When a team is your bogey team, they really ARE your bogey team. We should have won that to be honest, as Southampton are probably the worst team I've seen here all season, yes even worse than Norwich probably. Their defence was an absolute shambles - all they could do was kick it out and they didn't look comfortable right from the kick-off.
Never a penalty in my eyes IMO, he appeared to get fouled outside the area but fell inside, old reliable gave away the penalty (yes you guessed it - Neill Collins). Hennessey came close to saving it but there wasn't a lot he could do as it was aimed for the bottom corner.
SEB didn't do much all game apart from scoring, he actually looked more at home once Keogh came on and they linked up well. In all fairness, Mick has some explaining to do with SEB as he dropped Freddy for not working yet SEB didn't do a fat lot all game apart from score - it's not that I want him to work hard particularly but it's bizarre that SEB hasn't been told to work harder.
Last goal was a shambles and everyone seemed to have their mind set on cracking open some bubbly later on, the marking was non-existant and the header was free which left Hennessey stranded.
Players that played well: SEB (for the two goals), Keogh and Potter when they came on, Breen, Elokobi.
Donkey of the match: Henry
Atlas 1951
04-03-2008, 22:37
Thanks Sam.
What struck my mind when I saw they'd equalized at the death (apart from the standard anagram of slob-lock) was that, had Mick not played the game backwards, Kevin Kyle would have been on to defend that corner.
KAZZZZ
04-03-2008, 22:40
I think we just covering the cracks, we have been crying out for quality in are midfeild for years let alone this season and we done nothing for most of the game.
how olo cant get into are midfeild is a totall joke.
the team were not up for it from the start, and we were 2nd best from start of the game.
we won are last 2 games before 2nite with negative tactics and luck, i think we have the players on paper but they just not up for it.
As for tonight how we cant defend in injury time is beyond me when we were gifted the game.
Stewarton Wolf
04-03-2008, 22:43
Another triumph for Mccarthy's brand of anti-football.
I'm not going to single players out for not being good enough, its not their fault - the manager (joke) has signed players that are not good enough.
When Kyle was on the pitch all we did was hoof - this is McCarthys tactic of choice.
Just go McCarthy - oh and you probably won't read this because you don't read message boards - but seem to know a lot about what's on them....
Powelly
04-03-2008, 22:44
When a team is your bogey team, they really ARE your bogey team. We should have won that to be honest, as Southampton are probably the worst team I've seen here all season, yes even worse than Norwich probably. Their defence was an absolute shambles - all they could do was kick it out and they didn't look comfortable right from the kick-off.
Never a penalty in my eyes IMO, he appeared to get fouled outside the area but fell inside, old reliable gave away the penalty (yes you guessed it - Neill Collins). Hennessey came close to saving it but there wasn't a lot he could do as it was aimed for the bottom corner.
SEB didn't do much all game apart from scoring, he actually looked more at home once Keogh came on and they linked up well. In all fairness, Mick has some explaining to do with SEB as he dropped Freddy for not working yet SEB didn't do a fat lot all game apart from score - it's not that I want him to work hard particularly but it's bizarre that SEB hasn't been told to work harder.
Last goal was a shambles and everyone seemed to have their mind set on cracking open some bubbly later on, the marking was non-existant and the header was free which left Hennessey stranded.
Players that played well: SEB (for the two goals), Keogh and Potter when they came on, Breen, Elokobi.
Donkey of the match: Henry
It was Foley who gave away the "pen".. had Foley not made the challenge, Collins was clearing the ball anyway
PeteWolf
04-03-2008, 22:45
When a team is your bogey team, they really ARE your bogey team. We should have won that to be honest, as Southampton are probably the worst team I've seen here all season, yes even worse than Norwich probably.
I disagree with that to be honest. They were crap, but no more so than most teams, and unfortunately, us as well.
Tonight was a shining example of how utterly awful the Championship is this season.
We have no creativity going forward. Plenty of huff and puff players, but without Kightly or anyone of his ilk/mindset then that's all we're going to see, and the biggest problem is that McCarthy doesn't know what to do to change it, as evidenced by still not knowing his front two with the season coming to a close.
We were poor tonight and didn't deserve to win. To anyone who didn't go to Palace or Colchester, then that performance was just like those two matches, the difference being that we weren't lucky enough to hold onto the lead this time.
A good side would have stuffed Southampton tonight. At the same time, they would have easily stuffed us as well.
It was Foley who gave away the "pen".. had Foley not made the challenge, Collins was clearing the ball anyway
Southampton website said that Collins gave it away and I was too infuriated at the time to really get a good glimpse of who gave the penalty away, so I just went with him.
thekentwolf
04-03-2008, 22:49
Kevin Foley gave the penalty away. Move on.
Powelly
04-03-2008, 22:49
Thought Kyle had a good game while he was on, even though im not a fan of the "hoof ball".. Won virtually everything in the air but no one was running off him
Not sure on Elokobi, although great ball for SEB's 2nd.. looks like he'll get caught out against better wingers IMO
all in all a MASSIVE 2 points dropped tonight, especially after going in front in the 89th min.. paid the price for closing a game out in our own half rather than hoof it deep into their final third and hold it in the corner.
Wolv3nsam
04-03-2008, 22:50
Kevin Foley gave the penalty away. Move on.
As I said, I was too infuriated at the time to see who it was and read a match report on the Southampton site that said Collins gave it away. Sorry that I made a mistake and am only human.
PeteWolf
04-03-2008, 22:51
Not sure on Elokobi, although great ball for SEB's 2nd.. looks like he'll get caught out against better wingers IMO
He's the new Mo Camara. His effort and style (or complete lack of grace) will win the fans over, but ultimately he'll never play above this level of football.
Probably first choice left back though.
Akaman
04-03-2008, 22:52
Not sure what kaz is on about, we were the better side all game, but we were still very poor. Awful game and a reason why mm shouldn't be in charge next season. Definitely 2 points thrown away but big plus point with ebanks-blake, proper striker! And elokobi, first time i've seen him. Looked erratic early on, maybe nerves, maybe 'ability', certainly though as a young left back, he's quick, strong, good in the air and not bad at tackling. Not a bad place to start if he can get some good coaching . . .
He's the new Mo Camara. His effort and style (or complete lack of grace) will win the fans over, but ultimately he'll never play above this level of football.
