After last week's good performance at top of the table Doncaster where we came close to getting all three points but in the end had to settle for just the one, it was the return to the Kenny to take on second placed away specialists Plymouth. In fact, Plymouth arrived at the Kenny with a truly superb away form winning ten from fifteen away games and having been beaten only twice in their travels this season.
The general mood over a couple of pints before the game was a mixture of respect for the opposition and realisation that the points were needed and that’s in the plural, not the singular if a top three place were to be the prize at the end of the season. Unsurprisingly Nathan named the same starting eleven from last week but the plans were marginally upset when Stephen O’Donnell aggravated a strain in the pre-match warm up to be replaced by the just turned 19 James Justin. There warm up sessions especially against West Country clubs, are dangerous things. At Plymouth back in August, Sheehan pulled up in the warm-up and at Exeter, in November it was Justin’s turn to collect a warm-up injury. With the game underway Vassell was giving the Plymouth defence something to think about with his pace and power and in the fourth minute felt he had won the Hatters a penalty when after breaking down the left he was brought down inside the area. It looked a possible penalty to me and would almost certainly have been called a foul outside of the area but the referee who to be fair was fairly close to the incident gave a corner. Then a few minutes later following a Plymouth attack, we made just about the perfect start with a swift counter attack initiated via a clearance from Hylton just outside his own area that found Pelly on the right. Pelly powered away down the right wing as Hylton broke away strongly down the middle to receive a super lobbed cross from Pelly before controlling and placing the ball in the roof of the net past Plymouth’s McCormick. Just what a class goal that took birthday boy Hylton to 19 goals for the season. Would this side with Smith and Rea in midfield have enough creativity to add to that lead against these highly organised away specialists? Well, that cause was not helped in the 17th minute when hunter-gatherer Smith made a foolish challenge in the Plymouth half that earned him a yellow card and from then on a yellow carded Smith becomes a far less effective player; shame that because he is not in the team for his passing! Plymouth were always willing to come forward in the first period and gained an equaliser after 25 minutes following some very sloppy ill-disciplined defensive play on our right that allowed the talented Carey to run down the wing and send over a low cross that Tanner despite enjoying close attention from Sheehan and Senior, managed to slot into the net for the equaliser. Jubilation for the 1000 travelling green army but absolute silence from the Kenny faithful: so we reached half time on level terms with our visitors and on the balance of play to mind, that was about right. I did half expect that NJ would replace Smith with Gambin at half time with Smith on a yellow that was somewhat subduing his game but no changes were made. Unsurprisingly in the second period, Plymouth played a fair bit deeper to hold on to that point but at the same time were always willing to seek any opportunity to get forward and those opportunities were often crafted by Graham Carey a player who has always impressed me and one I would like to see in a Luton shirt but because of the close bond with manager Derek Adams, that’s unlikely to happen. Moving forward we did send over a fair few crosses mainly from the right but frustratingly most of these were fairly easily collected by the excellent McCormick in the Plymouth goal and certainly before the double substitution was made although we looked willing we just lacked sufficient creativity. Nathan made that double substitution at his favoured 60-minute mark; withdrawing Smith and the unfortunate Vassell who at least had troubled the Plymouth defence with his pace. Their replacements were the much-needed guile of Gambin and the plan B Palmer. Straight away following these two substitutions we started to look more lively with some of that was down to the more direct balls pumped to Palmer and the other part to the craft of Gambin trying to unlock the strong Plymouth defence. Plymouth occasionally came forward in the second half and in one of those attacks Taylor almost netted but his shot was deflected away for a corner by the alert Glen Rea. In the second half full credit has to be given to Nathan Jones for really going for the win and replacing our left back Senior with striker Marriott. The pressure from Luton increased during that last part of the game with Hylton cleverly finding Palmer in space but just as he raced to put the ball away Threlkeld came in with a stunning full-length diving header to a ball a few inches of the ground to clear the ball for a corner: unlucky for us but what a truly stunning bit of defending that was from the Plymouth man. We kept the pressure up in that last ten minutes and both Hylton and Palmer came close to connecting to a lovely cross from Cook; oh, just so close. Plymouth then powered away and gained a couple of corners into injury time but just as the last one was to be taken the referee blew for time. So for the