Post-Match Thread and Ratings Southend United 1-0 Wycombe Wanderers

[Angell Delight]

I'll echo much of the previous comment on here.

Belford - 7. Claimed the ball well when asked under pressure.
Clohessy - 7. Reliable enough at the back as usual, put over a couple of good balls.
Phillips - 6. Not quite at his imperious best, got turned a couple of times, but far from a bad performance.
Cresswell - 8. Won headers, defended well in the box.
Prosser - 6.5. Not his worst performance by far, but he has a habit of going absent and not reacting quick enough when people run at him - still our most likely to hoof, but did get in a couple of good tackles.
Timlin - 6.5. Industrious and showing a bit more composure, couple of silly passes as usual, but really good work rate.
Leonard - 6. No real stand-out moments from him good or bad for me- he needs more experience to be able to impose himself on the game.
Hurst - 7. Put some great crosses in before he was forced to come off - hope it's not too serious, although when he came off he said that he couldn't see anything out of his right eye - wish him a speedy recovery.
Spicer - 7.5. Battled well in midfield, took some shots - needs to get his shooting boots on, but good performance.
Tomlin -8.5. Ran hard all game, superb control - every time the ball came to him he seemed to keep it and move it on - no random bouncing off his shins - really good game, can't be long before he opens his account.
Assombalonga - 9. Brilliant energy, chased everything, don't know how he didn't win more free kicks the way he was being pulled about, showed some lovely bits of skill - looks a real class player and I hope we can hold on to him for a lot longer.

Straker - 7.5. Little bit slow, and obviously playing out of his natural position, but adapted well and put in a good shift - very surprised to be honest, as pre-season I though he looked awful, pleased to see he can play.
Harris - not on long enough to score really, he did have one very weak shot and bustled round their defence a bit.

Ref - 2. Very poor display indeed - refused to give us anything despite Doherty constantly demonstrating his great and abiding love for Assombalonga by hugging him tight at every opportunity. He even prevented Assombolonga from jumping for a header by the simple method of putting his hand on his head and holding him down (Doherty, not the ref, although I wouldn't have been surprised.) If this is now allowed, perhaps it's something out centre backs should consider.

TBV - 9 sang throughout, great support lads.

We dominated the first half, then the first 5-10 minutes of the second. Things got a bit scrappy for the next half an hour, and then we were back on top for the last 10 minutes. Quite a lot of good passing football, very little aimless direct passing, some great touches from all out lads. Maybe not the best game, but 3 points well won and deserved.

For someone with allegedly so much pace ho looks so slow and lethargic with and without the ball! Not convinced yet, his positional play today wasn't great either. Strange how opinions differ as I thought he looked OK in pre-season. Hopefully he just needs a bit of time to settle in, Prosser would be my first-choice LB right now though - thought he had an excellent game today.

 

[shrimperjon]

I think he's done well to play the amount games he has. Pro footballer? When is the last time you saw a "pro" who couldn't control a ball? Or pass to an intended target?
No. If there's a need to criticise, then let criticism reign!!:thumbsup:

Bore off and support someone else then. We are in a tough place at the moment, a few short on the playing front, four or five injured and no money to spend. Get behind the team or **** off

 

[ms brush]

I thought we were good value for the 3 points today. Not an amazing game, but pleasantly surprised by the team, particularly the first half. Wycombe were poor in the first half, and must have had a kick at half time, which coincided with us losing a bit of traction after the break. However, we didnt miss Mohsni, Ferdinand or Hall today (but Grant has left a massive hole in the middle), so when we get the injuries cleared up it isnt looking bad at all. I think the defence looks far stronger with Cresswell, and the two lads up front were creating no end of problems for Wycombe - when Tomlin and Assombalonga are playing against defenders who arent manhandling them at every opportunity they will be a daunting prospect!

Belford 7 Not troubled
Clohessy 7 Mr Consistent
Cresswell 8 very solid, good in the air and very vocal. Seriously good addition in the back 4 - Barker might have a fight on his hands to get back in the starting lineup!
Phillips 7
Prosser 6.5 Thought he did okay, considering he is out of his natural position. Needs to pass the ball forward more instead of the mindless hoofing up the park
Leonard 6 Jury's out still. Has potential, but not very effective in midfield
Spicer 8 Looks useful, some classy play but not able to capitalise on a couple of very good chances
Timlin 7 Got stuck in as usual - was the only person holding the midfield together at times.
Hurst Not rated, as not on the pitch long enough to make any significant impact
Tomlin 8.5 Very quick and looks lively and more importantly, looks like he wants to play for us!!
Assombalonga 9 Lightening fast, and a real threat to their defence.
Subs
Straker 8 Very impressed. Quick, not scared of getting stuck in. Some excellent crosses.
Harris not on long enough for a rating, but prowled around like a wily old fox, and created some problems for them

Ref 5 some interesting decisions, inconsistent (but mainly in our favour, so who's worried) but did let the game flow, which I liked.​

 

[davewebbsbrain]

Timlin got booked again today and the main reason for that is he is puts a foot in where others fear to. A couple of bad passes but otherwise good game with ball winning tackles. Works well with Spicer too.