Probably first choice left back though.
Two levels above what he should be playing, looks like a Bhatti Brothers signing from East Park.
KAZZZZ
04-03-2008, 22:54
Not sure what kaz is on about, we were the better side all game, but we were still very poor. Awful game and a reason why mm shouldn't be in charge next season. Definitely 2 points thrown away but big plus point with ebanks-blake, proper striker! And elokobi, first time i've seen him. Looked erratic early on, maybe nerves, maybe 'ability', certainly though as a young left back, he's quick, strong, good in the air and not bad at tackling. Not a bad place to start if he can get some good coaching . . .
we were as good as we been all season....totall cxxx
Bumbamuffin
04-03-2008, 22:55
Another anti climax and another dire performance to add to the catalogue.Will we see a fluent display before the season's out? Forget the late goal and soft penalty,we were awful again.
I was watching tonight not really overly bothered about the result as we're clearly going nowhere.However,the thing that is becoming increasingly apparent is the amount of $$$$ that we have somehow collected.Collins,Elliott,Breen,Henry,Kyle are 'footballers' that should be nowhere near a side with any genuine promotion ambitions.Collins,Kyle and Henry were quite frankly embarrassing.Indeed,only SEB looked anything like a player who belongs in a successful CCC side.
It's a good job that we have an owner with big resources otherwise McCarthy's use of the £10m made available so far would have done us some serious damage.He's wasted an absolute fortune!! I am genuinely afraid of what will happen if he's given any more in the summer.
I'm really annoyed that there was further dissent from the crowd not just because it's not right, but also due to the fact that Mick will have his excuses ready made for tomorrow morning.
HOOF!!!
Ogerp
04-03-2008, 22:56
He's the new Mo Camara. His effort and style (or complete lack of grace) will win the fans over, but ultimately he'll never play above this level of football.
Probably first choice left back though.
But is he streets ahead of one of our (ex) youth players?:
I give you Lee Naylor.
Wolv3nsam
04-03-2008, 22:57
Another anti climax and another dire performance to add to the catalogue.Will we see a fluent display before the season's out? Forget the late goal and soft penalty,we were awful again.
I was watching tonight not really overly bothered about the result as we're clearly going nowhere.However,the thing that is becoming increasingly apparent is the amount of $$$$ that we have somehow collected.Collins,Elliott,Breen,Henry,Kyle are 'footballers' that should be nowhere near a side with any genuine promotion ambitions.Collins,Kyle and Henry were quite frankly embarrassing.Indeed,only SEB looked anything like a player who belongs in a successful CCC side.
It's a good job that we have an owner with big resources otherwise McCarthy's use of the £10m made available so far would have done us some serious damage.He's wasted an absolute fortune!! I am genuinely afraid of what will happen if he's given any more in the summer.
I'm really annoyed that there was further dissent from the crowd not just because it's not right, but also due to the fact that Mick will have his excuses ready made for tomorrow morning.
HOOF!!!
Breen was actually alright tonight.
Stewarton Wolf
04-03-2008, 23:02
Breen was actually alright tonight.
I'm sorry he wasn't
Stewarton Wolf
04-03-2008, 23:03
But is he streets ahead of one of our (ex) youth players?:
I give you Lee Naylor.
Is that Lee not good enough Naylor playing against Barcelona tonight;)
Space Wolf
04-03-2008, 23:04
I gave it a miss tonight in favour of watching Milan v Arsenal. Poor results on both fronts.:(
Even after our little revival, I'm not expecting us to make the playoffs. McCarthy has built a team full of work ethic but with very little quality. Hard work will only get you so far.
Wolv3nsam
04-03-2008, 23:05
I'm sorry he wasn't
He stood out in an otherwise awful defence, tell me what did he do wrong?
Pengwern
04-03-2008, 23:09
MM - "Giving away a free header in the box with 30 seconds to go is disgraceful". I quite agree. Why have a go at him then? We need Davies back soon to give some midfield fluency, since Olo is apparently ill. Gobern must come back too so we can attack with skill. If we don't go up this season, then these 2 + Jarvis & Kites will give us what we need to push for an automatic place.
Stewarton Wolf
04-03-2008, 23:10
He stood out in an otherwise awful defence, tell me what did he do wrong?
His heading is poor 20 yards in the air 3 yards out.
His clearances are of a similar quality.
His distribution is poor, generally passing to players who are isolated or under pressure.
Weak in defending set pieces...
Bumbamuffin
04-03-2008, 23:12
He stood out in an otherwise awful defence, tell me what did he do wrong?
I'm afraid being better than Collins is no accolade.I would have been.
We conceded 2 and looked decidedly shaky more times than I care to remember.None of the defence deserves any credit - not even the one who was the least $$$$.
Gratters
04-03-2008, 23:28
Twice we've failed to beat the side with the WORST defence in the league - why are 'playoffs' even being mentioned ??? Its nuts.
Until MM has a frontal labotomy we really need to lower our expectations !
The Vicar
04-03-2008, 23:31
Quick player ratings:
Hennessey - Fine save in second half. Good.
Foley - poor
Breen - poor
Collins - very poor
Elokobi - average, great cross for second goal
Elliot - poor
Edwards - poor
Henry - abysmal
Jarvis - very disappointing
SEB - two goals, nuff said, but still not convinced by him.
Kyle - OK
Subs:
Potter - decent
Eastwood - was Eastwood, so poor.
Keogh - decent
Before we scored probably the most mind numbing game I have witnessed this season. My friend left after 30 minutes because he wouldn't stay to watch "this $$$$ing crap", and I couldn't blame him.
Thought Kyle was OK but because he is on we just hoof it. It was one of those games that after 5 minutes you knew we needed subs on.
We didn't deserve to win and my extreme disappointment is because I thought we had been very poor and got away with it, but we didn't because we can't defend a corner with a man advantage:o
I am beginning to think the play-offs were a distant dream.:mad:
306NOTOUT
04-03-2008, 23:37
Sorry Powelly but I dont remember Kyle winning many headers. He just seemed to fall over at the slightest touch. I'm not the biggest Jay fan but how in the world KK is in the squad infront of him is amazing. If KK is doing anything which Jay wasn't when he was playing then I would like to know what.
