Lots was said yesterday about how lucky, poor we were yesterday, and I must admit that being at the game was very frustrating. Thought I'd sit and watch it all through again without the pressure of the situation clouding my judgement. The reds had loads of the ball, and some of our passing and movement was as you would expect. Some not so. Thiams shot goes either side of their keeper, and it's a different game. Also notable how many players walsall had in and around their box when we went forward, and how many blocks they made during the game. Walsall were quick on the break, particularly Ishmael, who gave young Williams a tough time, but to be fair to him, he didn't shirk, and eventually Ishmael went off, having tired. Some individual quality from our lads was there for all to see. Pinnock and Lindsay were pretty much playing in a 2-4-4 as the 2nd half wore on. HendrIe said towards the end that Walsall could have been 2 or 3 up, but again, I'd refer him to Thiams chance, and also Woodrows spin away and shot at the near post, which their keeper sat on after not knowing much about. Also the challenge on Williams. Penalty? Not sure, could easily have been given. Funniest thing was when hendrIe was talking about our drought, and how long it would last. We were a goal up within a minute In hindsight, not the worst performance of the season as some would suggest. Wycombe was a lot worse, as was the first half at Shrewsbury. Fair play to Walsall, they defended in numbers, and blocked and contested everything, and we're quick to get forward, but it came to nowt. Wayward shots from distance, and our defence and keeper doing what they're paid to do. Another day at the office.
I also thought we were worse at oxford (until moore came on). Good thoughts though and always interesting to watch games back, when you are a bit more relaxed.
We are missing Moore thats the start middle and end. Woodrow needs a partner to get best out of him. Plus whos better than getting onto high balls and crosses. Hes a big miss. Hope his words on tele yesterdsy mean he might be back if we need him...
Couple of observations: Thiam - he’s got a ferocious shot but sometimes needs to show a little guile. Yesterday and once against Sunderland at home he gets a clear shot but mullers it within reach of the goalie not requiring a dive - a placement either side of the goalie or keeping his shots low would easily put it out of reach. Brown - with no viable alternative to partner Cauley i’d play him upfront with Hedges playing wide.
Said he is seeing the consultant next week and should be 3 weeks away but then the sky presenter said so looking like next season and he said yes. Said it was all precautions. Was abit confusing but gave us abit of hope he could be back sooner than the season ending.
Think he said he'd be back to match fitness in 3 weeks. Would be a great psychological boost if he was back and would really throw the opposition if he just appeared on the team sheet, but obviously more important he is healthy in the long run.
Yeah think he did but can't remember it all watched it back yesterday. Would be a massive boost yo have him back even for just the last 3 or 4 games fingers crossed.
Pitch was a leveller tbf although no excuse for that. Teams have done their homework and won’t let us get into the rhythm this style requires . All the top teams will get this attention I don’t think the players of Walsall would have played with the intensity of us ,Sunderland,Portsmouth etc as they would Rochdale and Accrington etc and it was televised .Again not an excuse . Our shapes had to change because of injuries etc so that’s a big factor . It wasn’t a classic as far as quality but the work rate was second to none and I think the bit of quality we had over Walsall was the difference in the end . It’s the goals that count goalies are there to make saves and defenders to defend and clear off lines so immaterial imo that chances fell to both teams and were contested . For the away team we played ok the onus was on them to bring the game and capitalise and they failed . A great three points a decent performance and onto Coventry COYR
I seem to recall that he was back training and was due to see specialist again soon and advice not to play was precautionary
I wouldn't be shocked if we saw him play again this season. If he gets the nod and wants to play, I'm sure he'll be straight back in the squad. Big boost for us. Big disappointment for our rivals.
Back for the playoffs? Hopefully not needed but It would be a huge boost if he was there if we needed him
Hopefully to help us over the line for automatic, but I think he would be involved in the playoffs if not.
I think we would have lost that game earlier in the season, teams know they can’t outplay us so they resort to a fair bit of rough-housing. I like the fact we have in Williams, Brown, Mcgeehan and Mowatt players who are happy to stand up and give it back as well as play good football.
Mowatt's awareness for the goal was the touch of Premiership class and composure needed. Walsall this, Walsall that. We did have quality and we had loads of attempts charged down and as mentioned if Thiams shot goes in we win the game more comfortably. Got impression with regards Moore that we'll see him before season's out. He sounded like he's chomping at bit to play.