Gaz Lovett / BBS Player of the Season - Orient Express

Philips, two good goals which won the game, Earl very assured again and a mention for MDG who after a couple of blips was again very good, the pass to Philips was a cracker

 

Ok, maybe second thoughts about Devante. What I was thinking was that he wasn't as sharp in the box as usual, not getting on the end of a couple of whipped in crosses for example. He obviously had a few shots saved though (like everyone else it seemed!) so I withdraw any criticism of him that I may have implied. He is well beyond criticism for his goal scoring this season and I am glad we have him for the run in.

Kane however - hmm, not been impressed with him all season until recently when, as I said, he seemed to be playing better for a move. Will be interesting now how he reacts to being here until the summer. We need a few top drawer performances from him. He has it in him but I want to see more positivity from him. Too many short sideways passes taking us nowhere.

I appreciate that sometime a team has to play it around and backwards to make progress but there was too much of that yesterday for my liking. I'm sure I spent more time than usual groaning about players receiving the ball then immediately turning backwards to give it to Mael or Josh who then had to make the decision for the midfielders/wing backs. I know that sometimes we do plough forward down the wings but yesterday it just wasn't often enough. Cadden, for example, used to beat men at will. Now he hardly ever beats a man.

Bottom line though it was a win and but for a Luke Steele at Liverpool performance from their keeper we could have had another Port Vale score. Only one team wanted the win and that was us. Very poor of Orient to sit back on a 1-0 lead, but I am glad they did. That last ten minutes will live long in the memory of all of us who were there. Brilliant win in the end and let's do the same to Shrewsbury, Fleetwood and then Derby.

PS. I've just watched the extended highlights on iPlayer and had forgotten a couple of brilliant bits from Cole in the first half where he turned sharply in the box and got shots away. The first one brought a save that reminded me at the time of Gordon Banks against Pele. Astonishing save from a great effort on goal so, once again, I was WRONG about Devante! He had a better game than I gave him credit for, but still behind Mr Rock Steady Earl who looks a diamond of a player.

 

Earl gets it for me, a composed and accomplished performance. Looks an excellent signing.

Honourable mention for Phillips for his two excellent headed goals - not something you associate with him.

 

Apart from the smashed in volley to win the match

 

I thought it was a header

I'll have to watch it again.

Yep volleyed in.

 

Up to 88th min it was Earl but goals win games step forward Adam Phillips.

 

Hell of a header if it was!

 

Headed it with his left foot I think.

 

Closing soon

 

That's got to be the easiest vote of the entire season. Earl was so far above anyone else it was embarrassing. I just hope he continues to progress and becomes part of a team that can actually defend! Please God.

 

Sticky now updated Mael extends his lead.

 

They don't if the defence let more in. Earl all the way.

 

No goals, no win, no matter how good the defence is!

 

Bugger, was going to vote for Cole - with a bit of luck he could easily have had an hat-trick.

 

Still Earl for MOM