Deadbat
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Two matches played and it’s two defeats for United and new manager Chris Wilder. In truth the Blades have deserved better from both games but the reality is that the same old failings have plagued United in both games; an inability to keep the ball out at one end and failure to put it in at the other. Tonight United had numerous chances but only managed to score one early goal from Leon Clarke. The same man missed a hatful of opportunities and the Blades failed to kill Crewe off. Former Owl Ryan Lowe came on to level in the last minute just after Dominic Calvert Lewin had missed a sitter. The game went to extra time and then Lowe scored again profiting from more poor defending. In the second period United hit the bar twice with Fleck and Duffy both striking the bar with long range efforts but Crewe held on.
Manager Wilder opted to name the same side that started at Bolton with Dominic Calvert Lewin replacing the outgoing Che Adams on the bench and Freeman in for Kieran Wallace.
Crewe manager Steve Davis in comparison opted to make some changes to his starting line up from their opening day win at Stevenage rotating his squad with three changes including Lowe dropping to the bench and changing both his centre backs.
United began at the same quick tempo they started on Saturday with Clarke finding Sharp who was blocked and then Done hitting a defender. Soon after indecision from the defence saw Clarke in but the keeper just got there before him. Turton then played a short back pass and Clarke intercepted and was in again. This time he got to the ball but opted to pull the ball wide and tried to chip Garratt but he flicked away. It was a really good chance.
Soon after though CLARKE was on the score sheet. Duffy made space and sent over an inviting cross and the big target man was able to turn the ball home inside the six yard box.
Clarke then nearly scored again but drove across the keeper. Soon after neat and tidy play saw the ball switched across the box and Fleck should have scored but Garratt saved at point blank range.
United should have been out of sight but Cooper almost scored at the other end with a drifting shot that beat Long but went just wide. The same man almost scored with a shot just over. Clarke was nearly in again but the Garratt saved at his feet again. The same man then poked wide. He easily could have had 5 goals in the first half alone! Despite United’s domination Crewe had a really good chance to level just before the break when Brayford failed to clear and from inside the box, Ray poked it towards goal but could not find the power and Long pounced on the ball.
The second half saw Duffy link well with Brayford and Fleck in a few neat pieces of play but the final balls on each occasion was blocked. Sharp then fired wide after Duffy unselfishly opted to cross. Nugent headed away when Clarke seemed set to convert before a free kick at the other end hit the wall and then Nugent at the other end headed wide when he ought to have scored from a cross. McNulty and Scougall came on for Sharp and Done. Scougall’s low shot was not held by Garratt and Clarke put in the rebound but was judged to be offside. Calvert Lewin replaced Clarke and he should have sealed the game when McNulty played him in but he shot wide when it seemed easier to score with just the keeper to beat. Almost instantly Crewe went down the other end and Long had to save well from Lowe. From the resultant corner, the ball was recycled and was not cleared and LOWE swept the ball in. This led to extra time
In the first period Duffy had a shot blocked but Crewe scored from their first attack with Nugent again causing problems in the air winning the first header and no one reacting yet again and LOWE converted from close range.
Calvert Lewin then showed his pace to sprint away but blazed over on the angle. The second period began with a tremendous effort from Fleck striking the bar and Calvert Lewin could only barrel his man over when trying to finish the rebound. Basham fired over before Duffy hit another long range effort that unbelievable hit the cross bar again. There was to be no further efforts as Crewe saw out the game despite Long coming up for a late corner.
United – We created so many chances and could have won 2 or 3 games but the reality is we did not. Just like Saturday we did not make an impressive start count. We began really well pressing and harrying and just like at Bolton forcing mistakes. Crewe made many of these and Clarke ought to have had two before he scored his first. After this Clarke had more chances and so did a few others. They came out and had a few efforts of their own but in truth it should have been maybe 5-1 at half time. Second half United’s performance lacked the same impetus as the first and it became quite scrappy. We still had some chances but more balls flying across the box or poor final ball/decisions. We did not blow them away in the same way we had to start the game. Crewe missed a great chance from a header but even with lots of changes, United seemingly had done enough to see out the game and get the win but after Calvert Lewin missed a real sitter, Lowe levelled. It was really poor defending and reminiscent of some of the goals we have conceded in recent years. After this it went to extra time and it became ragged. They nicked another and we hit the bar from two long range efforts which were excellent attempts. I cannot recall many clear chances in extra time outside of the long range efforts and our football became very scrappy. The crowd became as frustrated as probably the players and groans emanated from the terraces. The whistle went and we had lost again.
