Another late post on the match, sorry.
Yes, it was an awful game exacerbated by being ripped off. But the opposition weren't that bad especially compared to last year.
We, however, were poor and, although this is the level we should be used to, it could have been so much better.
I've read some posts about players and their abilities for League level of which I don't entirely agree. I also don't agree with the idea that it's all down to the manager. What I do think is that the players need a different mindset. There were many instances of players not anticipating the play and not being aggresive enough in the game. This could be down to low confidence levels but could also be due to the coaching of the team. It has been said on here that a change of set-up in the coaching department could be on the cards and I see potential in that.
As for a match rating on the players i would go with the following -
Poke - a good keeper and some fine stops but maybe Bevon is more commanding of the area.
Robertson - his distribution needs a lot of working on but defensively sound.
Todd - a steady game, no complaints.
Ellis - a great game and, for me, easily the best player on the park.
Hodges - Did a good job and showed his experience, which made up for lack of pace and distribution was genrally good.
Carlisle - gives his all, has quality and will have better games but fits in at this level.
Wroe - suffered in the first half and did not impose, a good player but does he have the motivation?
Hargreaves - other players should look at his age and look to themselves in terms of commitment and decision-making, he just cannot be faulted.
Stevens - lacking in confidence? Set up the goal, tried hard but nothing came off.
Benyon - I like him, scored a goal, but I thought had a poor game.
Sills - Did everything asked of him, worked hard but if I was harsh (like others) had poor decisions.
Subs:
Thompson - was impressed, good feet, can pass (the first time in the game someone actually could!), deserved a penalty.
Williams - I just don't know, tried, but there seems to be something missing.
Mills - Could be a good player but definately needs a kick a the backside and an injection of aggression.
Anyway, a few minutes to go for tonight's game and it can only get better?? ...