All we did in the first half was hoof it forward and I hope you are reading this Mick because I dont want to watch it. Its as boring as watching Hoddles team pass the ball sideways for 90 mins. We only got the ball out wide on a couple of occasions in the first half and both times Jarvis took on their Full back and got passed him. So why bloody hoof it? When KK was signed he was supposed to be an impact player to add something different. So what impact did he have tonight?
If this is what we have got to look forward to for the rest of the season and beyond then you can forget this team going anywhere.
19th Holer
04-03-2008, 23:39
I think we just covering the cracks, we have been crying out for quality in are midfeild for years let alone this season and we done nothing for most of the game.
how olo cant get into are midfeild is a totall joke.
the team were not up for it from the start, and we were 2nd best from start of the game.
we won are last 2 games before 2nite with negative tactics and luck, i think we have the players on paper but they just not up for it.
As for tonight how we cant defend in injury time is beyond me when we were gifted the game.
He can't get in because he's worse than the present incumbents, thats why.
jackfieldwolf
04-03-2008, 23:40
I disagree with that to be honest. They were crap, but no more so than most teams, and unfortunately, us as well.
Tonight was a shining example of how utterly awful the Championship is this season.
We have no creativity going forward. Plenty of huff and puff players, but without Kightly or anyone of his ilk/mindset then that's all we're going to see, and the biggest problem is that McCarthy doesn't know what to do to change it, as evidenced by still not knowing his front two with the season coming to a close.
We were poor tonight and didn't deserve to win. To anyone who didn't go to Palace or Colchester, then that performance was just like those two matches, the difference being that we weren't lucky enough to hold onto the lead this time.
A good side would have stuffed Southampton tonight. At the same time, they would have easily stuffed us as well.
Your post saves me the trouble of re-iterating an acurate appraisal. The first half was about as bad as anything that I can recall in recent years. Play off semi finalists last year? Neither side on show tonight will scale those 'heady heights' this time round that's for sure.
madcav
04-03-2008, 23:47
Hennessey - 6 A bit hesitant in coming for the ball tonight.
Foley - 5 Still going fhruogh his bad patch.
Breen - 6.5 Pick of the defenders
Collins - 4.5 Never seems to dominate, not good enough.
Elokobi - 5 Gave the ball away too much. Needs to improve.
Elliot - 5 Anonymous on the right
Edwards - 5.5 Did ok, but nothing spectacular.
Henry - 2 Absolutely shocking performance.
Jarvis - 5 We need him back to his best.
SEB - 7 Well taken goals, played well.
Kyle - 5 Played to his strengths, seems to be falling over and
appealing for free kicks all the time.
Subs:
Potter - 6 Better than Henry !
Eastwood - 5 Had a couple of chances but not enough time.
Keogh - 6 Did change things when he come on.
Don't think we deserved to win tonight. There just doesn't seem to be any style to our play whatsoever. The passing is poor, the amount of shots on goal we have is horrendous. ( "one shot.... to the wanderers!" was heard after probably our first shot by SEB around 70 mins)
Surely we can't keep Mick longer than the end of the season.
The Weasel
04-03-2008, 23:49
I'll give it a go, but my hearts not in it. Gutted that we threw that away against a poor side with 10 men in the 4th minute of injury time.
I didn't think the Foley 'penalty' was even a foul, I truly saw no contact and I think I had a decent view but I guess when the video comes out we'll see it from a different angle. Foley was absolutely in total disbelief though.
Nevertheless, first half we were dire and a decent side would have punished us, fortunately Saints were as bad as us. To me, we lost the 3pts from this game in midfield. Whatever you think of Kyle and SEB they did exactly what a manager would want of them given half a chance, but they were feeding off scraps. Jarvis never took his man on - looked a good couple of yards short of pace. Elliot - well the game largely passed him by, Edwards tried but little came off, and Henry was utterly woeful - devoid of all confidence and touch.
Our back four looked far from solid too. Breen and Elokobi (in particular) deserve positive mentions for bailing out the others, but Foley and Collins consistently 'distributed' to a white shirt and back it came.
Anyway, ratings:
Hennessy - 6 - not that much to do, left utterly exposed for their 2nd
Foley - 4 - really struggled, Mick was right to rest him, if Craddock's fit next game I think he'll rest Foley again
Breen - 7 - Had a decent game, dealt with pretty much everything and covered for Collins countless times
Collins - 3 - and I'm being generous. He's good at heading out the high balls, in fact his best foot is his head. Can't pass to a Gold shirt. Full stop.
Elokobi - 7 - clearly still raw, but unafraid to get stuck in, and has pace for a big man. Could well develop into a decent asset.
Elliot - 4 - Chose the wrong option the few times he had the ball wide right, the game passed him by.
Henry - 1 - for turning up. Confidence looks shot. Passing woeful. Put his team mates under unnecessary pressure or simply lost the ball, countless times. Rightly subbed. Potter should start ahead of him next game.
Edwards - 5 - full of running and one of few players to get stuck in, but little came off for him tonight.
Jarvis - 5 - and again I may be being generous. Looks not yet match fit. Hopefully this 90mins will mean he's sharper for the next game. Delivered very little quality today.
Kyle - 6 - didn't do much wrong to be honest, won lots of punted balls but we weren't quickest to the second ball. Not his fault.
SEB - 8 - again I thought he used his physical presence well but was feeding off scraps til Keogh came on. Two goals both well taken, he has a natural goalscorers instinct.
Subs: MM subbed the right players at the right times for me and it so nearly paid off.
Potter - 6 - not an outstanding performance but so much more effective than the man he replaced.
Keogh - 7 - we stopped hoofing and played on the deck more and with urgency, he changes our shape and tempo and that's why we looked more threatening.
Eastwood - 6 - a decent performance, caused problems, maybe shouldve passed instead of trying to take everyone on single-handed but hey, that's Freddy!
Overall, a fair result probably but we gifted them the points at the death.
saturday boy
04-03-2008, 23:50
We played hoof football until the substitutions when Potter came on for Henry and Keogh for Kyle - both goals were scored by keeping the ball on the floor, playing football and opening up the defence.
