Lots of changes today and I feared the worst when I saw O'Kane, Philips, Allioski and Dallas lining up in midfield. Nobody will ever convince me that midfield is one to push for promotion. Pedestrian and lacking in ability is my description. Also we dropped our international left back signing for Anita a makeshift left back. Surely Orta didn't get his January wages after that signing ? And so my fears were realised as Brentford played us off the park for most of the first half. Yes they didn't create that many chances due to poor last pass choices but they played football that we can only dream of. Everytime we got the ball we seemed to give it away and Anita was having a torrid time against Josefzoon (or someone with a name like that). Siaz hardly touched the ball and we really struggled. Brentford has one great shot excellently saved by Wieldwald. Then just like Derby, completely against the run of play, we scored. This time from a free-kick and unbelievable Cooper who must have had 52 easier headers like this that he didn't even get on target, decided today to place header in the far corner. It was a superb header. In a half where Brentford must have had 70% of the play and possession we were 1 up and we didn't even shit ourselves in the last few minutes of the half. Second half was much better as Brentford lost their early swagger but I still felt that we were playing on the counter which is not what you want at home against a mid table team. Siaz came in to the game and suddenly we started playing like we did second half against Derby. Everyone suddenly looked a bit better. Even the hapless O'Kane was contributing and Dallas who worked hard throughout started to win the ball and contribute going forward. Allioski showed little quality but was busy and annoyed the hell out of Brentford. Pistol Pete crafted a great chance for himself when he danced around everyone and then decided to side foot it with no conviction towards the net - should have scored. We also were unlucky when the ref called play back for a foul on Siaz when advantage would have left PP in the clear. Brentford did try to get that equaliser but we defended well if desperately at times. Sometimes we just seemed to get in each others way when clearing - very key stone cops at times. Their most dangerous attack came from a free kick on the edge of the box. It was a decent free-kick, nothing special, but our keeper made a meal and instead of catching it (I could have) he punched it !!! Luckily we cleared but it could have gone anywhere. This is not goalkeeping as we know it. Surprisingly we saw the game out fairly comfortably which amazed me and the crowd who did their bit second half were very relieved to see the first win since boxing day. Did we deserve it ? Not really, but I'm not complaining as we are rock bottom on confidence and this can only be a step in the right direction. I don't think we can progress too far in this league with that midfield but hopefully. Scores: Wiedwald - 6. A clean sheet and a top class save but that doesn't convince me I'm afraid when he's pushing balls that he should be catching. Beradi - 7. We know he's got his weaknesses and he had the easier job of the full backs bur second half he put a few tackles in that summed up what he is all about. Anita - 5. He struggled against a tricky winner but he never gave up and although on a yellow he stuck to his task and actually looked more comfortable as the game went on. For me, he isn't a left back but he's better than De Cock. Jansson - 7. Solid performance. Did what he had to do. Cooper - 7. Good goal and some decent defending. Philips - 4. I thought he was poor and he's just too limited for a team that want to push on. I want the lad to do well and I think he's got some of the basics but he lacks pace, acceleration and a footballing brain. O'Kane - 5. I thought first half he was awful, giving the ball away and just highlighting his limitations. To his credit, I thought he really battled hard second half and showed guts but always with his limitations. Dallas - 6. He was as always average but he battled hard throughout and there's no doubt he's a fit lad. If I'm being really optimistic I'm hoping a run in the team might produce a winger ? It's a dream I have but I think he's more likely to get injured soon and spend more time out of the team. Allioski -6. The one thing I took from Allioski's performance was a player who realised that he is scrapping for his place. You couldn't doubt his effort and he did take the winning goal free-kick. I just struggle at times with his cheating and falling over. I thought he was actually fouled a few times today where the ref ignored his pleas mainly because he now has a reputation as moaning, cheating twat. Lasogga - 6. Worked hard, should have scored. I'm really not sure about him though. Siaz - 8. Quiet first half but then got us ticking second half as he did at Derby. Certainly not his best game but when surrounded my mediocrity he just stands out like a sore cock. Subs: Sacko - sack o shit Ekuban - thought he did well when he came on. Caused problems and that's what you want. Hecky must be relieved. That's 1 win , 2 draws and an unlucky loss to the Blades BUT I think he's got a team full of mediocre players and will do well to get us on a run now. Weekend is good though and I'm celebrating with a bottle of Gigondas whilst watching Take Me Out with my nippers whilst missus on the piss. Happy Days !
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