Post-Match Thread and Ratings Southend United 2-1 Oxford

[sky240286]

Well I must be seeing different games to most people. We were poor at Barnet and would have been punished against a better side and last night we were equally poor first half and only the goals redeemed the performance. Admittedly second half we were better but that was when we kept the ball down more. Hall is very good but maybe becoming overconfident as there were times a pass was better option to the shots he took. Equally Grant, a realy good player, chose the shot over the pass several times when clearly the pass was preferable. We created enough second half to at least have scored another couple and so were wasteful in spurning the opportunities. I keep hearing how the sides home confidence was affected by the crowd, well they must have taken that problem to barnet. I could not rate any player last night as higher than a 5 as playing for half the game does not warrant it. No I take that back. Barker and Ferdinand were at the races all game. I know this division is poor but if we truly entertain play off hopes then huge improvement is required and a wave of euphoria is not enough.

Spot on! first half was poor apart from the last five-ten minutes. Very exciting seeing us climb the table but don't get too far ahead of ourselves, long way to go yet! Amazing support, up the blues!

Evans - 7 Solid performance
Gilbert - 7.5 Much better! Nice to see him play the ball to feet
Mohsni - 8 The usual from Bilel, shaky moments towards the end
Barker - 7 Mr dependable! Anyone see what his booking was for?
Clohessy - 6.5 Done what was needed of him. Had a little chuckle with our timewasting in giving the ball back :P
Ferdinand - 9 MOTM Bigger clubs will be watching if he carries on with this form
Easton - 6.5 Too defensive (especially with Ferdinand in the team) would like to see him push up more
Grant - 6 Agreed he needs to stop sulking/moaning, tends to shoot when passing is the better option
Hall - 8.5 Confidence is showing big time!
Sturrock - 6.5 Great link up play, but **** me! he can't finish to save his life
Corr - 7 - Neat touches, needed more service

Subs
Herd - 5 Just isn't good enough at this level, despite being a popular figure
Sawyer/Crawford - Little time to make an impact

 

[Fish]

I am taking full credit for both goals last night.

On 42 minutes I turned to Jai next to me and said "if I remember any games from this season at all, it certainly won't be this one". We'd been up against it for most of the first half and had huffed and puffed without creating that much. Martin turned round from in front and said "that's a bit premature - it's not even half time yet". Cue Hall to then get a sight of the net inside Clarke's far post, and before you know it, we're going mental. I clearly ****ed him off and he wanted to prove me wrong.

On 44 minutes, I said to Jai "we don't want half time to come now - we're about to score another". Cue Bilel tapping home at the far post. He clearly heard me and wanted to proved me wrong that half time was coming too soon.

Two very weird cards last night.
1) Whilst Batt's challenge on Grant was certainly robust, I'm not sure the intent was enough for a red card, and given he was going away from Hill at the time, I'm surprised he got a red for what must have been studs up.
2) Gilbert's yellow. Looked from South Upper like the lino had told him to hang on cos we were about to make a sub. Hill waves at him to get on with it, Gilbert gestures to the bench to indicate we're trying to make a substitution. Hill then brandishes yellow, then allows the substitution to go ahead. Either we're going ahead with the substitution or not. If not, yellow. If we are, get on with the sub. But you can't yellow THEN do the substitution? Gilbert rightly looked very annoyed as he stormed into the subs area.

I've got my coat.

 

[EastStandBlue]

2) Gilbert's yellow. Looked from South Upper like the lino had told him to hang on cos we were about to make a sub. Hill waves at him to get on with it, Gilbert gestures to the bench to indicate we're trying to make a substitution. Hill then brandishes yellow, then allows the substitution to go ahead. Either we're going ahead with the substitution or not. If not, yellow. If we are, get on with the sub. But you can't yellow THEN do the substitution? Gilbert rightly looked very annoyed as he stormed into the subs area.

I've got my coat.

