I suppose 3 points is 3 points but winning this game just continued to paper over the cracks.
For me it’s embarrassing that we had a lot of people leave the ground early, when we were winning. It’s embarrassing the rest of the fans were calling for the final whistle as we hung on at home to Scunthorpe, and it’s embarrassing that our best 2 players were the Goalkeeper and central defender.
This was not a case of grinding out a victory, it was a lucky win. If Scunthorpe had someone who could shoot or Davis and not been on such fine form…..we could have lost this game.
Burley continues to make weird selections, choosing the clearly unfit Idiakez to play in the vital area of centre of midfield with the totally ineffective Jason Euell.
When the game was crying out for a bit of fight in the centre to see us through, Viafara was belatedly introduced. But not as a direct replacement. He was sent out to the right and Hammill, (who most would agree is so much better in his correct position on the right) is switched to the left and Surman was moved to the centre, defeating IMO the whole point of the substitution.
The referee was truly awful, and his mis handling of the game lead to a couple of mass “hand bags” that would never have taken place if he had handled the game properly.
The players:
Davis – One of the best games I’ve seen him have for Saints, Great saves and good interceptions and catches. 8.5
Wright – did ok, but at home we need more attacking support from the full backs which we just don’t get form Wright. 6
Vignall – Not a good game. Caught out of position and didn’t form any understanding down the left with Surman. 5
Davies – Along with Davis saved us today. Good in the air, and several last ditch tackles when other left us exposed. 8
Thomas – Not at the races today, some awful “up and under” clearances and poor in the air (usually his best asset). 5
Hammill – Always a threat, although not as effective with his crossing from the left. Decision making needs to improve – 6 (would have been higher if he’d stayed on the right)
Euell – What can you say. Still not sure what he brings to the team. Got stuck in a couple of times, but other than that. Scrapes a 5
Idiakez – Should have at least hit the target when put through early on. Poor game, looked unfit – 4
Surman – Did ok, some good cross for the goal. Nice touches at times, but looks lost when put into the centre 6
Wright Philips – looks like a lost boy to me. Gives up too easily in ball not played right to him. Should have at least hit the target with the one chance he managed to fashion for himself. IMO Offered nothing 4
Rasiak – Really pleased to see him given a run as to be he’s our one class forward. Having said that, not great today, but he put the one chance he did have away. Of course it was a tap in, but you got to be there to get them. 6
Subs:
John – 4 – Did nothing.
Viafara – 5 Did ok, and at least shows some energy.
Mc Goldrick – No idea what his instructions were but didn’t see him touch the ball, and he seem to get lost in midfield.
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