Post by stevek192 on Mar 11, 2020 10:19:11 GMT
After recent performances it has to be said that this performance and result came as quite a shock. The commitment from the first minute to the last was there for all to see and for the first time for ages I can honestly not criticise any member of the team. Hopefully this will bring about the type of run that Tranmere are now enjoying and this result was so needed after the last home game and the disgraceful performance Saturday. Had we lost last night our lead over Tranmere would have been down to 10 points with them having a game in hand and much more winnable fixtures than our exceptionally difficult run in. There are those who said relegation was impossible but imagine if Tranmere narrowed the gap to 7 points on Saturday with a game in hand! We need only have looked at Walsall's decline in the second half of last season to avoid resting on our laurels. Anyway enough of that we won and won well and hopefully about an extra thousand on the gate Saturday will see another commanding and committed performance.
Blackman 7 A class keeper giving his usual accomplished performance.
Kilgour 7 After the last game this was more like it from Alfie. Strong and dependable particularly in the air and covering for each other was everything that was missing on Saturday.
Craig 7.5 Congratulations Tone on a magnificent achievement 600 and not out. Really showed his importance and composure in marshalling the defence which really restricted Sunderland to very few chances.
Harries 7 That was a far better performance than Saturday and showed that he could be a class act. Didn't see any weakness with his aerial work and if on top of this he can bring the ball out then we could have some player on our hands.
Rodman 8.5 Worked hard throughout and showed great willingness to track back all night as well as quite a few exciting runs. I very much wonder if he could do a job in centre midfield as he is good in the air and has a good engine and the ability to bring the ball out quickly which is something we sadly lack in midfield
Clarke 7 Well done Ollie- that was more like it and much was down to him being in his best position. He will never be a creative midfielder but in the holding role if he can maintain that level of performance there would be no moans whatsoever from me. Was always in the heart of things and protected the defence and used the ball sensibly.
Hargreaves 8 All action display which surprised me and showed a confidence on the ball that bodes well. The question is can he produce this standard of display week in week out. Was very unlucky to receive a booking for diving- no not unlucky it was disgraceful refereeing and a definite penalty. Referees should have to answer for these decisions.
Sercombe 6.5 Not at his best but hopefully is getting there. showed both commitment and skill on the ball.
Leahy 7 Got better as the game went on and got forward and back well.
Mitchell-Lawson 8.5 this kid has undoubted talent
Clarke-Harris 9 mom Back to his very best and took the first goal very well and led the line brilliantly and gave the Sunderland defence a real tough night. Was unlucky with another great turn and shot which the keeper saved but it has to be said that his penalty was not one of his best but who cares when it goes in the net.
Subs: Daly 7 Full of running
Hare nole
Kelly nole
Crowd 7 Got behind the boys from the start and created the best atmosphere at the Mem for a long time. lets hope this result adds a 1000 on the gate for Saturday.
Ref 4 At times he looked Ok but ruined it by so many decision making errors and looked like he felt that he was more important than the game. Blatant penalty and sending off for the keeper who made no attempt whatsoever to play the ball in the first half and took Hargreaves out and then had the cheek to receive a hand shake from one of his defenders as Hargreaves received a total joke of a booking.
Sunderland 4 This is an experienced team with an experienced Manager who know all the tricks of the trade and are a nasty bunch looking to get opponents booked with needless diving and staying down feigning injury. They were no better than when we played them at their place just that they had 30,000 fans behind them. Didn't really create much at all but most of that was due to a committed and well planned performance from every player. Will they go up? Not sure but a good bet for the Play Offs.
BG- Could this be the game that sparks a revival in his fortunes? I really hope so. This performance showed no evidence whatsoever to the rumours that he had lost the dressing room but we must remember that one swallow does not make a summer and we need more performances to this level and I am sure the supporters will be right behind him.
So we move on to Saturday and another difficult game which will need a similar level of performance to get a result. I wonder if Ollie Clarkes booking will see a suspension ? If so it is ironic after a return to the type of form that would cause no complaints from anybody. It would have been great for the Manager to be able to name an unchanged side but if he can't play Saturday then I would be tempted to go with Ogogo rather than Upson who I assume was suspended last night. it will be nice to go to the ground Saturday on the back of a good performance and result. UTG
Blackman 7 A class keeper giving his usual accomplished performance.
Kilgour 7 After the last game this was more like it from Alfie. Strong and dependable particularly in the air and covering for each other was everything that was missing on Saturday.
Craig 7.5 Congratulations Tone on a magnificent achievement 600 and not out. Really showed his importance and composure in marshalling the defence which really restricted Sunderland to very few chances.
Harries 7 That was a far better performance than Saturday and showed that he could be a class act. Didn't see any weakness with his aerial work and if on top of this he can bring the ball out then we could have some player on our hands.
Rodman 8.5 Worked hard throughout and showed great willingness to track back all night as well as quite a few exciting runs. I very much wonder if he could do a job in centre midfield as he is good in the air and has a good engine and the ability to bring the ball out quickly which is something we sadly lack in midfield
Clarke 7 Well done Ollie- that was more like it and much was down to him being in his best position. He will never be a creative midfielder but in the holding role if he can maintain that level of performance there would be no moans whatsoever from me. Was always in the heart of things and protected the defence and used the ball sensibly.
Hargreaves 8 All action display which surprised me and showed a confidence on the ball that bodes well. The question is can he produce this standard of display week in week out. Was very unlucky to receive a booking for diving- no not unlucky it was disgraceful refereeing and a definite penalty. Referees should have to answer for these decisions.
Sercombe 6.5 Not at his best but hopefully is getting there. showed both commitment and skill on the ball.
Leahy 7 Got better as the game went on and got forward and back well.
Mitchell-Lawson 8.5 this kid has undoubted talent
Clarke-Harris 9 mom Back to his very best and took the first goal very well and led the line brilliantly and gave the Sunderland defence a real tough night. Was unlucky with another great turn and shot which the keeper saved but it has to be said that his penalty was not one of his best but who cares when it goes in the net.
Subs: Daly 7 Full of running
Hare nole
Kelly nole
Crowd 7 Got behind the boys from the start and created the best atmosphere at the Mem for a long time. lets hope this result adds a 1000 on the gate for Saturday.
Ref 4 At times he looked Ok but ruined it by so many decision making errors and looked like he felt that he was more important than the game. Blatant penalty and sending off for the keeper who made no attempt whatsoever to play the ball in the first half and took Hargreaves out and then had the cheek to receive a hand shake from one of his defenders as Hargreaves received a total joke of a booking.
Sunderland 4 This is an experienced team with an experienced Manager who know all the tricks of the trade and are a nasty bunch looking to get opponents booked with needless diving and staying down feigning injury. They were no better than when we played them at their place just that they had 30,000 fans behind them. Didn't really create much at all but most of that was due to a committed and well planned performance from every player. Will they go up? Not sure but a good bet for the Play Offs.
BG- Could this be the game that sparks a revival in his fortunes? I really hope so. This performance showed no evidence whatsoever to the rumours that he had lost the dressing room but we must remember that one swallow does not make a summer and we need more performances to this level and I am sure the supporters will be right behind him.
So we move on to Saturday and another difficult game which will need a similar level of performance to get a result. I wonder if Ollie Clarkes booking will see a suspension ? If so it is ironic after a return to the type of form that would cause no complaints from anybody. It would have been great for the Manager to be able to name an unchanged side but if he can't play Saturday then I would be tempted to go with Ogogo rather than Upson who I assume was suspended last night. it will be nice to go to the ground Saturday on the back of a good performance and result. UTG
