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Post by victor1986 on Mar 8, 2017 9:17:40 GMT
The main difference between the two teams was that they had forwards who can score goals and we didn't.Oh yes we did but he was sitting on the bench! Hemmings is NOT the goal scorer we need whereas Martinez knows where it's at.
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Post by grenobleroad on Mar 8, 2017 9:23:38 GMT
The main difference between the two teams was that they had forwards who can score goals and we didn't.Oh yes we did but he was sitting on the bench! Hemmings is NOT the goal scorer we need whereas Martinez knows where it's at. Bit harsh on hemmings. He had a thankless task up against their centre backs last night. Glad Martinez got his first league goal last night. Hope he grabs a few more by the end of the season.
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Post by ZeroTheHero on Mar 8, 2017 9:29:12 GMT
Well, it was a lot less disappointing than the Bristol result. You could see the quality they had. Re the pitch. Sheffield managed to pass the ball pretty well (probably the first team to out-pass us all season) - our players were very sloppy. I'm sure some of that is down to a bobbly pitch, but some of it was just wayward passing. We resorted to too much aerial stuff when we got frustrated with that - especially with Hemmings up front against two giant central defenders, that was daft. Has Hemmings ever won a header in his life ? I think it showed us how far short we are of the standard at the top of the division, against a team whose style of play *should* have suited us better than the hoofers of the league.
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Post by mcxal on Mar 8, 2017 9:37:56 GMT
At the game last night I actually found that more frustrating and disappointing than the Bristol R game. I suppose it really is the hope that kills you - and I found it bitterly disappointing that we'd given ourselves a deserved lead and a real opportunity to apply some pressure only to fall away (versus the Rovers game where you could see from minute 1 that we weren't at the races).
Upon reflection that assessment is rather harsh, as we really did play extremely well in the first half, and one must acknowledge the real quality of our opposition. And - begrudgingly - the excellent decision on Wilder's part to remove the static and immobile Hanson (against whom Dunkley was outstanding) and replacing him with someone with more footballing guile and movement.
I do remain immensely disappointed in our second half showing, and failure to get at least a point though. Having got the lead we seemed to come out with a real lack of ambition and desire to impose ourselves on the game. We retreated into our shell, fatigued and looked to be hanging on from circa minute 47 when Sheff Utd started stepping up in quality.
I am also a little bewildered by the passiveness of our bench. It was obvious from the first five minutes of second half that the game had changed and we needed more presence, mobility and aerial threat to help us retain possession higher up the pitch. Hemmings was an ineffective spectator for the entirety of the second half (after, I thought, playing well and posing genuine questions of their defence in the first half) and it seems unfathomable that we waited until we were 1-3 down to pull him.
In midfield too we looked leggy and slow. Again, I acknowledge the quality of the opposition, but the sheer volume of second ball we missed out on was shocking. Be it Rothwell, Sercombe or Ruffels, to me we seemed to be crying out for more energy across our midfield (particularly as Maguire and Hall started to run out of steam).
For the third time, I acknowledge how good Sheff Utd were in that second half. Wilder, idiotic post-match display aside, shook things up and showed his quality as a manager. I was just frustrated at our team and our manager's inability to react, impose ourselves and take advantage of the opportunities our outstanding first half had given us...
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Post by henleyox on Mar 8, 2017 9:55:35 GMT
Spot on, for all the excellent traits Apple's has , he seems to have a total aversion to making substitutions. I feel we were crying out for change ten minutes into second half. When they came it was already game over.
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Post by ZeroTheHero on Mar 8, 2017 10:06:41 GMT
I agree that the subs were far too late.
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Post by campbell on Mar 8, 2017 10:35:14 GMT
I thought we competed fairly well, with in my opinion, by far the best team I have seen in this division (There bench was also very strong). They played with wingbacks which gave them an extra man in midfield and that was where the game was lost, as we got over ran at times in there.
Also to the poster saying 'Johnson was back to his old tricks last night'. What game were you watching? He was the best player on the pitch! That boy has a huge future ahead of him with a bit of coaching here and there.
