Brief Synopsis sponsored by Bromleigh House

[Railway sleeper]

Agree with posty, it seemed we were about to overwhelm crewe during that purple patch in the first half - and a goal seemed to be coming at any time…. But never did.

We never matched those levels in the second half- the Connor grant sub disrupted us.

Garrick coming on at LWB was a very curious one- but I sense that Lowe is trying to develop his all round game, perhaps with a view to signing him permanently ( for me the defensive side of his game is lacking and he seemed a bit lost at LWB). There is a good player in there I believe- and I was impressed with his runs in midfield later on.

Quite encouraging overall. Credit to crewe who defended very well. We strung loads of passes in front of the massed crewe defence- but had enormous difficulty getting behind them. Lots of routine crosses- but only Broom seemed able to get in behind. On last nights display we were certainly missing Mayor. I would also say Pacey penetrative wing backs might be a target for Lowe in January- players who can get in behind.

we have some very good players- camara, broom, Hardie, Cooper - all look capable of making the step up into the championship - with a few astute signings in January I am optimistic of our play- off chances this season….

 

[Aaron D.]

I too was directly behind the Crewe goalscorer. It was a fluke because nobody shoots from there but at the same time Coops should not have let it in.
I am a goalkeeper and it is a cardinal sin to be beaten at your near post. Whilst he was positioning himself for a high cross, you have to be ready for a low ball to the near post. He just stood there as it whizzed in. It's a clear mistake, one that he should learn from as he's still so young. Let's not forget that.

 

[Deleted member 9145]

I too was directly behind the Crewe goalscorer. It was a fluke because nobody shoots from there but at the same time Coops should not have let it in.
I am a goalkeeper and it is a cardinal sin to be beaten at your near post. Whilst he was positioning himself for a high cross, you have to be ready for a low ball to the near post. He just stood there as it whizzed in. It's a clear mistake, one that he should learn from as he's still so young. Let's not forget that.

Agreed fluke or not Coops will be kicking himself, you don't get beaten at your near post from a ball coming from there. It's a learning process and he was excellent thereafter.

 

[Devongreenowl]

Disappointing performance last night, lack of clinical finishing and the defence looked less than confident against what I thought was a decent Crewe side. They certainly did not look a bottom 3 team and came to play football. Looked a terrible mistake by Cooper for their goal, cardinal sin to be beaten on the near post. Don’t understand why Lowe took Hardie off towards the end (again). You can almost hear the sigh of relief from the opposition defence, as he’s the only one who looks likely to score. Jephcott needs a spell on the sidelines imo. Off the pace and lacking in confidence. .

 

[Lousy Pint]

Credit where it's due, there was some brilliant defending by the Crewe players last night, so credit to them.
As much as I like Broom and Pan, they really need some shooting practice!
Thought we did well to get back in it, it seemed to be drifting away from us for a while.
Lots of knocks which I hope aren't too serious.
Difficult to choose a MOTM, but probably Houghton.

 

[Brechin Hedge]

not one league goal all season from Grant, Broom , Camara or Houghton. Good as the midfield have been they need to contribute to scoring!

lack of movement from hardie and especially jephcott made forward passing a problem at times. Ennis will be like a new signing as will Mayor.

why was law not brought on to replace Grant?

good point in the end with Crewe the best team we have played this season bar maybe Rotherham.

maybe sums where we are at present. as good as most in the league but not quite there in terms of beating teams we should to win promotion.

 

[Mark58]

not one league goal all season from Grant, Broom , Camara or Houghton. Good as the midfield have been they need to contribute to scoring!

lack of movement from hardie and especially jephcott made forward passing a problem at times. Ennis will be like a new signing as will Mayor.

why was law not brought on to replace Grant?

good point in the end with Crewe the best team we have played this season bar maybe Rotherham.

maybe sums where we are at present. as good as most in the league but not quite there in terms of beating teams we should to win promotion.

Apart from Grant's pen on Saturday, of course.

 

[Guiri Green]

I've just watched the matchday moments and only just realised McFadzean was a sub for them.

 

[Devongreenowl]

not one league goal all season from Grant, Broom , Camara or Houghton. Good as the midfield have been they need to contribute to scoring!

lack of movement from hardie and especially jephcott made forward passing a problem at times. Ennis will be like a new signing as will Mayor.

why was law not brought on to replace Grant?

good point in the end with Crewe the best team we have played this season bar maybe Rotherham.

maybe sums where we are at present. as good as most in the league but not quite there in terms of beating teams we should to win promotion.

Lack of movement from Hardie? Maybe after he was subbed

 

[rsp4]

Just watched the highlights. I still can't figure how their shot passed 3 of our players and Coops and goes in the near post.

 

[Quintrell Green]

Just watched the highlights. I still can't figure how their shot passed 3 of our players and Coops and goes in the near post.

Nor can I. The game was lost by the inability to take chances especially after so many entries into Crewe's danger zone during the game. It was definitely 2 points down the pan rather than one point gained without stating the bl-----g obvious.

 

[Tugboat]

I’d like to see Agard on for Jephcott

 

[PL2 3DQ]

Just watched the highlights. I still can't figure how their shot passed 3 of our players and Coops and goes in the near post.

I was waiting for Matchday Moments to see the goal from the camera behind the goal/in the net but unfortunately there's only one long distance clip of it.

 

[saxman]

What a goal by Hardie, looks even better on the highlights, and what's Pan up to going straight to the Devonport to celebrate with the fans, love it.

 

[Gary Wills]

Likely a good bit of research by Crewe that Cooper sometimes leaves the near post open in such situations. That's something Mike can work on. Fair play to the Alex.

I'd expect Broom, Camara (and Edwards) to get goals eventually; because they seem to bust a gut to get in danger areas and on the end of things. Not really Mayor's game, or some others'. Not the only criterion for being a decent attacking mid is it.