and now that point might push them over the edge. However, I thought they were awful tonight and we made them look a really average side. We out footballed them, out battled them and really should have been out of sight. They relied all game on the long ball, long throws and set plays. Not sure they played any football all game really. At their place they did and passed us off the field and were miles better but


The lad after the game who was interviewed said they were the better side second half and a point was a fair result. Utter nonsense. They got out of jail big time but will say they fought hard and the never day die attitude etc but we take our chances and they do not even have a chance to steal a point. Warnock and Blackwell offered the usual idiotic pantomime performance in the dug out complete with Warnock’s pretend glasses/hand on head. They will get them up. Warnock is a superb championship manager and deserves a lot of credit for that – especially their budget compared to say Villa, Derby or Fulham; but he has really struggled when in the top flight and not sure he has ever kept a team up – usually gone down (Notts County, QPR – sacked before the end of season but they were and did go down, us and did Palace also do down when he was manager?). He will have to add a lot more quality and refine the rather agricultural and direct (effective as the results show) for them to have a chance of staying up.


Opposition Man of the Match: Not sure anyone was that great. Gunnarson took a lot of long throws and had a few good driving runs but a lot of players were off the game. Zohore was lively at times and got in twice but he got little help. Madine came on and just fouled but won a vital header at the death. The lad Pilkington took his goal really well. Was only a half chance. We had 5 or 6 better and clearer chances but missed them.


Opposition Weak link: I thought they had a few players off the game. The two centre backs headed and kicked it away a lot but got turned easily too. The left back fouled all game was lucky not to go off. I thought the big lad in midfield Pateron who has scored a few goal was terrible. Just gave it away or fouled.


Moore 7/10 – Did not have much to do. A few routine saves and then made a good one from Zohore. He punched a few away; one a good one and one he should have caught. Did not have much chance on the goal; a great finish. His kicking was not the best sent several out of play.


Baldock 8/10 – Superb again. Up and down. Defended well but he made several surging runs. He has so much energy. He did not quite find the cross every time and maybe could have been a bit more sure when he got in positions. His link up with likes of Basham and Evans was great to watch.


Stevens 8/10 – Thought he was excellent also tonight. He was right back to standards of earlier in the season. Got down the left and put in several great crosses that should have been converted. He was relentless like Baldock. When those two play like that we look a great side.


Basham 7.5/10 – His touch was a bit off at times but he was superb in most other things. He ran forward, won tackles and competed. He used it fairly well and I feel last two games has played really well and showed all drive and commitment we need.


O’Connell 7.5/10 – As above. Won tackles, first to the ball and got forward when he could. Used the ball when he could and tried to drive forward when he could.


Stearman 7.5/10 – Defended well and has been very consistent last few weeks. He has been able to just do the basics well. He got his foot in and made several key interceptions and nearly scored with a header.


Fleck 8.5/10 – Tremendous performance. He ran the game for much of the night. Won tackles, used the ball and drove at players. He is getting better and better. He was all over the field and everything good we did came from him. He played several clever balls, turned away from trouble and created space for him and his teammates. His football brain and quick thinking also nearly got us a second. Worried that some Premier League clubs may be taking a look – he is playing that well.


Evans 7.5/10 – Thought he did a few poor things (mis kicked twice and then also gave a short back pass) but overall a much better performance and he used it well, got on the ball and helped us move it forward. Our midfield completely controlled things today.


Lundstram 8/10 – Been critical of him a times; and Evans, but today he played well and even though he too, like Evans gave it away a bit; he was much braver. Was more positive in his passing and his running and got on the ball much more. Yes, as times not everything did not come off. Today was the best those three have played as a pairing.


Brooks 6.5/10 – Little bit disappointed with him. Felt he made poor decisions at times and did not really take his chance. He was too conservative with the ball and needed to run at players more. First half he was not really on the ball and when he had it tried a daft chipped pass or gave it off rather than running at people. Second half he did better in this regard and started to run at players but again there was no real end product from him all night. Needs to do more. He is clearly a talent but has to affect games more.


Clarke 8/10 – Thought he was back to his best tonight. He led the line well, linked up with others, got a goal and looked a threat. Played on the shoulders, ran at players and played some lovely balls too and a few nearly led to goals. He looked bang at it and the goal seemed to make a real difference. Hopefully, he can go on another scoring run now.