 

[davewebbsbrain]

I thought we were good value for the 3 points today. Not an amazing game, but pleasantly surprised by the team, particularly the first half. Wycombe were poor in the first half, and must have had a kick at half time, which coincided with us losing a bit of traction after the break. However, we didnt miss Mohsni, Ferdinand or Hall today (but Grant has left a massive hole in the middle), so when we get the injuries cleared up it isnt looking bad at all. I think the defence looks far stronger with Cresswell, and the two lads up front were creating no end of problems for Wycombe - when Tomlin and Assombalonga are playing against defenders who arent manhandling them at every opportunity they will be a daunting prospect!

Belford 7 Not troubled
Clohessy 7 Mr Consistent
Cresswell 8 very solid, good in the air and very vocal. Seriously good addition in the back 4 - Barker might have a fight on his hands to get back in the starting lineup!
Phillips 7
Prosser 6.5 Thought he did okay, considering he is out of his natural position. Needs to pass the ball forward more instead of the mindless hoofing up the park
Leonard 6 Jury's out still. Has potential, but not very effective in midfield
Spicer 8 Looks useful, some classy play but not able to capitalise on a couple of very good chances
Timlin 7 Got stuck in as usual - was the only person holding the midfield together at times.
Hurst Not rated, as not on the pitch long enough to make any significant impact
Tomlin 8.5 Very quick and looks lively and more importantly, looks like he wants to play for us!!
Assombalonga 9 Lightening fast, and a real threat to their defence.
Subs
Straker 8 Very impressed. Quick, not scared of getting stuck in. Some excellent crosses.
Harris not on long enough for a rating, but prowled around like a wily old fox, and created some problems for them

Ref 5 some interesting decisions, inconsistent (but mainly in our favour, so who's worried) but did let the game flow, which I liked.​

It's all about opinions and for me Straker is woeful and doesn't look a pro footballer.

 

[Angell Delight]

It's all about opinions and for me Straker is woeful and doesn't look a pro footballer.

I have to say I agree, I was disappointed with him today. Still it's early yet, he may well come good.

 

[davewebbsbrain]

Not sure what Hurst's injury was, looked face/eye related. I have to say his corners caused panic and I hope he gets to take plenty more. The goal came from his corner, deep into Cresswell who headed back across goal for Britt to score from.

 

[Ozzer]

I thought most players did ok today. Not been a fan of Prosser but I thought he had an excellent game, mainly because he played it simple. Not convinced by Hurst when I've seen him play. He wasn't on long today but seemed to give the ball away most of the time. The important matter is we won a much needed 3 points.

 

[sufc_dave]

I thought we were good value for the 3 points today. Not an amazing game, but pleasantly surprised by the team, particularly the first half. Wycombe were poor in the first half, and must have had a kick at half time, which coincided with us losing a bit of traction after the break. However, we didnt miss Mohsni, Ferdinand or Hall today (but Grant has left a massive hole in the middle), so when we get the injuries cleared up it isnt looking bad at all. I think the defence looks far stronger with Cresswell, and the two lads up front were creating no end of problems for Wycombe - when Tomlin and Assombalonga are playing against defenders who arent manhandling them at every opportunity they will be a daunting prospect!

Belford 7 Not troubled
Clohessy 7 Mr Consistent
Cresswell 8 very solid, good in the air and very vocal. Seriously good addition in the back 4 - Barker might have a fight on his hands to get back in the starting lineup!
Phillips 7
Prosser 6.5 Thought he did okay, considering he is out of his natural position. Needs to pass the ball forward more instead of the mindless hoofing up the park
Leonard 6 Jury's out still. Has potential, but not very effective in midfield
Spicer 8 Looks useful, some classy play but not able to capitalise on a couple of very good chances
Timlin 7 Got stuck in as usual - was the only person holding the midfield together at times.
Hurst Not rated, as not on the pitch long enough to make any significant impact
Tomlin 8.5 Very quick and looks lively and more importantly, looks like he wants to play for us!!
Assombalonga 9 Lightening fast, and a real threat to their defence.
Subs
Straker 8 Very impressed. Quick, not scared of getting stuck in. Some excellent crosses.
Harris not on long enough for a rating, but prowled around like a wily old fox, and created some problems for them

Ref 5 some interesting decisions, inconsistent (but mainly in our favour, so who's worried) but did let the game flow, which I liked.​

Were we watching the same game? I think he probably got less than 50% of his crosses into the box. There were many occasions where he had a lot of space and couldn't get it past the first man

 

[sufc_dave]

Not sure what Hurst's injury was, looked face/eye related. I have to say his corners caused panic and I hope he gets to take plenty more. The goal came from his corner, deep into Cresswell who headed back across goal for Britt to score from.

