Following last night’s 1-1 draw away at Rochdale in Sky Bet League One, we asked our members what three things they learned from the match.
Here’s what PlymouthImp said:
1. Irrelevant of what’s going on re management, last night was a reminder that we still have a very talented, dedicated bunch of players. The second half performance felt like the hangover, caused by the turbulent goings-on over the last week or two, had finally lifted. The players showed that they’re supremely fit and we ran Rochdale legless; many of the Dale players seemed unable to run into our half at times from about 70mins+. We should be proud of the players we have because, historically, we’ve often ended up with a bunch who, when a manager left, gave up all hope and only turned up for a wage slip.
2. In my opinion, last night proved to me that we underrate Cian Bolger. Since he’s been partnered with Shackell I’ve been more confident in our defensive performances. When I saw the team sheet for last night I was more confident that we wouldn’t ship a bag full of goals. When he partners Shackell I think we’re stronger in defence. I’m not saying Bostwick isn’t a good player (I think he’s one of the best we’ve got for effort and dedication), but I think we’re more organised and stronger tactically with Bolger and Shax. Not at any point in the second half did I think we would concede.
3. Our set-pieces need work. I should have ended that with a question mark because we seemingly did a ton of work on set pieces under the previous management, but last night’s set pieces were poor by our usual standards. Too frequently did we make a mess of corners by playing them short, for no apparent reason or we rushed free kicks that put players in immediate trouble. Our crossing, in general, was poor too, bar one cross from Toff that was glanced in by Walker. We need to rework our set-piece routines and the crossing needs sorting out.
Did you go to the match last night or watch it on iFollow? Don’t forget to Rate The Players, Vote For Your Man of The Match, Rate The Ref and share your views on our Match Thread!
Here’s what StrangelyBrown said:
1. Our players have been hurt badly by the management moves- much more than we realised. They had invested their own belief in the Cowleys and probably feel as let down by the mid season move as we do. They are desperate to win and play well. Toffs very animated reaction to his goal was evidence of just how much this means to the team- to get back on track and start to play the way they can. Their confidence has been very heavily impacted by the managerial changes and the first half looked like Bristol Rovers Mark 2. The second half started better but Akinde introduction completely changed the game.
2. Walker is not a target man and we are underutilising a real asset we have- game-changer was Akinde coming on (with 12 minutes to go!!). This gave Walker freedom of movement and opportunity, pulled their defenders out of position and created space for others. Last 12 minutes we were really strong against an albeit average Rochdale side and Akinde was the catalyst. 2nd half overall was like watching the first few games.
3. We do need some stability steering the ship- McCombe is doing his best but isn’t. in my opinion, a long term solution. I know how important it was to get a result last night but, with our every growing injury list, to only bring 1 sub on with just 12 minutes to go in a midweek game isn’t where we need to be. That sub should have been on at least 10 minutes earlier. Tired players at the end of the game who now need to raise again for Saturday.
And here’s what sedgleyimp said:
1. All is not lost. There has been some wailing and gnashing of teeth over the events of the last ten days or so and the current uncertainty over who will be ultimately in charge and the first half tonight did nothing to ease those feelings. The second half though was a very different kettle of fish. Forward passing and movement abounded and that was possibly our best forty-five minutes of pressing attacking football this season. This shows that the team has the gumption to dig deep. No heads dropped and another five minutes or so I think we would have got a winner there.
2. You need that extra tempo to win games. First half we were too slow to the ball. Movement off the ball was missing and it was all pretty dire. Straight from the second half kick off though the tempo was there. Attacks were quicker. Pressing was tighter and chances were made. I appreciate that it is difficult to keep that up for the full game but it makes a clear difference to your chances of a positive result.
3. When you are up against it and things aren’t going your way the simple solution is to get a team full of Harry Toffolo’s. You need true leaders to shine in circumstances that we are currently going through both in terms of results and uncertainty off the field. We have one in Harry. You could see him encouraging the other players and his influence in all aspects of the play is fantastic. Without suggesting that we should change the captaincy as that would upset other influential players, should that role need filling look no further than our number 3?
Thank you to Graham Burrell and Lincoln City Football Club for the photograph!
"Last night was a reminder that we still have a very talented, dedicated bunch of players."https://t.co/ADTjcvT9jy#RAFC #ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) September 18, 2019
https://www.facebook.com/VitalLincolnCity/posts/2410874458948785
