Grim viewing from Ellerslie. As has been the case the last few times we’ve played this lot, they’ve got an energy we don’t. Too quick for us to play through Johansen and too strong to bang it up to Austin, who has been dreadful. Fair play to them. You have to give Warburton the benefit of the doubt when it comes to Thomas but I’m ****ed if I can see what he’s bringing to the table.
And also makes you wonder why they chucked Dozzel in the deep end when we could have started with Ball, who's been our best player so far this season. We could have started Ball, established ourselves in the match and then bring on Dozzel when things look OK in the second half. Another thought... Johanssen stood still and got passed around for their second. And he's been absolutely silent today. I haven't seen him talking to players. Is he really a captain type? He also doesn't seem that bothered today. Chris Willock seems to be a bit of a leader today. Dropping back, asking for the ball all the time, encouraging players, asking them to calm down when things are getting hairy.
Ball was suffering from fatigue I read, so on the Bench. Today so far we have really missed him, and Field.
Also... Battache would probably do well in this type of match, rather than Dozzel. But we've sent him on loan with loads of midfielders out injured.
But you can let a player player with fatigue play to get the composure to start with. Then replace him later.
Dunne on for Big ****ing Dutchman. I have a feeling we are finishing this game with ten men at most, Austin needs a Zimmer frame already
God knows how Austin is going to last 95 minutes, mind he conserved energy in the first half so maybe he'll be ok......