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Post by shosho on Mar 8, 2017 10:44:01 GMT
I'm not sure Wright going off helped us. They then appeared to shift from the 3 at the back, which we were having success against in the early part of the game. Aside from a 20 minute walk about in the second half, our performance was pretty decent. I think our poor distribution from the back was shown up last night. Edwards doesn't provide much playing from the back, likewise Johnson (when passing). I would guess our LB and RB are the positions where we concede most possession in the team (Skarz likewise). Our team was filled with players that could carry the ball - Hall, Johnson, Maguire, Mcaleny - when they did this they committed men and made things happen e.g Rothwell for Martinez's goal. Last nights result doesn't really change much, we still need 4 wins from the next 6 games this month to be in with a chance going in to April of play offs. On an aside, Johnson once more looked good going forward, but defensively not great ...that being said, Sheffield United would have had too much for Skarz imo. Goal 1 - Johnson has come off the back post...doesn't Ledson normally take up this role? Goal 2 - just horrible marking all round but Johnson can't afford such space to cross/shoot.
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Post by sihath on Mar 8, 2017 10:47:38 GMT
I'm not sure Wright going off helped us. They then appeared to shift from the 3 at the back, which we were having success against in the early part of the game. Aside from a 20 minute walk about in the second half, our performance was pretty decent. I think our poor distribution from the back was shown up last night. Edwards doesn't provide much playing from the back, likewise Johnson (when passing). I would guess our LB and RB are the positions where we concede most possession in the team (Skarz likewise). Our team was filled with players that could carry the ball - Hall, Johnson, Maguire, Mcaleny - when they did this they committed men and made things happen e.g Rothwell for Martinez's goal. Last nights result doesn't really change much, we still need 4 wins from the next 6 games this month to be in with a chance going in to April of play offs. On an aside, Johnson once more looked good going forward, but defensively not great ...that being said, Sheffield United would have had too much for Skarz imo. Goal 1 - Johnson has come off the back post...doesn't Ledson normally take up this role? View AttachmentGoal 2 - just horrible marking all round but Johnson can't afford such space to cross/shoot. View AttachmentSheff Utd identified this threat and were prepared to foul anyone who made strong forward runs, aided by a ref who seemed to not want to use his cards too soon.
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Post by shosho on Mar 8, 2017 10:52:16 GMT
I'm not sure Wright going off helped us. They then appeared to shift from the 3 at the back, which we were having success against in the early part of the game. Aside from a 20 minute walk about in the second half, our performance was pretty decent. I think our poor distribution from the back was shown up last night. Edwards doesn't provide much playing from the back, likewise Johnson (when passing). I would guess our LB and RB are the positions where we concede most possession in the team (Skarz likewise). Our team was filled with players that could carry the ball - Hall, Johnson, Maguire, Mcaleny - when they did this they committed men and made things happen e.g Rothwell for Martinez's goal. Last nights result doesn't really change much, we still need 4 wins from the next 6 games this month to be in with a chance going in to April of play offs. On an aside, Johnson once more looked good going forward, but defensively not great ...that being said, Sheffield United would have had too much for Skarz imo. Goal 1 - Johnson has come off the back post...doesn't Ledson normally take up this role? Goal 2 - just horrible marking all round but Johnson can't afford such space to cross/shoot. Sheff Utd identified this threat and were prepared to foul anyone who made strong forward runs, aided by a ref who seemed to not want to use his cards too soon. Very true...carry the ball and win fouls. We have enough dead ball quality in terms of delivery and threats in the box that we can still use it to our advantage. We appear to have come up with some new dead ball routines, so is obviously an area being worked on.
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Post by ox4eva on Mar 8, 2017 11:22:50 GMT
I am happy where we are, then again I like to try and be realistic.. Up the U's! I hope that result puts to bed the notion that this current team is ready for a step up. It isn't. We'd need 4 or 5 new players to compete in the Championship; Sheffield United's quality exposed that fact. Nevertheless, we remain attractive to watch, especially the skills of Johnson and Lundstram and the talent of Ledson and Nelson. I wonder where we'd be, though, if a striker of Sharp's ability had played for us all season? Totally agree, we are not ready to make the next step up on or off the pitch. Lets enjoy what we currently have and look to progress next season.
