Burton (H) - August 21st

Don't know who was with Jason.

I'd radio Leeds on the way to the game.

 

Just goes to show what a strange game football is, I agree with Scannell but got to the say I was far from impressed with Akpon, his first 4 tackles/challenges he gave awag 4 free kicks, funny old game as they say.

 

I said exactly the same thing. There will be the usual chorus of he's not good enough (probably from the same lot who constantly slag Chicksen), but if ever there was a game for a 20 minute cameo from Kai then tonight was it. Our front 2 never won a header all night and were bullied by their centre backs. Miller spent the second half chasing shadows. Give Kai a run out and take some of the donkey work off Doyle. That said delighted to get a win by whatever means!

 

Put a folk through Reeves and Killa mate. Both are done here.

 

Killa probably right but what’s going on with reeves?

 

We were decent enough tonight but still lots and lots to work on.

It's the second league game in a row where we've conceded 20+ shots on goal which suggests the midfield is far too open and weak. Wright and akpan need an understanding where one goes and one stays as far too many times tonight they were attracted to the same ball.

We still don't have a clear style of play. One minute we're playing nice triangles and the next we're booting it up to Doyle. So if that's the way we're going then we do indeed need a target man otherwise we won't win a header upfront all season. Miller works hard and works the channels well but I'm not sure he's good enough.

McGowan and O'Connor were good. A few sloppy moments from McGowan but he missed half a season last year so is still getting up to match fitness. But some top tackles in there too.

Scannell and Payne the standouts obviously.

Only 3 shots on target again isn't good enough and that side of our game needs big work.

 

very constructive

 

Got better as the game went on but agree, deserves credit.

 

Constantly changing formations and styles is not helping.

Let’s hope we’ve found something now we can work on and get players used to when to go when to sit, when to pass when to clear it etc.

 

Agreed mate. It wasn't comfortable but the players looked much happier in this formation

 

If we had drawn tonight that would have been a fair result. But we didn't.

Lots of passion and endeavour but RHS of defence still worries me and the number of times their lads had free headers in front of our back 4 rapidly needs addressing.

Payne and Scannell were my stand outs.

Akpan started very slowly and seemed to be just a half a yard slow. Hopefully he gets to full fitness asap.

What heartened me was at the final few seconds when their lad shinned it wide Wright absolutely tore into Colville who had just chipped up possession far too easily in the MR/KOP corner when we were trying to run down the clock.

Great result. Just what we needed.

Finally the fans that were there-you were a credit to the club. There was never 15,000 but it sounded like it at times.

No negativity and no booing and NO PROTESTS!!! Where were you guys?

 

Chicksen looks like Paolo Maldini compared to Riley.

 

No need to be. If you went to the game your eyes would of told brain he's shi&e.

 

I thought the team grew in confidence after Payne scored, it was almost as if a switch had been turned on. They were much more positive.
There were still gaps all over the place that a team better than Burton would have taken advantage of. This might improve with time.
I was puzzled as to why Burton took off their best player (no 11) but perhaps his replacement was detailed to handle Scannell, although at one stage they put 3 players on him to no avail. I thought Scannell was immense tonight, on this evidence we will need him to keep fit.
We need to stop sending long balls up to Doyle - not his game. Miller worked his socks off, but he is very similar in style to Doyle, so I am not sure they complement each other.
Mellor had trouble with their number 11, I thought replacing him with Riley was a waste of a sub at the time, but perhaps not.

 

Great post until your last paragraph....

 

As someone said there was one Kilgallon on the pitch tonight, his son with the number 5 shirt on, when the guy got to him and said whos your favourite player he shout Kilgallon, good for you son.

 

It was never going to happen with the crowd, we've had our differences on here but when it come to kick off time every fan in the ground were right behind the team, once again good vocal support.

 

You're just boring now. I was at the match.Every player made mistakes tonight. Chicksen also made several crucial challenges, 2 particularly in the first half, but you are so blinkered all you see are the negatives.

 

I'm with you on Akpan, Bronco.

He was better than on Saturday of course but still clumsy and too slow. He did seem to shy away from the 50/50's on occasion.

We need one of our holding midfielders to be able to see a forward pass more often. Wright is more offensive minded from tonight's showing but they are very similar.

 

What's boring? It's a judgement.

He was awful but you clearly accept poor performances.

Thought Wright, Scannell and Payne had a decent game.

I hope we sign a LB on loan over the next few weeks because. Chicksen is dire.