Mainy’s Verdict: A nerve-wracking 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town but a great point

Sky Bet League 1

Morecambe 1-1 Ipswich Town

Wildig 59 Burns 86

What happened

A late equaliser from former Fleetwood man Wes Burns ensured Ipswich went back to Suffolk with a point – preventing Derek Adams from picking up a win in his first game back in charge of Morecambe.

Aaron Wildig put the Shrimps in front early in the second half, as the hosts looked re-energised after the half-time break with a number of changes made by Adams following the first-half showing.

Ipswich had chance after chance however, and eventually broke the deadlock towards the end after an impressive goalkeeping display from Trevor Carson.

The visitors controlled the game in the first half and if it wasn’t for some outstanding last-ditch tackles from the Morecambe defence, they could’ve had a two-goal advantage at half time.

Rhys Bennett produced an outstanding tackle on 18 minutes to stop Sone Aluko from close range, and eight minutes later he had a shot cleared off the line by Jonah Ayunga.

On 28 minutes, captain Sam Morsy cut through the Morecambe defence with ease and curled the ball towards the top-right corner but Carson was able to get a hand to it.

Bristol City loanee Tyreeq Bakinson had a well-drilled shot pushed wide by Carson on 37 minutes.

At half time, Adam Phillips and Wildig replaced Ayunga and Ryan Cooney as Adams switched to a 4-1-4-1 formation.

The Shrimps’ first effort came in the 54th minute when Phillips launched an excellent ball across goal to Wildig, who squared it to Cole Stockton but the club’s top scorer could only fire the ball over the bar.

Macauley Bonne caught Carson off guard on 58 minutes, but Carson was able to save it in bizarre fashion.

Derek Adams’ side took the lead moments later when Phillips put another excellent ball across goal to Wildig who was able to score a diving header unmarked at the far post.

Bersant Celina’s 76th minute shot was saved excellently by Carson, and Ipswich continued to put their foot on the gas.

Their hard work paid off as Burns buried the ball in the bottom-left to equalise with four minutes left.

McKenna’s side piled men forward and full back Janoi Donacien had an 89th minute strike cleared off the line, but the Shrimps were able to hold on and get a point.

Talking points

A very poor first half but the changes Adams made at half time had a real impact

Given the stark contrast in the way Stephen Robinson and Derek Adams play, it was bizarre but not a surprise to see the Shrimps squad taking the approach that they did tactically. They didn’t really press as much as they had done under Robinson, they invited the pressure and made some crucial blocks. They played to frustrate and capitalise on Ipswich’s mistakes, of which there were very little. Some of the players, especially the ones who had never played under Adams before, looked shaky to start with. Some didn’t look very happy, but some looked determined to impress – Rhys Bennett being one of those who was determined (more on that later). At half time, Adams made some bold changes and it made a real effect. We looked much more threatening on the break, and Adam Phillips played the best I’d seen him play for a long time, with some excellent balls into the box. Although, after the goal I didn’t think Phillips played as well, and he didn’t seem to work as hard. It was a really well taken goal, but given the amount of chances Ipswich had, a draw was a fair result.

Four players stood out for me – Trevor Carson being the main one

Trevor Carson had the game of his life. He made some amazing saves, and had to be on the ball throughout. He looked very confident, commanded his box excellently and was very confident in coming out to collect the ball at corners. What a signing! There were times where he probably could’ve offloaded the ball a bit quicker to kickstart counter-attacks – he has shown in his short time with us that he’s fully capable of doing this. The way he reached for those saves though, I don’t know how he can stretch that far! What a key player he has been since joining us, and he will be absolutely crucial in this relegation battle. I spoke to Adam Smith (substitute ‘keeper) after the game, and said “you’ve got some very good competition” and he said “he’s class isn’t he!”.