Potter did not lose the ball once while he was on the pitch, his passing both short and long was accurate and crisp. Henry on the other hand couldn't pass the ball accurately if his life depended on it.
stuj4z
05-03-2008, 00:00
i expected nothing from this game considering the curse they seem to have over us so i am half pleased.
however, it shows after tonight that both henry and foley need a long break from the 1st team
why not bring little back, he cant do any worse than foley at the minute.
olofinjana and edwards would be a great midfield pairing at this level, why not give them a try
306NOTOUT
05-03-2008, 00:07
Why worry about the midfield pairing? I'm sure Edwards has got a sore neck tonight from looking up at the sky as the ball goes over his head!!:mad:
morosewolf
05-03-2008, 00:14
Just seen the goals on Sky. As we knew it wasn't a penalty and Potter lost his man from the corner. Shame we only decided to play for half an hour after an hour of hoofball first! The manager has to take a long hard look at himself if he believes that was the best way to approach the game.
Dewsburywolf
05-03-2008, 00:18
WTF happened there then? 93 minutes on the clock and we drew the game. Learn to defend corners Wolves. I've just driven 119 miles back home after that so aplogies if I've repeated what's already been said (I haven't read any other reports). Free header, free $$$$ing header. I'm going to bed now I might give a verdict tomorrow if I've calmed down enough. Free $$$$ing header.
SOUTHBANK_BULLY
05-03-2008, 00:21
rubbish performance , sick of all the hoof football
time for big nose to go
Disley Wolf
05-03-2008, 00:23
Just got back and, having tucked the Wolfettes up in bed, I offer the following:
1. We were pants and a point was the most we deserved
2. There is plenty of graft in the midfield but, until Potter came on, no craft
3. We had a good box in the Billy Wright tonight - Olo (looking well), Jay (also looking well) and DJ (also........)
4. Curate's egg of a performance from new George
5. Henry needs a rest before he loses all confidence
6. Wayne's distribution sometimes betrays his inexperience
7. Season over
SOUTHBANK_BULLY
05-03-2008, 00:28
7. Season over
its been over since august
Tarcisio Mifsud
05-03-2008, 07:11
Though expected, the result was very disappointing, throwing away 2 points with just seconds to the end.
How on earth can you leave out OLO from the formation I cannot understand. Actually I should understand why, because if you play Kyle up front, you cannot have OLO in your midfield, for the latter is a play maker, while the former is just a hoofer. MM is not a suitable manager, for his only strategy is to hoof the ball up front.
I did not see their second match, but Hennessey does not come out to collect or defend the ball.
Wolfman jack
05-03-2008, 07:31
No leadership or desire to break forward with pace. No quality, little ability at times. No hope. No chance.
ROVERT47
05-03-2008, 07:36
Poor game,only positive,we seem to have at last found the striker to do what 'Freddy' was bought to do all those months ago.
Bend It Like Dennison
05-03-2008, 07:51
Not sure what kaz is on about, we were the better side all game, but we were still very poor. Awful game and a reason why mm shouldn't be in charge next season. Definitely 2 points thrown away but big plus point with ebanks-blake, proper striker! And elokobi, first time i've seen him. Looked erratic early on, maybe nerves, maybe 'ability', certainly though as a young left back, he's quick, strong, good in the air and not bad at tackling. Not a bad place to start if he can get some good coaching . . .
And therein lies the problem.
RyanWolf
05-03-2008, 08:56
With an 11-on-10 advantage defending a corner, every player should be marked and you should have a player to spare!
JR's Boots
05-03-2008, 08:57
The worst first half of football I've seen in years.
I cannot understand the comments that Kyle was ok. He along with Collins and Henry was shocking and all three would get a 1 out of 10. Starting with him meant we just hoofed the ball and condemned our game to a bum numbingly low quality.
The moment our worst players left the pitch (Kong and Henry), we started playing football and scored.
Pick of the players were Elokobi and SEB for Bully like scoring 2 from the 3 shots he had.
To concede a goal against 10 men in the last minute is unforgivable but lets be honest, that team and that manager are nowhere near good enough to get promotion. We need people who can weed out the rubbish and coach the decent players to perform at a better level than that load of old tosh.
ProudWolf
05-03-2008, 08:58
Poor performance but still should've done enough to beat a poor Southampton. God knows who was marking Euell.
Also what was Vignal sent off for? It seemed a straight red from the ref and some of his own players were having a go at him on his slow amble off the pitch.
Didnt think it was a pen, the minimal contact looked outside the box.
As for the players. Everyone was average really apart from Ebanks-Blake who produced a very good strikers performance. The boy knows where to be and how to finish.
Elokobi looked very raw, maybe down to nerves because at Palace and Colchester he was a lot better than that. Looks like he can deliver a decent cross however.
Agreed with all the subs and they all produced lively cameos which should've been enough to turn the game our way.
Finally, midweek games really are poor nowadays at the Mol. People turn up late and the atmosphere is appalling. Give me a saturday afternoon anytime.
Moira Stewart
05-03-2008, 09:09
The first half was the worst half of football I've ever seen in my life. No football played whatsoever and not even half a chance created. Second half, the quality was just as bad but at least there was some action.
I've been pro-Mick up to now but I am quickly reconsidering. His short term, negative football with his old favourites all playing is to save his bacon and no good for the long term of the football club when we fail to go up or make the play-offs. We've gone backwards almost as far as when he took over.
wallace
05-03-2008, 09:33
what a disappointment. reminded me of a school team who havent known each other for long.
hennessey-promising and could play for a bigger school. did his job well.
foley-obvious talent but doesnt trust the ability of the boys around him
collins-gets a game because hes teacher pet
breen-headboy who tells others what the sports master wants
elokobi-new boy at school, cant quite believe hes in the team
elliott-gets in the team because he fetches the balls at the end of training and runs errands for teacher
henry-as always wanted to play for the schoolteam but doesnt realise your supposed to pass the ball to your teammates
edwards-another youngster whos just moved into the area, bags of energy but needs to get to know his team mates
jarvis-has talent but he needs the ball out wide to be at his best
ebank blake-the chubby kid from the council estate who gets the goals
kyle-big kid who can shove the other sides players about
others kids in the squad
potter-guess what, he passes to his own players so should get a game next time
keogh-shows intelligent movement upfront so should also get in the team
eastwood-cheeky kid with talent but isnt going to get a game because he answers teacher back
sports teacher-mccarthy-likes to keep in with the kids he knew at his previous school and they get plenty of games because of that
teachers helper-connor-wheres me clipboard
spectators-a hanging jury, cant wait to string somebody up
Jamboon
05-03-2008, 09:46
Im not knocking Kevin Kyle here but we cant keep starting him at home. Playing him invites a style of play that plays right into the hands of teams who come to defend. It's so one dimensional!