That debacle was mainly the fault of the fourth official. He signalled to the lino that we wanted to make a change when the ball went out of play, and then crawled back into the technical area to fiddle with the board. The ball went out of play, the lino told Gilbert to hang on but the fourth official hadn't informed the referee who presumed Gilbert was wasting time, and booked him while the fourth official was still fiddling with the board.

It's a shame that yellow cards can't be rescinded, because it was absolute nonsense, not to mention how aggrieved Gilbert will be when he gets his fine notice.

 

[WickfordBlue]

Evans 8 - looked really solid
Clohessy 8 - really good put loads of dangerous crosses in and defended well
Mohsni 8 - took his goal well and defended good CB is his best position
Barker 8.5 - looked like a real leader and was really solid
Gilbert 8 - best performance of his in a long time
Hall 9 - MOTM brilliant goal and was unlucky to have been taken off
Grant 7.5 - a little bit greedy at times he could have set up hall just before he went off
Easton 8 - to me he looked like he was playing defensive mid but kane was needs to get up much more
Ferdinand 8 - good defence looks more comfortable in CM than CB
Corr 7.5 - should have had at least 2 goals and some good pieces of control
Sturrock 7 - should have scored 1 control let him down at times

 

[southend4life]

Evans 7 - done what he needed to but a shame about the goal
Clohessy 7 - done nothing wrong but was lacking going forward
Moshni 8 - solid at the back and has got a great leap
Barker 8 - too good for this league, personally think he should've been made captain
Gilbert 7 - starting to get better but still tries to play the long ball
Hall 9MOTM - edge of your seat stuff when he gets the ball and took his goal really well
Grant 7 - same as always but think sometimes he needs to play the easier ball
Easton 7 - good but looks outclassed by ferdinand
Ferdinand 8 - great for only 18 he has to be one to watch out for
Corr 7 - wins most headers from long balls up the top
Sturrock 7 - works so hard bit like a revell but not a liked by all fans, can't believe he didn't put the ball in the net from 8 yards

Subs:

Herd 5 - he needs to go to the gym and get himself some strength he is too weak but good potential
Sawyer/Carwford N/A

Ref 6 - wasn't sure about the red card but stopped play to often

TBV 8 - wasn't as good as the past 2 games but still a large improvment

 

[The General]

Talking of the 4th official - he was a right midget! Even Herd dwarfed him!

 

[OldBlueLady]

Was never going to be as easy as the last couple of games but thought they did well, not letting their heads drop and getting the result we probably deserved on balance. The sending off, well, from our perspective it was pure filth so I'm surprised that some are saying it wasn't an obvious straight red. I do think the resurgence is down to a much improved performance from the midfield collectively, and that is down to a number of things.....the introduction of Kane Ferdinand, which is reaping huge benefits for Easton in particular as he's not having to do the donkey work at the back so much; Easton himself having the confidence in Ferdinand to get forward much more, and also his range and accuracy in passing; Hall....well, what can we say? The youngster seems to have grown so much in confidence and now oozes it when he's on the ball or shooting at goal. Granty shone at the start of the season, and if anything, is the only one to not have made progress but he is still such an integral part of everything that you can forgive him that.

Evans - 7, the goal was unfortunate as he didn't really do much wrong
Clohessy - 7, did the job, but not looking as dangerous as earlier in the season, mind, there's not the need!
Mohsni - 7, two major moments of panic very close together in that rush towards the end of the game, could have cost us but fortunately didn't. Proof if ever it was needed that he's not ready for the Prem! Other than that, excellent
Barker - 8, another classy performance, really has proved to be a very good signing
Gilbert - 8, thought this was his best performance from him, didn't understand his booking at all, the 4th official was signalling the subsitution yet Hill seemed to want to ignore it
Grant - 6, under par performance
Easton - 8, think he's really growing into the role
Ferdinand - 8.5 MOTM, just edges it, I hope he's signed on a decent contract
Hall - 8.5, I really like him but I wish sometimes Granty would be allowed to take things from the left side of the pitch
Sturrock - 7, worked hard, missed a few chances that looked easy ones
Corr - 7.5, threatened, looked to be injured to me when Sturrock went off, was surprised to see him not being called off