The other players who I thought stood out were Rhys Bennett, Ousmane Fane and Aaron Wildig. Bennett looked very very keen to impress his new boss, and he was certainly up for it. He made some excellent last-ditch tackles, won most of his aerial battles and I was really impressed to see him perform like this, because before today I hadn’t seen anything to suggest he was worthy of a place in next year’s squad. Fane has now started two games, and has impressed in both. He’s covered a lot of ground, works really hard and is a very similar player to Yann Songo’o. I just think Songo’o’s game is slightly more tidy, but I’m sure Adams will get the best out of Fane. Wildig made a real impact when he came on, made some great runs, he’s full of energy and took his goal really well. I hope we see more of him under Derek and that he can stay fit.

Ipswich were a good side but we did frustrate them well – Aluko particularly impressed me

This was the third time I’d seen Ipswich Town play this season and out of the three performances, this was the second best. The best being away at Gillingham, and the worst being away at Barrow. At Gillingham they controlled the game completely and made it look far too easy. The difference between our defence yesterday and Gillingham’s defence that day was that ours were up for it, and our ‘keeper was amazing. Rhys Bennett played in both of those games. What a contrast! The player that stood out for me yesterday from Ipswich was Sone Aluko, he put himself about a bit, had a number of chances but just didn’t have that finishing touch.

This is something we can build on

I discovered this morning that we have drawn our last three home games 1-1. We’ve shown tremendous fight and attitude and deserved to win at least one of those games (Bolton). Hold on that bit more, and we would’ve won that! Derek Adams is about getting results, he doesn’t really play an attractive style of football but his system tends to work when he has a good team around him off the pitch, which by the sounds of it he didn’t have at Bradford. He’s got John McMahon back as his assistant, and the rest of the backroom staff is the same as when we got promoted. The band is back together! I think we’re in a good position to stay up, every point is important. Let’s get three at Plymouth!

Player ratings

Trevor Carson 10 – It is very very very rare that I give someone a 10, but Carson absolutely deserves this rating. Tremendous saves, one of the best keeping performances I’ve seen in a Morecambe shirt in recent times. Second only to Roche against Lincoln at Sincil Bank in 2017. Keep it up Trev.

Ryan Cooney 6 – Only played 45 minutes, showed a bit of quality at times but didn’t do a lot defensively.

Anthony O’Connor 7 – Did well but didn’t seem used to the system. Moved to right-back in the second half, and was assured.

Rhys Bennett 8 – As mentioned earlier, he showed grit and determination and was clearly looking to impress his new boss. Hopefully we see more performances from him of this calibre.

Jacob Bedeau 5 – Thought he struggled in a back three, and he hasn’t done very well in the last few games. Much better in a back four, and improved in the second half.

Greg Leigh 6 – Not great, made a number of mistakes in the first half. His competition for the left-back position is Liam Gibson, someone who did really well under Adams last season. He better watch his back!

Toumani Diagouraga 6 – Didn’t do a great deal, and has been quiet in the last few games. One or two good bits of play but that was about it.

Ousmane Fane 7.5 – Made some great tackles, worked hard and showed some fight.

Shane McLoughlin 7 – Did well in building up play going forward, and was important in the build up to the goal. I think he’ll do well under Adams.

Jonah Ayunga 6 – Looked okay, it’s a shame he got a little injured because I think he would’ve made a real impact in the second half in the new formation.

Cole Stockton 6 – Was rather quiet yesterday, had one chance from what I can recall which he scuffed over the bar.

Subs

Adam Phillips 7 – Looked great initially after coming on at half time, and put some excellent balls into the box but didn’t put in a great deal effort after the goal.

Aaron Wildig 8 – He’s looked great when coming off the bench this season, and always seems to make an impact. Took his goal really well, and if he’s fit he should absolutely be in the starting XI.

Ipswich Town: Walton, Donacien, Woolfenden, Edmundson, Burns, Morsy, Bakinson, Thompson, Aluko (Celina 69), Bonne (Jackson 69), Norwood (Chaplain 69).

Mainy’s Verdict: Five goal thriller at the Deva Stadium attended by two coaches full of Morecambe fans. How did that happen?!

