BH_Stag wrote:Quinn, Murphy, Longstaff, Stirk and even Maris last night need to do a lot better on the ball on Wednesday night if we are to progress. All of those 5 in the midfield (barring Maris) aren’t blessed with pace or the ability to get around the pitch well. They put the effort in don’t get me wrong, but it’s not their game.
They’re all technical midfielders that need the ball to their feet and want to get us playing, but if they’re not going to do that like last night then you may as well have a combative midfield of Clarke, Lapslie, Akins and Wallace that can eat up more ground and lay a glove on the opposition. We didn’t do either second half. We just need somebody to be brave and take responsibility on the ball on Wednesday to calm everyone down.
The CB’s were immense and great for the front 2 to get on the scoresheet.
Overall I think we’re quite fortunate to be leading the tie, so let’s just see it as a bonus that we are and be confident that we know we can be much better than that.
Some fair points here on the midfield. Second half we just couldnt keep the ball. On the substitutions, Quinn was obviously fading and I got the impression Clough ran out of patience with Longstaff, who just seconds earlier had given the ball away easily 3 times on the trot. Unfortunately Wallace and particularly Stirk were even worse in that regard. I would have brought Ollie Clarke on 100%.
We have a lead and its going to be very competitive there. Playing a not fully fit Quinn, Murphy and Longstaff will hand them some initiative if we are not careful. If Quinn is not 100%, I would play Clarke on Wednesday in the middle.
Also an conundrum at the back. Hawkins had a good game ( although he possibly could have got a better block on the deflected goal) but I think Hewitt may have done better against their left wing than Perch was doing, and may have offered more support to Bowery going forwards so will Clough move Perch across?
The managers mantra is not to change much though. I just hope we go there to attack and not just defend a lead. First goal will be huge.