second consecutive Saturday, we settled for a share of the points with one of the top two sides in the division. Overall impression Maybe we could have edged the result especially with that late “nearly one” from the Hylton/Palmer duo but a draw was probably a fair result against a well organised Plymouth side that will surely be playing L1 football next season. It was an entertaining game but as with last week's encounter at Doncaster, very few chances were created by either side and when you look at the defensive quality of both sides and the cautious formation, that’s probably not surprising. I felt that when NJ made his attacking changes late in the game we looked a far more likely side. However, overall a point against the away specialists of L2 is not a bad result but three points were really needed as we now have just thirteen games before the season ends. Carlisle in third position have looked the target to catch in recent weeks but since playing them 14 matches ago, we have only managed to close the gap by three points and it now stands at 4 points but with games rapidly running out. However, possibly a bigger threat than us to Carlisle’s third place, Portsmouth did a wonderful demolition job on Carlisle yesterday winning by 3-0 at the home of the Cumbrian side. In fact looking at the run in for each of the third place contenders, I would say that Portsmouth would be slight favourites for taking third place provided they can put a reasonable run together. A run of victories is, unfortunately, something that has just not happened for us this season; indeed only on three occasions this season have we managed back to back victories. Yes, there is still time to put that run of victories together but it may well be the playoffs that will decide which league we play in next season. Oh the thought of a two legged play off against the likes of Mansfield does just not set the pulse racing but if that is what it takes then let’s get on with it. Something I do not buy into is this “we are no good at the playoff lark”, to my mind if we had won every previous playoff tournament then I would be concerned; if we get there and we have to get there first, then this could well be our year. After all who really wants to go up boringly in third place? A few thoughts on individual performances: Macey: did not really have a lot to do but collected the ball well when called on to do so and kicked the ball well; growing in confidence. Justin: reasonable game but as with a couple of other defenders he could have been a touch more aware with that move that resulted in the Plymouth equaliser. Cuthbert: outstanding as ever; what a season this man is having. Sheehan: the cultured left clog took just about every deal ball kick and overall a decent game but he may have done a touch better with the Plymouth equaliser. Senior: decent game and made way late in the second half for Nathan's last throw of the dice when substituted for Marriott. Rea: he seems to be regaining his form after the post-November drop and played well in front of the back four. Smith: fairly good up to his 17th minute booking and that booking, unfortunately, reduced his effectiveness for the remainder of his game. It may have been better to replace him with Gambin far earlier than NJ eventually did. Pelly: a lot of good powerful play which sometimes ground to a halt with a slightly over-hit pass but the talent and power is there and needed in the side as seen by his super surging run that lead to our goal. Cook: quite an improved player over recent games and he had a reasonable game yesterday: if only some of his crosses could have been a little further away from the excellent McCormick but having said that we don’t come up against a keeper of that quality every week in L2. Vassell: really troubled the Plymouth defence especially in the first half with his pace and power. Hylton: superbly took his goal to give us the lead and was a pain to the Plymouth defence all game. He also sent Palmer away with a beautifully weighted pass before that wonder clearance by Threlkeld. The Subs: Gambin: brought more creativity to our approach; shame he was not on earlier. Palmer: did well in my opinion; gives us a plan B and possibly a touch more than seems obvious at first glance. Marriott: late substitute and as expected full of energy. The Teams: Luton: Macey, Justin, Smith (Gambin, 62), Cuthbert, Hylton, Cook, Rea, Mpanzu, Vassell (Palmer, 62), Senior (Marriott, 79), Sheehan Unused subs: Moore, Mullins, D'Ath, Gray Plymouth: McCormick, Sawyer, Songo'o, Sarcevic, Carey, Bradley, Kennedy (Donaldson, 69), Threlkeld, Taylor, Fox (Sokolik, 45), Tanner (Spencer, 65) Unused subs: Bulvitis, Slew, Jervis, Dorel Referee: Darren Drysdale Attendance: 9,124 (1,027)
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After the recent fridge style temperatures we have watched Luton play in during recent weeks it was so nice to enjoy a touch of spring-like weather for the trip to Doncaster and pleasantly not the most difficult of trips as over 1600 travelling Hatters made the journey. Lots of decent pubs and a very well managed supporters bar where both sets of fans could mingle before a top of the table clash; just the way it should be. I also have to say the steak pie served at the ground was streets ahead of the usual football ground offering; well done the folks of Doncaster Rovers.