Vanarama National League North

Chester 2-3 Hereford

Burke 24 Hodgkiss 45+3

Williams 63 Kouhyar 66

Owen-Evans 81

With Shrewsbury v Morecambe postponed when we were about 25 minutes away from the New Meadow, myself and about 100 other Morecambe fans ended up at the Deva Stadium and supported Chester for the day!

What happened

Hereford twice came from behind to beat Chester 3-2 at the Deva Stadium today, and moved into the National League North play-off spots as a result.

Harrison Burke had Steve Watson’s side in front early on, but Hereford equalised on the brink of half-time through Jared Hodgkiss.

Matty Williams put the hosts back in front, but the visitors were back on level times just moments later through Mazia Kouhyar. Tom Owen-Evans then scored from the spot to send Josh Gowling’s side home with a valuable three points.

Chester started the game on top, and Anthony Dudley forced an excellent save from Hereford ‘keeper Andreas Sondergaard with a powerful volley on 17 minutes.

Watson’s side were in front seven minutes later when Burke headed home from a corner.

Anthony Dudley could’ve made it two on 32 minutes had his shot been more controlled. The winger found himself in a promising position but scuffed his effort over the bar.

Hereford’s first real chance came when Miles Storey was through on goal but his strike was well saved by Wyll Stanway on 35 minutes.

The visitors equalised at the best possible time, as Hodgkiss put the ball past Stanway at the far post following a good ball in from the left on the brink of half time.

Five minutes into the second half, James Hardy had an effort cleared off the line for Chester and a shout for a penalty followed, but the pleas were waved away by the referee.

The hosts were back in front in the 63rd minute when Williams headed home from a corner.

However, the lead was short-lived as Kouhyar put his side back on level terms, cutting through on the left and burying the ball in the bottom-right corner.

Hereford were later awarded a penalty as David Fitzpatrick appeared to bring down a player in the box, and Owen-Evans put the ball past Stanway with ease.

Talking points

This game was a fantastic advert for non-league football

I love football at all levels, and it was great to be able to get to a non-league game today. It was very entertaining, relatively affordable and was a nice ground. Hopefully Chester return to the Football League one day, as a club that size and with a ground like that shouldn’t be in the National League North. The atmosphere was excellent, we were made to feel very welcome and I hope that Morecambe and Chester fans can have a good relationship in the future, maybe a bit like the relationship we have with the Motherwell fans. Five goals, a bit of everything, a decent loud away following from Hereford as well, it’s what football is all about!

Chester appear to have a good young prospect on their books in goalkeeper Wyll Stanway

Young goalkeeper Wyll Stanway, who they signed from Lancaster City a couple of weeks ago, looks like a great prospect. Aged just 20, he has had a remarkable story progressing through the leagues this season. He didn’t look out of place, made some good saves and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s playing at a higher level sooner rather than later! He was lucky not to have been sent off though when he two-footed Miles Storey early in the game.

Hereford grew into the game, and looked really good on the left-hand side

Hereford didn’t really start the game well, but looked a threat going forward after they got into gear. They were particularly strong on the left-hand side with Seb Revan and Mazia Kouhyar linking up well, and Kouhyar taking his goal well. They had a bit of pace going forward with Miles Storey up top and I felt that the Chester defence allowed him too much space. Towards the end of the game, Hereford appeared to switch from a 4-2-3-1 formation to a 4-2-4. Something that I do on Fifa all the time when I need a goal!

Steve Watson didn’t really seem to have a plan B

I felt that Chester striker Marcus Dackers was rather isolated up front, and he could’ve done with a partner to support him. As a result, Steve Watson’s side lacked the cutting edge going forward, especially in the second half. He made like-for-like changes and should’ve changed it up tactically in order to have a chance of getting anything from the game.

Hereford face a tough quest to go up and Chester are in what appears to be a transitional process

Hereford moved into the National League North play-off places following today’s game. I’m not quite sure they deserved the win, but they were more clinical in front of goal. Only two teams go up from the National League North and with the quality of the teams in the play-off places, they will face a tough quest. It looks as though it’s between Gateshead and Brackley as to who goes up automatically. As for Chester, Steve Watson was only appointed at the end of 2021 and I’m told he has had quite a clear-out already. He does have quite a job on his hands though if he’s to get Chester back to where they belong.