It is not as if we were abysmal tonight and as with Saturday, if we had taken several decent chances the game would have been over after 20 minutes. However, we did not and then as with Saturday we struggled to keep the pace and intent going and it became more even for spells. I hope we are not a 20 minute side! After that for long spells we looked just like the clueless mob of last year.
After this we still created opportunities, if not the same level of chances but the play became stilted and players started to run out of ideas. We got into the last third a lot but made poor decisions or actually overplayed. Still Clarke had a few more chances and it just sort of petered out. They missed a good chance but you felt just get the result and move on. You sensed when Calvert Lewin missed that it may make us pay and so it proved.
Overall, it was a very frustrating night. There were quite a few positives in terms of aspects of the okay and some individual performances but we lack the ruthless streak we need at both ends. The defending on the goals was awful. As much as the two centre backs played ok, they switched off at the vital moments (not first time, lost the lad for the header earlier when he should have scored) and that is a real concern. It is the same undoing we have had in seasons past. At the other end, Clarke got in great positions but his finishing was really poor. Sharp was off his game again sadly. Done ran around a lot with no end product and Duffy was a real mixed bag. I felt Fleck and Basham controlled midfield and did well tonight. Brayford and Hussey were inconsistent in all aspects of their play. Both showed some sloppy elements but also got forward well and the latter put some great crosses in.
The football was at times good but then others became slow and stagnant. Wilder wants us to get the ball forward quickly and we play a lot of ‘long stuff’ trying to feed off scraps. It may not always means we keep the ball for long spells but Wilder clearly wants us to get it forward and then press and win the ball or win throw ins etc. it is quite different to Adkins really in how he wants us to play. He seemed to have a dig at the old regime by saying some players were not getting it as forward early enough and that they were some playing safe and going square.
You can see that despite us having 6 new players bedded in with 5 old ones and you can see definite improvements in some elements of the play but then at times it looks worryingly slow and clueless. We lack pace badly and against better sides than Crewe think we will struggle to create without extra dimension down wide or down the middle. Tonight quite a few chances came from bad defending/backpasses although we played a few neat and tidy bits of play.
Overall though as Wilder will say, it is another defeat and we are not scoring and letting in goals. We played the same side as Saturday aiming to get some continuity and into some winning habit but it did not habit. We have to get wins. Football is that simple. Maybe it will turn but the losing mentality in the club remains. Wilder did not lose a game in 2016 at Northampton and comes here and loses two right off the bat. He will not be pleased at all. As I say we should have won easily but we did not and we won’t play many worse sides than Crewe. He still clearly needs that pace and power and it seems Morsy may not be one incoming if Scunthorpe are signing him. Worrying if we wanted him and they have more finance than us currently? My prophecy of the board not giving us the funds from Adams’ sale hopefully will not come true but I fear how much money he will get and if we will bring the players in. The last two games have seen bits of promise but ultimately unable to keep strong starts to games going and resulted in two defeats. It puts us under pressure Saturday as if we go behind then frustration will set in even at this early stage with fans having that ‘here we go again’ feeling.
Crewe – They will be delighted with the win. They could have been 4 or 5-0 down after 20 minutes but then will say they had 2 great chances themselves at the end of the first half but in truth were lucky to be still in. Second half was more even but United still had more chances and still should have seen the game off. They missed a sitter from a header themselves but Calvert Lewin did likewise at the other end. Lowe then bundled in a leveller and after this the game was anyones really. In the extra period they nicked another and had more luck then United hit the bar twice.
