Don't manage the 4000 odd miles often, so, here's an uneducated view of the game.
Bright start, decent atmosphere in the South Stand, Leeds well on top though lacking any kind of a finish, Sam unable to even look like he could go down the left and our midfield not really getting hold of the ball. Then they ran up the other end, someone slipped and the ball went over some motionless heads 0-1 against all the play. Heads started to drop, our midfield were less in the game and Sam lost all confidence to do anything. I've read all about Pugh on this list, but we (and White) really really wanted him to give some shape and keep some momentum going forward. Rather than getting behind our team the crowd went silent. It seemed inevitable that their 2nd shot ended in a goal, with noone backing up McCarthy's parry. Poor ref blew for HT as we were about to shoot. 2nd H surprisingly didn't bring leeds out with any greater desire or effort. We put a free kick in and the crowd woke up. Unfortunately from then on we didn't put two passes together to sustain any hope in the crowd. Barnsley started to give us a masterclass in finding players with passes in midfield. We were better* than Barnsley, but just not good enough. Except the two obvious men who stood out for us with some skill and commitment, but they couldn't do it on their own. Not sure if barnsley did* but we didn't deserve anything from the game. (*Barnsley did manage to keep us out, nick some goals, and get into the game and shut us up so reluctant credit to them) Not close enough to observe any of the goals: McCarthy 4 Don't know how culpable he was for the goals but two went in. Connoly 4 Didn't notice him much. White 6 Made an effort, severely frustrated by Sam's pedestrian support. For some reason ref didn't like him. Kisnorbo 4 Made an effort, but shouldn't have needed to as much as he did. Not yet up to speed/confident. Lees 5 Part of a faulty defence. Local lad doing his best. Made some good decisions. Clayton 3 Played as if he had flu. Too slow thinking, too slow feet too slow reactions, no positioning. Had thought he was the genius who would inspire us. Howson 8 Generous? 2nd half especially took hold of the game for us as best he could, tackled, won ball, drove us forward, retained possession. Not been a great JH fan, but impressed today with his response to our being down. Sam 2 Probably not his fault as so clearly out of position. Cut inside onto his right every time he got the ball and came to a standstill. Ran away from anything that looked like a tackle. Snods 7 worked hard and whilst not at his best is a quality player in this league. best on the pitch today. Attitude of a captain too trying to get team and fans going. Becchio. 4 Ran for one or two things, put a bit of pressure on. won a couple of free kicks largely anonymous. McCormack. 5 Harsh? got in positions, looked lively but doesn't have the ball at feet skills or speed to retain possession. should goal hang or play one touch passing? Seemed a decent free kick. Nunez 6 Tried a few things gave us a bit of spark, doesn't like 50 50s! Looked like a possible game changer (but didn't deliver) Pugh 6 Gave us some shape and solidity down the left. measured, uninspiring but should have started. Keogh 3 had absolutely no impact on the game whatsoever. _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] PETE CASS (1962 - 2011) Rest In Peace Mate
