Barnsley showed they will compete well again this season. Very fit, pressed well, won most second ball and if more composed in front of goal could easily have won. Our passing was terrible, don't we practice that? A lack of composure, not so much in defence but those playing in front. We had little threat up top apart from Giles in the first half. Put some great balls in which Bacuna managed to balls up, in each half. Why the hell did we put Giles on the right second half? He hardly saw the ball. Collins had lots of huff and puff, as expected, but no end product. McGuiness did okay and Flint was rarely beaten. Nelson appeared quite desperate in moving the ball to his own players and, I couldn't tell from the Ninian, did he and Bagan allow too much space for their goal? Bagan played more hoof ball than football and disappointed. Should have scored first half. Phillips did okay with some good saves and punched clearances but should he gave stopped the goal? I couldn't tell. In the middle, Pack did well with his scoring header and worked hard to encourage the younger players but his passing was very poor. I didn't see a lot of Ralls but he played mostly in a defensive midfield role. Finally, I'm off to the chiropractor on Monday to get more sore neck checked after looking into the sky most of the game trying to find the ball. I know conditions were difficult in the wind but it's football ffs not head tennis. Could and must do better overall.
We've not got nearly enough going forward both in skill and pace. Other than Giles who looks electric compared to the rest, that's the biggest issue that's going to push us into drawing games rather than winning them. Ralls sat too deep alongside Pack and the gap between an effective "back 7" and the front 3 was exploited by Barnsley. They played some nice stuff between the lines, but we allowed them too - we were lucky not to go HT in a couple of goals down. At the back I can't agree with Nin about Flint - I thought he was solid and the best of the three yesterday. I'd keep him in the side when Morro comes back. Both Ng and Bagan looked a bit naive on times and have got a lot to learn, but will improve. Collins is a warrior but on that outing alone, he's not the answer in the absence of Moore. He's an out and out trier but his touch lets him down and can't bring others into play. I don't know quite what to say about Bacuna other than those misses condemned him whereas if he'd put them in he'd be a hero. The bloke is real enigma. Agree with Bluey about Giles being switched to the right - what was that all about? He's so quick down the left and can put a ball on anyones head with that left foot. On Nin's point about Phillips, he doesn't inspire me with confidence. He's capable of a decent stop as yesterday, but seems to have a blond moment in him waiting to happen. I think he could have done better with their goal - just an opinion. I'll bang on about Smithies being overall the best keeper of the two - got no idea why Mick decided to bench him yesterday.
Two bang average Championship sides destined for mid table. Moore and Morrison to come back. Put Smithies back in goal and sign and get Tomlin or Colwill in then maybe we can get a bit higher. I think wed have won if Ralls hadnt got injured.
I think what Hilts is suggesting is that if Ralls hadn't been forced off, they wouldn't have got their equalising goal about 5 minutes later. Wintle looked lost to me in his place and is way off being up to speed.
Maybe Hilts can clarify Personally I can’t see how Ralls would have had any impact on a long diagonal ball out of defence to a winger who has a clear run in on goal.
I was referring to the defensive side of the game. Ralls went off we looked less solid. I think we would have seen that out.
Bit unfair on Wintle, coming into a fast and furious game after 65 minutes, in a new side and only just recovered from injury. I agree he didn't shine but I would like to see more of him, starting a game, before coming to a judgement. He will probably get his chance on Tuesday.
Wasn't being unfair to Wintle Bluey and not making a judgement on him, just saying it as I saw it. I'm sure Wintle will blend in and come good. I'm not blaming him for the goal in any way, but he did look around for a while as if he was looking to be told what to do. To that extent, the loss of Ralls who was into the game and up for it was a factor in our organisation. Having said that, the space their guy ran into for the goal was scandalous, and although he was left exposed, Phillips could have done better.
Agreed on Phillips having now seen highlights. Also Bagan was nowhere to be seen having ventured upfield. In that case as part of a back 5 surely Nelson should have moved across to cover. Over the whole game we made basic errors in a number of areas and I don't think anyone other than Giles, McGuiness and Flint must take responsibility. I think we will improve once our alpha players, Morrison and Moore return.
