BoyWonder2
2024, the year of the Shrimpers ⭐🦐
Well, what a difference a win makes. We have been putting in performances and not getting our rewards, like the Norwich and Charlton matches, and I'd have taken a dire performance an a lucky 1-0 win, but last night was excellent.
Walsall, it should be said, where dire. That "performance" was, quite frankly, a joke. Once they went down to 10 men, it was a disgusting performance from them. Their keeper made a couple of saves, and Troy Deeney upfront looked to have something about him, but apart from that I'd be livid if I was a Walsall fan. Easily the worst performance at Roots Hall from any team that I can remember.
Sending off was the right decision. Was a shocker of a challenge on Grant, and could have easily broke his leg.
A big well done to Ricky Duncan as well for last night. At the end of the match we had 4 players out there who have come through the youth team, and Bentley on the bench. That is why money is spent on youth set ups. Moussa, Herd, O'Keefe and Crawford should all be saying a big thank you to Duncan.
We played some lovely stuff at times last night, and them being down to 10 men certainly helped. Once we went 2-0 up, you could see the confidence returning to the side. Herd, Francis, Baldwin, Sankofa and Mildenhall all looked to pass it out from the back, and Grant and Macca where dropping deep to pick the ball up. Everyone wanted to be involved last night, and I think of the 3rd goal nearly everyone had touched the ball. Players where taking a touch, when previously they'd hook it over their shoulders. They looked to beat players rather than passing the buck. It was a joy to watch.
Onto the players:
Mildenhall - Won't have a quieter game all season. No chance with the free kick that hit the bar. His catching, and distribution was good as well.
Francis - Some superb deliveries in the second half, topped off with the assist for Moussa. I thought he'd be in for a tough game against Julian Gray, but was sound defensively.
Sankofa - I'm always worried about him starting at centre back because of his size, but he has a terrific leap. Hardly lost anything in the air, and should have scored from a free header in the second half. I think Barrett will come back in, but it will be harsh on Sankofa. That is why he is in the squad.
Baldwin - He is excellent isn't he? A real leader on the pitch and must of headed the ball close to 50 times. Don't think he lost one. Should of had a shoot when he broke out from the back but looked to play in Crawford whose touch let him down.
Herd - That long throw is such a weapon, it lead to the first goal. He wasn't really tested defensively, but got forward well as well. Links well with Moussa out on the left. I'm a fan.
Scannell - Devestated his season is over because he was in for a shout of player of the season. Next to me is a Scannell hater, and next to him is a Scannell hater. Both gave him a standing ovation and both said its a blow to lose him, I hope it isn't serious. That tells you all you need to know. Hope he has done enough for a new deal.
Macca - Some fantastic passes, mixed in with some bad ones. He also made a drive into the box with the ball which I haven't seen from him for a long time. He was constantly putting other players under pressure as well.
Grant - My man of the match. He didn't put a foot wrong all game. He didn't waste a pass, didn't miss a tackle, and almost ended up with a goal with a fantastic run into the box and shot across goal. The work rate was spot on as well, even at 3-0 he was chasing the ball down when it was going out for our throw. Excellent, excellent performance.
Moussa - Fantastic performance and I can see why he got the man of the match, even though I disagreed with it. His first goal was excellent technique. I think most of our players would have put that over the North Bank, but he found the bottom corner. Could have easily had a hattrick tonight but 2 goals and an assist isn't a bad return for a wide player. Cost me two curries though so losses a mark.
Vernon - I'm not a fan. On Saturday he was dire. He was better against Walsall last night. Won his share in the air, and looked to link up with Spencer. Felt Paterson was harshly dropped, when it should have been Vernon, but he did well. Should have scored. His experience certainly helped Spencer and Crawford when he came on.
Spencer - Haven't been overly impressed with him before tonight but his energy levels where spot on. Never stopped working and scored a decent header. Should of scored more, and wasted the ball a couple of times when in possesion but he is still young and still finding his feet. I'd be tempted with a new deal BUT not as a main striker.
Subs:
O'Keefe - Knocked the ball around well, but wasn't overly involved. Great first touch at one stage bringing the ball down.
