On way back home on the train. The Wham ticked off and, all round, quite a pleasant experience, but journey’s been a nightmare.
The further away I get from the game the more I think that there are more positives than negatives to take from that. I thought defensively we were really very good. The Accrington team were massive, they were extremely physical, but I think it’s the first time in years I haven’t felt nervous about balls into our box or in the air in this kind of game. Moore and Findlay are very dominant. Apart from what could generously be called a couple of half-chances, we limited them from creating anything at all. I can see why we have lost there in the past. The goal is pretty freak, not a lot you can do about that. You can criticise the closing down, but 99 times out of a hundred allowing the CDM to have a shot from what felt like 40 yards does not result in a screamer into the bottom corner. (Although I haven’t watched it back, so can’t comment on the keeping.) Frustratingly seems to be the story of our season though - conceding goals from distance. It’s a shame because Easty made some good saves today, but with this much of a sample size, it presumably is a keeper problem.
Our attacking play wasn’t great, but I think that was because we couldn’t get any handle on the midfield. Accy packed it with their massive players and there was no space for our trio to dominate. I think we did alright though considering. Annoyingly thought the space was out wide, and we didn’t make the most of it. I think Goodrham or even an Anderson keeping wide on the right instead of Henry, quick players who could beat a man, would have been the better selection.
The way our ideal set up works is having a wide left winger (this season, Browne) with a more solid left back behind them, and then an attacking overlapping fullback providing the width on the right with more of an inside forward on that side in front of them. We’ve (sort of) sorted the left this year, but we’re still struggling on the right. Henry needs support to be effective (and even then it increasingly looks like his time is coming up with us, unfortunately) but he hasn’t had it this year. Anderson is good, but he doesn’t have that same sense of when to overlap and get forward as a Cadden or a 21-22 Long did (maybe he will as he gets used to his teammates). We looked best when Joseph was out there, and was pulling central, and have really missed him.
Slightly surprised at the praise for Browne and Bate. Thought both had moments, but neither seemed the level above that, at this level, you would expect them to be. Good to see Murphy back but not sure he was fit.
Thought Accy were better than I expected them to be. Played some nice stuff at times and very good at the back and getting the ball out from defence. Nothing up front though - hence the frustration not to win.
It is notable how much atmosphere has evaporated from our travelling fans. Not a criticism, just an observation. I know it was only 300 or so and it was a cold terrace in Lancashire, but going away used to be really good fun, we would have at least the odd chant and moments like applauding the team at the end, win lose or draw. There’s a real sense of apathy around us at the moment which is sad, and at odds with the exciting things happening behind the scenes at the club.
Finally, have to say the iFollow video / highlights is really quite funny. Gave me a good chuckle. How the hell can it be that bad. Hope you all get refunds.