For the game, Nathan made three changes to the Hartlepool starting line-up. Cuthbert, who was rested on Tuesday, returned with the presumably injured Mullins excluded from the squad, Cook and Smith came in for the unfortunate Gambin and D’Ath who were both on the bench along with Palmer, Marriott who both also got game time on Tuesday. I really am quite impressed by the quality of players that Nathan is introducing into the club; they will do well in L1 should we at some time escape the physical world of L2. The first threatening attack of the game came when “offside Matty Blair” roasted Jack Senior before crossing the ball into the town area but we were not overly troubled as the ball was headed wide. I have always thought that Blair was a decent player and without injuries may have had a more fruitful career. It really was a good open start to a game with both sides wanting to go for the points. We then had a nice break with Pelly powering forward, creating some space from where the goal was within shooting range but our Pelly decided to make an over-hit pass to Vassell: bugger it! Bothe sides were playing well and despite Doncaster trying to push forward we always seemed to have them at arm's length and anything that came a touch closer to the area past the excellent pair Cuthbert or Sheehan was comfortably dealt with by Macey. At the other end of the pitch the persistence of Hylton, who the Doncaster crowd really took to, and the pace of Vassell often troubled the Doncaster defence but still very few chances were created by either side in a very entertaining first half. The entertainment continued from the start of the second half with attacking efforts from both sides going close but not close enough to initiate a goal. However, the absolute persistence and nuisance value of Hylton saw him steal the ball as he was falling over and knock the ball to Vassell who in turn intelligently sent Cook away with a great ball into a horrible gap that had opened on the Doncaster left side. Cook took a few strides forward and then fired in a glorious ball into the bottom right-hand corner of the Doncaster net; real quality finish from Cook. With a touch more control we could have had a second goal when Pelly burst forward down the right but with Vassell available for the pass in the area, Pelly frustratingly ran the ball out of play: as usual, fine margins but a little bit of extra composure and control could have bagged us a second goal. Well, we had about forty minutes to go, could we see out this game of few chances and claim three valuable points. Well, it certainly seemed that we would be able to as our defence were standing strong against just about everything that Donny could throw at us and I felt we were looking decent value for a victory. However, just as at Wycombe when we looked as if we could see the game out, a little lack of concentration late in the game let the home side in for an equaliser. Cook lost out in a challenge or as the Luton players thought, he was fouled and that hesitation waiting for the referee plus O’Donnell being a touch too far forward opened up a gap for substitute Alfie May to race forward and score. Was it a foul, well really I don’t care much but what I do care about is that hesitation “foul Ref” that stuttered our play. I would not be critical of the referee who to my mind officiated the game really well; he could have issued more yellow cards but preferred to have a stern word with players; he impressed me. Bothe sides tried to push forward to grab that winner and substitute Palmer did well making a nuisance of himself down the right-hand side but despite both sides wish to play football, another goal chance in a game of few chances, did not arrive and the team shared the points. Overall impression: I thought it was a decent entertaining game both teams going for the full three points. Within the Luton side Cuthbert and Sheehan were really good: Cuthbert full of physical strength and commanding the air and Sheehan just so intelligently sensing any sign of danger making timely interceptions. Also, Glen Rea in front of the back four had his best game for some weeks and that in itself is good news if he can maintain that form for the final third of the season. Should we have come away with all three points? Well, we could argue that we just about shaded the game but for me, a draw at Doncaster was a very decent result. It was also very brave of NJ to keep our side pressing for that winning goal right up until the end of the game. Results elsewhere were fairly kind apart from Carlisle winning for the second time this week to enjoy a five-point margin on us. Our game at Carlisle could well be vitally important in mid-March; again on a Tuesday evening, how silly. Some thoughts on individual performances: Macey: played well enough with some decent positioning and on occasion catching of the ball. In my opinion, he is hugely unlikely to be anywhere near good enough for the Premier League with Arsenal but I think he could develop into a decent goalkeeper if that raw material, mainly his physical presence, could be developed particularly in learning how to command his area. I am nowhere near to giving up on Macey: work in progress. O'Donnell: well you know what you will get with O'Donmell; stacks of energy and willingness but he was possibly at fault for the equaliser by getting a touch out of position and letting scorer May power away from him. Senior: well he was run ragged for the first five minutes of Donny’s Blair but then picked up his game and played very well. Jones and Harford have really found a good quality left