Well, a second trip to the South West in the space of 21 days to take on Exeter with an early start from home for the part drive part coach journey, 550-mile round trip. I find that distance drivable in the summer months but not on a cold November day; still, we have a lot of those long trips out of the way now for this season. The Exeter trip would hopefully give us a chance to get a bit of midfield movement & motion after the Portsmouth lesson on Tuesday when our midfield were really totally nullified in the second half by a very good Portsmouth side. These days, no visit to the 4th tier version of St James's park would be complete without a visit to the real ale bar in the supporters club and a good catch up with other football supporters from both clubs; all good stuff. What a wonderful job they do at that club where they have two bars one offering conventional stuff and the other dedicated to a variety of local real ales and ciders; can’t be bad, as ever well done to the splendid CAMRA volunteers who man the bar. Over a beer or two, we received the team news that certainly seemed to make the real ale bar a greater attraction for the next couple of hours than watching the declared Luton line up. Nathan had decided to drop Gilliead and Pelly to the bench; ok, they were not brilliant on Tuesday but their replacements did not get greeted with much enthusiasm by the group I was enjoying a beer with. Olly Lee was moved further up midfield to the tip of the graphite with Rea taking the holding role and Cuthbert returning to the starting line-up. In addition secret agent Cook, on deep undercover duties, took the place of Gilliead. So the question was, were we about to see an afternoon of midfield dominance against lowly Exeter who have struggled at home all season. Well, the answer to that question was rapidly answered from the first to the last minute in what has to be one of the least inspiring, least entertaining and most instantly forgettable games so far this season. For whatever reason for periods, we seemed to abandon much of a midfield option at least for the first 60 minutes or so of the game with a very overused and unproductive long ball approach that was really just getting us nowhere. Any attempts to play the ball on the deck through midfield just petered out in the congested middle of the field and it could not be blamed on the pitch which to my mind played well enough. The chemistry in the midfield just does not form at present and it’s puzzling because when you look at the various individuals they all have something to offer yet the sum of all parts is about 75% of what it should be if you get my drift. The thinking man's midfield trio of McGeehan, Cook and Lee looked as if they had just been introduced to each other as they really struggled to link anything at all together. In fact Cook again in his undercover role could hardly be noticed, just the odd sporadic decent pass and Lee was hardly effective in his more forward role if that was what it was meant to be; it simply was not working as planned and we drifted to half time with little excitement or promise of a goal. Hell, that was a truly boring first half with nothing at all to excite and warm up the cold supporters of both sides. The second half did little to lift the spirits and I don’t know what other supporters felt but I struggled to get a feel for the whole picture, the whole plan: what was Lee’s role, what did we expect from Cook etc. Later in the second half, Nathan made the Gilliead+Pelly change we did start to look a little better but really nowhere near the threat that we need to be against clubs like Exeter if we are to achieve our promotion ambitions this season. Of course, we could moan, as Paul Hart did, about the penalty that was not given but from where I was sitting that did not look like a foul on Hylton. In fact, the closest both teams came to a goal was a long shot from Exeter that hit the bar: then we had the quality free kick from Sheehan and the magical speed of Vassell that produced a chance for Lee that was saved by the keeper. To me, the real problem that Nathan will I am sure sort, is the lack of movement in midfield where we have a group of players who just struggle to run into space to give the guy in possession an option or preferably a number of options for making a telling pass. Result, nobody available and because of this the ball goes backwards; now I can readily cope with that as long as the players are then looking to create space and make themselves available for the next pass. Oh, frustration, maybe we are just too predictable, maybe we are just not good at the style of football we are trying to play. Urgency, well maybe in the final few minutes of the game we saw some from both sides but hell, it was still very dull and I waited to be put out of my misery by the final whistle, honestly it was such a dull game it really needed to be brought to an end simply to be kind to the supporters. Yet the timekeeper cruelly opted for 5 minutes added time that drew a groan from most; just not nice, not kind. The Sunday Rant Well is it fair to start with team selection or is it just a simple fact that whatever combination Nathan selects they will struggle to really control the game? We do seem to have a number of midfielders who are not at their best at the minute or is it a case of them just not collectively being good enough for the needs of L2? NJ and PH are certainly not fools and I really suspect that they genuinely see something really good in training from both Lee & Cook but sadly that just does