Poor game tonight and although we remain unbeaten I think its time to look to the reserves just to freshen it up. Two of the best players on the pitch vs. Reading were Evina and Pritchard. Coincidentally they are tailor made replacements for our two worst players tonight, Wiggins (whose occasional good tackle does not make up for all round poor play - has yet to change my mind after disappointing vs. Den Bosch) and Stephens (Whose occasional skill and pass does not make up for 15 minutes of spectating). I know im being harsh on an unbeaten side, but after the way the reserves played vs. reading, and considering how we played tonight, Id love to see one of Evina or Pritch in the starting 11 on sat. Hopefully tonight was more a case of Sheff Wed bullying our midfield and preventing nice football, but I think we showed signs of not being able to handle the expectations esp. in front of the cameras. Hope Wiggins and Stephens prove me wrong, and if not, someone tell Powell you can bring on subs before the 80th minute! JapanA
Evina is a good call. Wiggins isn't a world beater even in league one. Disagree about Stephens, but that's what makes football so beautiful!
In my opinion, Stephens has played well in two matches so far this season: the first two. Since then, he has been awful. He needs a wake-up call. Boot him to the bench and give Pritchard a game.
Stephens was so anonymous second half that I made a point of watching him specifically near the end. I was really disappointed that he didn't seem to want the ball, preferring to stand and watch at times instead. I just couldn't see the point of having Pritchard warm up for so long but not use him.
FHB, you're right Stephens didn't even seem to try and make the efoort to intercept on occasions last night and had a poor game. I have seen Wiggins do better but he also needs to be challenged for his place. The players who for my money put in a shift last night were Hamer, Morrison, Solly, Jackson, Waggy and BWP. Taylor did OK but Stephens, Hollands, Wiggins and Hayes did not cover themselves in any glory and should be challenged by Evina, Pritchard and Bover. Green could replace Waggy on the wing and Waggy should challenge for the Hayes role. I know the changes may not be that wholesale, but Wiggins and Stephens should be questioned.
Jackson is not a left winger, he gave us no threat down the left and Wiggins had to try to play left back AND left wing. Bring Jackson into the centre, Stephens to the bench, Evina left wing.
I must have been the only one who noticed Stephens constantly intercepting and tidying up the midfield. Not his greatest game going forward as prutton and semedo were happy to sit deep, but he and Hollands constantly battled for possession and tried to drag the midfield back in the game. If anyone was poor last night, look at our right hand side.
What about leon cort, this guy seems classy, and busting to go. Did you read how he was treated at burnley towards the end of last season ?
I like the thought of Jackson in the middle, with two out-and-out wide men in Waggy and Green. Possibly Evina? Last night we could have done with a big centre-forward to hold up the play for a bit. BWP was just chasing long balls and Hayes was dreadful.
Stephens is Lancashire's answer to Matt Le Tissier, some games he will be superb, others anonymous. The midfield didn't get forward enough last night, same problem as with Racon and Semedo last season. Prutton and Semedo played better than our two, so someone like Pritchard should have come on to mix it up a bit more IMO. I'm not too concerned by Wiggins, the boy is quick and a more stable defensive option than Evina, who seems to be Youga Mk 2. That said, Evina on the left wing may be worth pursuing.