Chester: Stanway, Roberts, Williams, Okagbue, Fitzpatrick, Weeks, Burke, Apter (Simmonds 71), Roache, Dudley (Hardy 41), Dackers (Waring 84).

Booked: Stanway and Williams

Subs not used: Gray and Grand

Hereford: Sondergaard, Hodgkiss, Egan, Pollock, Revan, Vincent, Owen-Evans (Haines 89), McLean (Pinchard 80), Patten (Touray 74), Storey, Kouhyar.

Booked: Patten

Subs not used: Hall and Gillela.

Attendance: 1,889

Mainy’s Verdict: Morecambe earn a point following 1-1 draw with Gillingham but deserved more from the game

Sky Bet League 1

Morecambe 1-1 Gillingham

Obika 84 Jackson 72

What happened

Morecambe extended their winless run to five games, as they drew 1-1 with fellow League 1 strugglers Gillingham.

A wonder goal from Ryan Jackson put the visitors in front in the second half, and Jonathan Obika put the Shrimps on level terms later on. Stephen Robinson’s side were unable to get a win despite their efforts.

Morecambe dominated for most of the game, but Gillingham had their moments.

Stuart O’Keefe had an effort deflected just over the bar for the visitors on 20 minutes, before Arthur Gnahoua hit the crossbar for the Shrimps 17 minutes later.

Cole Stockton got a touch following a good ball in from the right but it came off his foot and went wide before he could really control it in the 66th minute.

Gillingham took the lead six minutes later when former Morecambe forward Vadaine Oliver played an excellent ball out wide to Jackson who struck a powerful shot which beat Trevor Carson to his right and flew into the top-right corner.

The hosts equalised in the 84th minute when Obika was on the end of a good ball by Anthony O’Connor, which was preceded by an excellent ball over the top by Jacob Bedeau, and he turned his man and curled the ball past the ‘keeper.

The Shrimps piled on the pressure after their equaliser, and Ayunga had a close-range effort saved by the legs of ‘keeper Aaron Chapman, and the Gillingham shot-stopper denied Obika in the 90th minute with an excellent diving save to the left.

Talking points

Given how much we dominated, we deserved three points

It was a game where both sides were quite up for it, you could tell that they were both scrapping for points. We were the better side. Gillingham have certainly improved (I saw them in January against Ipswich at Priestfield) but we really should’ve won it. It was an absolute wonderstrike from Ryan Jackson, and we did very well not to let our heads drop following the goal. We got the equaliser we deserved and probably should’ve got a winner. It was a must-win game, and I’ve lost count of the number of times where we’ve drawn and I’ve thought we deserved all three points. Luck just hasn’t been on our side!

O’Connor and Bedeau seemed to go forward quite a bit today and it was effective

I noticed that a number of times, particularly for the long throws, our two centre-backs went forward and it certainly helped. It obviously meant that there were more people in attack, and it was vital for the goal. O’Connor went forward and added a bit on the right, and in the end got the assist for the goal. Luckily it wasn’t detrimental to the back line.

Aaron Chapman and Conor Masterson the stand-out performers for Gillingham

If it wasn’t for Aaron Chapman, Gilingham wouldn’t have got anything from that game. He made some crucial saves towards the end and looked pretty solid throughout in all fairness. Conor Masterson also looked good, especially going forward. He looked to play the ball on the floor, and did a lot of running with the ball. He was part of a back three so it did allow him the freedom to do that at times. On a side note, I had him in my Morecambe team on Football Manager a few years ago so know a fair bit about him!

Jonah Ayunga and Jacob Bedeau were our stand-out players

Jacob Bedeau was given the Man of the Match officially, but I would’ve given it to Jonah Ayunga. Bedeau certainly performed well, and his long ball forward was crucial for our goal, and he made some important blocks. Ayunga though has really stepped up a level recently, and has improved massively. He’s skinning players on the wing now, starting counter-attacks and looks more confident in front of goal, even if he’s missed a few sitters recently! Would love both of these players to be in our side still next season!

