On reflection more of a point gained than two lost. I thought we stood up very well to Hull City, as I expected us to, but we didn't show enough quality to have edged the match as I hoped we might. Unbeaten after three against fancied sides and having taking five points will do us well enough. Hull City's 900 travelling fans will be rueing the best scoring opportunities, especially the couple in the last five minutes of normal time and the five added.
Sir Chris Powell gave me a wave as he swept into the ground in his silver Merc at 12.30. It filled me with hope and our first-half display was promising enough even if the best chance fell to Aluko who slotted wide when in on Hamer. The back four of Wiggins, Cort, Morrision and Solly played as well as you would expect but had to concentrate fully to restrict City. Nick Proschwitz was very quiet but Aluko was alive to everything and looked a cut above. Kermorgant and Wright-Phillips lead the line well and managed five or six half-chances but we were short of width and any pressing support from midfield.
After the break Hull came more into the game and Koren and Chester caught the eye, although it was Aluko who looked the only one capable of breaking the deadlock. Hamer earned his corn in the second period with some routine saves and a late double-stop that saved our bacon. Most of the second-half was played in a torrential downpour and a howling error from either side looked on the cards. It was a credit to both sides, therefore, that there were none.
If I were to look for improvements on today's performance, I would have to tinker with midfield. Hollands had a good game and Jackson and Pritchard put in decent shifts without any magic. Stephens made less of a contribution and we were predictably narrow. Solly and Wiggins need gallopers on the flanks. Kerkar, Green, Wagstaff and Fuller may be the key to more goals.
So far there doesn't seem to be too much to be frightened of in this division. Another couple of victories may be all we need but we will also need to avoid a couple of morale-sapping defeats as well, which may be just as likely based on the evidence so far.
The gate of 16,202 was very disappointing today. Less even than in midweek and both less than last season's average. Hull's turnout was well down on Leicester's but where we're our missing fans?
Sir Chris Powell gave me a wave as he swept into the ground in his silver Merc at 12.30. It filled me with hope and our first-half display was promising enough even if the best chance fell to Aluko who slotted wide when in on Hamer. The back four of Wiggins, Cort, Morrision and Solly played as well as you would expect but had to concentrate fully to restrict City. Nick Proschwitz was very quiet but Aluko was alive to everything and looked a cut above. Kermorgant and Wright-Phillips lead the line well and managed five or six half-chances but we were short of width and any pressing support from midfield.
After the break Hull came more into the game and Koren and Chester caught the eye, although it was Aluko who looked the only one capable of breaking the deadlock. Hamer earned his corn in the second period with some routine saves and a late double-stop that saved our bacon. Most of the second-half was played in a torrential downpour and a howling error from either side looked on the cards. It was a credit to both sides, therefore, that there were none.
If I were to look for improvements on today's performance, I would have to tinker with midfield. Hollands had a good game and Jackson and Pritchard put in decent shifts without any magic. Stephens made less of a contribution and we were predictably narrow. Solly and Wiggins need gallopers on the flanks. Kerkar, Green, Wagstaff and Fuller may be the key to more goals.
So far there doesn't seem to be too much to be frightened of in this division. Another couple of victories may be all we need but we will also need to avoid a couple of morale-sapping defeats as well, which may be just as likely based on the evidence so far.
The gate of 16,202 was very disappointing today. Less even than in midweek and both less than last season's average. Hull's turnout was well down on Leicester's but where we're our missing fans?
Just over 16200 is that a bit disapointing given the Leicester win
ReplyDeleteMaybe an indication of how far we've come.
Is the 'parking issue' limiting the gate for drivers?
ReplyDeleteIt's August. Many people are still on holiday.
ReplyDeleteThe Olympic parking restrictions are a deterrent. Yes i know they were supposed to be lifted for today, if one could understand the info. put out.
But i wouldn't trust them not to ticket or tow my car. Leaving me to worry about proving them wrong.
It was a miserably wet day. The A2 was in chaos due to a bridge jumper who having caused the closure of the road. It seems, didn't actually jump.
I suspect when Palarse come calling, we'll be looking at 20,000plus and provided we don't struggle at home 18 - 20,000 will be our norm.
Daggs - understand re holidays but I am not so convinced re parking or the weather. I was expecting a genuine increase in interest on the back of promotion and Championship opposition. We averaged 18,000 last year and I would expect us to be close to 20,000 this year. Other sides will bring closer to 3000 visiting fans but we need to be attracting a couple of thousand more. Palace is live on Sky on a Friday evening, so not confident we will break 20,000 for that one....
ReplyDeleteGood post, and yes it is the midfield that could make or break the season.
ReplyDeleteHowever, cannot agree that Jackson put in a decent shift. He looks too slow and seemed to be hiding out on the wing in the second half, making few worthwile runs off the ball. It may be a fitness problem to overcome, but until it is we cannot afford to carry any passengers.
What i struggle with is this "sir" Chris Powell nonsense. I bet it even makes him cringe.
ReplyDeleteAs far as i am aware he has yet to be knighted. Fair enough, he got us out of league one, but come on.
Arise Sir Lawrence/Curbishley.
Tony