Agree with most of what has been said,thought it was a decent performance.
First 20 mins they had us on the ropes, and should have been leading at half time.
Second half we hammered them and deserved to win over the 90, bad luck to tudgay, having two ruled out, especially the volley that was sublime.
charles-cook had a good game, 1/2 very good saves and also good claiming. Good competition between him and burge.
Ratings:
charles-cook:7/8- made some good stops, couldn't get near the goal, claimed the ball well, some of his distribution was poor but I liked how he wanted to get it moving.
Phillips-7- tried to get forward well but on tight pitch with a well organised team it was hard for him to really get in. One of his best games defensively, some brilliant last ditch tackles, despite being subject to long balls, he did well, and some of his defending was top notch.
ricketts-8- brilliant signing-MOTM- he's so composed on the ball, really looked to bring it out, again organising the defence, had a tough time with there number 9, but he was physical and pissed of their Henderson a treat.
Martin- 7-probably one of his best games, out of position for their goal mind you, but on a lot of headers , and made some good interceptions.
stokes-8- I really like stokes, think he had another great game today, they targeted him in the first half, but he stood up to it and played brilliantly, second half, he got forward really well, put in some great balls and he just kept on going. I really do like him, he's Improved massively in such a short time.
JOB-7- probably one of our better players going forward, he tried to make things happen, made some good runs, but they defended well and he couldn't get that final ball. If he had a bit more pace he would destroy teams.
fleck-7- poor start to the game, but grew into it, dictated play second half, and drove he team forward at times, some brilliant through balls to team mates, and showed his class at times.
Vincelot-6- not bad but nothing great, ran around and tries to get stuck in, but couldn't really do much last night.
Ruben-6- he had a few good turns and touches, he wants to get on the ball which is good to see, he didn't shirk a tackle and wasn't affected by a physical team, poor pen, but well done to the lad for stepping up. Think he has a bright future, just need ps to bulk up a bit.
morris-5- had an awful first half, got better as the game went on, and I'm not gonna say he's shit as it was his first full competitive game since his surgery. Good pen mind you, and he did one wonderful pass, but at times he didn't seem to want to drive forward with ball. But he looks okay.
Tudgay-7- worked tirelessly, hard work payed off with his goal in which he showed great reactions. 2 goals ruled out, one which was never off, and was a sublime volley, I like him, think team needs to realise if they want him to hold it up it has to be into chest not head. He's good a good footballing brain, he just needs a fast winger to help, JOB tried his best but the 1-2's he tries didn't work .
Madders-7- good sub calmed us down, helped us play, nice and tidy on the ball and always finds the space, needs to have confidence to shoot more, but I like this kid a lot. Maybe should have scored, I can't remember the chance now, but he's going to be key his season.
Thomas-5- not a poor performance, but didn't do anything really when he came on so I can't rate him highly or poorly.
Overall another good team performance, I thought we would lose on pens before the match but sadly I didn't bet. I don't mind the result really, as the team looks as though they cared, they are fighting for the shirt and playing well. That's all I can ask for, and I enjoyed the away day.
