A game where once again we looked the only side trying to win ends in us practically donating the awful opposition the 3 points. It's galling, hard to accept. After the opening skirmishes, I was quietly confident that we'd have too much for them. However, on the rare occasions they got into our half, and seemingly won corner after corner, I admit I expected us to concede pretty much every time. But we thankfully survived their first barrage, and at the other end we were starting to unlock doors. I was particularly impressed with Tudgay, Perkins and Golbourne going forward, and they combined well to create a great chance for Tudgay whose great header was wonderfully clawed away by the excellent Butland. But then came the inevitable - a Brum corner that we didn't defend well. I think Perkins, in the first instance, could have prevented the ball from going out of play, but perhaps he thought it was our ball...? Either way, they employed the now customary corner routine against BFC - straight in front of the keeper. And, as ever, Steele was unable to get to the ball, crowded out, and our defenders weren't dominant enough to make it theirs. Piss poor, all round, IMO. I sensed the optimism around the West Stand evaporate at that moment. But again we attacked well with Golbourne down the left, and after a brief scramble and a Dawson effort was blocked, the Handbrake (in nose-bleed territory) applied the finish with a sweetly struck half-volley. Game on. Unfortunately, we never quite had enough nous to break down the opponents, who were often camped in their own half. Again, an all-too familiar story at Oakwell was emerging. I don't think we were as good in the second half. O'Brien carried his poor first half form into the second, and Dawson seemed to be less effective. Not to mention the Handbrake who was practically a third centre half. Luckily, Perkins was running the midfield, and was ably assisted in the endeavour stakes by young Stones, the ever willing Dagnall, and my man of the match Tudgay. But still, we were unable to carve out a serious chance. Until, Tudgay found Dagnall in the box and the lad again lacked composure and stabbed wide on the stretch. Having only seen it once, I may be wrong, but he looked to have had more time than he'd realised. If only that had gone in, eh? I wasn't alone in thinking that O'Brien was blowing out of his arse by this time, and I was hoping we'd stick Sinclair on, a bit of pace up top and drop Dagnall in behind. Failing that, I would have liked to have seen Dawson inside, and O'Brien on the right. But hey ho. Keith (or was it Flicker?) decided to take off our most effective midfielder, replacing Perkins with Done (yet to have a good game this season). Bizarre, and the boos said it all. Davies replaced Dagnall, too, which I sort of understood. Then, we finally get a penalty. Yes, a penalty. I was hoping Tudgay would take it, but Davies grabbed the ball and for some reason I knew he'd miss. The run up was all wrong. He did well to keep it in the ground tbh. Pillock. And from then on the belief seemed to disappear from both players and fans alike. Brum started to see more of the ball in midfield - I wonder why...? And a tiring Dawson, Greening and O'Brien began to give away silly free-kicks. Which, along with corners, were the only way the opposition were ever likely to score. Steele gives me no confidence when defending set-plays, and neither do Stones, Golbourne or McNulty. I can forgive Stones. He's a bairn, and only an idiot would suggest he won't be a top player one day, certainly at this level at least. McNulty however, has gone from (last season) a decent centre half who has the occasional accident, to an awful centre half who is an accident waiting to happen. His confidence looks shot, as does Done's, who like myself seems to have no idea what role he's supposed to playing within this 'formation' we are currently employing. Lo and behold, a needless free-kick given away leads to a cracking inswinging cross that evades anybody in red leaving their commanding centre half another freebie header. Of course, Steele was on his line as per. But again, I've seen the goals only once in real time so I'll not single out anybody at this juncture. In fact, on first viewing I'm of the opinion that we defended both goals appallingly, as a team. We never looked like equalising, despite the odd teasing cross that nobody got on the end of. Oh, and Davies' umpteenth (this season) Hollywood free-kick. In summary, we don't (at Oakwell) seem to improve either defensively or going forward. It's deja-vu, every other week. The tippy tappy possession football is pointless without a threat at the end of it, and frankly I'm sick and tired of seeing us pass it side to side and back again. Because I know we won't score. It's proper boring. Finally, I'd like to give a mention to Sir Bob. He was put at centre half, up against the giant Zigic, and I thought he dealt with him quite well. It was also nice to see a centre half that can play out from the back, find a teammate regularly, and put his body on the line when needed. His Beckham-esque shot from halfway brought a rare smile to my face, too. I expect him to be dropped for Saturday. Up the shitty Tarn..
Very good summary YT. Like you I am bored rigid with this tiresome, one dimensional football and I don't know how much longer I can go on. If we want to salvage any hope of rescuing anything from this season we have to make a change now, not after we lose another game on Saturday or after the cup game but now.
The West Upper was quite busy today, and I got there just before kick off. Saw Don in his usual spot with next to Keith (and Flicker's, and half the team's) agent. Didn't spot Taylor. Not saying he wasn't there, but he's hard to see. I glanced at the box on full time and nothing of note happened. But tbh, I was expecting the first rendition of 'Hill Out' chants today, but they never materialised either. Dunno if I can be arsed going Saturday. Probably will. I always do. Idiot that I am. Bellend Road on NYD though. Long story.
We will think of you whilst enjoying Posh. Pains me to say it but we need a Leeds win! Bazza can't have been far away then...