Law's Bus
05-03-2008, 09:55
Gutted with letting a victory slip through our fingers at the death. Thinking over the game later, though, I'd quite happily have taken a draw at half-time. Anyone who disagrees with that is either a crazy optimist, or wasn't at the game.
The first half was utter rubbish - even my eight year old commented about it, and there were some folk around me that didn't bother to come back after half time.
Mick's first two substitutions were correct, and made a real difference. Henry was having a poor game, and Kyle wasn't doing much better. Potter on the other hand passed the ball much better (meaning that we occasionally actually kept the ball for more than two passes), and Keogh offered much more movement up front, stretching the Southampton defence. The comedy sending off certainly helped - I can't remember seeing a more ridiculous way to get yourself sent off, but he certainly had to go for kicking out when handed the ball for a throw in.
Ratings:
Hennessey: Did pretty well, all things considered. Kicking was a bit astray, but generally looked pretty comfortable. 7
Foley: Didn't really notice him too much (other than the penalty...), which as someone said a couple of days ago, is the mark of a decent full-back. Still not back to his best, though. We could probably do with Mark Little for a bit. 6
Elokobi: Good in parts, bad in parts. No-nonsense defending combined with comedy passing, though I don't see that he's much better than Dan Jones. 6
Breen: I thought he did pretty well tonight, and was our best defender. That's not saying that much, I know, but his positioning was good, and so was his organisational skills. 7
Collins: Oh dear. A nightmare of a game with terrible passing shown. He never looked comfortable, and I was always concerned whenever he was the closest defender. I'd select Rob Edwards instead on this form. 5
Elliot: I feel a bit sorry for Elliot. Playing out of position, he was always offering himself and generally "put in a shift", but he's not a winger. The game mostly passed him by, but generally because other (often poorer) passes were chosen. 7
Jarvis: Another that the game passed by, though as Elliot above, he was always offering for the ball, but as he wasn't a "sideways or backwards" option, it didn't happen for him. The selection of Kyle from the start has oddly meant that the wingers are being ignored in favour of a hoof - when surely the opposite is required? 7
Henry: Very poor game - and I like Karl Henry. He usually does a lot of work that's missed by people, but even that was missing tonight. His passing was even worse than usual. His place is under severe threat from Potter. 4
Edwards: The central midfield was not the place to play last night. This was the worst I've seen Edwards play, but he was still the pick of the starting duo. Didn't get forwards much, though did at least look as if he was trying. Olofinjana must he hoping this downturn in form continues. 6
Kyle: I suggested yesterday that I'd been pleasantly surprised by Kyle. My happy-clappy thoughts about that were blown apart last night. Statuesque doesn't cover it, but when you're not even winning headers... Not good at all, and under sever pressure from Keogh and Eastwood. 4
Ebanks-Blake: Rubbish. But then sticks two goals away as easy as you like. I tell you what, if he carries on scoring like this, he can be as rubbish as he likes! 7
Subs:
Potter: Let me get this out of the way first. I'm not a fan of Darren Potter at all. He reminds me of Simon Osborn and Darren Ferguson at their worst. However, last night he made a real difference. Got the ball on the floor, and actually managed to pass it consistently to a gold shirt. Showed for the ball too, which is something else he's generally bad at. As I mentioned above, I'd pick him over Karl Henry for the next game. I'm going to have to have a lie down now after that lot. 7
Keogh: Another to improve the team when he came on, offering movement up front and pulling the Southampton defence around - which was a massive improvement on before. I'd have left him up front, as he suffered from the "Elliot effect" of being relatively ignored when shunted out wide. Showed again that he's worth a start. 7
Eastwood: I'm going to get shouted at on here I know, but I'm a fan, though not as mad as the "Freddy, Freddy" mob. He was up for it again in his cameo, offered movement and looked like the player that we all know he can be. Would have stuck the second goal way if SEB hadn't have got there first. He badly, badly needs a goal which will probably calm down his tendancies to try to do everything himself. In the time he was allowed, I can't see what else he can do to impress Mick. I'd like to see what he can do alongside SEB for a couple of games, but then Keogh deserves a start too. Decisions, decisions! 7
Bridgo Wolf
05-03-2008, 10:05
Frustrating doesn't even begin to describe it!
Agree with much of what has been said above. To concede a header from a corner in the 94th minute with a man advantage is just shocking. Unfortunately, Kyle was defending that position earlier on in the match and won most of the defensive headers.
Kyle did pretty much what was asked of him while he was on, but his presence merely encourages a lazy long ball to try and find him.
His substitution encouraged us top play the ball into feet more with Keogh on, but I thought that it was Potters introduction that upped the tempo for us. His passing is crisp - he never once gave the ball away and moves the ball a lot quicker.
Elokobi looked nervous on his home debut but could turn out to be a decent signing.
Foley could do with taking out of the firing line for a while, although I had a good view of the 'penalty' and contact looked minimal - if any - and outside the box.
As far as the sending off goes, I didn't see it - but the chap behind me was incensed, saying that he kicked out at our player (SEB?).
Unfortunately, their timewasting antics paid off for them, with their goal coming so late, but that shouldn't detract from a disappointing performance, and the fact we probably didn't deserve the 3 points over the full 90mins.
ProudWolf
05-03-2008, 10:15
Just seen the goals and Potter lost Euell for the equaliser. That error may harm his chances of a start.
dolmanrj
05-03-2008, 10:23
I feel sorry for the midfield when kyle starts, there is only ever going to be one style of football we are going to play which is long ball, the midfield hardly had a kick in the first half!saying that though henry had a shocker but edwards and jarvis couldnt do alot if they arent going to be given the ball!However theyre not doing themselves favours by not supporting our target man, if we are going to play long ball the midfield should support the strikers!The defence was solid enough, was impressed with breen and elokobi, foleys distribution was poor though. Whoever said that SEB looked more comfortable when keogh came on is spot on and i feel that these two should start next tuesday, SEB could do kyles work, hes a big strong lad who can put himself about and he has a natural eye for goal and keogh looks like the ideal man to partner him for the potential assists
Duffman
05-03-2008, 10:49
Always gutting to concede last minute equaliser, draw was a fair result though. Lost count of how many corners they had, and they were looking pretty dnagerous from them each time. Not sure anyones mentioned it but from where I was sitting Hennessey made an outstanding save early second half from a corner, got right down low in the bottom corner.