Defensively they were poor and numerous backpasses or poor balls should have seen us profit. I felt they were not in the game at all to start and as I have said could have been on the end of a drubbing. They came out and had a few chances themselves and will say second half they were much more in the game. They did not give away as many opportunities an even though they did not see as much of the ball, they still were tighter. An inexperienced side that lacked a lot of quality should have been put to the sword. The fact they came away with a smash and grab win is a concern for United. I do not think Crewe will be anywhere near the top places even at League Two level but they won at the Lane, against United a supposed contender in the league above. This has to be a concern.
Opponent man of the match : Ryan Lowe. Came on and scored two goals to win the game. Showed Clarke how to do it. Enough said
Opponent Weak link : Garratt. I felt that whilst the keeper made a few saves he was dodgy all game and was coming and then stopping and very erratic. We did not make him pay really.
SUFC Player Ratings –
Long 6/10 – Little to do really but a few crosses he stayed at home (one where Brayford errored) ad also on the winner. Still not commanding enough for me.
Brayford 6/10 – Some decent link up play going down the wing but sloppy on the ball too. His first touch is very poor at times. Lacks pace and strength he seemed to have a few years ago and looks sluggish. Not sure he and Duffy have that understanding yet.
Hussey 5.5/10 – Some great early crosses and got up and down the wing. Showed good energy. His corners were very poor; he was better in open play. Despite this, he was inconsistent on the ball and at times his touch was poor or he dithered when he needed to be more decisive. One I am not sure about yet and he looks very edgy defensively.
O’Connell 6/10 – Came onto the ball well, showed good power and strength and used ball quite well. Seemed fine but when it mattered him and Wilson lost their men on a few occasions on balls into the box and Crewe could have scored two before they did. Both goals the centre backs were guilty of ball watching on the first ball won and then the second when Lowe scored. Despite this he has looked decent so far but ultimately marking and basic defending will define any centre backs.
Wilson 6/10- As above. Fine on the ball, read game well and used it well when he had it. Technically looks decent and more mobile maybe than O’Connell who is the one who attacks ball more but both have to say they need to do better when the ball comes in on crosses. They struggled with long throws Saturday and today it was high balls also and not reacting when ball dropped.
Basham 6.5/10 – Better than Saturday tonight but again inconsistent. Won some tackles when he dived in and showed some bite and broke play up well but also was knocked off ball two or three times too easily by smaller players and then was chasing back. He kept it simple with the ball and was fine in possession, he even moved it on quicker tonight. Does have a penchant for getting a ball at his feet to somehow balloon up to his head from his first touch. Still think we need to upgrade from him in this area.
Fleck 6.5/10 – Not quite as sure in his passing as Saturday but drove us forward and showed good energy. Has a few runs and passes and got forward well when he could. A really busy player who can get his foot in and decent on the ball. He faded second half I felt and other than the long range effort (great shot) cannot remember too many other things he did.
Sharp 4/10 – As with Saturday thought he was one of our weaker players. Ineffectual. Against poor defenders he barely had a chance tonight, dragging one wide. He tried to link with others but did not get into front of his man or impose himself. He has had a poor start to the season and looked off the pace for me. Worryingly he looked very slow and sluggish. Both today and Saturday he has looked like the Sharp I remember from his two other SUFC spells where games often passed him by.
Clarke 6/10 – His actual overall performance was better than Sharp and he looked a threat and was involved all game. He scored a decent goal but sadly had several misses. A few he was just a yard off the pace as the keeper got to him just before him but then a few others he should have done better. The one where he tried to round the keeper and another he poked wide. Had one ruled offside. His overall play was ok as he held it up better than Saturday and even when he seemed to be asked to play wide left more; he still offered an outlet. Still he won’t have a game with as many chances than this one and will be disappointed to score just one and that explains a relatively low mark despite rest of his play being decent.
Duffy 6/10 – Thought he showed some good bits of play and set up the goal. He darted in and out of play and was always looking to get on the ball but as with Saturday despite the one assist, his end product was lacking somewhat. He at times got behind the back second half but hit a defender instead of picking out a man. Think he will be an asset to us but so far things not quite clicked.
Done 5/10 – As with Saturday not quite sure what he offered. He played inside a lot more inside and seemed to drift around the forward line. Few nice bits of play but nothing that led to clear chances for him or others. Not sure ultimately that he will be a starter if/when Wilder gets his players in he wants. Be a great impact sub though.