not replicate on match days. Can’t really think of a description of an anti-rant and I don’t want to say “songs of praise” but I have to give a very special word to Nathan Jones who took the trouble to come onto the Bobbers coach and thank the supporter for their efforts in supporting the team: such a nice gesture. Well done Nathan, mark of a great man. General thoughts: neither team really got to grips with the game. Had we been playing away to let’s say, Carlisle, then it would be classified as a good performance but as we were playing a very average Exeter, I would say it was just a handy point. In terms of defence we were decent enough with Cuthbert and Justin looking good but in terms of midfield, the current players available just don't appear to dominate a game. We really need players running into space and creating movement for a touch more to happen. Maybe it was for that reason i.e. we were struggling to create in midfield, that we used the ineffective long ball a fair lot in the game, particularly in the first half. Maybe it will be a case of some out and some in when we reach the January window. Never mind, good company and good beer as ever contribute to a good day out slightly dulled by the football bit in the middle but hey a point is a point and worth having. Hopefully, the thoughts of the game will not linger in my mind for a long time as even when journeying home writing these notes, I was finding it difficult to recall anything but boredom from the first half of the game; honest, that was not down to the lovely local ales. However, we are still in a very good position in 5th place. What a volatile L2, Wycombe who were right down the bottom a few weeks back are now in the play-off places. Shame we can't really get it together in a bit more of a productive way as this division seems to be wide open with almost anybody capable of beating anybody: Plymouth's defeat at Morecambe was their third on the bounce and Tuesdays master class tutors, Pompey, losing at home to awful Stevenage. Overall, it’s such a shame that a few of our draws could not have been converted to three points. Some thoughts on individual performances: The defence as a unit were fine: Walton: decent enough game and only looked a touch troubled once when he appeared to dive late for a shot down to his right-hand side but he got there and pushed the ball around the post for a corner. Justin: another good display from this youngster who seems to get physically stronger each week; quite decisive in his style and worth his place in the side. Cuthbert: well I am really glad that our management team saw the light and reinstated the captain to the starting line-up. Won just about everything in the air and most on the deck; a good game. A good old 4th division centre-half. Just why was he left out of the side on Tuesday; sorry, I am ranting again; apologies. Mullins: decent enough game, nothing fancy but solid enough. Sheehan: probably put under more pressure than Justin and reasonable enough at LB but surely not the long term answer for that position. He almost scored with a really decent free kick from outside the area that forced the keeper into a good save at the top left-hand corner of his goal. The midfield: that smudgy graphite formation again! Rea: not his best game in my view; generally did well in defence but gave away quite a few free kicks. Rea did not look his usual “well in controlled self” in my view. Cook: well another Cook game where he kept his secretive skills well hidden from view. There must surely be more to Cook than we have seen to date but rather than starting him, I would rather see him used later in the game until he builds some belief. Ok, he can on occasion place great pass, there was on one Tuesday night but surly he should do other stuff in between? Is it just confidence with Cook at the moment? McGeehan: brilliant effort in making 100 appearances for the club and scoring around 30 goals. He pleasingly put himself physically into the game and was probably the best of the “creative trio” but nothing really significant came off for him. Lee: Lee did have once chance on goal from a classy Vassell cross but the keeper saved well. Worryingly, in Hart’s post-match interview he described Olly as the most skilful player at the club; really! Maybe Paul Hart is on strong medication, I don’t know; maybe it’s me; I feel confused, send for the men in the white coats, I give up, it’s all too much for me. The strikers; they tend to play better if chances are created but maybe I am being picky! Vassell: played well in my opinion and a terrific turn of pace absolutely skinned his marker to give a chance to Olly but it was blocked by the keeper. Well done Mick Harford, quite a find Vassell and I am happy to have him around. Hylton: oh so loved by the Exeter crowd. Gave his usual whole-hearted effort but could not manage a breakthrough of any type. The subs Gilliead: got more involved than Cook had managed to do but found the attentive marking of the home defence tough going. On one occasion when on the right he had three minders; ok that’s difficult for him but his presence surely created space that should have been exploited by others. Pelly: a couple of threatening bursts but not much else from the strangely deep position he took when he came on. Marriott: not really on long enough to make much of an impression on the game. The Teams: Exeter: Pym, Woodman, James, Wheeler (Simpson, 87), Watkins, Moore-Taylor, McAlinden (Oakley, 64), Taylor, Sweeney (Ampadu, 71), Reid, Brown Luton: Walton, Mullins, Cuthbert, McGeehan, Hylton, Cook: unused player (Gilliead, 70), Rea, Lee (Pelly, 60), Vassell (Marriott, 82), Justin, Sheehan Unused subs: King, O'Donnell, Smith, Mackail-Smith, Gilliead Our supporters: another great effort for consecutive away trip with over 600 turning up to cheer on the Hatters.