Subs:
Herd for Gilbert - 5, time's up I'm afraid, just not good enough although did get a cross over he had no business to
Crawford for Sturrock - 5, didn't notice him at all
Sawyer for Grant - 5, no better than the others, please let's see him given longer on the pitch

Officials - 5, I'm going to say that I was mildly pleased with Mr Hill's performance, yes, he was incredibly fussy, and yes, the bookings of both Barker and Gilbert seemed to be ridiculous but on the whole, stoppages apart, I thought it was decent enough

TBV - 9, good stuff again

 

[Pubey]

Was never going to be as easy as the last couple of games but thought they did well, not letting their heads drop and getting the result we probably deserved on balance. The sending off, well, from our perspective it was pure filth so I'm surprised that some are saying it wasn't an obvious straight red. I do think the resurgence is down to a much improved performance from the midfield collectively, and that is down to a number of things.....the introduction of Kane Ferdinand, which is reaping huge benefits for Easton in particular as he's not having to do the donkey work at the back so much; Easton himself having the confidence in Ferdinand to get forward much more, and also his range and accuracy in passing; Hall....well, what can we say? The youngster seems to have grown so much in confidence and now oozes it when he's on the ball or shooting at goal. Granty shone at the start of the season, and if anything, is the only one to not have made progress but he is still such an integral part of everything that you can forgive him that.

Evans - 7, the goal was unfortunate as he didn't really do much wrong
Clohessy - 7, did the job, but not looking as dangerous as earlier in the season, mind, there's not the need!
Mohsni - 7, two major moments of panic very close together in that rush towards the end of the game, could have cost us but fortunately didn't. Proof if ever it was needed that he's not ready for the Prem! Other than that, excellent
Barker - 8, another classy performance, really has proved to be a very good signing
Gilbert - 8, thought this was his best performance from him, didn't understand his booking at all, the 4th official was signalling the subsitution yet Hill seemed to want to ignore it
Grant - 6, under par performance
Easton - 8, think he's really growing into the role
Ferdinand - 8.5 MOTM, just edges it, I hope he's signed on a decent contract
Hall - 8.5, I really like him but I wish sometimes Granty would be allowed to take things from the left side of the pitch
Sturrock - 7, worked hard, missed a few chances that looked easy ones
Corr - 7.5, threatened, looked to be injured to me when Sturrock went off, was surprised to see him not being called off

Subs:
Herd for Gilbert - 5, time's up I'm afraid, just not good enough although did get a cross over he had no business to
Crawford for Sturrock - 5, didn't notice him at all
Sawyer for Grant - 5, no better than the others, please let's see him given longer on the pitch

Officials - 5, I'm going to say that I was mildly pleased with Mr Hill's performance, yes, he was incredibly fussy, and yes, the bookings of both Barker and Gilbert seemed to be ridiculous but on the whole, stoppages apart, I thought it was decent enough

TBV - 9, good stuff again

I don't understand this? You've said it a few times too. Why does Sawyer deserve more time? He's not done anything of note yet and the players currently are performing well and winning. Sawyer will just have to wait for his chance, which will come at some point.

 

[OldBlueLady]

I don't understand this? You've said it a few times too. Why does Sawyer deserve more time? He's not done anything of note yet and the players currently are performing well and winning. Sawyer will just have to wait for his chance, which will come at some point.

Soares frequently comes on ahead of most on the bench, personally I'd much rather see Sawyer given some time. He's been brought in to play in midfield, and I think he should be given the chance when the opportunity arises, not just a 5 or 10 minute cameo at the end of a game. He could easily have come on earlier both Saturday and last night.

