Another chance to rack up a much needed three points, another opportunity wasted. Stevenage weren’t great, in fact, they were probably the poorest side we have faced this season. But out play was extremely disappointing, and it feels like another opportunity missed, as we continue to slip away from where we want to be.
One of the most frustrating things about this season, is that despite how poor, and at times, useless we have been, we are only 6 points off the play-offs. This season, the league is so open. A couple of wins, and you suddenly see yourself shoot right up the table.
However we cannot win. In the first half, I thought we found a bit of a rhythm, and we pressed well, won the ball high up the pitch, and looked dangerous down the wings. But the end product was not there, a lot of crosses, but no-one to put them away. I think it speaks volumes of how we lack creativity, that Jules and Norman looked our most creative outlets. The full-backs played well, however they have a midfield in-front of them that is not doing what it needs to do.
Talking of midfield, I will be glad to see Holden returning to the side. Out of all the signings over the summer, Osadebe was the one I was most excited about, as I thought we had got ourselves a real hidden gem of a player. However, I have been bitterly disappointed with his contributions. Last night, I felt he did OK in the first half. His touch still let’s him down, and at times he panics, but I felt his passing was better, and he actually started to link up with the attack. Then came a dreadful back-pass. You ave to just clear the ball, no matter what level you are at, get the ball away from danger. Instead he gives Rose a snap decision to make, and Rose commits to the ball. I can’t blame Rose here. These quick decisions as a keeper come easier with game time, and experience, something he has not been able to get.
I would like to see Rose start again against Tranmere, as I don’t feel he did anything else wrong. To be honest, I don’t remember him doing anything. And this is where I get angry. Defensively, we kept Stevenage at bay. Yes they were poor, but this is now another game where an individual error has cost us, when they did not threaten throughout the game.
I go back to the title of this piece. We are slipping. Not just down the table, but the general mood, feel, and atmosphere, as well as our play on the pitch. Everything is slipping, and we need a boost. A big win from somewhere, back to back good results, something to get us excited, and happy after a game.