Anyway, couple of points. Dire first half, Henry's confidence at home is shot to bits. Fair play to him he's always demanding the ball, but then he would continually make the wrong decision, pass back to Breene who then berated him or lose the ball. Henry's a good squad player to have around and when he's playing well very useful. Not at the moment though, when Potter cam on we looked much more fluid in midfield and more creative. Potter should be a definite start next Tuesday.
Denfensively ok but not great. Again I feel we have a player who really suffers from nerves and confidence when playing at home - Collins. How we cry out for a dominant, quick centre half to play alongside either Craddock or Breene. It would make the world of difference to this side and I'm suprised, and annoyed, that MM has not seen this weakness and sorted it out. New LB looked raw but promising.
On to next Tuesday. Team looked much better after subs last night so I'd start with Keogh and Potter. Realistically season is pretty much over but it's a funny old league this one, stranger things have happened.
jbarnettuk1984
05-03-2008, 10:56
Gutted with letting a victory slip through our fingers at the death. Thinking over the game later, though, I'd quite happily have taken a draw at half-time. Anyone who disagrees with that is either a crazy optimist, or wasn't at the game.
The first half was utter rubbish - even my eight year old commented about it, and there were some folk around me that didn't bother to come back after half time.
Mick's first two substitutions were correct, and made a real difference. Henry was having a poor game, and Kyle wasn't doing much better. Potter on the other hand passed the ball much better (meaning that we occasionally actually kept the ball for more than two passes), and Keogh offered much more movement up front, stretching the Southampton defence. The comedy sending off certainly helped - I can't remember seeing a more ridiculous way to get yourself sent off, but he certainly had to go for kicking out when handed the ball for a throw in.
Ratings:
Hennessey: Did pretty well, all things considered. Kicking was a bit astray, but generally looked pretty comfortable. 7
Foley: Didn't really notice him too much (other than the penalty...), which as someone said a couple of days ago, is the mark of a decent full-back. Still not back to his best, though. We could probably do with Mark Little for a bit. 6
Elokobi: Good in parts, bad in parts. No-nonsense defending combined with comedy passing, though I don't see that he's much better than Dan Jones. 6
Breen: I thought he did pretty well tonight, and was our best defender. That's not saying that much, I know, but his positioning was good, and so was his organisational skills. 7
Collins: Oh dear. A nightmare of a game with terrible passing shown. He never looked comfortable, and I was always concerned whenever he was the closest defender. I'd select Rob Edwards instead on this form. 5
Elliot: I feel a bit sorry for Elliot. Playing out of position, he was always offering himself and generally "put in a shift", but he's not a winger. The game mostly passed him by, but generally because other (often poorer) passes were chosen. 7
Jarvis: Another that the game passed by, though as Elliot above, he was always offering for the ball, but as he wasn't a "sideways or backwards" option, it didn't happen for him. The selection of Kyle from the start has oddly meant that the wingers are being ignored in favour of a hoof - when surely the opposite is required? 7
Henry: Very poor game - and I like Karl Henry. He usually does a lot of work that's missed by people, but even that was missing tonight. His passing was even worse than usual. His place is under severe threat from Potter. 4
Edwards: The central midfield was not the place to play last night. This was the worst I've seen Edwards play, but he was still the pick of the starting duo. Didn't get forwards much, though did at least look as if he was trying. Olofinjana must he hoping this downturn in form continues. 6
Kyle: I suggested yesterday that I'd been pleasantly surprised by Kyle. My happy-clappy thoughts about that were blown apart last night. Statuesque doesn't cover it, but when you're not even winning headers... Not good at all, and under sever pressure from Keogh and Eastwood. 4
Ebanks-Blake: Rubbish. But then sticks two goals away as easy as you like. I tell you what, if he carries on scoring like this, he can be as rubbish as he likes! 7
Subs:
Potter: Let me get this out of the way first. I'm not a fan of Darren Potter at all. He reminds me of Simon Osborn and Darren Ferguson at their worst. However, last night he made a real difference. Got the ball on the floor, and actually managed to pass it consistently to a gold shirt. Showed for the ball too, which is something else he's generally bad at. As I mentioned above, I'd pick him over Karl Henry for the next game. I'm going to have to have a lie down now after that lot. 7
Keogh: Another to improve the team when he came on, offering movement up front and pulling the Southampton defence around - which was a massive improvement on before. I'd have left him up front, as he suffered from the "Elliot effect" of being relatively ignored when shunted out wide. Showed again that he's worth a start. 7
Eastwood: I'm going to get shouted at on here I know, but I'm a fan, though not as mad as the "Freddy, Freddy" mob. He was up for it again in his cameo, offered movement and looked like the player that we all know he can be. Would have stuck the second goal way if SEB hadn't have got there first. He badly, badly needs a goal which will probably calm down his tendancies to try to do everything himself. In the time he was allowed, I can't see what else he can do to impress Mick. I'd like to see what he can do alongside SEB for a couple of games, but then Keogh deserves a start too. Decisions, decisions! 7
good report - cheers.
Winelord
05-03-2008, 12:20
Dire game. Saints were by far the worst team at Molineux. Marginally worse than us. Using hoof tactics for over an hour is just plain wrong. If we'd have played the ball to feet, we would have torn them to shreds.
Hennessey: 6 - great save while it was still 0-0, & not at fault for the goals.
Foley: 6 - tended to mark tightly, more so than our left-back. No way did he foul McGoldrick.
Breen: 6 - generally solid. Was right to foul Saganowski in the circumstances.
Collins: 2 - absolute shocker. Terrible passing, which time & again but the other defenders under pressure. Several stupid defensive errors which led to corners.
Elokobi: 5 - some good tackles & runs, but some basic marking errors & some poor passing. Mixed bag.
Henry: 3 - another shocker. His home performances have been poor for the last 3 or 4 matches, but he was dire last night. Poor passing, repeated loss of possession. Caused more defensive problems than he prevented.
D Edwards: 5 - put himself about a bit, at least. Good squared pass in the S'oton box in the first-half which very nearly led to a goal.
Jarvis: 4 - looked tired/unfit. Anonymous.