Subs:


Donaldson – Not sure he is the answer as an impact sub. He does run the channels well and gets in good positions but missed 3 one on ones in the last two games. Tonight, he has to score that chance. Also looking for free kicks and goes down too easily. He gave away a silly free kick in the build up to the goal.

Leonard – Came on at the end and was hoping to preserve the win. Did not have too many touches.


Wright – Will be desperately disappointed with the goal – watch it again – you can tell it his man and by his reaction he knows he should have picked Pilkington up. He has not played much recently but Stearman’s looked a pull so he may be back in for a few games now.


Manager: Wilder 8/10 – Picked Brooks and him and Clarke as a combo did cause problems. The midfield worked well and overall it was an excellent performance. Maybe Sharp for Donaldson as a sub but he takes that chance and it is over. Also, I felt with their height he wanted him on for set plays at the other end. He seemed gutted at the end and he is kind of sick of seeing and saying the same things about not being ruthless enough. Sadly, he needs more money to buy those clinical type players that we need to finish games like this off.


Officials – Michael Oliver a Premier League referee. He was fine I felt. There is a lot of talk about the penalty on Evans but not sure I felt it was at the time and having watched back not sure it was as certain as some are making out. Over the rest of the game, the ref was ok in difficult conditions. He booked one lad Bennett for a cynical foul on Basham and the same lad did a foul second half. He kept his book in his pocket the rest of the night and I felt did ok. Some were quite critical of him – Warnock included as the game went on but not sure there were too many obvious things he missed really. I felt he let thing flow too for the most part.


Crowd – 25,231. They only brought maybe a 1,000 at tops which I know it was bad weather and on Sky but that is pretty lame for a team on the verge of promotion – rotate it round and we would have double or triple that I am sure. Still they celebrated like a win at the end. They had been played off the park for long spells so can see why. United fans appreciated a really good performance and most were just gutted at the end with the late blow. Still, the football, attacking and overall commitment was really clear to see and the fans on the terraces were happy with what they saw. It is for the most part really good to watch and I expect season ticket sales to exceed last years and for us to have crowds close to sell outs most weeks next season. Just hope those in the boardroom can match the excellent fans, superb manager and the spine of a really good side with the 3 or 4 real quality players we need to supplement it.

 

[Carlton Blade]

For the second consecutive game, United dominated a fellow promotion contender but had to settle for a point after a late goal gave Cardiff an underserved share of the spoils. Leon Clarke scored his first goal since January 1st and United were full value for this lead and really should have put the game to bed missing numerous chances. Despite this, Cardiff did not create much and it seemed the Blades were heading back into the top 6 before a late free kick fell to sub Anthony Pilkington who drove home from the angle. It was a desperately disappointing late blow and a real sickener for the home side who had out played a side that had won 8 straight games before tonight.


The game went ahead despite some awful weather conditions in the day with snow and then torrential rain but the ground staff had done a great job in ensuring the pitch was playable. Despite the weather and the game being on Sky, there was still a healthy crowd inside the Lane when kick off arrived.


Manager Wilder opted to give David Brooks a start alongside Leon Clarke and Lee Evans was back in, with Billy Sharp and Ryan Leonard reverting back to the bench. Cardiff had a three pronged attack of Zohore, Mendez Laing and Hoillet and noticeable started a side that featured a great deal of height and physique when the teams lined up before kick-off.


United began with a good early chance when the ball came over and Lundstram headed straight at Etheridge. It was a good chance and he should have done better. United then enjoyed a good spell of possession; Baldock, Clarke and then Evans were involved with the latter firing over. Basham and Baldock then worked an opening down the right and it led to a corner. Cardiff gradually came back into it and Grujic had a shot fired in that deflected off Zohore. Cardiff started to have a better spell and won a corner before another tame effort was saved by Moore.


United broke out from this spell and started to take control again. Fleck played in Stevens and his ball evaded everyone. The goal was not long coming though and neat work from Evans and Lundstram played in CLARKE who turned and hit a shot that deflected off a defender and nestled into the corner. It was a welcome moment for the striker whose barren spell was finally over.