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Well not our favourite side to play against: since our return to L2 in the five meetings we have managed a haul of a measly two points but fair play to Portsmouth, they are really a very decent side.
What a start, we could so easily have been a goal down after a couple of minutes when Portsmouth’s Clark was shamefully left totally unchallenged at the far post and I thought the header was surely in the net but thankfully Sheehan scooped the ball off the line; blimey I said to my partner, where the hell is Cuthbert when you need him. Then a couple of minutes later a super Sheehan cross is turned into the net by Hylton followed by another dramatic acceleration from Vassell that created another one for Hylton but sadly it’s offside. Then Portsmouth equaliser with a long range shot that I thought Walton should maybe have saved but having said that the scorer should really have been closed down by our defenders. So there we are 1-1 and lot’s of end to end stuff; good exciting stuff for the fourth tier of English football. Then just before half time another bit of a mess in the air within the Town’s box when a ball is just not cleared and bang, we are a goal behind. No changes for the second half despite that Cuthbertless struggle in the air; maybe NJ would have made that change if we had been level, who knows. The second period really became one of almost total control for Portsmouth as our midfield were just nullified by the smarter Pompey tactics. Pompey hit the bar with a free header, missed a sitter with a free header and then scored a late goal when Sheehan was a touch caught out. In that second half, we had a couple of chances including a shot from distance cleared off the line but I never thought that one was going to go in. I feel that all Town fans will admit that we were beaten on the night by a better side who apart from that first 10 minute period, were simply first to the ball and mostly swamped our midfield. Just what is it with our midfield? When Lee is closed down we are immediately down to virtually 10 men. On their day and at times Gilliead and Pelly did some nice work but all too often drifted from play as midfield was lost to the visitors. McGeehan, yes whilst I am hugely appreciative of his magnificent goal return from midfield, once again he did not turn in the type of performance that we need. I have quite a bit of time for Cam but goals apart there is surely more to come from him than we have seen since that transfer speculation a few weeks back. Then there is the would be game changer Cook, surely the best-kept secret in league two: just what does he contribute to the team; whatever it is he has to offer, it certainly is not shown in league games. Pompey manager Cook really tactically got the better of NJ in the second half as his midfield often consisted of what seemed like five players with the ability to break wide and severely test that terribly narrow formation that appears to be the only plan in town for the Hatters. This narrow shape works well enough away from home, in fact, I enjoy it away from home when we get more space on the ball than at the Kenny. The term diamond, an allotrope of carbon, of course, applies to that sharp cutting and so solid precious gem. That same element carbon also gives us graphite and it was certainly the soft, smudgy flaky graphite version that appeared in our midfield for the second half of the game. There was really nothing sharp about that midfield formation in the second half of the game when we hardly created a chance on goal. General Summary We lost to a better side but it was an entertaining night particularly the first half in which both side really went for it. We did look so susceptible in the air at the back and maybe Cuthbert would have cooled that one and given us a better chance against a really decent Portsmouth side. At least four times our defence was dreadfully exposed in the air and that could so easily have given Portsmouth a further two or three goals; the centre back combination of Mullins and Rea or indeed anything without Cuthbert is just not strong enough in the air for L2. So there we are, an entertaining evening, especially the first half even if the second half was frustrating from a Hatter's point of view. If we finish in the top seven then please, please Pompey finish in the top three as I don’t want to play against you guys in the play off. Never mind, we are still 5th in the league and ready to go again on Saturday at Exeter. The Sunday Rant on a Wednesday Losing is part of the game, not fun but usually more palatable when against a better side and last night Portsmouth were certainly the better side. However, what is annoying is when we through Nathan’s faithful team selection, reduced our fighting chance right from the start with his team selection. We could see on Saturday that the defence without Cuthbert really struggled against a relatively poor Morecambe side when they hit a few crosses into the box, we got away with that, but Nathan surely knew that Portsmouth would be an entirely stronger proposition in the air: does that ex-centre back Paul Hart offer any advice? Secondly, that ferocious midfield assassin Lee whose yellow card collection rivals the one of Danny Hylton’s