Subs
McNulty – The best of the three subs. He at least showed some intelligent running and link play. He assisted nicely for Calvert Lewin who missed and on another occasion found Duffy who could not return the ball. Will wish he had gone for goal on both occasions on reflection! He did well tonight when he came on and showed more desire than Sharp in time he was on.
Scougall – Had one shot that was fluffed by keeper and ran around a lot but again to little affect really. He got outmuscled twice when chased down and his touch again was not always sure. Played more centrally when he came on than Saturday.
Calvert Lewin – Came on and presented with a sitter he shot wide with the keeper to beat. It did not even close as he scuffed it wide. It was a shocking miss. He had another run and better effort but still blazed over on the angle. Looks very clumsy and lacks composure/class. Still not seen anything in this lad at all to convince me he will make it. Hope I am wrong. With Adams gone he will get chances now but he is not in the same class as him.
Manager – Wilder 4/10 – It is a defeat. We again started well and showed some bite and urgency but he will ultimately point to the fact we did not score more goals and then will also be frustrated with a very ordinary second half performance where Crewe matched us for long spells. He knows he has 6 new players and it will take time but will not have wanted or expected two straight defeats. Means unwanted pressure is cranked on the side for Saturday. Hopefully he can get at least one in for this game but I am not holding my breath.
He will be concerned he played 6/7 signings, played his strongest 11 and we lost to a League Two side (who rested a few). That is the reality however you dress it up.
Ref – He was fine really. Nothing major really affected the game. A few poor-ish decisions maybe but cannot recall any real shockers although sometimes he allowed both teams to take free kicks from wrong positions. His assistants seemed to be a bit flag happy but was difficult to tell if they were always right. One booking for O’Connell, rightly so as he tripped a Crewe man who was darting across the box.
Crowd – 8,305 suggests many season ticket holders did not bother even for free! It was a poor atmosphere due to the low numbers and did not help the crowd being spread about. Crewe brought 200 at best but were rewarded for their loyalty in the end! The crowd became more frustrated as the game went on and there were smatterings of boos/groans on a few moments in extra time. I think they will be patient with Wilder but equally are sick of losing (is that 5 without a win; 4 straight losses since we won at Shrewsbury back in mid April was it?) and will want to experience the feeling of winning soon or understandably any new optimism of the new season/manager will soon fade away.
Manager Wilder opted to name the same side that started at Bolton with Dominic Calvert Lewin replacing the outgoing Che Adams on the bench and Freeman in for Kieran Wallace.
Crewe manager Steve Davis in comparison opted to make some changes to his starting line up from their opening day win at Stevenage rotating his squad with three changes including Lowe dropping to the bench and changing both his centre backs.
United began at the same quick tempo they started on Saturday with Clarke finding Sharp who was blocked and then Done hitting a defender. Soon after indecision from the defence saw Clarke in but the keeper just got there before him. Turton then played a short back pass and Clarke intercepted and was in again. This time he got to the ball but opted to pull the ball wide and tried to chip Garratt but he flicked away. It was a really good chance.
Soon after though CLARKE was on the score sheet. Duffy made space and sent over an inviting cross and the big target man was able to turn the ball home inside the six yard box.
Clarke then nearly scored again but drove across the keeper. Soon after neat and tidy play saw the ball switched across the box and Fleck should have scored but Garratt saved at point blank range.
United should have been out of sight but Cooper almost scored at the other end with a drifting shot that beat Long but went just wide. The same man almost scored with a shot just over. Clarke was nearly in again but the Garratt saved at his feet again. The same man then poked wide. He easily could have had 5 goals in the first half alone! Despite United’s domination Crewe had a really good chance to level just before the break when Brayford failed to clear and from inside the box, Ray poked it towards goal but could not find the power and Long pounced on the ball.