Sturrock said he couldn't see out of one eye after the challenge. And he didn't know how serious it was

 

[davewebbsbrain]

Sturrock said he couldn't see out of one eye after the challenge. And he didn't know how serious it was

And Straker couldn't see out of either eye judging on his performance

 

[sufc_dave]

And Straker couldn't see out of either eye judging on his performance

:hilarious:

 

[Somerset Ex-TTB]

What is it with you lot, 3 points and you think we are world beaters. The squad is seriously weaker than last season, and so much lacking in midfield. If Wycombe had equalised today, which they deserved then this would all be doom and gloom on here again.

We can't sign any players, the quality of football is awful, the PR of the club is pathetic and the crowds are dwindling, so I am not the only one feeling this way.

 

[sufc_dave]

What is it with you lot, 3 points and you think we are world beaters. The squad is seriously weaker than last season, and so much lacking in midfield. If Wycombe had equalised today, which they deserved then this would all be doom and gloom on here again.

We can't sign any players, the quality of football is awful, the PR of the club is pathetic and the crowds are dwindling, so I am not the only one feeling this way.

I agree we need something else, probably in midfield, but lets see where this win goes onto now.

The quality of football and the small crowds are because we are in League 2. Everyone knows we are not 'world beaters'. We are not Barcelona. At this current time we are a League 2 team. The people who still go are the loyal fans. You can't expect amazing football and big crowds. Maybe at some point in the future, but not now.

It's up to us as fans to do our bit, get behind the team, and help us become a better club. Then we will attract better players, have bigger crowds, and play better football.

 

[Maidstone Shrimper]

What is it with you lot, 3 points and you think we are world beaters.

No, today we were Wycombe beaters. Think that's a reason to be cheerful.

 

[garner&best]

What is it with you lot, 3 points and you think we are world beaters. The squad is seriously weaker than last season, and so much lacking in midfield. If Wycombe had equalised today, which they deserved then this would all be doom and gloom on here again.

We can't sign any players, the quality of football is awful, the PR of the club is pathetic and the crowds are dwindling, so I am not the only one feeling this way.

Seems like you are supplying enough doom and gloom for all of us

 

[Onion_Bag_Dave]

What is it with you lot, 3 points and you think we are world beaters. The squad is seriously weaker than last season, and so much lacking in midfield. If Wycombe had equalised today, which they deserved then this would all be doom and gloom on here again.

We can't sign any players, the quality of football is awful, the PR of the club is pathetic and the crowds are dwindling, so I am not the only one feeling this way.

I agree to a certain extent but for **** sake! How can you even be bothered to live your life like this? How can you be bothered to keep going?

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Belford 7 Not much to do, most of the time looked convincing
Clohessy 7 Not his best performance but did nothing wrong
Cresswell 8 Won every header and was solid at the back, and threatening at set pieces
Phillips 6 Bit shakey at times, but never dangerously so
Prosser 5 Hoofed it and dived into tackles needlessly
Leonard 6 Didn't really influence the game at all
Spicer 8 Several good chances that he maybe should've scored, but worked hard
Timlin 7 Worked hard in the middle and was everywhere, some good challenges
Hurst 6 The odd good cross but lost possession needlessly, didn't have long
Tomlin 8 Pacey and threatening, should've shot late on but did well
Assombalonga 9 Terrified them with his pace and got on the end of as much as he could
Subs
Straker 7 Got forward well, could tell he was out of position but that's to be expected
Harris 6 Wasn't on for long but pressured well

Ref 4 Shockingly inconsistent, don't understand how he could go from not giving a foul until the linesman flagged to then booking Timlin without consulting the linesman

Agree with all of that! The only thing I disagree with was that I quite liked the ref to be honest. There was the odd decision that was wrong, but I felt his linos let him down on those occasions. The main thing for me was that he tried to play the advantage really well a lot of times and brought the game back to book some dodgy challenges only once the advantage was lost. I wish more refs were like him.

 

[Somerset Ex-TTB]

I agree we need something else, probably in midfield, but lets see where this win goes onto now.

The quality of football and the small crowds are because we are in League 2. Everyone knows we are not 'world beaters'. We are not Barcelona. At this current time we are a League 2 team. The people who still go are the loyal fans. You can't expect amazing football and big crowds. Maybe at some point in the future, but not now.

It's up to us as fans to do our bit, get behind the team, and help us become a better club. Then we will attract better players, have bigger crowds, and play better football.

Surely being in the top 3 nearly all season, and missing out on the play-offs would generate interest, bigger crowds and help attract better players, for the following season?

Why are we getting smaller crowds, and can't sign anybody? F**K OFF RON MARTIN you are killing the club.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Awful performance for me, dull, boring match.

Definitely disagree with this. The first half was far, far better but overall I really enjoyed it today. We were much better than I feared we would be. Straker was dreadful and pretty much the only sour note for me but I reckon we'll be there or thereabouts again this season on today's evidence.