Post-Match Thread and Ratings Blues (Purples) 3 - 0 Warsaw

[Smiffy]

What a way to get the first win of 2010. Moose immense. Special mentions also to Granty, Franno, Baldy and Sank's. But they were all hero's out there. Support from the stands great again too. Staying up? Hell yeah. Crack on chaps...

 

[SS5]

Brilliant team performance tonight, I thought we looked like a team fighting to get in the play-offs rather than a relegation threatened team. Every played their part, I know Walsall went down to 10 men and weren’t the greatest opposition, but apart from that free kick I can’t remember them getting hold of the ball for more than a second.
I thought Grant absolutely run the show tonight in midfield, every pass picked well, great work rate- the kid didn’t stop running, and will play a major role in keeping this club up.
Moussa always looked a threat running forward, great 2 goals and assist, moves on to top scorer!
Spencer should have put that ball through to Scannell in the first half, but first time I’ve seen this guy and was really impressed, his work rate is immense, a great technique for the headed goal, and never stops running, I think he offers a lot more than Patterson because of his running.
Francis whipped some beautiful balls in tonight, never been a huge fan, but he showed tonight that he is top full back at this level, defended well from what he had to do
Baldwin- I love this guy- so much passion and commitment, a real professional, wins his headers well and if in doubt he gets rid
Sankofa- Have criticised him before, but he proved me wrong tonight, such a good leap for a small guy- good in the air, good passing distribution
Herd- why didn’t we play him left back for whole season I do not know, his throw is the same as a corner, if not better because he can beat the first man! Got forward more today as well, he is growing in confidence
Mildy- Didn’t really have anything to do, except the free kick
Macca- Not his greatest performance tonight, but still need to keep him in there
Scannell- great runs whilst he was on again, hopefully his injury is not too bad because he is a great asset to us going forward
Please can we play in purple every week! All due to respect to Walsall, they was not the hardest opposition, and although there front 2 ran for everything, after the sending off it was damaged limitations. We must build on this performance though as Bristol Rovers are going to be a lot tougher opposition, a point at the Memorial Stadium and 3 points at the Hall against Yeovil would be superb

 

[Lord Football]

I am absolutely outraged at what I have witnessed tonight. I do not pay my money to be entertained, nor to see Southend win. I pay my money to have a good old whinge, get on the backs of the players, scream "Tilson Out" and then come on here and rant. I feel I have been financially raped the club. I wont be going back if this is the sort of performance they are going to serve up. What the hell was Moussa thinking of playing like that, I mean that goal of his by rights should have ended up hitting the corner flag. What was Spencer doing running around like that and looking like he wanted to play? Why oh why did we look solid at the back? Where was the calamity defending? Where is the fun in keeping a clean sheet? Who the hell told Mildenhall to throw the ball out so we keep posession rather than hoofing it straight to them? Get Malone back in, Herd is simply not up to his level of incompetence. And Francis, where was his useless crossing and dilly dallying defending? For Chrissake he looked like a Championship player. Even bloody Vernon looked like he'd played before. At this rate I can strike off my planned trip to Morecambe next season.

 

[CyrilSneer]

Great all round performance tonight, and a well deserved victory against a very uninterested Walsall. One question, will Tilly change a winning team on Saturday, and bring Barrett back in. We all know the answer, but he shouldnt.

 

[Silencer]

Three Stand out performances from Granty, Moussa and Spencer backed up by solid performances of their teamates. Mildy, Baldwin, Vernon led like the experienced pro's and allowed the others to be steady eddie's for the evening!

Grant was nothing short of sensational tonight, as a midfielder myself it was a pleasure watching his energy, defensive awareness, quality of passing, tackling and winning of free kicks!!!

Moose was very decent too and looked a threat all night. He has goals in his locker and grew in confidence all night long. Get that contract extension penned and quick

Spencer, I like him. Chases everything and is so keen to make an impact. Yes he is raw but he has goals in him and a cracking appetite.

