An away point is always a good point, although this looks very much like one we perhaps didn't deserve on the evidence of the play. Those who went were largely unhappy with the performance and it has again brought into sharp focus just how much we have yet to do as a club before we can realistically challenge for promotion.
Very simply put, Fleetwood looked far more fluent and threatening when in possession and they dominated the midfield. Fredrik Ulvestad had a very quiet debut and and we were disconnected as a result, often relying on the long ball when trying to exert any pressure on our hosts. He obviously needs games to get his match fitness and to get to know those around him. Once again, something we should have had plans to do in pre-season, not September.
We fell behind to a 25 yarder after only five minutes. Josh Magennis levelled with a fine header but Fleetwood restored their lead soon after with another rangey effort which was curled beyond Declan Rudd. With the clock running down, it took the combination of all three subs, Botaka, Foley and Lee Novak to scrape a late point and save Russell Slade's blushes.
The big question-mark about our midfield looks like it will make or break our season. We have a decent back-line with options, although we are going to concede goals if the midfield isn't holding the opposition or is struggling to join play when we clear from defence. Similarly, we have goals in us but we need to support from midfield when we move forward and that's looking disjointed.
Confidence is the other big factor but that looks balanced with us sitting in 13th place and wondering whether we are looking up or staring down. The game in hand is an awkward looking midweek trip to Scunthorpe who have been finding scoring at home relatively easy, but before that we have a chance to put some more points on the board at home to AFC Wimbledon next Saturday. I will be there with at least a thousand other Two-Percenters.
Very simply put, Fleetwood looked far more fluent and threatening when in possession and they dominated the midfield. Fredrik Ulvestad had a very quiet debut and and we were disconnected as a result, often relying on the long ball when trying to exert any pressure on our hosts. He obviously needs games to get his match fitness and to get to know those around him. Once again, something we should have had plans to do in pre-season, not September.
We fell behind to a 25 yarder after only five minutes. Josh Magennis levelled with a fine header but Fleetwood restored their lead soon after with another rangey effort which was curled beyond Declan Rudd. With the clock running down, it took the combination of all three subs, Botaka, Foley and Lee Novak to scrape a late point and save Russell Slade's blushes.
The big question-mark about our midfield looks like it will make or break our season. We have a decent back-line with options, although we are going to concede goals if the midfield isn't holding the opposition or is struggling to join play when we clear from defence. Similarly, we have goals in us but we need to support from midfield when we move forward and that's looking disjointed.
Confidence is the other big factor but that looks balanced with us sitting in 13th place and wondering whether we are looking up or staring down. The game in hand is an awkward looking midweek trip to Scunthorpe who have been finding scoring at home relatively easy, but before that we have a chance to put some more points on the board at home to AFC Wimbledon next Saturday. I will be there with at least a thousand other Two-Percenters.
I went yesterday & I thought we deserved a point. Croft, Fox & Solly & Ajose were poor and we exposed down the flanks, Rudd never made a save all game & it was his poor throw to Fox that gave away the ball for the first goal.
ReplyDeleteTalking of going I leave our employers at the end of Sept under a leaver scheme.
801912601 - I was going by the match thread and post-match comments, which I guess is just a flavour. Unusual for Solly to be poor, although with limited midfield protection and a decent opponent, I suppose he can't be expected to out-perform every week. Also looks poor very often because he has little to feed own. He's the sort of striker who gets 80% of his goals when we can exert sustained pressure, typically at home. I hope that the Leaver's package suits you....another 801 off the list. I completed 35 years on 31st August and wonder if I will make 40.
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