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Post by lerekdilley on Mar 8, 2017 12:16:15 GMT
I'm not sure Wright going off helped us. They then appeared to shift from the 3 at the back, which we were having success against in the early part of the game. Aside from a 20 minute walk about in the second half, our performance was pretty decent. I think our poor distribution from the back was shown up last night. Edwards doesn't provide much playing from the back, likewise Johnson (when passing). I would guess our LB and RB are the positions where we concede most possession in the team (Skarz likewise). Our team was filled with players that could carry the ball - Hall, Johnson, Maguire, Mcaleny - when they did this they committed men and made things happen e.g Rothwell for Martinez's goal. Last nights result doesn't really change much, we still need 4 wins from the next 6 games this month to be in with a chance going in to April of play offs. On an aside, Johnson once more looked good going forward, but defensively not great ...that being said, Sheffield United would have had too much for Skarz imo. Goal 1 - Johnson has come off the back post...doesn't Ledson normally take up this role? View AttachmentGoal 2 - just horrible marking all round but Johnson can't afford such space to cross/shoot. View AttachmentI thought Wright going off helped them too. His replacement Carruthers was excellent. He along with the other 2 CM's were all comfortable on the ball, hard working and kept the ball well. We were coping ok whilst Ledson was on but once it was Rothwell and Lunny together we struggled. Was Ledson injured? I'd have preferred Sercs to be bought on for McAleny at that point and match their 3 in midfield.
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Post by shosho on Mar 8, 2017 12:24:04 GMT
I'm not sure Wright going off helped us. They then appeared to shift from the 3 at the back, which we were having success against in the early part of the game. Aside from a 20 minute walk about in the second half, our performance was pretty decent. I think our poor distribution from the back was shown up last night. Edwards doesn't provide much playing from the back, likewise Johnson (when passing). I would guess our LB and RB are the positions where we concede most possession in the team (Skarz likewise). Our team was filled with players that could carry the ball - Hall, Johnson, Maguire, Mcaleny - when they did this they committed men and made things happen e.g Rothwell for Martinez's goal. Last nights result doesn't really change much, we still need 4 wins from the next 6 games this month to be in with a chance going in to April of play offs. On an aside, Johnson once more looked good going forward, but defensively not great ...that being said, Sheffield United would have had too much for Skarz imo. Goal 1 - Johnson has come off the back post...doesn't Ledson normally take up this role? Goal 2 - just horrible marking all round but Johnson can't afford such space to cross/shoot. I thought Wright going off helped them too. His replacement Carruthers was excellent. He along with the other 2 CM's were all comfortable on the ball, hard working and kept the ball well. We were coping ok whilst Ledson was on but once it was Rothwell and Lunny together we struggled. Was Ledson injured? I'd have preferred Sercs to be bought on for McAleny at that point and match their 3 in midfield. Not sure why Ledson came off. At that point we were 1-1, and whilst Sheffield were on top, once Ledson came off our 20 minute wobble followed. I rate Rothwell, I just feel we cant have Lundstram playing alongside Sercombe/Rothwell. If Ledson is removed, Ruffels would be a better fit imo...we end up too exposed. Btw, Carruthers was signed on a free (?) in January, plenty of quality out there without spending huge amounts (wages aside!).
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Post by lerekdilley on Mar 8, 2017 12:32:10 GMT
I thought Wright going off helped them too. His replacement Carruthers was excellent. He along with the other 2 CM's were all comfortable on the ball, hard working and kept the ball well. We were coping ok whilst Ledson was on but once it was Rothwell and Lunny together we struggled. Was Ledson injured? I'd have preferred Sercs to be bought on for McAleny at that point and match their 3 in midfield. Not sure why Ledson came off. At that point we were 1-1, and whilst Sheffield were on top, once Ledson came off our 20 minute wobble followed. I rate Rothwell, I just feel we cant have Lundstram playing alongside Sercombe/Rothwell. If Ledson is removed, Ruffels would be a better fit imo...we end up too exposed. Btw, Carruthers was signed on a free (?) in January, plenty of quality out there without spending huge amounts (wages aside!). Carruther supposedly has a bad attitude so maybe that's why he ended up on a free? Wilder used to always sign "controversial" players when he was with us. He was the player who tipped p*ss off the balcony of their box at Cheltenham onto the crowd below.