 

[Pubey]

Soares frequently comes on ahead of most on the bench, personally I'd much rather see Sawyer given some time. He's been brought in to play in midfield, and I think he should be given the chance when the opportunity arises, not just a 5 or 10 minute cameo at the end of a game. He could easily have come on earlier both Saturday and last night.

Sturrock is pretty conservative with his substitutions which isn't a bad thing, he's pretty paranoid about us being 2-0 and then the momentum shifting if they get a goal back. He said as such when we were 4-1 up!! I don't think Soares is the better player, but against Barnet he did a good job of taking the ball away, retaining possession and winding the clock down. Sawyer will get his chance, and I think we'll see him as a sub when behind, rather than a sub when looking to hold on to a lead.

 

[fbm]

Was never going to be as easy as the last couple of games but thought they did well, not letting their heads drop and getting the result we probably deserved on balance. The sending off, well, from our perspective it was pure filth so I'm surprised that some are saying it wasn't an obvious straight red. I do think the resurgence is down to a much improved performance from the midfield collectively, and that is down to a number of things.....the introduction of Kane Ferdinand, which is reaping huge benefits for Easton in particular as he's not having to do the donkey work at the back so much; Easton himself having the confidence in Ferdinand to get forward much more, and also his range and accuracy in passing; Hall....well, what can we say? The youngster seems to have grown so much in confidence and now oozes it when he's on the ball or shooting at goal. Granty shone at the start of the season, and if anything, is the only one to not have made progress but he is still such an integral part of everything that you can forgive him that.

Evans - 7, the goal was unfortunate as he didn't really do much wrong
Clohessy - 7, did the job, but not looking as dangerous as earlier in the season, mind, there's not the need!
Mohsni - 7, two major moments of panic very close together in that rush towards the end of the game, could have cost us but fortunately didn't. Proof if ever it was needed that he's not ready for the Prem! Other than that, excellent
Barker - 8, another classy performance, really has proved to be a very good signing
Gilbert - 8, thought this was his best performance from him, didn't understand his booking at all, the 4th official was signalling the subsitution yet Hill seemed to want to ignore it
Grant - 6, under par performance
Easton - 8, think he's really growing into the role
Ferdinand - 8.5 MOTM, just edges it, I hope he's signed on a decent contract
Hall - 8.5, I really like him but I wish sometimes Granty would be allowed to take things from the left side of the pitch
Sturrock - 7, worked hard, missed a few chances that looked easy ones
Corr - 7.5, threatened, looked to be injured to me when Sturrock went off, was surprised to see him not being called off

Subs:
Herd for Gilbert - 5, time's up I'm afraid, just not good enough although did get a cross over he had no business to
Crawford for Sturrock - 5, didn't notice him at all
Sawyer for Grant - 5, no better than the others, please let's see him given longer on the pitch

Officials - 5, I'm going to say that I was mildly pleased with Mr Hill's performance, yes, he was incredibly fussy, and yes, the bookings of both Barker and Gilbert seemed to be ridiculous but on the whole, stoppages apart, I thought it was decent enough

TBV - 9, good stuff again

I'm always curious as to why officials marks are usually so much lower. I'm probably as guilty as anyone of this as well. It just seems human nature to think that the ref is rubbish all the time. But I agree with Kay, I though Hill was decent enough.

So why a 5 when a below par Grant gets a 6?

We just hate refs don't we!

 

[GrumpyBlue]

The players look like they're finally starting to gel.

Easton is improving game by game. Ferdinand has been like a new signing, he certainly dosen't look like a yoofie just filling a gap.

The couple of goals have done wonders for Ryan Hall's confidence.

Who on earth found Bilel Mohsni ?? That lad is something else.

Would agree with your comments AB - a pleasant result - ending my three year run of not seeing a win! Only my second game of the season - seeing 9 players I had not seen previously play for the Blues