A second goal almost came soon after as lovely play saw the ball switched to he left and then Clarke played a delightful ball inside the full back. Stevens hit a cross in and it just evaded Brooks. United then had another good chance. A corner came over and Stearman headed it towards goal but it was headed off the line by Bennett. Lundstram then had a chance when Clarke teed it up and curled an effort just wide.


The half time whistle came soon after. It had been a very good United performance and a deserved lead.


Madine came on for Mendez Laing and it was clear Warnock’s plan was to go even longer. So far, long throws and percentage stuff had been the sum of their efforts and more pumped long balls came in early in this half.


Fleck then drove forward and played in Evans on the angle but a last ditch save from Etheridge denied him as he shaped to shoot. Gunnarson then cut in for Cardiff and drove a low shot not far wide. Zohore then pulled away and got away from Stearman and Basham and drove a shot goalwards that Moore tipped over.


United came out and Lundstram then drove over after more good work from Fleck and then Stevens in the build-up. Baldock then drove forward down the other wide and Basham was released winning a corner. United continued to attack and Fleck was influential all over the field surging forward and had one effort saved from Etheridge. Brooks then had a shot saved after coming in on the angle after a good run; but it was not long before he was replaced by Donaldson.


United won a series of free kicks after more good build up and a second successive quick one saw Fleck play in Stevens and his low cross was hit against the post from Donaldson. United continued to attack and despite Cardiff making a double change; the home side looked more likely to get another goal.


Clarke had an effort saved from Etheridge and Evans had an appeal for a penalty turned away. Leonard came on for Lundstram and then Stearman had to hobble off and was replaced by Wright. United looked like they had done enough as the game approached the final stages. The referee opted to play four minutes of stoppage time and in the first of these played Donaldson gave a free kick away. The ball came over and Madine won the header and the ball dropped to PILKINGTON who fired home on the angle despite Moore getting his hand to the ball. It was a desperate blow for the home side but the away side celebrated like it was a winner. They had deserved nothing from the game but had grabbed a point somehow.



United – We played great. Again. As at Brentford, we dominated the game; had all the chances really and should have won easily. We played some lovely stuff, moved it around, the defence was solid, the wing backs got up and down, Clarke was a constant threat and more like the player of earlier in the season and the midfield three were busy all game and showed a nice range of passing. We outplayed a side who had won eight straight and had more possession, won the loose tackles/50-50’s and generally did enough to win. The late goal was devastating. They had not really looked like scoring.


They had the two chances at the start of the second half but we had 7 or 8 clear chances in the game and Donaldson missed another sitter. I was really pleased with how we played and felt we gave a really committed and skilful performance in awful conditions. No one really played badly. It was a showing that proved we believe we still have a chance of going up and in short, we turned up. The only criticism is, as at Brentford and v Villa/Bristol; we have to take our chances and have to be more ruthless. Both goals were very similar in the last two games. Silly free kick give away and then we do not clear it and do not deal with second ball. We sadly need about 10 chances to score 1 and then top teams do not. It should have been a routine win but sadly we do not have that extra class up the top of the pitch to blow teams away. If we had a player like Mitrovic we would be winning these games 4 or 5. We are not at that level of investment yet and maybe will not be for a while.


However, if we want to really challenge, it does not matter how well we play if we do not take chances and see games out. Today was massively disappointing and gutting. We had a great chance to get in the top 6 and kind of blew it; not in the performance but the fact we did not win a game we should have. We keep saying if we go like this we will be there or thereabouts but that is 3 games in a row without a win and we have to start turning good performances into wins.


Ultimately we do no win these sort of games as teams above us have players that are more clinical in the final third. They cost more generally and you get what you pay for – Snodgrass, Mitrovic etc. We sign Donaldson (Birmingham reserve) and Wilson – about 10th choice at Man Utd). That is the difference. Annoying as I do think we have some superb players, likes of Baldock, O’Connell, Fleck really are top class and with likes of Bash, Stearman so consistent also; we are very close.


Another couple of nearly shows and the likelihood is a few of those above will pull away and win a few. Saturday, we have to take out chances against a poor side and then set it up for next Tuesday. Tonight, though feels so raw. It felt when that goal went in like that was the nail in the coffin for the season. Not sure why, as it is not but it just seemed like it summed us up. For the most part we have been excellent and the last few weeks save for a poor 2nd half at home to Forest, got back to levels of earlier in the season.