Some big big games coming up

Luckily, due to other results we remain in the same situation that we did before so we aren’t in more trouble. However if we had got the win today, we would no longer be in the relegation zone. It’s hard to take, but it’s a results business and we need maximum points! There has been a number of times where we’ve definitely deserved maximum points, but just haven’t put the game to bed. Bolton was a perfect example last week.

Player ratings

Trevor Carson 7 – Didn’t have a great deal to do. Not a lot he could do to prevent their goal, and performed well when he was called upon.

Ryan Cooney 7 – Looked good going forward, and didn’t really put a foot wrong.

Anthony O’Connor 7 – A few sideways passes, but was good going forward and didn’t really make any recognisable mistakes.

Jacob Bedeau 7.5 – Solid again. Made some good passes and appeared confident and assured.

Greg Leigh 5 – Unfortunately, he was nowhere near his best today. Could’ve made an attempt to close down Jackson for his goal, and looked tired out.

Toumani Diagouraga 7.5 – Mr Consistent. Another top performance, breaking up play in the midfield. He had a bit of an aerial battle with Vadaine Oliver, and did well.

Shane McLoughlin 6 – Tried hard but wasn’t always up to scratch. A few mis-placed passes, but he got better as the game went on (especially in the second half).

Adam Phillips 5 – Looked good very early on, but showed little presence through most of his time on the pitch.

Arthur Gnahoua 6 – A poor performance overall, just not confident enough in front of goal. Hit the bar on one occasion, and I think if he had hit it first time, it may well have put us in the lead.

Cole Stockton 6 – A rather quiet game. He didn’t appear to have a single shot on target but it wasn’t all bad. He passed the ball well, and his hold-up play was good as usual.

Jonah Ayunga 8 – Excellent on the right flank. Showed a good bit of pace, and was exciting to watch.

Subs

Jonathan Obika 8 – Made a real impact when he came on, and took his goal really well. I really hope he starts at Shrewsbury!

Aaron Wildig 7 – Showed a good bit of energy on the pitch, and added something that Phillips wasn’t able to offer. Hope he starts next week too.

Gillingham: Chapman, Masterson, Ehmer, Tucker, McKenzie, Lee (Phillips 77), O’Keefe, Tutonda (Jackson 61), Thompson, Oliver, Dickson-Peters (Kelman 86).

Booked: Tutonda and Kelman.

Subs not used: Dahlberg, Lintott, Maghoma, Chambers.

Attendance: 4,499

Liverpool Women extend lead at top of Championship to nine points with comfortable win over Coventry United

Barclays FA Women’s Championship

Liverpool Women 3-0 Coventry United

Hinds 13

Kiernan 38,45

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Women’s Championship to 10 points with a comfortable 3-0 win over Coventry United at Prenton Park.

A stunning strike from Taylor Hinds opened the scoring, before a brace from top scorer Leanne Kiernan secured the hosts the win by half time.

The hosts took the lead 13 minutes in when Hinds cut in from the left and her stunning long range strike flew into the top-right corner.

Matt Beard’s side nearly doubled their advantage four minutes later when Missy Bo Kearns’ effort went just over the bar.

The Merseyside club got their second on 38 minutes when Kiernan was on the receiving end of a good ball on the left and she cut into the box and put it past Olivia Clark from close range.

Liverpool extended their lead further when Yana Daniels put in a good ball from the left and it was headed home at the far post by Kiernan, who scored her second of the afternoon.

Beard’s side nearly got a fourth on the brink of half time when Rhiannon Roberts’ cross hit the post and Leanne Kiernan’s shot on the rebound brought a good reflex save from Clark.

Kiernan was denied her hat-trick after a diving header was saved by Clark following a good ball on the left on 72 minutes.