The second half saw Duffy link well with Brayford and Fleck in a few neat pieces of play but the final balls on each occasion was blocked. Sharp then fired wide after Duffy unselfishly opted to cross. Nugent headed away when Clarke seemed set to convert before a free kick at the other end hit the wall and then Nugent at the other end headed wide when he ought to have scored from a cross. McNulty and Scougall came on for Sharp and Done. Scougall’s low shot was not held by Garratt and Clarke put in the rebound but was judged to be offside. Calvert Lewin replaced Clarke and he should have sealed the game when McNulty played him in but he shot wide when it seemed easier to score with just the keeper to beat. Almost instantly Crewe went down the other end and Long had to save well from Lowe. From the resultant corner, the ball was recycled and was not cleared and LOWE swept the ball in. This led to extra time
In the first period Duffy had a shot blocked but Crewe scored from their first attack with Nugent again causing problems in the air winning the first header and no one reacting yet again and LOWE converted from close range.
Calvert Lewin then showed his pace to sprint away but blazed over on the angle. The second period began with a tremendous effort from Fleck striking the bar and Calvert Lewin could only barrel his man over when trying to finish the rebound. Basham fired over before Duffy hit another long range effort that unbelievable hit the cross bar again. There was to be no further efforts as Crewe saw out the game despite Long coming up for a late corner.
United – We created so many chances and could have won 2 or 3 games but the reality is we did not. Just like Saturday we did not make an impressive start count. We began really well pressing and harrying and just like at Bolton forcing mistakes. Crewe made many of these and Clarke ought to have had two before he scored his first. After this Clarke had more chances and so did a few others. They came out and had a few efforts of their own but in truth it should have been maybe 5-1 at half time. Second half United’s performance lacked the same impetus as the first and it became quite scrappy. We still had some chances but more balls flying across the box or poor final ball/decisions. We did not blow them away in the same way we had to start the game. Crewe missed a great chance from a header but even with lots of changes, United seemingly had done enough to see out the game and get the win but after Calvert Lewin missed a real sitter, Lowe levelled. It was really poor defending and reminiscent of some of the goals we have conceded in recent years. After this it went to extra time and it became ragged. They nicked another and we hit the bar from two long range efforts which were excellent attempts. I cannot recall many clear chances in extra time outside of the long range efforts and our football became very scrappy. The crowd became as frustrated as probably the players and groans emanated from the terraces. The whistle went and we had lost again.
It is not as if we were abysmal tonight and as with Saturday, if we had taken several decent chances the game would have been over after 20 minutes. However, we did not and then as with Saturday we struggled to keep the pace and intent going and it became more even for spells. I hope we are not a 20 minute side! After that for long spells we looked just like the clueless mob of last year.
After this we still created opportunities, if not the same level of chances but the play became stilted and players started to run out of ideas. We got into the last third a lot but made poor decisions or actually overplayed. Still Clarke had a few more chances and it just sort of petered out. They missed a good chance but you felt just get the result and move on. You sensed when Calvert Lewin missed that it may make us pay and so it proved.
Overall, it was a very frustrating night. There were quite a few positives in terms of aspects of the okay and some individual performances but we lack the ruthless streak we need at both ends. The defending on the goals was awful. As much as the two centre backs played ok, they switched off at the vital moments (not first time, lost the lad for the header earlier when he should have scored) and that is a real concern. It is the same undoing we have had in seasons past. At the other end, Clarke got in great positions but his finishing was really poor. Sharp was off his game again sadly. Done ran around a lot with no end product and Duffy was a real mixed bag. I felt Fleck and Basham controlled midfield and did well tonight. Brayford and Hussey were inconsistent in all aspects of their play. Both showed some sloppy elements but also got forward well and the latter put some great crosses in.
The football was at times good but then others became slow and stagnant. Wilder wants us to get the ball forward quickly and we play a lot of ‘long stuff’ trying to feed off scraps. It may not always means we keep the ball for long spells but Wilder clearly wants us to get it forward and then press and win the ball or win throw ins etc. it is quite different to Adkins really in how he wants us to play. He seemed to have a dig at the old regime by saying some players were not getting it as forward early enough and that they were some playing safe and going square.
You can see that despite us having 6 new players bedded in with 5 old ones and you can see definite improvements in some elements of the play but then at times it looks worryingly slow and clueless. We lack pace badly and against better sides than Crewe think we will struggle to create without extra dimension down wide or down the middle. Tonight quite a few chances came from bad defending/backpasses although we played a few neat and tidy bits of play.