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Post by shosho on Mar 8, 2017 12:40:03 GMT
Not sure why Ledson came off. At that point we were 1-1, and whilst Sheffield were on top, once Ledson came off our 20 minute wobble followed. I rate Rothwell, I just feel we cant have Lundstram playing alongside Sercombe/Rothwell. If Ledson is removed, Ruffels would be a better fit imo...we end up too exposed. Btw, Carruthers was signed on a free (?) in January, plenty of quality out there without spending huge amounts (wages aside!). Carruther supposedly has a bad attitude so maybe that's why he ended up on a free? Wilder used to always sign "controversial" players when he was with us. He was the player who tipped p*ss off the balcony of their box at Cheltenham onto the crowd below. Quite right...however like most of the current MK team his contract *I think* was up in the summer. He may be a tool, but our captain doesn't mind a holiday with him http://instagram.com/p/BGFW39cHkqT
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Post by captainox on Mar 8, 2017 12:54:02 GMT
I thought Wright going off helped them too. His replacement Carruthers was excellent. He along with the other 2 CM's were all comfortable on the ball, hard working and kept the ball well. We were coping ok whilst Ledson was on but once it was Rothwell and Lunny together we struggled. Was Ledson injured? I'd have preferred Sercs to be bought on for McAleny at that point and match their 3 in midfield. Not sure why Ledson came off. At that point we were 1-1, and whilst Sheffield were on top, once Ledson came off our 20 minute wobble followed. I rate Rothwell, I just feel we cant have Lundstram playing alongside Sercombe/Rothwell. If Ledson is removed, Ruffels would be a better fit imo...we end up too exposed. Btw, Carruthers was signed on a free (?) in January, plenty of quality out there without spending huge amounts (wages aside!). They paid a fee for Carruthers. Rumoured to be 250-300k which MK Dons snapped their hands off for based on him being able to go for a free in the summer.
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Post by Yellow River on Mar 8, 2017 14:01:37 GMT
Much more enjoyable game to watch than the Rovers match (which was awful ) Pretty much flowed end to end, we played our part but in the end Sheffield were too good for us. Their passing and in particular their off the ball movement was easily the best I've seen in league 1 this season.
Good to see the 4 injured players back, of the 4 Hemings was the least effective, I know he's meant to be a goal poacher type forward but he has a worrying lack of pace, doesn't appear to ever go past an opponent, Nelson makes Dunkley a better player, Maguire and Hall give us that bit of creativity and are important players for us.
Don't know if it's been mentioned already but the game reminded me of the JPT final last season, 1-0 up against a higher placed team at half time, but with the nagging doubt that one goal was not going to be nearly enough, Sheffield moved up a gear in the second half as did Barnsley, and our second goal, though welcome was no more than a consultation in the end.
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Post by yellowsarmy on Mar 8, 2017 16:55:41 GMT
Well, it was a lot less disappointing than the Bristol result. You could see the quality they had. Re the pitch. Sheffield managed to pass the ball pretty well (probably the first team to out-pass us all season) - our players were very sloppy. I'm sure some of that is down to a bobbly pitch, but some of it was just wayward passing. We resorted to too much aerial stuff when we got frustrated with that - especially with Hemmings up front against two giant central defenders, that was daft. Has Hemmings ever won a header in his life ? I think it showed us how far short we are of the standard at the top of the division, against a team whose style of play *should* have suited us better than the hoofers of the league. I aggree I stayed to the end of this match because unlike to bristol match the performance wasn't horrendus. However we are a long way behind the likes of sheffield united in terms of quality and It isn't the pitch because we were outpassed on that pitch yesterday. For me we need to stop playing Marvin at left back Ruffles is a better bet or Skarz. The all three of the goals were avoidable sadly we have a habit of making individual mistakes which get punished at this level. For the first Lego looses his man and momentarily stops as the ball is crossed in. Marvins positioning was horible for the cross/shot that crept in way off his man. And gave the ball away for the third failed to challenge adequately to get the ball back and then Nelson mad a challenge that from behind is giving away a penalty every day of the week. Also first half Marvin was very lucky not to giv away his own penalty running into the back of a Sheffield Defender. Their fans were screaming for it and I am about the closest oxford seat too it and it looked at best a stupid challenge and worse a penalty. For me it is these key mistakes that cause us issues. I thought Rothwell