This was reminiscent of the Barnsley game, teams have sussed us out that if they press us high, we just hoof the ball out of defence, and then with a small striker against bigger defenders it just comes back. This is what WBA did until after about 30 minutes we then managed to find a way of getting past the press.
We then had our best period of the game, and really KPL should have scored rather than try to put it into the top corner, just make sure you hit the target. Smith was also unlucky with his header and also the near post attempt which was stifled by their defenders.
So going in at half time I was optimistic, if we picked up and played how we did for the last 15 minutes, we might get something from the game. That was quickly undone with Greaves crazy attempt to clear the ball. Never turn in with the ball towards your goal, always either put it out for a corner or throw-in. Greaves at least tried hard to rectify his mistake and made some good runs forward and was unlucky with his goal attempt.
That really settled the game, they are a big side, were in the EPL last term, so with the confidence of the 2 goal cushion just kept us at arms length.
If we had managed to score in the last 15 minutes of the first half, then I think we would have seen a different game. E just need to get to the end of the season, I've said it before, we lack quality in the midfield, we have effort with Smallwood and Docherty, but neither are good enough with the ball going forward.
We just seem better set up away from home, to defend and counter attack. At home when we are expected to be on the front foot we struggle, which IMO is mainly down to the midfield not retaining the ball and looking to go forward.
Shota is still finding his feet in this division, if he gets us to the end of the season and we maintain our championship status, then he will have learned a lot, and I think you will see a much change squad next season.