We have played fearless football and attacked at will. We have created so much and really played well. It had been great to watch but…for all that we have not won these games. Still, proud of way United played and whatever happens, it is great to watch us play for the most part. We have some really good players; a great manager and the football is very entertaining. We need to remember that amongst all the inevitable disappointment tonight.

Completely agree on the feeling after the game. Haven't been that gutted for a long time.

We keep saying we have more chances to get the points we need - but we've wasted 2 very accomplished performances against 2 good teams. Just looked and we've only scored 20 goals in 20 games - That's going to be our downfall I think

 

[Roygbiv]

Really hard one to take that. It's hard not to be disappointed but there is so much to be positive about.

 

[Iceybabey]

Totally agree regarding Wright, he should have been tighter and he knew it, collapsing to the floor with his hands on his head. It's a shame Stearman had to come off because it couldn't have been easy for Wright to come into to such a battle, even Leonard out of sorts on the first header leading up to their goal.

 

[Revolution]

This team does not score enough goals, and unless that is rectified is going nowhere this season.

Good performance but not enough end product, again.

 

[HighfieldBlade]

Cracking atmosphere too in my opinion. I was standing all game at the back of gangway G on the Kop. Plenty of singing and shouting instigated there and that rippled around to other areas of the ground.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Ref was very good but bottled the penalty as did the linesman. VAR please. Also question, why can keepers go right through ball and man without reproach? Not criticism of Oliver but Evans was wiped out by the keeper.

Agree Wright to blame for goal, together with Stevens the scorer should have been crowded out or played offside. Mind you there were 3 unchallenged headers in the build-up. Wright should get more playing time, maybe in the U-23's if not the first team.

Feel so frustrated for the manager, the players and the fans. No other team can have dominated the form team of the division to this extent and yet we don't bag three points. Just like last Friday we had to rely on a fluke to even score the odd goal in each game.

Lundstram had 2 great chances and one half chance he should have done better with. What was he doing early doors with that pathetic header, I thought he must be unsighted but he wasn't. I know he likes to make sure he hits the target and often rolls the ball in but what a poor header that was and just as easy a chance as Donaldson's; credit him for being in position for the chances though. I thought he tired second half and would have taken him off.

I thought Brooks was very good (7.5 even 8 at a push), oozed class and more maturity in his play than in his recent cameos. Quality by the bucket load and rarely played the wrong ball. Awareness to see what's on and the quality to execute the pass or the goal chance. If only it had been him for the Evans chance. I was relieved to see him play with such maturity and think he needs to start from now. The dilemma is him or Duffy and in big games do we need the solidity the Fleck/ Lundstram/ Evans trio gives us? I think two strikers is a must. Would Sharp have scored last night? Brooks is a striker but he tends to pull away from the penalty area by nature, more a 'No.10' i.m.o.

I reckon 6 starting players earned 8 and Fleck a 9. Brooks 7.5, Stevens 7.5. Evans 7.5. Bash 7.5. Playing like this we will make the play-offs and give somebody a good hiding soon. We were playing Cardiff yesterday, not Burton or Ipswich, not Brentford at home or winning 'ugly and lucky' at Preston. There's pressure everywhere. If we were mid-table then conversions of some of these chances would be formalities. It's the same for everybody but we are better than the others and reward will surely be earned soon.

 

[PaulHalfway]

Cardiff reminded me of old Wimbledon, big, strong, organised, physical, long throws, load the box on corners and free kicks, long balls and very direct, back to front very quickly with pace and power up front and minimal football.
Story of our season need 5 chances to score a goal, if we as a side were more clinical would have another 10 points on the board.
Been a great season and at times played some quality football.
Conceding last minute goals has been painful for us in games we deserved to win, equally don't think we have scored many to win a game or rescue a point

 

[coaxingstar71]

Thanks as ever for the report Deadbat . Spot on as usual.

 

[sitwell]

Basham was better than you reported and should have had a 9 at least.