played well with a decent ball to martinez for the goal, for me we should be rotating Lunny Lego Rothwell and Ruffels as they are all much the same in terms of quality. There is no real stand out passing player especially over recent weeks where passes seem too often to end up poorly weighted or go straight out of play. Really not impressed with the right back still Edwards gets out of position going forward but when was his last assist or goal? Too often shots dont work the keeper or the cross hits the nearest defender then he is caught up the pitch and chey has to cover or Ledsom. The rest seemed ok. A decent mid table league 1 side no more no less. Also don't get all this dislike about Wilder at the end you can dislike the man all you like but his record speaks for itself, promotion from Conference League 2 and now league 1 (soon) shows he is a class manager. He is also sheffield through and through they came back from defeat against a decent side brought a huge travelling fanbase which he has every right to celebrate with. You don't see appleton come close to the away fans on away days a polite applause from the centre circle then he's off, fans appreciate the interaction and if Wilder want to oblige then good for him. He got us out of the conference and for that I am allways greatful.
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Post by oxford84 on Mar 8, 2017 16:58:44 GMT
I'm not sure Wright going off helped us. They then appeared to shift from the 3 at the back, which we were having success against in the early part of the game. Aside from a 20 minute walk about in the second half, our performance was pretty decent. I think our poor distribution from the back was shown up last night. Edwards doesn't provide much playing from the back, likewise Johnson (when passing). I would guess our LB and RB are the positions where we concede most possession in the team (Skarz likewise). Our team was filled with players that could carry the ball - Hall, Johnson, Maguire, Mcaleny - when they did this they committed men and made things happen e.g Rothwell for Martinez's goal. Last nights result doesn't really change much, we still need 4 wins from the next 6 games this month to be in with a chance going in to April of play offs. On an aside, Johnson once more looked good going forward, but defensively not great ...that being said, Sheffield United would have had too much for Skarz imo. Goal 1 - Johnson has come off the back post...doesn't Ledson normally take up this role? View AttachmentGoal 2 - just horrible marking all round but Johnson can't afford such space to cross/shoot. View AttachmentYou have to watch the whole build up to goal 2 to see the problem.Johnson was left marking Lavery throughout the move so was unable to get closer to the man who scored,also Nelson was a few yards deeper then the rest of the defence and could easily have played Sharp offside had he been level with at least Johnsons position.Dunkley and Nelson not being in the right position eventually allowed the space behind Johnson.
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Post by shosho on Mar 8, 2017 18:06:42 GMT
I'm not sure Wright going off helped us. They then appeared to shift from the 3 at the back, which we were having success against in the early part of the game. Aside from a 20 minute walk about in the second half, our performance was pretty decent. I think our poor distribution from the back was shown up last night. Edwards doesn't provide much playing from the back, likewise Johnson (when passing). I would guess our LB and RB are the positions where we concede most possession in the team (Skarz likewise). Our team was filled with players that could carry the ball - Hall, Johnson, Maguire, Mcaleny - when they did this they committed men and made things happen e.g Rothwell for Martinez's goal. Last nights result doesn't really change much, we still need 4 wins from the next 6 games this month to be in with a chance going in to April of play offs. On an aside, Johnson once more looked good going forward, but defensively not great ...that being said, Sheffield United would have had too much for Skarz imo. Goal 1 - Johnson has come off the back post...doesn't Ledson normally take up this role? View AttachmentGoal 2 - just horrible marking all round but Johnson can't afford such space to cross/shoot. View AttachmentYou have to watch the whole build up to goal 2 to see the problem.Johnson was left marking Lavery throughout the move so was unable to get closer to the man who scored,also Nelson was a few yards deeper then the rest of the defence and could easily have played Sharp offside had he been level with at least Johnsons position.Dunkley and Nelson not being in the right position eventually allowed the space behind Johnson. Quite, I wasn't singling out Johnson as was an all-round horror show, however a step closer and a little more than dangling the leg would have helped. The broader point being we either have Johnson, an attacking LB with flawed defensive qualities, or we have Skarz/Ruffels who are more defensively sound but offer next to nothing going forward.