back in young Senior. Cuthbert: once again he was pretty well immense first to almost every ball in the air and very good on the ground: played like the true captain he has turned into this season Sheehan: a very brave, determined and skilful performance from Sheehan. Just about every dead ball was quality and his interceptions and overall play were back to his best. Rea: well I've been talking about him just recently along the lines of that maybe you should be on the bench as his form had dipped but yesterday he was back on from and played really well as a very defensive holding player. Pelly: well he didn't have his best game not by a long way but he was continuously involved and there were some real skilful moments yet the thing letting him down was his final pass. Really somewhat frustrating as he had the skill to make space, move forward but that final touch just deserted him yesterday. Smith: as ever the usual Smith performance based on closing down space and giving 100% effort as he covered all of the pitch. Cook: by his recent improved standards I felt Cook had a relatively quiet game but having said that he took the goal exceptionally well to send 1600+ travelling Hatters into a grateful eruption of celebration. Vassell: always troubled the Donny defence with his power and pace and came close to grabbing the lead in the first half. However, just like Pelly, his final touch was a little off. Hylton: made another few thousand admirers within the town of Doncaster with his absolute pain in the arse approach mixed with skill and dogged determination. The Subs: Palmer: quite skilful and caused some issues down that right-hand side as we went in search of a winner. Gambin: only on for a few minutes but even in that time some nice touches. The Teams: Doncaster: Lawlor, Alcock, Butler, Mason (McSheffrey 77), Blair, Houghton (Middleton 60), Grant, Rowe, Coppinger, Williams (May 72), Marquis. Subs: Wright, Keegan, Evina, Etheridge (GK) Boked: Butler Luton: Macey, O’Donnell, Cuthbert, Sheehan, Senior, Rea, Smith, Pelly, Cook (Gambin 87), Hylton, Vassell (Palmer 76). Subs: Marriott, Lee, D’Ath, Justin, Moore (GK) Booked: Rea For the second time this season a game against those wonderful football folk from the North East, Hartlepool. Every time I visit Hartlepool it’s a delight to have a beer with such loyal, welcoming and knowledgeable supporters that stick with their home-town club despite other more glamorous clubs being close by.
Over a beer, before the game, we were saying just how nice it would be if we could do something along the lines of building up a three-goal lead and then maybe just relax and enjoy the game. Just how nice that would be rather than counting down the minutes as we defend a slender lead: well maybe one day. For his team selection, Nathan made three changes: in midfield Cook was still suffering from Saturday's neck injury and Smith was given a breather on the bench. This gave opportunities for D’Ath and Gambin to start whilst in defence courageous St Cuthbert was rested and the Wycombe game changer, and I don’t mean substitute, Mullins given a start. I suspect that Nathan was saving Cuthbert for the clash with Doncaster on Saturday. We started off well enough and were finding lots of space against a nervous Pools defence that were fresh from a 4-0 beating by the mighty Steve Evans inspired Mansfield on Saturday and it was Gambin who placed a glorious lobbed pass into the penalty area for Hylton to open the scoring after just five minutes: lovely move. Then just a few minutes later a cheeky free kick from Sheehan brought an excellent save by the very impressive Pools keeper Fryer who got down splendidly well to his left to make the save. A second goal did come and how unusual that is for a Luton side at home to be two goals up with under fifteen minutes on the clock. A long ball out of defence escaped a Pools player and was picked up by the excellent Gambin racing in from the left to smack the ball into the corner of the net. Oh, how lovely to be two goals up so early in a game; brings back memories. We kept going reasonably well until about the 30-minute mark and then for whatever reason, the whole tempo just drained from our game and Hartlepool started passing the ball to one another whilst we possibly took a breather. Still, a half-time cup of tea would surely get us back up and running for another goal or two against a very poor opposition. Well, it did not work out that way in the second half, maybe the half time cuppa was not up to standard who knows. The fact is Pools started to pass between players whilst some of our guys watched. You could take the view “that’s no problem, we kept them at arm's length”, well no, not the case as during the game there were three crosses/corners that went into our penalty area with keeper Macey watching along with Mullins, Rea and Sheehan. A better side than Pools could easily have grabbed a goal or possibly two back: surely some work for the training ground. As it is, NJ made a couple more substitutions and swopped the striking pair of Hylton and Vassell or the alternative striking pair of Palmer and Marriott to add a fresh leg or two to the attack. It was then possibly a little against the run of play that the very persistent Palmer managed to win the ball out by the right-hand corner flag as he bravely chased a lost cause, won the ball and made towards the goal. Palmer attempted to pass the ball to the unmarked Gambin but the ball was intercepted by a defender who could only divert the ball into the path of Palmer who gratefully smacked in number three: game over. Overall Impression: