Just back from the game

If you care to hear my thoughts.

Today was a strange game, IMO. We played some decent stuff I have to say, and I felt with the exception of Hughes and Shackell the whole team came away with a bit of merit despite the result.

In the end, though it was plain to see who needed the points and who couldn't care less.

Plus points were;

1) Gallacher. What a keeper! Read - quickly - the match ratings from another below where he was awarded a 7. Considering the fact he hasn't played in two seasons, didn't know he would be playing until 15 minutes before and still managed to pull off three top drawer saves to deny Wednesday, I'd give him a 9 and would probably play him even if Green was eligable.

2) Spillane. Quality youth product, made some mistakes but always tried to rectify them. I'm expecting big things out of him next season.

3) Etuhu. I agreed with Nigel that this was his best game yet. He started his big lazy self, but ended the game the only one with the energy to repeatedly challenge and dominated the middle of the park. Impressed; but he's got a long way to go to make up for earlier no-shows.

4) Passing game! Gallacher actually rolled the ball out more than three times! I was amazed! We actually passed for around 30 minutes!

5) The silence. Impeccable. Completely impeccable. The whole ground was silent when the Bishop of Sheffield came onto the turf.

The Bad bits:

1) Hughes - dear God who thought this guy was a good signing? Every time he touched the ball he gave it back to Wednesday.

2) Hoof ball still prevailent.

3) Absolutely no finish in the final third. Earnshaw is still not getting the service he needs!

The Downright Strange:

1) Why did Greeno warm up if he was already injured?? Hmmm...

Player Ratings
Gallacher: 9 - MotM
Drury - 7 - Dependably solid, and got his captains armband back with Fleming no where in sight (haleluja)
Spillane - 8 - Very good debut, nearly scored
Doherty - 7 - Solid, not at fault for goal.
Shackell - 5 - Ran into Doherty when Doherty clearly had his man sorted, which resulted in the goal.
Henderson - 7 - Looked lively. Thought he would be sent off for a REALLY harsh tackle mid-way through the first half. Missed a sitter.
Huckerby - 7 - Looked dangerous, but seemed to lose his edge second half.
Robinson - 6 - Mostly absent, but did everything right when he was in the game in the Makelele role.
Etuhu - 7 - Nearly an eight, but started slow.
Hughes - 3 - Never heard the Norwich fans cheer so much when he was subbed off.
Earnshaw - 6 - Tried his best, linked well with midfield but starved of service.

Subs

Jarvis - 7 - Looked lively and created a couple of opportunities, but should've been brought on earlier.
McVeigh - 6 - Very little time to impact.

Posted By: LincolnshireCanary, Apr 15, 22:48:13