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Post by oufcyellows on Mar 8, 2017 18:09:45 GMT
You have to watch the whole build up to goal 2 to see the problem.Johnson was left marking Lavery throughout the move so was unable to get closer to the man who scored,also Nelson was a few yards deeper then the rest of the defence and could easily have played Sharp offside had he been level with at least Johnsons position.Dunkley and Nelson not being in the right position eventually allowed the space behind Johnson. Quite, I wasn't singling out Johnson as was an all-round horror show, however a step closer and a little more than dangling the leg would have helped. The broader point being we either have Johnson, an attacking LB with flawed defensive qualities, or we have Skarz/Ruffels who are more defensively sound but offer next to nothing going forward. Or in the case of Bristol rovers we have skarz with flawed defensive qualities offering nothing going forward
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Post by diagocostapacket on Mar 8, 2017 22:22:27 GMT
I thought we looked jaded, mostly all over the pitch. I cannot agree with some of the comments on Edwards contribution at RB either.. IMO he's been one of our more consistent performers this season and certainly hasn't let us down.
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Post by ontheup01 on Mar 8, 2017 22:33:50 GMT
Well, it was a lot less disappointing than the Bristol result. You could see the quality they had. Re the pitch. Sheffield managed to pass the ball pretty well (probably the first team to out-pass us all season) - our players were very sloppy. I'm sure some of that is down to a bobbly pitch, but some of it was just wayward passing. We resorted to too much aerial stuff when we got frustrated with that - especially with Hemmings up front against two giant central defenders, that was daft. Has Hemmings ever won a header in his life ? I think it showed us how far short we are of the standard at the top of the division, against a team whose style of play *should* have suited us better than the hoofers of the league. I aggree I stayed to the end of this match because unlike to bristol match the performance wasn't horrendus. However we are a long way behind the likes of sheffield united in terms of quality and It isn't the pitch because we were outpassed on that pitch yesterday. For me we need to stop playing Marvin at left back Ruffles is a better bet or Skarz. The all three of the goals were avoidable sadly we have a habit of making individual mistakes which get punished at this level. For the first Lego looses his man and momentarily stops as the ball is crossed in. Marvins positioning was horible for the cross/shot that crept in way off his man. And gave the ball away for the third failed to challenge adequately to get the ball back and then Nelson mad a challenge that from behind is giving away a penalty every day of the week. Also first half Marvin was very lucky not to giv away his own penalty running into the back of a Sheffield Defender. Their fans were screaming for it and I am about the closest oxford seat too it and it looked at best a stupid challenge and worse a penalty. For me it is these key mistakes that cause us issues. I thought Rothwell played well with a decent ball to martinez for the goal, for me we should be rotating Lunny Lego Rothwell and Ruffels as they are all much the same in terms of quality. There is no real stand out passing player especially over recent weeks where passes seem too often to end up poorly weighted or go straight out of play. Really not impressed with the right back still Edwards gets out of position going forward but when was his last assist or goal? Too often shots dont work the keeper or the cross hits the nearest defender then he is caught up the pitch and chey has to cover or Ledsom. The rest seemed ok. A decent mid table league 1 side no more no less. Also don't get all this dislike about Wilder at the end you can dislike the man all you like but his record speaks for itself, promotion from Conference League 2 and now league 1 (soon) shows he is a class manager. He is also sheffield through and through they came back from defeat against a decent side brought a huge travelling fanbase which he has every right to celebrate with. You don't see appleton come close to the away fans on away days a polite applause from the centre circle then he's off, fans appreciate the interaction and if Wilder want to oblige then good for him. He got us out of the conference and for that I am allways greatful. Edwards is a steady Eddie. Easy to see why Burton let him out on loan once promoted. Has no pace, offer so little on the ball. He's ok generally at staying back, blocking passes and covering space. But Overall has been very fortunate to keep his place throughout the whole season. We definately need to find a more mobile footballing replacement if we want to push on in this league.
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