Crawford - Nice to see him get his debut. Bad first touch from Baldwin's pass, but looked full of running.
Walsall, it should be said, where dire. That "performance" was, quite frankly, a joke. Once they went down to 10 men, it was a disgusting performance from them. Their keeper made a couple of saves, and Troy Deeney upfront looked to have something about him, but apart from that I'd be livid if I was a Walsall fan. Easily the worst performance at Roots Hall from any team that I can remember.
Sending off was the right decision. Was a shocker of a challenge on Grant, and could have easily broke his leg.
A big well done to Ricky Duncan as well for last night. At the end of the match we had 4 players out there who have come through the youth team, and Bentley on the bench. That is why money is spent on youth set ups. Moussa, Herd, O'Keefe and Crawford should all be saying a big thank you to Duncan.
We played some lovely stuff at times last night, and them being down to 10 men certainly helped. Once we went 2-0 up, you could see the confidence returning to the side. Herd, Francis, Baldwin, Sankofa and Mildenhall all looked to pass it out from the back, and Grant and Macca where dropping deep to pick the ball up. Everyone wanted to be involved last night, and I think of the 3rd goal nearly everyone had touched the ball. Players where taking a touch, when previously they'd hook it over their shoulders. They looked to beat players rather than passing the buck. It was a joy to watch.
Onto the players:
Mildenhall - Won't have a quieter game all season. No chance with the free kick that hit the bar. His catching, and distribution was good as well.
Francis - Some superb deliveries in the second half, topped off with the assist for Moussa. I thought he'd be in for a tough game against Julian Gray, but was sound defensively.
Sankofa - I'm always worried about him starting at centre back because of his size, but he has a terrific leap. Hardly lost anything in the air, and should have scored from a free header in the second half. I think Barrett will come back in, but it will be harsh on Sankofa. That is why he is in the squad.
Baldwin - He is excellent isn't he? A real leader on the pitch and must of headed the ball close to 50 times. Don't think he lost one. Should of had a shoot when he broke out from the back but looked to play in Crawford whose touch let him down.
Herd - That long throw is such a weapon, it lead to the first goal. He wasn't really tested defensively, but got forward well as well. Links well with Moussa out on the left. I'm a fan.
Scannell - Devestated his season is over because he was in for a shout of player of the season. Next to me is a Scannell hater, and next to him is a Scannell hater. Both gave him a standing ovation and both said its a blow to lose him, I hope it isn't serious. That tells you all you need to know. Hope he has done enough for a new deal.
Macca - Some fantastic passes, mixed in with some bad ones. He also made a drive into the box with the ball which I haven't seen from him for a long time. He was constantly putting other players under pressure as well.
Grant - My man of the match. He didn't put a foot wrong all game. He didn't waste a pass, didn't miss a tackle, and almost ended up with a goal with a fantastic run into the box and shot across goal. The work rate was spot on as well, even at 3-0 he was chasing the ball down when it was going out for our throw. Excellent, excellent performance.
Moussa - Fantastic performance and I can see why he got the man of the match, even though I disagreed with it. His first goal was excellent technique. I think most of our players would have put that over the North Bank, but he found the bottom corner. Could have easily had a hattrick tonight but 2 goals and an assist isn't a bad return for a wide player. Cost me two curries though so losses a mark.
Vernon - I'm not a fan. On Saturday he was dire. He was better against Walsall last night. Won his share in the air, and looked to link up with Spencer. Felt Paterson was harshly dropped, when it should have been Vernon, but he did well. Should have scored. His experience certainly helped Spencer and Crawford when he came on.
Spencer - Haven't been overly impressed with him before tonight but his energy levels where spot on. Never stopped working and scored a decent header. Should of scored more, and wasted the ball a couple of times when in possesion but he is still young and still finding his feet. I'd be tempted with a new deal BUT not as a main striker.
Subs:
O'Keefe - Knocked the ball around well, but wasn't overly involved. Great first touch at one stage bringing the ball down.
Crawford - Nice to see him get his debut. Bad first touch from Baldwin's pass, but looked full of running.