It was a really good first 30 minutes against a poor Hartlepool side. I was impressed by Gambin and D’Ath in midfield and again well done to NJ for bringing in real quality to our club. However, we lost our way from about the 30-minute mark, the tempo dropped from our game and really did not resurface that much in the second half. Defensively, we are only half the side without Cuthbert commanding in the centre of defence. I am probably happy enough with any of the other CBs playing alongside Cuthbert although my preference would probably be for an in-form Rea and Cuthbert together. Let’s make sure that Cuthbert is included for Saturday's important game at Doncaster. We really do need to work on Macey to get him to come off his line and use his 6’7” frame to catch the ball in the air and attack corners and crosses into the box. We got away with it on about three occasions last night but I can’t see us being so lucky on Saturday. Some thoughts on individual performances: Macey: he did not really have that much to do in the game. His kicking was good and he appears confident in himself. I reckon that with decent coaching and especially a bit of education of how to use his big frame in collecting crosses, a very good goalkeeper could be produced. Surely Arsenal aren’t serious about Macey being a player for the future; maybe they never put high crosses into the box in the premier league or the champions league! O’Donnell: as ever with SOD you get what it says on the tin: a fairly average L2 right back prone to repetitive errors but this is L2 and he is an L2 RB full stop. Last night there were no surprises from Nathan’s chosen right back. I do hope that young Justin who has more to offer, is selected on Saturday. Senior: one of the best players on the night; small yet powerful energetic character with a never say die attitude, pace and a decent cross. I got the impression in Nathan’s post match interview that Senior may well be rested shortly: just why the heck would you do that to a young hungry fit footballer reaching the top of his game? I just don’t think this young player will need resting; keep him playing. Please Nathan do not wrest him and play Sheehan at LB on Saturday. Mullins: fairly decent game but he really does struggle when a cross comes into the area; just does not seem to get near to it in the air but overall competent on the ground. Sheehan: that cultured left foot as ever. Gave problems for Pools with free kicks and a cheeky one almost crept in under the keeper. Just as with Mullins, Sheehan is very exposed with crosses/corners coming over into the area and rarely makes a Cuthbert like headed clearance. Rea: he was well managed by the referee when his over exuberance got the better of him and eventually earned him a booking for a series of dodgy tackles. Sadly, in my opinion, this quality player is way off his best and needs a little time out in my view. I really rate Glen Rea but he is just not enjoying the best of form at the moment. Pelly: some of his usual magic and it’s obvious that the talent is there and he is enjoying his game. Not his best game but nevertheless a decent game. D’Ath: I have seen D’Ath’s other games for us and it was obvious that he was best described as rusty and that’s to be expected but last night until he tired, I was really quite impressed with him. He is a clever player who will also scrap in midfield to gain possession. Gambin: from seeing in his first game at Wycombe, I have been impressed with him: yet another good signing by NJ. He has skill on the ball, works hard and last night that skill, particularly in the first 30 minutes of the game was in abundance. He beautifully chipped the ball through to Hylton for the opening goal and then scored one himself: a very good game. Vassell: he gave the Pools defenders a lot of problems with his physical presence and pace despite not being at his sparkling best. Hylton: it really looks to me as if the Duracell batteries need changing. I felt the same on Saturday yet he scored two and last night another goal. However, what is missing temporarily from his game is that effective harassing of the opposition and touches laying the ball off to colleagues. Even having said that, by most players standards, he had a good game last night. The Subs: Smith: came on for the tiring D’Ath and did his usual effort to close down the midfield. Palmer: I like the bloke, a sort of a lesser Hylton in high heels. Just like Hylton, he seems to have the ability to be a complete pain to the opposition; reckon he will do just fine with us. His goal was very “Danny like” in terms of being a persistent pain in the arse, not giving up etc. Marriott: did well in his time on the pitch and carved out a couple of opportunities that could easily have given him a goal. The Teams: Luton: Macey, O'Donnell, Mullins, Hylton (Palmer, 73), Rea, Pelly, Vassell (Marriott, 73), Senior, Gambin, D'Ath (Smith, 66), Sheehan Unused subs: Moore, Cuthbert, Gray, Justin Hartlepool: Fryer, Featherstone, Bates (Alessandra, 14), Thomas, Walker, Oates, Woods, Nelson (Amond, 61), Harrison, Richardson, Kavanagh Unused subs: Bartlett, Hawkins, Rooney, Martin, Hawkes Referee: John Brooks: I thought he did well, he did not want to be a star just an effective referee. Attendance: 6,965 including 90 dedicated Pools followers Oh, the joys of winter for a long distance Hatter: will the game on a snow threatened February day be on, what would travel be like? Well I remember the abandoned York game and the travel issues that day so the comfy Lexus stayed garaged and the workhorse 4x4 called on; better safe than sorry.