Elliott: 3 - anonymous, even more so than Jarvis. Had one shot, poorly taken.
Ebanks-Blake: 7 - good goals, worked hard for much of the match to chase balls & play off Kyle. MotM
Kyle: 6.5 - again worked hard to win all of those balls which we spent over an hour aimlessly punting up to him. Was almost constantly being fouled & held-back by the S'oton central defence. Referee (& some Wolves fans, it seems) oblivious to this. Did the role asked of him well.
Subs
Potter, Keogh & Eastwood: - all 6.5 - made us an improved team (how couldn't they?) and we were more threatening, because we were passing the ball properly. Decent passing from Potter, & good running from Keogh & Freddy. S'oton were under a lot more pressure when we were passing on the deck.
MM: 2 (1 for being there). Bonus point for making the correct subs, but he should have done it after 20 mins, not towards the end of the match.
Brass Band: I thought they were OK. The atmosphere would have been even worse in their abscence.
Master Blaster: Did well to get most of the stuff on target into the stands. Good spirit to reward a few travelling fans with Wolves merchandise.
johnybig32
05-03-2008, 12:26
Im sorry, but Seyi needs to back in the mdifeild along with Potter. They both linked up well last year and they are arguable our best distributors of the ball. Henry should be moved to RB. Edwards on bench for "energy" later on.
We dont need energy, we need ability.
Woburn Wolf
05-03-2008, 12:50
Yet another dire hoofball style home performance against a very average Saints team. How much longer is Morgan going to put up with this before he axes McCarthy? Elokobi is big and quick but does not have a clue how to defend, Collins and Henry were equally poor and Jarvis and Elliott were anonymous. We looked better when Keogh and Potter came on and Freddie looked lively for the 10 minutes he was on the pitch. Although Potter is much maligned, I prefer him to Henry; at least he has a decent first touch and can pass a football. Thank God for SEB, he may look a stone overweight but at least he knows how to finish.
jabbawolf
05-03-2008, 13:01
Thank God for SEB, he may look a stone overweight but at least he knows how to finish.
Woburn - according to some verdicts he did nothing but score the goals - if he is going to score 2 goals a game, he can have a cup of tea, smoke a cuban or whatever he wants to do.
The Bear
05-03-2008, 15:44
What an awful game full of frighteningly inept ball retention and passing. Neither team had a clue until we made our subs and we started playing it on the deck a bit more.
Really impressed with SEB for his first goal. Two flicks round two Saints defenders and a powerful finish. First flick brought it closer to him, and the second took it round the defenders for a blistering shot which the keeper had bob hope of stopping. Bit of class.
Henry/Kyle/Elliott/Collins - How bloody awful were these four? Very is the answer, and I was amazed when McCarthy got all 3 subs right for a change. Though the ironic cheering didn't help anyone.
Elokobi - First view of him and he looks a very quick and strong player who's not afraid to tackle. Encouraging stuff.
Hennessey - Made a great save in the second half, but in the first half spilled two shots in succession, the second of which could have easily gone over the line in a Jussi Jaaskelainen stylee. I've mentioned it before but he seems to have at least one of these spills every game I see. A worrying trend.
Breen - The rest has obviously done him good because he was back to the great reading of the game which he had when he first came. Never put a foot wrong.
Potter - Played really well when he came on. moving the ball around well and accurately. Though playing devil's advocate, you could say that Saints midfield was sitting prettty deep by then so had more space to do his stuff.
Wolv3nsam
05-03-2008, 15:52
Did anybody seen Breen and McCarthy having a domestic on the pitch? Breen was $$$$$$$ing him for something it appeared, or it may have been vice versa.
Dewsburywolf
05-03-2008, 15:55
Did anybody seen Breen and McCarthy having a domestic on the pitch? Breen was $$$$$$$ing him for something it appeared, or it may have been vice versa.
Didn't someone post the other day that there seems to have been a bit of a falling out between them?
Wolv3nsam
05-03-2008, 15:58
Didn't someone post the other day that there seems to have been a bit of a falling out between them?
I didn't catch that personally, if there has been a falling out what has been the reason behind it?
Dewsburywolf
05-03-2008, 16:04
I didn't catch that personally, if there has been a falling out what has been the reason behind it?
Didn't say what it was about but that they seemed to be contradicting each other.
The Bear
05-03-2008, 16:13
Was that after the final whistle?
Wolv3nsam
05-03-2008, 16:14
Was that after the final whistle?
It was during the game when Southampton were taking a corner I believe, Mick was shouting out orders to him and Breen was answering back and looking as if to say "WTF am I meant to do? You're the manager!"
Atlas 1951
05-03-2008, 16:21
Probably Breeny just being Breeny.
Oldgoldwulf
05-03-2008, 16:23
Well I wish Breeny would walk over and chin the thick Yorkshire $$$$.
Sadly Mick won't see this as he doesn't read these forums! Apparently...
Only got to this post (7) - cant read any more of your negative crap. I bet you marked this before the start.
Wolv3nsam
05-03-2008, 16:47
Only got to this post (7) - cant read any more of your negative crap. I bet you marked this before the start.
How can I mark it before the start when I have no idea how the players are going to play and that Potter, Keogh and Eastwood would come on as substitutions?
I was actually being quite generous, there are far more negative ratings on this thread than mine! It was only really Henry who got below a 5 which I consider "average", and if you went to the game (pardon me if you did) you'd have seen that he was absolutely shocking.
If the players are $$$$ I will give them a $$$$ rating, I'm not going to sugar coat it.
Not that I watch such programmes of course. Chick stuff.
SaleWolf
05-03-2008, 17:02
Dreadful performance from a dreadful side.
I just cannot believe how poor we have been this season. That first half was criminal. Awful football played a a load of average also-ran players that the buffoon has brought in over the past season or so.
Neil Collins is only second (to Darren Ward) in the list of all time worst centre halfs that i have seen at Molineux. The guy is appalling.
Henry was also shocking last night and has been for a few games but ffs stop booing and jeering him. Its the managers fault for not realising he's in a poor run of form and resting him.
Jarvis clearly wasn't fit and yet again Edwards didn't convince. What exactly has Edwards done since he has arrived? Apart from scoring a fluke goal at Scunthorpe.
Pathetic performance and we got what we deserved. Go now Mccarthy.
