bangsection wrote:Enjoyed that. Proper backs-to-the-walls 0-1 away win. Smith has (rightly) taken some stick for wasting money on signings (both loan and permanent) this season so it's only fair we give him and the team praise for unearthing Cuvelier. The kid looks like a real talent and it's so refreshing to have someone bursting through the middle to create chances. He should have had two tonight - played in near the end with only the keeper to beat the ball got caught under his feet allowing a Scunny defender to get back and pressure him into a weak shot. But what a fantastic run and finish for the first. He's what you dream of - an attacking midfielder who isn't afraid to do the hard yards as well as the flashy stuff. Thought Chambers complemented him well tonight - probably one of his best games for the club. Taundry deserves a mention too - probably the pick of our back four, he had an excellent game.
Grof was superb. Tremendous shot stopping, (mostly) good kicking and strong when put under pressure at corners. Don't think there's any doubt now that we've found Jimmy's heir.
Frustrating second half in that a lot of the action took place down the other end but I'm not sure my ticker could have taken the penalty area pinball up close! It was hearts-in-mouths stuff as Scunny pumped balls in to 'The Beast' who lived up to his name tonight, largely due to a ferocious battle with Andy Butler. You could see what it meant to our skipper when he came over to the faithful at the end - snarling and fist pumping like it meant the world to him. No wonder the Iron fans were singing his name at one point - for all his limitations (he's actually not far off Ian Roper in his inability to pass a ball) he's a classic lower league battler and he'll play a big part in our survival chances.
Finally, what makes tonight's win all the more notable was the fact that we played the majority of the game with no forwards. Grigg and Nicholls were poor again. Jon Macken's introduction was like a lovely cuddle - suddenly the ball stuck up front and his intelligence made us look twice the attacking threat. In a way, Smith's decision to leave him on the bench was vindicated tonight - we won and he only played half an hour. But if his legs will last he has to start as many games as possible - barring any more loan moves Macken and Cuvelier will be key to survival this season, I'm convinced of that.
Chester - apologies. After an incident involving otherbournemouthsaddler's golden coconuts and British Transport Police at York station we were unavoidably delayed and only arrived in time for a quick pint at the ground. Mind you, his missus wore his lucky pants on her head (at home, I hasten to add) for the whole of the match so his part in our win must not be underestimated.
See you at Sheffield Wednesday? :D
Agree with the above, almost the complete away performance based on good goalkeeping, a solid defence, a goal on the break and some lady luck which all teams in our position never seem to get. The battle between Parkin and Butler was as physical as it gets, there game plan of getting the ball into him and playing off was there main tactic but Butler and Lancashire stood up to the challenge and he just got more physical and frustrated as the game went on, I would have to say Parkin did tread a fine line in the second half after his first half booking and on another day would have seen red.
Mention for two players who have had their share of criticism, Taundry and Chambers. Thought Taundry gave an assured performance at full back, defending well and making correct decisions when required, and in possession looking to keep it simple. Never doubted his commitment and effort but not a midfield player for me, playing him at full back also allows Chambers to do what he is good at and in the last two games he has started to show something of what I expected from him at the start of the season giving us a stronger and holding presence in the middle of the pitch, this then allows Cuvelier the freedom to get forward and past the strikers something that has been lacking all season.
Encouraging signs but the key now is to keep it going.