Overall though as Wilder will say, it is another defeat and we are not scoring and letting in goals. We played the same side as Saturday aiming to get some continuity and into some winning habit but it did not habit. We have to get wins. Football is that simple. Maybe it will turn but the losing mentality in the club remains. Wilder did not lose a game in 2016 at Northampton and comes here and loses two right off the bat. He will not be pleased at all. As I say we should have won easily but we did not and we won’t play many worse sides than Crewe. He still clearly needs that pace and power and it seems Morsy may not be one incoming if Scunthorpe are signing him. Worrying if we wanted him and they have more finance than us currently? My prophecy of the board not giving us the funds from Adams’ sale hopefully will not come true but I fear how much money he will get and if we will bring the players in. The last two games have seen bits of promise but ultimately unable to keep strong starts to games going and resulted in two defeats. It puts us under pressure Saturday as if we go behind then frustration will set in even at this early stage with fans having that ‘here we go again’ feeling.
Crewe – They will be delighted with the win. They could have been 4 or 5-0 down after 20 minutes but then will say they had 2 great chances themselves at the end of the first half but in truth were lucky to be still in. Second half was more even but United still had more chances and still should have seen the game off. They missed a sitter from a header themselves but Calvert Lewin did likewise at the other end. Lowe then bundled in a leveller and after this the game was anyones really. In the extra period they nicked another and had more luck then United hit the bar twice.
Defensively they were poor and numerous backpasses or poor balls should have seen us profit. I felt they were not in the game at all to start and as I have said could have been on the end of a drubbing. They came out and had a few chances themselves and will say second half they were much more in the game. They did not give away as many opportunities an even though they did not see as much of the ball, they still were tighter. An inexperienced side that lacked a lot of quality should have been put to the sword. The fact they came away with a smash and grab win is a concern for United. I do not think Crewe will be anywhere near the top places even at League Two level but they won at the Lane, against United a supposed contender in the league above. This has to be a concern.
Opponent man of the match : Ryan Lowe. Came on and scored two goals to win the game. Showed Clarke how to do it. Enough said
Opponent Weak link : Garratt. I felt that whilst the keeper made a few saves he was dodgy all game and was coming and then stopping and very erratic. We did not make him pay really.
SUFC Player Ratings –
Long 6/10 – Little to do really but a few crosses he stayed at home (one where Brayford errored) ad also on the winner. Still not commanding enough for me.
Brayford 6/10 – Some decent link up play going down the wing but sloppy on the ball too. His first touch is very poor at times. Lacks pace and strength he seemed to have a few years ago and looks sluggish. Not sure he and Duffy have that understanding yet.
Hussey 5.5/10 – Some great early crosses and got up and down the wing. Showed good energy. His corners were very poor; he was better in open play. Despite this, he was inconsistent on the ball and at times his touch was poor or he dithered when he needed to be more decisive. One I am not sure about yet and he looks very edgy defensively.
O’Connell 6/10 – Came onto the ball well, showed good power and strength and used ball quite well. Seemed fine but when it mattered him and Wilson lost their men on a few occasions on balls into the box and Crewe could have scored two before they did. Both goals the centre backs were guilty of ball watching on the first ball won and then the second when Lowe scored. Despite this he has looked decent so far but ultimately marking and basic defending will define any centre backs.
Wilson 6/10- As above. Fine on the ball, read game well and used it well when he had it. Technically looks decent and more mobile maybe than O’Connell who is the one who attacks ball more but both have to say they need to do better when the ball comes in on crosses. They struggled with long throws Saturday and today it was high balls also and not reacting when ball dropped.
Basham 6.5/10 – Better than Saturday tonight but again inconsistent. Won some tackles when he dived in and showed some bite and broke play up well but also was knocked off ball two or three times too easily by smaller players and then was chasing back. He kept it simple with the ball and was fine in possession, he even moved it on quicker tonight. Does have a penchant for getting a ball at his feet to somehow balloon up to his head from his first touch. Still think we need to upgrade from him in this area.