Well having got my selection issues sorted for the day it was Nathan’s turn and he decided apart from the suspended Mullins who was replaced by Captain Cuthbert, to field the same starting eleven as used against Yeovil. A reasonable team selection after the good performance against a weakened Yeovil team but for my money when you have a full back as exceptionally talented as James Justin you play him. Looking around the ground, the stadium seemed to be reasonably populated but maybe it looked more than it actually was with many supporters dressed in multi-layered winter bulk Russian Doll style to keep warm on such a cold winter’s day. What would this game turn out like? In the last five league games against Crawley, we have managed a solitary one point and that included that horrible home defeat when ”is Steve Evans wearing makeup”, the awful Brodie & McAllister tactically outthought Richard Money at the Kenny. Well with the game underway and only a few minutes in, O’Donnell from within his own penalty area, tried an odd clearing technique by belting the ball against Glen Rea; fortunately, the rebound from Rea was collected by Macey; doubt that one came from the training ground, could have been nasty! Then just a few minutes later Pelly connected with a cross from O’Donnell to draw a really splendid save from Morris in the Crawley goal; almost unbelievable you know quality keepers at L2 level such as Morris, McKeown & Norris; still, not to worry we have a good goalkeeping coach to develop youngsters for other clubs free of charge. There were a few other half chances in the first half notably one with Vassell running in on the right-hand side to have his shot well saved by Morris but in truth, Crawley were looking marginally the more likely side and had a couple of efforts close on goal themselves. We then had a lengthy stoppage for what appeared to be a worrying neck injury to Cook who was eventually carried off to be maybe a touch illogically replaced by Palmer; I just could not quite work out that game changing substitution in a midfield with Smith, Rea and Pelly. That resulted in Hylton, who did not look at his best in the first half, dropping deeper. The half, which was really quite forgettable, thankfully ground to a halt; surely we would improve in the second half and gain the upper hand against this bogey team. Well, you can live in hope but with the second half underway, there was really no obvious improvement in the shape of our game. We had a couple of early second-half attacks with a decent flighted free kick from Sheehan that was cleared plus efforts from Vassell and Hylton yet it was not terribly surprising when Crawley took the lead. The goal came from a combination of a decent pass forward for Crawley to a single attacker accompanied by three Luton defenders in near attendance. The Crawley striker did well whilst our defenders did not and the Crawley man got himself into a good position for a shot on goal. That shot was well saved by the advancing Macey who parried the ball away only for Collins, remember him from Shrewsbury, following up to hammer in the goal. All credit to Macey who made the good initial save and almost got to the shot from Collins. Well, it’s business as usual, after all, we are Luton Town and we have a knack of going a goal behind at home. Nathan then decided the formation which was a touch light on the skill side in midfield, was not really working and did what a few of us thought he would have done with his first substitution, sent on Gambin in place of Vassell. We now began to look as if we had a little more shape plus a touch of plan B shape. Also, there was a bit more skill about us with Gambin getting involved and trying to get things moving out wide. Then we came really close to an equaliser with an absolutely cracking shot from the edge of the area by Palmer that keeper Morris did splendidly well to save. An equaliser and what an ugly one it was, was initiated from another Sheehan free-kick near the right corner flag. The ball was nicely flighted into the area for a whole mess of close range heading & contacting before the ball was belted into the net from a few inches out by Hylton; yes ugly but ugly will sometimes be welcome. Could our very average L2 Hatters actually win against this equally average L2 opposition? Well yes, maybe we could as some superb Pelly magic in the 76th minute saw him create wonderful space with his trickery in the penalty area and send over the sweetest of delicate crosses for Hylton to gratefully hammer the ball into the net. Good finishing from Hylton for goal