 

[Deadbat]

Bash had a really good game and has been excellent last few games but if you watch first 10-15 minutes back, he gave ball away a few times, let them in once and his passing was mixed. After this he was superb. Running down the wing, through the centre and seemed to be everywhere. Only knock on him is his end product; he gets onto the ball and then seems to panic a bit when in last third (Friday an exception)

Twice second half he got in and once he ran it out and then another just hit the first man, Nit picking though as overall he was very good - just trying to explain the mark I gave - it might be an 8 on reflection. Indeed even Brooks mark may be a tad low but I go with gut reactions after game normally. Not sure anyone played badly at all - all were bang at it. Gutted this morning. Won;t be at Barnsley Saturday as in Germany - but if we replicate the last two performances we will win as the chances surely will be taken. I would play exactly the same side at Oakwell incidentally - yes they may be fresher but the 11 played that well - Stearman of course only doubt. Then if needed he can bring back Sharp and Duffy for Boro.

 

[LSF]

Basham was better than you reported and should have had a 9 at least.

Absolutely Sitters, he was immense last night, inspirational!

 

[LSF]

Bash had a really good game and has been excellent last few games but if you watch first 10-15 minutes back, he gave ball away a few times, let them in once and his passing was mixed. After this he was superb. Running down the wing, through the centre and seemed to be everywhere. Only knock on him is his end product; he gets onto the ball and then seems to panic a bit when in last third (Friday an exception)

Twice second half he got in and once he ran it out and then another just hit the first man, Nit picking though as overall he was very good - just trying to explain the mark I gave - it might be an 8 on reflection. Indeed even Brooks mark may be a tad low but I go with gut reactions after game normally. Not sure anyone played badly at all - all were bang at it. Gutted this morning. Won;t be at Barnsley Saturday as in Germany - but if we replicate the last two performances we will win as the chances surely will be taken. I would play exactly the same side at Oakwell incidentally - yes they may be fresher but the 11 played that well - Stearman of course only doubt. Then if needed he can bring back Sharp and Duffy for Boro.

Nit picking indeed Deadbeat.
I usually skip your report on the game as I've been and know what I saw. Your reports for the ex pat's and non attenders are concise and full and no doubt appreciated by those folk.
However, I always read your ratings to compare with my view and sometimes they concur, sometimes not, pretty normal.
For me, your style/standard borders on overly harsh. Most players, nay, all, give ball away in a game and make mistakes. Quite how Bash's few misdemeanours lost him those 2.5 marks is beyond my rating.
However, you take the time and trouble to religously do this, so who am I to talk!
You get a 10 from me for dedication to the cause!

 

[Woodwardfan]

Bash had a really good game and has been excellent last few games but if you watch first 10-15 minutes back, he gave ball away a few times, let them in once and his passing was mixed. After this he was superb. Running down the wing, through the centre and seemed to be everywhere. Only knock on him is his end product; he gets onto the ball and then seems to panic a bit when in last third (Friday an exception)

Twice second half he got in and once he ran it out and then another just hit the first man, Nit picking though as overall he was very good - just trying to explain the mark I gave - it might be an 8 on reflection. Indeed even Brooks mark may be a tad low but I go with gut reactions after game normally. Not sure anyone played badly at all - all were bang at it. Gutted this morning. Won;t be at Barnsley Saturday as in Germany - but if we replicate the last two performances we will win as the chances surely will be taken. I would play exactly the same side at Oakwell incidentally - yes they may be fresher but the 11 played that well - Stearman of course only doubt. Then if needed he can bring back Sharp and Duffy for Boro.

Not sure it's fair on a centre back in 3-5-2 to be critical of his forward play, anything is a bonus as long as it's secure at the back. The wing backs were better last night and good enough, but over the weeks they have not produced enough key moments. , stevens the culprit more than Baldock who at least has a go.

My problem with Basham last night and last Friday is the weak, floppy headers out to the edge of the box, he's not that good at heading the ball in fact., never shirks it though. Otherwise he has been inspirational although he gave away that free kick last Friday in a dangerous position, far more dangerous than last night's foul that led to their goal.

 

[Addison]

Cheers Deadbat tend to agree with the nail in the coffin for the season comment. Tremendous effort from the whole team. Cardiff stole a point but thats what teamswho get promoted do. W Their substitutions got them the point ours as too often this season made us worse and lost us two points.