Fleck 6.5/10 – Not quite as sure in his passing as Saturday but drove us forward and showed good energy. Has a few runs and passes and got forward well when he could. A really busy player who can get his foot in and decent on the ball. He faded second half I felt and other than the long range effort (great shot) cannot remember too many other things he did.
Sharp 4/10 – As with Saturday thought he was one of our weaker players. Ineffectual. Against poor defenders he barely had a chance tonight, dragging one wide. He tried to link with others but did not get into front of his man or impose himself. He has had a poor start to the season and looked off the pace for me. Worryingly he looked very slow and sluggish. Both today and Saturday he has looked like the Sharp I remember from his two other SUFC spells where games often passed him by.
Clarke 6/10 – His actual overall performance was better than Sharp and he looked a threat and was involved all game. He scored a decent goal but sadly had several misses. A few he was just a yard off the pace as the keeper got to him just before him but then a few others he should have done better. The one where he tried to round the keeper and another he poked wide. Had one ruled offside. His overall play was ok as he held it up better than Saturday and even when he seemed to be asked to play wide left more; he still offered an outlet. Still he won’t have a game with as many chances than this one and will be disappointed to score just one and that explains a relatively low mark despite rest of his play being decent.
Duffy 6/10 – Thought he showed some good bits of play and set up the goal. He darted in and out of play and was always looking to get on the ball but as with Saturday despite the one assist, his end product was lacking somewhat. He at times got behind the back second half but hit a defender instead of picking out a man. Think he will be an asset to us but so far things not quite clicked.
Done 5/10 – As with Saturday not quite sure what he offered. He played inside a lot more inside and seemed to drift around the forward line. Few nice bits of play but nothing that led to clear chances for him or others. Not sure ultimately that he will be a starter if/when Wilder gets his players in he wants. Be a great impact sub though.
Subs
McNulty – The best of the three subs. He at least showed some intelligent running and link play. He assisted nicely for Calvert Lewin who missed and on another occasion found Duffy who could not return the ball. Will wish he had gone for goal on both occasions on reflection! He did well tonight when he came on and showed more desire than Sharp in time he was on.
Scougall – Had one shot that was fluffed by keeper and ran around a lot but again to little affect really. He got outmuscled twice when chased down and his touch again was not always sure. Played more centrally when he came on than Saturday.
Calvert Lewin – Came on and presented with a sitter he shot wide with the keeper to beat. It did not even close as he scuffed it wide. It was a shocking miss. He had another run and better effort but still blazed over on the angle. Looks very clumsy and lacks composure/class. Still not seen anything in this lad at all to convince me he will make it. Hope I am wrong. With Adams gone he will get chances now but he is not in the same class as him.
Manager – Wilder 4/10 – It is a defeat. We again started well and showed some bite and urgency but he will ultimately point to the fact we did not score more goals and then will also be frustrated with a very ordinary second half performance where Crewe matched us for long spells. He knows he has 6 new players and it will take time but will not have wanted or expected two straight defeats. Means unwanted pressure is cranked on the side for Saturday. Hopefully he can get at least one in for this game but I am not holding my breath.
He will be concerned he played 6/7 signings, played his strongest 11 and we lost to a League Two side (who rested a few). That is the reality however you dress it up.
Ref – He was fine really. Nothing major really affected the game. A few poor-ish decisions maybe but cannot recall any real shockers although sometimes he allowed both teams to take free kicks from wrong positions. His assistants seemed to be a bit flag happy but was difficult to tell if they were always right. One booking for O’Connell, rightly so as he tripped a Crewe man who was darting across the box.
Crowd – 8,305 suggests many season ticket holders did not bother even for free! It was a poor atmosphere due to the low numbers and did not help the crowd being spread about. Crewe brought 200 at best but were rewarded for their loyalty in the end! The crowd became more frustrated as the game went on and there were smatterings of boos/groans on a few moments in extra time. I think they will be patient with Wilder but equally are sick of losing (is that 5 without a win; 4 straight losses since we won at Shrewsbury back in mid April was it?) and will want to experience the feeling of winning soon or understandably any new optimism of the new season/manager will soon fade away.