number 17 of the season but masses of credit to creator Pelly. The task was then to see the game out and maybe that would not have been possibly had it not been for Walton’s, whoops sorry Macey’s superb save from a well struck shot at about the 80th minute mark. A few more anxious minutes followed before the referee decided enough was enough on this bitterly cold day and called an end to this mostly forgettable game but one should not moan as the three points are simply so welcome. Overall impression: We have played much, much better and lost to the likes of Stevenage but yesterday we unattractively battled our way to three points without ever looking top three material; such is life in a long 46 game season. Also how nice it is to actually win a league game against Crawley after six attempts. To my view, I felt slightly more confident with Macey in goal than with Moore and Macey did make a couple of really decent saves and that must have boosted his confidence a lot. Shape-wise we looked a touch dull after Cook was injured and I fancy Nathan will have to have a little rethink but having said that It’s good that we have plan B Palmer on the books until the end of the season. Sticking with shape, I felt Rea had a stinker of a game just far too many mistakes from a fairly talented young man. Looking at the other results in L2, it still looks like the only automatic slot for promotion remaining open will be third place and to that extent, it was nice to hear that Carlisle had been thrashed 1-4 at home by Blackpool. Maybe if we can recapture our Crewe, Cambridge, Wycombe form then we may still be in with a chance but we really need to improve on yesterday's showing. Some thought on individual performances: Macey: I thought that overall he did quite well; maybe a little uncertain in a couple of actions but Walton would have been happy to own that late superb save that Macey made. O’Donnell: usual performance, some good parts and some not so good. He made one really good cross and some others that are best forgotten. I am by far from his greatest critic but compared to Justin he is really fairly average. Cuthbert: decent game and always trying to get our side moving. Sheehan: produced some really nice free kicks including the one from which we scored the equaliser but got a touch lost in the move that resulted in Crawley’s goal. The likes of Frankie Musonda must be breathing down his neck I would have thought. Senior: good performance and well to Mick Harford/NJ for bringing such a class left back to our club. Rea: I though this very promising young player had a rather poor game with his distribution all over the place and often needlessly conceding possession. Smith: usual pitch covering performance but did make some poor passes; he has played much better in recent games. Cook: what a shame with his injury. Just as he was doing a “Lawless” and emerging after a dodgy start with Luton, he picks up what hopefully will not prove to be a bad injury. Pelly: our best player on the pitch by some distance. Wanted the ball, created the winning goal and gave full value over the 90 minutes. Vassell: maybe the exertions of Tuesday’s cup win took it out of him a little: he will play better in games to come. Hylton: looked very lethargic in the first half but if lethargy scores you two goals to yield 17 to date for the season despite various red/yellow absences, he will do for me. The Subs: Palmer: for such a tall man he does not seem to get off the ground that well Zdenek Kroca? Overall though, he looks a decent addition to the squad and had a very good shot from range well saved by the Crawley keeper. Gambin: busy, skilful; should have started in my opinion. Marriott: injury time sub to run the clock down. The Teams Luton: Macey, O’Donnell, Cuthbert ©, Sheehan, Senior, Rea, Smith, Pelly, Cook (Palmer 42), Hylton (Marriott 90+6), Vassell (Gambin 67). Subs: Gray, D’Ath, Justin, Moore. Yellows: Palmer, Rea Crawley: Morris, Connolly, Boldewijn (Bawling 84), Jimmy Smith, Roberts, Collins, Young, Djalo (Murphy 79), Lelan, Cox, Henderson (Payne 84). Subs: Mersin (GK), Blackman, Clifford. Yellows: Lelan We all have bad days in our life and I fully appreciate that NJ is trying to build a team here and yes, that can take time. However, some of his decisions last night must surely go permanently into the hard drive memory bank of our young manager. Building that side can take time as shown by the Luton legend David Pleat; I just hope Nathan really does learn from his mistakes and to be fair, any manager, particularly one learning his trade, will make mistakes!