has been nullified in so many games this season putting further pressure on our team. As we were playing one of the best teams in the division with some gifted midfield players, just why did NJ think things would be different last night; they were not. He is not a bad player Olly Lee with a good pass and strong shot but simply not the guy for the midfield enforcer role. Before the game myself and most others felt that the obvious selection would be to push Rea forward to holding midfield and have Cuthbert in the centre of defence: horses for courses as the saying goes; we were not, after all, playing Morecambe. So for me, I readily accept that we lost to a very good well-organised side but feel a sense of frustration that the team selection just did not give us our best chance of getting something from the game. A Few Thought on Individual Performances Walton: pulled of one particularly good save diving to his right but could he maybe have got to that shot for the first goal? Justin: tough night for him against a good side and he could have done with a bit more cover in front of him but I thought he did well. Mullins & Rae: both decent on the deck but I feel that together, as seen last night, they are just too short to compete well enough in the air. Sheehan: quite a mixture, some good crosses, gave away a few too many free kicks and partly at fault for the third goal. Lee: not his fault that he is not and will never be an effective holding midfielder; it’s just not in him to do the job that Nathan wants. Pelly: decent first half with tricks on show but needed to probably get a touch wider in the second half. Gilliead: some usual trickery in the first half but nullified by the Portsmouth midfield in the second half. McGeehan: put in a lot of physical effort but lie his midfield colleagues just really did not makea mark on the game in the second half. Vassell: superb turn of speed that did create problems but needs at least some midfield service. Hylton: as ever, what you see is what you get, stacks of determination, skill and effort. The game changers: Cook: I can recall one or maybe two good passes but secret agent Cook was working so deeply undercover that he never made any real impression on the game. Marriott: on for Vassell but like Vassell needs service to really do much. CMS: came on late to do his annoying wasp impression. Luton: Walton, Mullins, McGeehan, Hylton, Gilliead (Cook, 58), Rea, Mpanzu, Lee, Vassell (Marriott, 79), Justin (Mackail-Smith, 86), Sheehan Unused subs: O'Donnell, Smith, Cuthbert, King Portsmouth: Forde, Stevens Rose, Clarke, Burgess, Baker, Doyle, Smith (Hunt, 90), Roberts (Naismith, 74), Bennett (Whatmough, 88), Evans A journey to the cold and wet Northwest visiting the endearing Morecambe Bay area to take on the rather out of form, well at least out of form recently, Morecambe. I have to say for whatever reason, I really enjoy my visits to Morecambe with its really attractive bay and splendid views over to the Cumbrian fells; a long old trip for the 500+ travelling Hatters. After a stroll along the front, paying due respects to Eric, it was time for a couple of pints of the lovely Lancaster Ale and a very welcome and warming meal at the Palatine Inn; just the stuff for fortifying the body against the bleak rain, hail and low temperature.
Winding the clock back a little to 7:30 that day a group of Hatters supporters were worrying over the cappuccino as there was talk of a 9:30 pitch inspection at Morecambe following a couple of days of heavy rain. Little did we suspect at the time that we were later in the day going to witness the most complete away performance since the 5-0 win at Alfreton back in the Conference days. Like all travelling Hatters, experiencing travel issues and delays are something that goes with the territory; just something you get on with. Thankfully the trains despite some nasty weather were by and large fine for the Morecambe trip; the odd delay bit nothing to really grumble about. The travel gremlin on Saturday decided to hitch a ride with the Bobbers travel coach who were unfortunately stuck on the M6 for a couple of hours and missed the first half hour of the game. For the game, Nathan made a few changes to the Accrington line up with Pelly coming in for the suspended Cook, Mullins replacing the unwell Cuthbert and Vessel taking Marriott's place in the starting 11. Right from the start, the town set about their task of taking the game to Morecambe with some really decent link up football as they really tried to move the ball quickly and put Morecambe under pressure. That pressure on the Morecambe goal almost paid off early in the game as we created a number of half-chances. Thankfully the Town kept up that pressure and after 28 minutes a really fine shot from Hylton from outside the penalty area sent the ball crashing into the bottom left-hand corner of the net: a really fine goal from our leading scorer Hylton a guy playing at the top of his game. Other chances or more correctly, half chances followed, and by halftime, it really would not have been at all flattering if we had been at least two goals in front of our hosts. However, having said that, I do feel that in that first half we missed Cuthbert's height and dominance in the air a touch as seen with a couple of really nice crosses that our defenders slightly struggled with but that was the only time the defence creaked a touch as the remainder of the time they were really tops. Well, in keeping with other travelling Hatters, I was both happy with the lead and the style of our first