How nice seeing four home grown players on the pitch at the end. Moose, O'Keefe, Crawford and Herd (Very decent again)

 

[chapperzUK]

Loving it! :)

Mildy 6 - Didn't do much and was stretch for most of the game.
Francis 7.5 - Good crosses and passes, worked well this Scannell and O'Keefe down the right flank.
Baldwin 7.5 - Won nearly every header, a few bad passes in the second half but was solid throughout.
Sankofa 7 - Did well and was solid.
Herd 7.5 - Had a good game and his long throw-ins continue to cause problems.
Scannell 7.5 - Caused problems for their fullback with his strength and pace. Linked up well with Francis and hope his injury isn't too bad. Would have gotten an 8 if he stayed on the whole time.
Macca 7 - Determined and passion, both were shown in his performance. A few poor passes, but his all-round game was good.
Grant 8 - Brilliant. Tackled well, good feet and even turned into Messi inside the penalty area at one point (which Scannell laughed at so much that he nearly miss controlled the ball).
Moussa 8.5 - Stunning volley for the first and a well timed header with deadly accuracy for the second. Will play a big part in keeping us up.
Vernon 6.5 - Held the ball up well but can't seem to score. Missed a sitter and still got a corner from it (some how).
Spencer 7.5 - Well taken goal and ran himself into the ground. A good Revell (has already scored the same amount as Revs did for us, plus he was free!). A few poor touches and decisions, but he needs a good run-out.

Subs

O'Keefe 6.5 - Came on for Scannell and his passing was very good, played the simple ball when needed and linked well with Francis.
Crawford 7 - Good movement, unlucky on the handball decision which would have lead to a goalscoring chance. Had a poor touch which let him down. His movement was excellent and looks like a great player.

 

[SS5]

I have to add, as much as a like him and he gives us that hold up play etc. but Vernon, he really couldnt score in a brothel, bless him

 

[bluearmy1]

You won't see a finer "team" goal than our third tonight. There must have been 20 passes in the lead up to the crucial cross from Francis to Moussa. Kinda shame it was scored midweek, as it won't get the praise it richly deserves, but it really was a goal of the season contender in my eyes.

Well done Blues/Purples

 

[sadsy]

Admittedly Walsall were poor and didn't turn up with any enthusiasm or fight , and going down to 10 men didn't help their cause. Having said that what a pleasure to see us get a lead for a change and see the confidence grow !

Mildenhall 6 - Sorry but nothing to do except watch a free kick smack against the bar !
Francis 7.5 - Generally impressive , good crosses , had his usual 5 minute sleep in the second half !
Sankofa 7 - Not much to do again , looked comfortable and assured.
Baldwin 7 - As above , won nearly everything in the air
Herd 7.5 - Sound game , extra half mark for the long throw threat !
Scannell 7.5 - Another display full of running and intent , shame he got injured
Grant 9 - Magnificent display , ran the show , did everything bar scoring !
Macca 7.5 - Not his best passing display , ran his socks off though
Moussa 8 - Two good goals and good all round display
Vernon 6 - Poor game again , doesn't offer a lot
Spencer 7.5 - Yes he took the wrong option now and again but nice to see someone up top with real pace and energy , cracking header for his goal too.

 

[Ulysses]

Moldy 7.5 - bugger all to do
franno 7.5 - consistent tonight
Baldwin 8 - rock
sankofa 8 - on this showing Barrett might not get back in
herd 7.5 - almost there with the throwins
scannell 7.5 - quiet for once
grant 9 mom - the prick who choose moose for mom needs to be shot. One of the performances of the season.
macca 5 - lost it
moose 8 - good goals
screetch 8 - ran well pleased for goal
vernon 5.5 - nah pile of poo send him back

subs
okeefe 7 - ok
ginger fellow 5 - crap crowd pushed him and made loads of noise doesn't look anything special

 

[GodblessArthurRowley]

Thank you Walsall for providing the most chronically inept, couldn't give a **** opposition at a time when we really needed it. If ever the term 'can we play you every week' was applied to a team it was you. Each player deserves our thanks because you have all saved our season,God Bless you.

Its purple every week for us from now on.Is it a coincidence that we are three games unbeaten since Webb came in? Johnny Herd where have you been?Granty I love you.Moussa Goalscorer.I think we may even stay up.

 

[manor15]

Mildy 6.5 Didn't do a lot
Francis 7.5 Put some good crosses in and got forward well
Sankofa 7 Looked solid when needed
Baldwin 7 As above, good in air
Herd 8 His throws are a real threat, good going forward and solid defensively
Scannell 7.5 Pace and got at the defence and worried them
Grant 8.5 Great game, won everything and went forward more often
Macca 7 Some strange and awful moments but some good
Moussa 8.5 Two goals and an assist? Good game!
Vernon 5 Awful, sooner he's out the starting XI the better, poor finishing but ran around a lot
Spencer 7.5 Could pass earlier but made good runs and got in good positions

O'Keefe 7 Didn't have an impact
Crawford 7.5 Good movement and had a few chances, exciting prospect

WE WON!! :support:

 

[Shrimpergonzo]

Glad I wasn't the only one who appreciated Grant's performance tonight - I thought he was immense throughout and looked really up for it - he would have been my MoM despite Moussa's 2 goals.