Liverpool: (3-4-3): Rachael Laws; Leighanne Robe, Megan Campbell, Niamh Fahey; Rhiannon Roberts, Missy Bo Kearns, Rachael Furness, Taylor Hinds; Leanne Kiernan, Yana Daniels, Katie Stengel.

Substitutes: Ceri Holland for Kearns 66, Melissa Lawley for Stengel 66, Charlotte Wardlaw for Robe 76, Meikayla Moore for Campbell 87

Substitutes not used: Charlotte Clarke, Hannah Silcock, Carla Humphrey, Jade Bailey.

Goals: Hinds 13, Kiernan 38, 45

Bookings: Fahey 84

Coventry United (4-2-3-1): Olivia Clark; Natalie Johnson, Natalie Haigh, Elisha N’Dow, Alanah Mann; Mollie Green, Katy Morris; Freya Thomas, Charlie Estcourt, Olivia Fergusson; Katie Wilkinson.

Substitutes not used: Lucy Thomas, Fran Orthodoxou, Hayley Crackle, Becky McGrother.

Bookings: N’Dow 64, Wilkinson 90+3

Referee: Abby Dearden

Liverpool manager Matt Beard said: “It was an important win, especially with the result with Durham and London City before the game, but it was a tough game actually – the conditions were awful but I thought we were deserved winners. It wasn’t pretty at times, but as I say you’ve got to put some of that down to the conditions today but look, three points, clean sheet, three goals so it’s a good day.

On Taylor Hinds’ goal: “We worked on finishing around the 18-yard box, and different types of crosses, so we were pleased that we got two goals off what we did on Friday but yes it was a great strike.

“It’s funny because I knew as soon as she cut in, I knew it would go in the top corner. At the moment [of the goal], the game was a little bit in the balance. It was a bit up and down,, and I think once we got the goal it settled us and we were able to crack on.”

Coventry United assistant manager Jo Potter said: “It’s tough to take, conceding so late before half time. I think at 2-0 we were still in the game. For a good half an hour in the first half, we were definitely in the game. That’s just sometimes the way it goes, they’ve scored an absolute worldie for the first goal, which no keeper is saving anyway and that’s just the way they’re playing at the moment.

“They’re confident, they’re flying, and a wing back scored a worldie.

“We went in at half time, and that third goal kills us so we had to come out and make sure our biggest point was to not concede another goal, and we achieved that second half.

“You could see that we’re in the game, we’re playing good football, they didn’t have it all their own way today. I wouldn’t have it as a clear edge three nil as what it looked.

“We still need to do better in certain parts but we’re building, I think if some decisions go our way as opposed to the other way, it changes the direction of the game and that’s just sometimes what happens in these games and when you’re playing against the stature of these clubs, sometimes they get the rub of the green and we don’t.”

Mainy’s Verdict: Shrimps didn’t deserve anything from the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday

Sky Bet League 1

Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 Morecambe

Byers 55

Mendez-Laing 90+1

What happened

Sheffield Wednesday got a comfortable 2-0 win over Morecambe at Hillsborough on Tuesday night.

Goals from George Byers and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing separated the two sides.

Wednesday completely dominated the game, and nine minutes in Josh Windass’ shot was blasted into the face of Morecambe ‘keeper Trevor Carson and the ball went out for a corner.

Carson had to undergo lengthy treatment, and he carried on until the 23rd minute when he indicated to the bench that he needed to come off.

The hosts piled on the pressure towards the end of the half and Ryan Cooney came out of nowhere to provide a crucial block for Mendez-Laing’s close-range effort 15 minutes later.

The Yorkshire-based side had the ball in the ball in the back of the net on 41 minutes when Marvin Johnson blasted the ball home following a good ball over the top, but it was ruled out offside.

Wednesday had yet another goal ruled out offside just four minutes into the second half.

Barry Bannan was through on goal in the 53rd minute after getting past Rhys Bennett, but his effort was cleared off the line by Jacob Bedeau.

Two minutes later, the hosts went in front when Byers’ long-range strike flew past Kyle Letheren and into the top-right corner.

