As much as we huffed and puffed in the second half we werent good enough. The lads really worked hard and kept going to the end and credit to them for the effort but we are going to be left behind in this league due to a lack of quality and depth. We were battered in the first half. McPhail and co cut through our midfield several times with ease and precise passing and could have been more than 2 up. If it wasnt for a cracking goal from Howard we would have been dead and buried. I honestly thought we were going to be out of it come half time. The marking was slack all over the pitch. Hecky was caught out time and time again. Reid was easily turned by their attackers and Togwell was struggling to get to grips with the opositions midfield. Devaney never tracks back to help the defence which later almost cost us. Up front our strikers look incapabale of putting in a strike with any power. Again in the second half it took a great pen save from Colgan to keep us in it. If Devaney had been tracking back the ball would have never been in the penalty box. Granted we really tried and looked the better side for the last half hour but lack any cutting edge. As for Tommy Wright how many chances does he need? How long does he have to be on the pitch to foul someone? For me a player who fouls so much does so because he is out of his depth. Why didnt we bring McParland on for Devaney and keep the shape? Overall i am very concerned even though its only the first game. You cant fault the effort but the quality is not there in many areas. I think Colgan, Kay, and Howard did well but firstly we need a striker or two who will score goals. We need back up in central midfield (none on bench yesterday) and an experienced head at the back. We will play worse sides than Cardiff and get something but i also think there are better sides than Cardiff and we might well be on the end of a hiding or two this season.
I have to say a lot of what you're saying is true. I was very heartened by our display yesterday but have to admit that vital quality at this level just isn't there. Plus as you rightly say there is no depth to the squad.
excellent post. It's unfortunate though that Dragon Tyke attempted to offer similar views and was verbally abused by some. I just hope your posting creates a link for debate but in a less infantile manner than they gave to D.T. cheers for that observant view.(clap) (clap) (clap) (clap) (clap)
