A dull game with very few chances and both keepers having an easy day. The new formation was interesting and it was nice to see Grandison back in the middle and though the wing backs tried to push up they did not have much effect. Hall looked more comfortable than of late and Parry tried to create for the strikers but a bobbly pitch suited Vale more than it did us. Mendez-Laing rarely threatened though I thought Storey provided a good outlet at times. Eaves and Taylor provided a bit of fresh impetus late on but it was one of those days when nothing seemed to drop right in the box. On the loan front (at the risk of boring everyone) I think it is absolutely extraordinary that we bring in the Celtic reserve centre forward only to apparently find that he is not fit enough to play a full game in League 1 (again the competence of our management is called into question). I have nothing against Jackson but I really think we need a completely fresh start and to be thinking about next season probably in League 2. Another chance of three points missed and (sigh!) off we go to Notts Co for another crucial must win game. I will be going to lend my support but I do not see where the next goal is coming from in this team as we create very little and the strikers do not seem up to it when do create a chance. Perhaps Summerfield (our most attack-minded midfielder) will be fit for Saturday.
It is a surprise not have seen Atajic feature on Saturday as he looked very good in his opening stint. How many shots on target were there? I remember one from our right back - woods... Shame we didn't get three points from the game as I thought Vale didn't look any better than us. The new formation 3-2-1-2-1, or is it 3-5-1, or 3-3-2-1 looked interesting with three central defenders two wing backs and three players in an attacking role. This system could chop and change depending on the circumstances happening on the pitch, yet still did not provide the attacking mentality needed but it certainly sorted out any real attack from Vale.
As stated a drab game with 2 poor sides in difficult conditions. I can't help feeling that Jackson made changes for changes sake. Fyvie played in a different position and was ineffective as a result. Mills looked uncomfortable in a not prefered position. I was hoping that Eaves would be partnered by Storey up front. Storey was supposed to have pace----where was it?. Hall and Parry both came out of the game with credit and the defence did OK. That at the expense of attacking play. We need wins not home draws. Not impressed. Jackson out.
KDS, I too was surprised not to see Eaves and Storey starting together. Eaves has his faults but still looks our main threat at the moment while it seems we have signed two loanees strikers who both no doubt have ability but are unfit - such is the continuing story of our inept management this season. As I said I have nothing against Jackson so let him apply for the job against all the other applicants and lets see if he gets it. He was left with a shambles but two points from four games is not a compelling argument for him and I am concerned that the chairman will again take the cheap and easy option and leave him in place without serious consideration of some who look on paper to have stronger claims.
