So then. Our first 2-0 win at home since Gillingham, back in Ye Olde January. I didn't think we played too well in all honesty, but Cheltenham created absolutely diddly-squat, so can hardly claim to be hard done by. We took the lead after Collins bamboozled some defenders with his silky shin skills and cut back for Wroe, and then their keeper (who's actually quite good) gifted Gornell a second. Fairly simple, we didn't threaten on too many occasions (although Butland did make a great save from Wroe in the first half) but we defended well and were the better team. Three points, although I have a nasty feeling about the Vale game. Neal: 7 - Good recovery from Saturday. Nothing too taxing to do, although he did display some pace and agility to keep the ball in very well in the first half. Handled well, and he looked confident. I think it's the key difference between our home and away form - players look confident and expect to win at home. Grandison: 7 - solid defensively, added something with his lumbering forward, and we were treated to some stepovers and nearly a very good goal. SCS: 6.5 - good to see him back. Looked a little shaky on a couple of occasions, but didn't make any mistakes. Sharps: 7.5 - very impressive performance again (bar the odd hoof). Looked composed and solid. Richards: 8 - was a pretty effective playmaker from LB! Brilliant again. D. Mac: 7 - Tidy, worked hard and put a foot in. He is a player we'll miss IMO, his defensive work is pivotal. Wroe: 8 - Unplayable in the first half. Good finish, looked really up for the game and his positive passing was vital. Maybe a little rusty, as he tired in the second half. Taylor: 6.5 - (insert comment from every other week here) Wright: 6.5 - Was fouled a lot in the first half by a physical Cheltenham team. Struggled to get into the game and there were a few wayward shots. Some nice touches, though. Gornell: 6.5 - A few nice flicks that didn't quite come off, but held the ball up well and was in the right place like a true poacher for the goal. Collins: 7 - Ran his socks off, got a good assist and troubled their defenders. Morgan managed 7 minutes and roughly 3 touches, so I won't rate him.
Good ratings Lenny. Wroe my motm, adds something that the others don't- he's our most dynamic CM despite his play being mostly about keeping things ticking over/ spraying passes out wide to Wrighty/JT and diligent defensive duties. And I take back what I said earlier on this season- Grando really is a force going forward. He doesn't seem as clumsy as he once was and players **** themselves in 1 on 1s with him. Player of the season? B&A certainly think he is.
Player of the season will be between Grandison and Richards, perhaps Richards will get the normal and Grandison the young player? Good right up BTW Lenny. I voted for Richards as he provided creative play even from LB!!
Interesting comment about Grandison being player of the season - yes, he shows a lot of promise but there is one man who has been magnificent in every game. He is so good we are in danger of taking him for granted and his name is Ian Sharps.
Sharps seems to have improved for me recently, gone are the usual hoof's up the field that happened after a brilliant tackle. He now seems to think and spread his distribution slightly.
What I've been doing with the MotMs is collecting the results and adding them up in a spreadsheet - I know it's not that accurate (and I've only been doing it since late January), but Grandison is leading.