 

[Sussex Shrimper]

Grant, if he stays fit and avoids suspension, could make all of the difference IMO. You simply can't help but be inspired by somebody putting in a shift like that. For all of the praise lavished (justifiably) upon Dervite and Clarke during the latter half of last season I felt that Grant deserved an equal share of the plaudits for our defensive solidity, and I feel that he proved just what an asset he is again tonight. I've nothing against Jeff, but Grant can do everything he can and then some - he's a class act at this level.

Same XI again on Saturday, provided that Scannell is fit, if it were up to me. I'm sure Barrett wants what's best for the club and it could only serve to light a fire under him.

 

[bazzashrimper]

Excellent performance, fully deserved the 3 points again, but finally got them. Rather than giving match ratings, I thought I'd write what I thought had changed recently.

Herd for Malone - Malone edges it defensively, but going forward Johnny mixes up crossing with many a pass to feet - certainly JH is far superior at playing the ball out from defense - will often play the ball in to the midfielder or strikers feet. Malone always goes for the long ball or cross - and he's not the best at either. One thing for JH - he does need to work on his crossing, why not stay behind after training and stick 20 or 30 crosses over - im sure it would click. JH's throws are also a lethal weapon as he showed a few times tonight

Grant for JCR - you would be forgiven for thinking that this was a like for like swap, but Grant should be playing at least 2 divisions higher than JCR. His work rate is fantastic - he wins the ball so often in midfield and he keeps it or wins a free kick. He is capable of driving forward with the ball - one run in particular tonight was pure class.

Webb for Brush - watching in the last 2 matches (certainly someone mentioned on here on saturday) we are a bit more direct. For me we seem to be playing balls over the top more rather than balls in the air to flick on. Spencer and Vernon are playing on the shoulder a bit more. Something else, when we are in a crossing position we have far more players in the box - certainly Moose was in the mix several times ready for a francis cross tonight. Previously there was perhaps a hesitance to do so, but now it seems as if its coming from the management to play like this.

No Mvoto -he didn't look to convincing in his second spell did he. I've never been anything like a fan, but thought Osei did really well tonight - certainly I'd think twice before bringing AB back on Saturday.

Well played lads, rest up and go again on saturday

 

[dloman]

Ok my ratings for tonights performance against a fairly poor though mid table team.

Mildenhall - 7 unfair to mark lower as had very little to do
Francis - 7.5 Generally good use of the ball and untroubled at the back
Sankofa - 7.5 Excellent, never in trouble and has the pace to cover other players mistakes.
Baldwin - 7.5 same as Sankofa, seems a good partnership.
Herd - 6.5 ok this may be contentious but long throw and a few runs forward apart, actually thought he got caught out a few times.
Moose - 8.5 Quick mind and feet give him more time on the ball than any other player, sublime first touch and excellent tracking back to cover Herd.
Grant - 8.5 Dogged and used the ball well
Macca - 6.5 far to many wayward balls to warrant higher mark
Scannell - 7 actually thought he had a better game Saturday.
Spencer - 7 Offers a different option with pace, marked down slightly due to poor first touch.
Vernon - 6.5 Holds the ball up well and uses sensibly, though will never score.

 

[jerseyshrimper]

Same team for Saturday Tilly (if scannell is fit) and can we wear purple please?

 

[ms brush]

After the last few weeks, I was resigned to League 2 football next year and tonight has given me faith that we can pull off a string of results and stay up. Fantastic result tonight - we looked like a proper team for the first time this season, and its a good feeling!!

Mildy - Had nothing to do, and made a credible team captain for the night. Not really fair to give him a mark, as he didnt have to do anthing, there was nothing to judge him on!!

Francis 8 - Showing signs of using the talent he has. Some excellent crosses tonight, and good link ups with Scannell. The right side looks more solid these days.

Baldwin 8 - would like to keep him if at all possible. Commanding and in control throughout, won most headers and kept their forwards quiet.

Sankofa 7 - Did really well. Havent really been a fan up until now, but he looked solid and a bit more confident tonight. He looks far more solid at CB, so maybe when he has played at RB before he was just out of position and out of his comfort zone. Sign him up!

Herd 7.5 - Did well out there tonight. Those long throws are a big weapon and add a different dimension to our game. My biggest concern is that someone spots him soon and tempts him on to bigger and brighter things before we have had the change to keep him for a while.