Uncle Festa
05-03-2008, 17:13
Dreadful night all round. We look dis-jointed throughout and the only option we had was the hoof with no one in midfield (apart from Potter) being confident enough or have enough ability to play the short game. Not convinced by SEB at all. Yes he has scored goals but when that dries up what else does he offer? I think he actually contributes to how $$$$e we play as he doesn't help link the game up. I'd agree with John Bray who berated the fans last night for cheering when the subs were made, BUT the out of form players such as Henry should't be put in that position to start with - he should have been dropped two months ago. It reminded me of the Paul Butler situation when the fans could see way before the manager that he needed dropping and as a result the player started getting abuse.
Wolv3nsam
05-03-2008, 17:16
It reminded me of the Paul Butler situation when the fans could see way before the manager that he needed dropping and as a result the player started getting abuse.
Some players in this side need dropping because it appears that an attendance of 21,000 can see that a player is $$$$ yet McCarthy can't. I don't understand what possessed him to buy Darren Ward and Neill Collins has to be the worst centre-half I've ever seen, there is also Henry who you of course mentioned.
SaleWolf
05-03-2008, 17:20
I don't understand what possessed him to buy Darren Ward and Neill Collins has to be the worst centre-half I've ever seen,
But look at our defensive record and look at how many clean sheets we've had?
Surely they can't be all that bad? :rolleyes:
Collins and Ward wouldn't get in any other Championship side imo.
Uncle Festa
05-03-2008, 17:24
Well at least McCarthy has realised that Darren Ward is $$$$e. But why he keeps on picking Collins is a mystery, but then its getting to the point where he should be dropping every single player.
Wolv3nsam
05-03-2008, 17:25
But look at our defensive record and look at how many clean sheets we've had?
Surely they can't be all that bad? :rolleyes:
How many goals has Collins cost us with his penalty giving away antics?
The only time Ward has looked remotely decent was next to Craddock when the pair of them kept about 8 clean sheets.
Of course - Wayne has played a large part in our good defensive record with some wonder saves. The one last night wasn't bad and when he saved Iwelumo's header earlier on in the season v Charlton it baffled me as to how he got to it.
SaleWolf
05-03-2008, 17:33
How many goals has Collins cost us with his penalty giving away antics?
The only time Ward has looked remotely decent was next to Craddock when the pair of them kept about 8 clean sheets.
Of course - Wayne has played a large part in our good defensive record with some wonder saves. The one last night wasn't bad and when he saved Iwelumo's header earlier on in the season v Charlton it baffled me as to how he got to it.
Spot on.
ice cream head
05-03-2008, 17:34
Henry is a good right back but not good enough to play centre midfield - He never has been. I can't understand why McCarthy keeps picking him there particularly when we have other players who are better than him not even getting in the 16. Olofinjana and Edwards should be the midfield pairing from now on and I think, after last nights performance, that's what we'll see in the last dozen or so games.
SaleWolf
05-03-2008, 17:40
Olofinjana and Edwards should be the midfield pairing from now on and I think, after last nights performance, that's what we'll see in the last dozen or so games.
And that pairing aren't good enough either. Olifinjana only plays when he can be arsed and Edwards hasn't exaclty impressed yet.
Just shows what dross Mccarthy has wasted Morgans money on really.
Dewsburywolf
05-03-2008, 18:09
Of course - Wayne has played a large part in our good defensive record with some wonder saves. The one last night wasn't bad and when he saved Iwelumo's header earlier on in the season v Charlton it baffled me as to how he got to it.
And yet he's grounded enough to say in last night's E & S that the clean sheet record was down in the most part to the Defenders in front of him.
Grounded and Modest.
Oldgold Wolfcub
05-03-2008, 18:10
Poor game,only positive,we seem to have at last found the striker to do what 'Freddy' was bought to do all those months ago.
What you mean being played in matches?:eek:
Dewsburywolf
05-03-2008, 18:23
What you mean being played in matches?:eek:
You missing a "not" in this statement?
Law's Bus
05-03-2008, 20:44
Neil Collins is only second (to Darren Ward) in the list of all time worst centre halfs that i have seen at Molineux. The guy is appalling.
I take it you don't remember Simon Coleman or Darren Peacock then?
Taffywolf
05-03-2008, 21:20
I saw the goals tonight on central news. 3 good finishes by SEB, Their 1st goal was never a penalty, I couldn't believe the defending for the 2nd goal. Late into the game and no-one on the 2 posts?? Why?? If someone had been on the post it would of been an easy clearance. Bad error..
Woburn Wolf
05-03-2008, 22:06
Woburn - according to some verdicts he did nothing but score the goals - if he is going to score 2 goals a game, he can have a cup of tea, smoke a cuban or whatever he wants to do.
I agree he did nothing but score twice which is great. My point is that if he lost 10 pounds he would be better still.
Woburn Wolf
05-03-2008, 22:13
And that pairing aren't good enough either. Olifinjana only plays when he can be arsed and Edwards hasn't exaclty impressed yet.
Just shows what dross Mccarthy has wasted Morgans money on really.
Agreed. Potter is our best central midfielder. Of the others I would probably play Edwards not because he is anything special but because of his work rate which compliments Potter's passing. This is an area that definitely needs strengthening in the summer.
dr cool
05-03-2008, 22:13
Well at least McCarthy has realised that Darren Ward is $$$$e. But why he keeps on picking Collins is a mystery, but then its getting to the point where he should be dropping every single player.
didnt he say collins was johnny on the spot ? :eek:
dr:cool:
Dewsburywolf
05-03-2008, 23:02
didnt he say collins was johnny on the spot ? :eek:
dr:cool:
Don't tend to wear a Johnny when I've got spots. Kind of negates me needing one anyway.
Essex Wolf
06-03-2008, 10:37
Verdict= dross football offered up by a side managed by a bloke who seems to lack the ability to see the obvious and make change when it is desperately needed.
Rubbish game with another 2 points dropped.
Time for a change.
Tarcisio Mifsud
06-03-2008, 11:46
Have seen the goals on the WW. The penalty action was not given any importance, but it was not a foul of any importance, and very rarely is it penalised.
I have to put the blame for the second goal on Hennessey. The boy is very good to save shots, but commanding the small area is not his strength. Surely he could have collected or punched the ball away had he gone out. The opponent was given a free header, but Hennessey was at fault. He needs a lot of training to learn how he should command the small area.
