Upminster Blue
Manager
Difference between the two sides was a wonder goal (Jones wouldn't score again from that position if he tried a 1,000 times) and a very dubious penalty. But that shouldn't disguise what was a truly appalling performance. Rochdale were not a patch on Cheltenham or Lincoln and were there for the taking with just an average performance. I will be amazed if they stay up.
Despite having the majority of possession we played with no cohesion, little thought and virtually no movement. Same old story of being unable to break down a packed defence sitting on the edge of their box (especially after the sending off). Predictably we resorted to lumping lots of long balls forward which were meat and drink to Rochdale. These tactics were not helped by the complete absence of movement from Gray - he should be ashamed by his afternoon's efforts (and in fact his season's efforts to date - have so far seen him six times and am not impressed by his work rate).
Edwards was again poor and looks a bit of a liability. But then again, no one came out of the game with any credit and I would be hard pushed to name a man of the match (possibly Barrett was the most deserving - he tried to inject some passion and drive into the team in the last 30 minutes).
Prior limped off injured early in the second half - doesn't look too promising. As I feared at the start of the season, we may not get many games out fo him.
A good away turnout of about 200 away fans who backed the team well apart from a few cat calls at the final whistle. Understandable after a 250 mile journey and the lame performance.
Of the six games I've seen this season, the only goal I've seen is the (dubious) penalty at Lincoln and we have rarely looked like scoring. I think this just about sums us up at the moment - completely lacking any ideas and craft in the final third. The players seem like strangers to each other.
Things need to change quick otherwise we are in big trouble.
For what it's worth, player ratings:
Bart 6 - no chance with either goal. Had little else to do.
Nicolou 6 - quite game, didn't do anything. Wasn't an attacking force at all.
Jupp 6 - worked hard but tired in the second half. Crucial slip resulting in the ball being given away which led to the penalty.
Edwards 5 - see above, lacking confidence?
Prior 6 - ok,usual solid game until limping off injured
Pettefer 5 - struggled to get involved. Had little impact.
Maher 5 - lethargic, talked himself into a booking (again!).
Bentley 5 - ran around a lot but to little effect.
Gower 5 - seems off the pace to me. Several misplaced passes and struggled to beat his man.
Broughton 5 - worked hard with little effect. Missed a great chance in the first half (although it was a good save).
Gray 3 - see above, he needs a kick up the backside and should be dropped for next week.
Subs
Barrett 6.5 - see above. Very unfortunate to have conceded the penalty.
Duddfiedl 6 - missed one good chance from 5 yards (it was more difficult than it looked - the ball came quickly to him and was slightly behind him). Made some good runs and generally looked more of a forward than anyone else at the club. Must start on Saturday.
Things can only get better (I hope!)
Despite having the majority of possession we played with no cohesion, little thought and virtually no movement. Same old story of being unable to break down a packed defence sitting on the edge of their box (especially after the sending off). Predictably we resorted to lumping lots of long balls forward which were meat and drink to Rochdale. These tactics were not helped by the complete absence of movement from Gray - he should be ashamed by his afternoon's efforts (and in fact his season's efforts to date - have so far seen him six times and am not impressed by his work rate).
Edwards was again poor and looks a bit of a liability. But then again, no one came out of the game with any credit and I would be hard pushed to name a man of the match (possibly Barrett was the most deserving - he tried to inject some passion and drive into the team in the last 30 minutes).
Prior limped off injured early in the second half - doesn't look too promising. As I feared at the start of the season, we may not get many games out fo him.
A good away turnout of about 200 away fans who backed the team well apart from a few cat calls at the final whistle. Understandable after a 250 mile journey and the lame performance.
Of the six games I've seen this season, the only goal I've seen is the (dubious) penalty at Lincoln and we have rarely looked like scoring. I think this just about sums us up at the moment - completely lacking any ideas and craft in the final third. The players seem like strangers to each other.
Things need to change quick otherwise we are in big trouble.
For what it's worth, player ratings:
Bart 6 - no chance with either goal. Had little else to do.
Nicolou 6 - quite game, didn't do anything. Wasn't an attacking force at all.
Jupp 6 - worked hard but tired in the second half. Crucial slip resulting in the ball being given away which led to the penalty.
Edwards 5 - see above, lacking confidence?
Prior 6 - ok,usual solid game until limping off injured
Pettefer 5 - struggled to get involved. Had little impact.
Maher 5 - lethargic, talked himself into a booking (again!).
Bentley 5 - ran around a lot but to little effect.
Gower 5 - seems off the pace to me. Several misplaced passes and struggled to beat his man.
Broughton 5 - worked hard with little effect. Missed a great chance in the first half (although it was a good save).
Gray 3 - see above, he needs a kick up the backside and should be dropped for next week.
Subs
Barrett 6.5 - see above. Very unfortunate to have conceded the penalty.
Duddfiedl 6 - missed one good chance from 5 yards (it was more difficult than it looked - the ball came quickly to him and was slightly behind him). Made some good runs and generally looked more of a forward than anyone else at the club. Must start on Saturday.
Things can only get better (I hope!)