Scannell 8 - He's quickly becoming one to watch. He caused their defence loads of problems, and was miles quicker than them. Sorry to see him go off with an injury, was on course for another MOM award.

Macca 7 - Looking far more alert than he has for ages, and had a good solid game out there. Someone just needs to remind him that the goal is in the middle at ground level, not in the left hand side of the South Upper....

Grant 9 - getting back to full match fitness, and seemed to pop up everywhere. Very intelligent passing and some great touches. He is a huge asset for us, and definately, for me at least, has to be a big contender for player of the season.

Moussa 9.5 - MOM. At long last, Moose has pulled a blinding performance out of the hat and showed us all what he is capable of. 2 fabulous goals, good passing, intelligent runs and good linking with the rest of the team. Marked down for not getting a hat-trick...!!

Vernon 7 - Thought he did okay, and worked well with Spencer. Ran a lot and managed to create space, but managed to miss a goal that would have been easier to score! He looks better with Spencer than with Patterson, so maybe that is something in his favour. Think he needs a goal to get some confidence - but at least he is in the box missing (because one will go in eventually) than just being completely useless like some of our ex-strikers!

Spencer 7.5 - Took the goal well, and ran a marathon out there tonight. Needs a run with a regular strike partner to get some understanding going. Would like to see him start more often.

Subs:

O'Keefe 7- Looks very confident and played really well. Was concerned when Scannell went off, but O'Keefe came on, played some nice tidy and controlled balls, and did the basics really well.

Crawford 7 - First time I have seen him play, and I was impressed. Another home grown talent, which can only bode well for the future.

Ref 8 - Thought almost every decision was spot on tonight, played some good advantages and kept control of the game. Shame about the blind lino who doesnt know the offside rule though...

 

[Ayrshire Blue]

It'd been far too long since I'd left Roots Hall with a smile on my face, what a great win.

Thought it was a strange one when McCormack led the side out, but Mildenhall donning the armband.


Mildenhall - Nothing to do but watch the ball rattle the crossbar once.

Francis - Superb again, brilliant cross for Moussa's second goal and a good all round performance.

Baldwin - Rock. Really like him, wins a lot in the air, love to keep him

Sankofa - I thought he was superb, bar one little slip in the second half which he recovered well from. Won everything in the air.

Herd - The boy creates chances, Moussa's first goal came from one of his throws, really pleased that he's finally back in the side.

Scannell - Caused a lot of problems, hope his injury isn't too serious.

McCormack - Got stuck in as usual, run his wotsits off, passing still wasn't great though.

Grant - Ran the show, I don't think it's coincidence that we're unbeaten since he's been back in the side, very underrated by many of our fans I feel. He has a very good footballing brain on him, a lot like Bailey in that sense, there were a few occasions where Herd was out of position from taking a throw and Grant just tucked in with no fuss. Great run in the second half, would of been nice to top that off with the finish.

Moussa - Well, what a difference a goal does for your confidence, his best performance for us. Superb finish for his first goal, unbelievable tekkars. His defensive play was much better aswell when covering Herd. Great cross for Spencer's goal and a good header for his second.

Spencer - Was pleased to see him play, he looks lively, after all he has a future to play for and he'd of done himself no harm with his goal tonight, great glancing header.

Vernon - Frustrating, Ran around a lot, he doesn't win a lot in the air, he gets his body in there but does very little with his strength.

Subs-

Was nice to see Crawford given a run out, a lot of credit to Ricky Duncan, had a decent chance after Baldwin's through ball but his touch let him down, hopefully see a bit more of him. O'Keefe, Don't think he touched the ball but good to see a couple of our youngsters out there.

With this being the first win in 3 months, I don't see how you can change the side on Saturday, It would be very harsh on Sankofa who I thought had a very good game.

 

[TravellingBlue]

Fantastic team performance. Thought defensively we were very solid although there was little threat from Walsall. Young Herd is really growing on me, thought he really looked the part tonight.

Midfield was the best I have seen for a long, long time. Scannell was a little quieter tonight, but I thought Grant and Mooooose were fantastic, and although I have been critical of Macca this season, he was outstanding tonight.

Up front I have to be slightly controversial. Vernon is a solid player, but doesn't bring a lot to the table. Screech probably played the best he can tonight, but I felt he had a dodgy first touch and never won a header (apart from his goal!!), and at one point I thought the Referee was going to book him for 'continual simulation' - everytime he was near a defender he threw himself to the ground to try and win a foul. That said well done young man with your goal, the second goal gave us the breathing space we needed.

10 out of 10 for the performance and hopefully we can continue our unbeaten run at Rovers on Saturday.