We are still going forward which is good to see, but at 1-0 this is too close for comfort into time to run the clock down 4mins etxra time
3 points and a clean sheet, I'd take that every week and get out of this division. Ha'way Lads Ronnie
Seriously thankful for those 3 points, as we were utterly dreadful. That was a very boring display by Sunderland. I was bored to tears. The lack of urgency is diabolical.
Player Ratings from Roker Report: Jon McLaughlin: 7/10 Largely untroubled, McLaughlin’s quick throws and decent distribution were a real bonus. Conor McLaughlin: 7/10 Starting to look like the quality League One right back we were promised in the summer, used the ball well and put in some excellent crosses. Jordan Willis: 7/10 Another impressive showing, he was alert when he had to be and secure in possession. Joel Lynch: 6/10 Got away with a couple of lapses in concentration that could have been punished on another day. Denver Hume: 8/10 Played with a confidence and swagger that has been lacking from his game all season, he also laid on the opener. George Dobson: 7/10 Like Hume, Dobson looked like a much more confident rejuvenated player here, his long range passing was great. Max Power: 6/10 Hard to remember too many substantial Power moments in the game, good or bad. Chris Maguire: 7/10 Not at his best, but still a constant pest to the Southend United defence. Luke O’Nien: 7/10 Took his goal brilliantly, linked up well with his fellow forwards. Aiden McGeady: 7/10 Mainly acted as a decoy to the excellent Hume in the first half, McGeady began to dominate in the latter stages as more and more space became available to him. Will Grigg: 7/10 Mainly played on the fringes of the match and squandered a few half chances. (SUB) Duncan Watmore: 7/10 The final ball was inconsistent, but he was a lively menace and nearly scored. (SUB) Marc McNulty: 6/10 Provided a well-needed energy boost to the side that were beginning to stumble over the finishing line. (SUB) Grant Leadbitter n/a Came on in the dying minutes. Man of the Match Denver Hume
Great result, I'd have been nervous for the whole second half under Ross. There will come a time where playing well will be important. Right now, I'm happy enough for us to consistently put points in the board. I still have faith (perhaps misguided), that once Grigg gets a couple more goals and keeps getting regular opportunities, he will start to flourish. With strikers like him, it's all about confidence.
Our forward play is too slow and the experienced players are the biggest culprits, just how long can we hold on to hope when the evidence is that they are not improving.
I would like to think Parkinson will go out and bring in 2 pacey wingers who can cross the ball in January. Ideally 1 to be a starter as I just don't rate Gooch and the other to compete with Watmore. McGeady fast becoming a luxury we can't afford at present on the wing. Move him inside in to the hole behind the striker and have him compete for his place with Maguire.
Parkinson can't change things overnight. It's looking like he wants us to play more on the front foot, so let's see if the players can adapt to what he wants of them. They've got about 6 weeks before plans for the January transfer window start to get finalised and I'm certain there will be the resources there for Parkinson to bring in 2 or 3 new recruits if he wants them.
Might be that we have both Hume and Embleton who can add something down the left as well as Gooch who looks better when he plays on the left for me, but these are the areas that are in need of improvement for sure. All in all PP is looking the part, and I am sure he will be aware of the problem. I am confident we will push up the table and as long as the gap does not get too big make the top two this season.
