The Reds had lost their first three home games of the 2009-2010 season and defeat yesterday would have meant losing their first four for the first time in the club's history. Only a fine save from David Preece and a lack of a cutting edge from the men from
Quite frankly the midfield was woeful. In Leon Britton and Nathan Dyer,
Colace may still be feeling his way back from an injury that forced him to miss the start of the season but yesterday the Argentine just didn't look interested. His tackles- when he could be bothered to make them- were half-heartened, he constantly played balls backwards and was often caught in possession. It's certainly a far cry from last season when a consistently excellent campaign saw him come third in the Player of the Year vote.
The rest of the midfield wasn't much better if at all. Anderson De Silva was completely subdued whilst Adam Hammill just doesn't look the same player that lit up the Championship when on loan from
The major positive from the game will probably be the back five. Having conceded 14 goals in the first seven games, they were pretty much rock solid yesterday, and only once was the defence breached when Dyer was denied by a superb reflex stop from Preece and then Cedric Van Der Gun somehow put the rebound wide.
Eight goals had been shipped in the three home defeats so it was certainly heartening to see the defence look solid yesterday. Even Rob Kozluk had a very good game- maybe due to the fact he was in his natural right back position.
This came about due to debutant Julian Gray being brought straight in at left back. It has to be said he was taken apart by Dyer in the first half but tightened up considerably after the break and also showed promise going forward.
Going forward is certainly looking the problem. It's very hard to blame Andy Gray and Iain Hume, especially when the midfield is not "pulling the strings" and both Gray and Hume gave everything yesterday. The facts, though, show four games at home and just one goal scored- a remarkable fact considering five have been hit on the road.
On Tuesday night, in the second half especially, The Reds looked capable of scoring every time they ventured forward, yesterday they never looked like hitting the net. The best chance fell to Hume on 62 minutes.
Anderson
A point will be accepted in a game of very few chances, but with the fact
Let's hope the good away form can continue then at QPR on Saturday who are another team yet to win at home this season.
Player Ratings:
Rob Kozluk: Much better performance- being played in his natural right position could be a telling factor. Solid and tried to get forward. 7
Stephen Foster: Had a few nervy moments and certainly doesn't look at his best. But coped well most of the time. 6
Darren Moore: Beaten a couple of times for pace (but really a snail would beat him there) but his recovery was excellent. Always got back and made some great tackles. 7.5
Julian Gray: Struggled massively with Dyer in the first half and constantly got caught out of position. Much better after the break though. Would prefer to see him as a winger which to be honest looks to be his better position. 6
Adam Hammill: His performance at
Hugo Colace: One thing any fan asks for his effort. Last season he gave it in abundance. Certainly didn't give it yesterday. Looked so uninterested. Poor careless "tackles" and passes. Shocking display from a player we all know has ability. 1
Jacob Butterfield: Our best midfielder, showed good intelligence on the ball and looked to make things happen. 7
Iain Hume: Was disgracefully elbowed in the head which required three stitches, but did well to come back and get on with the game. Has to be said, missed
Andy Gray: Another good game. Acted like a proper target man and gave Garry Monk a hard time. Had one half decent chance in the first game, but delayed his shot and De Vries pounced. 7.5
Martin Devaney (for Hume 90) Strange substitution. He was stood on the touchline from about the 80th minute but didn't come on until injury time. N/A
Unused Substitutes:
Sponsors Man of the Match: Darren Moore
Subs: Cornell, Trundle, Lopez, Richards.
Most Impressed by
Ref Watch: Rob Shoebridge: Always knew we'd get a shocker after Tuesday's ref. Amazingly gave
Coca Cola Championship Results
Up to
Tickets:
Adults - £15.00
Senior Citizens - £10.00
Juveniles (U18) - £10.00
Juveniles (U12) - £5.00
Current season ticket holders will have until close of business on Saturday September 12 to claim their seats for the game. All seats will go on general sale on
On The Road:
Tickets:
SENIOR CITIZENS (OVER 60) - £20.00
YOUNG ADULT - (16 - 21) - £20.00
JUVENILES (UNDER 16) - £20.00
Official Reds on the Road coaches will be making the trip to