The Shrimps thought they had a case for a penalty on 76 minutes when Wednesday ‘keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell collided with Bedeau but nothing was given.

Morecambe’s only real chance of a goal came in the 84th minute when headers from Anthony O’Connor, Cole Stockton and Jonathan Obika were all cleared off the line very quickly in succession.

Stephen Robinson’s side looked more up for it in the closing moments of the game, but they conceded on the break with Mendez-Laing’s strike deflecting off a defender and beating Letheren to seal the win for the hosts.

Talking points

We defended well for most of the game but offered nothing going forward

Sheffield Wednesday had the vast majority of possession, and played a lot of balls over the top putting us under pressure. We defended well though on the most part, but a goal was inevitable. I was shocked we weren’t behind at half time if I’m honest. We did get a bit of luck with the offside goals, but ultimately we were never going to get anything from that game because we didn’t offer anything going forward really. Don’t get me wrong, Wednesday were a good side but you can see why they’re not quite in the play-off places yet.

The injury to Trevor Carson was a major blow

Trevor Carson has been tremendous for us since joining, and it was a big blow when he had to come off. He put his body on the line for the team, got smashed in the face with the ball and it looks like he had to come off because of concussion. I’ve heard that he could be out for the next two weeks because of concussion protocols, but I will wait until I hear it from the horse’s mouth. Fingers crossed he’ll be back fighting fit as soon as possible as he’s been excellent for us.

THAT goal

There was no way that goal from Byers was preventable. It was an exceptional strike, and fair play to him. It was one hell of a goal, but I still believe Cole Stockton has scored at least two better goals this season. Stockton is a different class though!

There was little to no service to the forwards

In contrast to recent games, our forwards were poor. This was partly, in my view, down to the little to no service they had from the midfield. Sheffield Wednesday put us under a lot of pressure, and it was hard for us to play the way we normally do and that led to a lot of mis-timed passes and the strikers were kept quiet.

Ultimately, you can’t expect to get anything from a game if you only turn up for the last five minutes

Whilst we defended well, we didn’t turn up in other areas of the pitch for the vast majority of the game. It was only towards the end where it looked like we could’ve possibly scored. Essentially though, our corners went to waste – Adam Phillips didn’t seem to be able to deliver them properly into the box and we probably had one major chance all the game. Peacock-Farrell wasn’t really tested unfortunately.

Player ratings

Trevor Carson N/A – Came off injured but made one great save which forced him to come off.

Ryan Cooney 6 – A crucial block in the first half, but apart from that he wasn’t really up to his usual standards.

Anthony O’Connor 7 – Did really well defensively, made some good interceptions.

Jacob Bedeau 6 – Had a half-decent game, cleared one off the line but wasn’t exceptional.

Ryan McLaughlin 4 – Never really got going. Obviously left-back isn’t his natural position, but he was just poor.

Toumani Diagouraga 7.5 – Really good on the ball, showed some good footwork and got past some players in remarkable fashion.

Shane McLoughlin 5 – Never got going, and a lot of mis-placed passes.

Adam Phillips 5 – Lacklustre, poor corners.

Arthur Gnahoua 5 – Another one that didn’t get going.

Cole Stockton 5 – Not up to his usual standards.

Jonah Ayunga 5.5 – Can’t question the guy’s effort, but he didn’t get going and didn’t get the service he needed from midfield.

Subs

Kyle Letheren 7 – Was half decent in goal, made a couple of good saves and couldn’t really prevent the two he conceded.

Dylan Connolly N/A

Jonathan Obika N/A

Rhys Bennett 6 – Didn’t really put a foot wrong but not exceptional.

Sheffield Wednesday: Peacock-Farrell, Storey, Dean (Palmer 7), Hutchinson, Mendez-Laing, Dele-Bashiru (Paterson 45), Byers, Bannan, Johnson, Windass (Berahino 73), Kamberi (Sow 66).

Booked: Hutchinson

Subs not used: Wildsmith, Hunt, Brennan.

Attendance: 19,261