The game itself in honesty, I did not think we were really too bad for the first half and in truth we were very unlucky to be a goal behind at halftime. Cook was unlucky with a beautifully struck free kick that smacked the bar and Vassell unfortunately, could not connect with a low ball across the area with the goal almost undefended. As for Cheltenham, well it was their lucky day with a nervous rookie keeper Moore, in goal for Luton, and making a total mess of a long punt forward from the Cheltenham keeper. Moore pushed the ball behind for a corner and from that corner, he flapped away at the ball before making and aimless shoulder-high punch at the ball as it bounced around: awful defending and 0-1 to Cheltenham. We kept playing football and were creating some nice passing moves but unfortunately fell further behind when Senior and assisting midfielders left Barthram free to accept a great pass from Winchester and slot the ball past Moore, nicely taken goal: 0-2. As I said we had chances in that first half and Vassell did latch on to a beautiful little pass from Pelly and slot the ball into the net:1-2 to Cheltenham. Unfortunately, Smith had picked up a foot injury during the first half and had to be replaced in the second half but hell why the feck with Olly Lee. Smith’s role was to run round tackling and breaking up play; replacing him with the man publically condemned by NJ, well it just does not add up to me; Olly Lee pulls out more than a Vatican guard! Nathan, why not move Rea up in Smiths place after all we did have Sheehan on the bench and that should have been more than enough to hold the mighty Cheltenham. In the second half we lost our way further and incredibly Lee took over Pelly’s role and thus just about nullifying the effectiveness of Pelly and Gambin for that matter. Most of the passes that Lee made were underweighted or ridiculous passes to players already in tightly marked positions. Things got worse when on a breakaway Cheltenham hit their third goal: 1-3 to Cheltenham. I don’t want to be getting at Olly all the time especially after the way Paul hart praised him but sadly Lee’s tracking back and covering for that third goal was simply awful. We did pick up a second goal when Lee, quite cleverly, belted a low free kick into the crowded box and it was deflected into the goal: 2-3 to Cheltenham. Also just before the end of the game, we should have had a penalty when Vassell was hauled down but perhaps referee Mr Busby was evening things out for his two penalty gifts to us in the FA Cup game at Exeter. Overall Impression: A very dispiriting night’s performance, not just by the players who had to, unfortunately chase the game from early on, but also from our learning manager! I understand now that the selection of Moore over King gave us the option to sign an emergency loan keeper as had we played King, who has four first team, checkertrade games, that would have taken him to 5 appearances and raised him to “senior keeper status” thus preventing the arrival of an emergency loan goalkeeper. It appears it was also for that reason that Walton played in the game against Chesterfield: thanks to Mahatma Gander a poster on Outlaws for the provision of that information. It can’t have been easy for Moore having never trained with the defenders in front of him but really he has to take ownership for that opening goal. I also feel that NJ has to own the substitutions and can’t see any sense in persevering with Olly Lee but I thought that NJ had learnt that one! Well, let’s accept that this team building lark does take time and as mentioned earlier it took our legend Pleat a while before he got things exactly as he wanted them. Yes, painful as another little window of opportunity opens then rapidly closed by our own actions but that’s life following Luton. Some thoughts on individual performances: Moore: looked very nervous and was at fault for the first goal firstly flapping and then making an aimless shoulder-high punch at the falling ball. What an awful confidence destroying start for the young loan player. From his performance as the game progressed he just seemed to be destroyed by that early error and flapped at another cross in the second half. I hope he can recover and recover quickly. Justin: not his best game and he really needs to work on the timing of his crossing. On so many occasions his cross was blocked by a Cheltenham player. Senior: probably our best player on the night as he tenaciously fought for everything. He was partly at fault for allowing the Cheltenham scorer so much space for their second goal but the lack of covering from midfield was also a factor. Cuthbert: I have written just so many times that to get the best out of Cuthbert you need a goalkeeper behind him who is both competent and confident coming off his line. Cuthbert with Mitchell or Cuthbert with Walton; excellent. Cuthbert with line hogging Tyler or dodgy Justham: no, just not the same centre back. Rea: loads of spirit as ever Pelly: looked good in the first half but very diluted by the introduction of Lee in the second half. One for your learning memory bank Nathan. Smith: I thought he did fairly but unfortunately according to the club, picked up a foot injury and was replaced at halftime. Gambin: again looked really creative and capable of doing something with the ball: I think I would have left him on the pitch rather than substituting him. Cook: again showed some decent touches plus had a splendid free kick that struck the bar in the first half. Marriott: not his best evening although he never gave up trying and to his credit tackling back. He was replaced by D’Ath after with half an hour to go: why D’Ath and not Banton? Vassell: missed one, although the ball as far as I could see was marginally behind him, and scored one. He should really have also been awarded a penalty very late in the game but perhaps referee Mr Busby was evening things out for his two penalty gifts to us in the FA Cup game at Exeter. The Subs: Lee: introduced at the start of the second half and ousted Pelly from his holding role to the midfield wilderness. I could say that Olly sprayed the ball around with casual ease and arrogance as he effortlessly found a player, any player in any shirt, with each and every touch. The guy to his credit never hides but simply is just not good enough. D’Ath: took over the anonymous role from Cook: can’t say I am at all impressed to date. Alright, you could say he has hardly played this season and is a touch rusty but surely when you are desperate for a goal Banton would have been a better bet. Gray: did not really manage to get into the game enough in my view. |
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December 2017
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