half performance which was more like a conventional home performance than a cagy away performance. There was lots of possession but possession with players looking to move into space and make themselves available to receive the ball in midfield and move forward; all encouraging stuff. Predictably, the second half started with Morecambe showing more intent having been given words of wisdom possibly concerning their future employment at half time. However, in that first 10 minutes or so of the second half, they did not really create anything of note that threatened the excellent Walton's goal. After that little Morecambe flutter early in the first half, it was the resumption our domination and it was not that surprising when we doubled our lead. The goal came from a sweet attacking move with Pelly nicely passing the ball to the outstanding Justin who cut into the area and unleashed a terrific shot that the keeper parried onto the bar only for the onrushing “universal soldier” Vassell to head over the line from almost 6 inches out; simple!y just great to see Isaac Vassell get his first goal in league football and a goal that his performance richly deserved. It has to be said that the Morecambe defenders simply found it really difficult to cope with Vassell’s strength, pace and energy; I am really pleased for the guy and now he is up and running let's see what he may do; I reckon we really have a player there. From that point on, we could with a touch more luck have added a couple of more goals as Pelly, Hylton and Vassell went desperately close and Morecambe had no answer other than the odd long range shot such was dominance of our defence. Late in the game Whitmore of Morecambe was given a straight red for a foul on fabulous Olly Lee, no not a typo, Olly had time on the ball as was not pressurised and had a very decent game. Whoops, nearly forgot, the oh so excellent Danny boy did a really stupid thing very late on in the game when in a position of totally no threat, he fouled a Morecambe player and added to his priceless collection of yellows; silly boy! I have no doubt that if Nathan’s body language was anything to go by at the end of the game that they won't be singing Oh Danny Boy in the bath together. Overall impression: A thoroughly accomplished performance from our team with lots of possession and thoughtful passing that always gave us the upper hand against a fairly poor Morecambe side. To our great credit and the pleasure of Hatters fans, we really tried to move the ball about quickly and get at Morecambe. Our approach proved very effective particularly as Hylton supported by the “universal soldier” Vassell did not give the Morecambe defence a moment's rest; simply no ball was a lost cause for these two and it was just so impressive to see the pair winning back the ball from defenders; great stuff. Maybe if we had not tried to take that extra step or two on several occasions and shoot, then the score could have matched that of the famous 5-0 Alfreton victory. We really did have some outstanding individual performances which I give some thoughts on below but it has to be said that every player had a good performance and most importantly played for each other; just the way we want it to be. The Sunday Rant Well, I don't really have one as such as it was in total a brilliant day out. However, although it's hardly a rant, I did sympathise with some long distance Exeter supporters on the train travelling back from Carlisle where they were winning up until the 89th minute only for Carlisle to hit two ultra late goals. I said I would catch up with them next week for a pint in the Centre Spot club at St James's park. I really hope that these guys pull their way back up the league but only after next Saturday's game when I hope we collect another three points. OK, I am ranting, but for me, the type of football supporters I respect so much are the likes of these Exeter guys; lovers of their local club and not Chelski bandwagon jumpers. Some Impressions of Individual Performances: Walton: simply as impressive as ever, caught the ball very cleanly and used the ball well with almost every clearance: a top keeper at this or indeed the next level up. I do hope Brighton get promoted to the Premier and decide they need a cartload of foreign goalkeepers maybe that way we could keep him. Incidentally, same wish applies to Gilliead and to be honest if Newcastle do go back to the Premier as seems likely, they will simply chuck cash around the globe chasing the dream, so we may have a chance there. Justin: composed, classy, fast and showing every game what a really fine wing back he is maturing into. I have to say I really rate James Justin simply the best right back we have had at the club for a very long time. Mullins: very sound game and showing what a really good reader of the game he can be: possibly a more athletic version of that great game reader from the past Steve McNulty but without the gift for rugby tackles. Rea: a good game at the centre of the defence getting his tackles in really well. With Rea you know what you are going to get game after game; L1 would be so easy for this guy. Sheehan: he does take some really good corners and apart from those dear ball efforts, really sound and safe game. Lee: really this was his type of game as he was not totally pressurised by the opposition thus giving him time to show the prettier side of his ferocious nature. Joking aside, Olly had a very good game but I won't get excited in L2 terms unless we play Morecambe every week. I still reckon he could do a very useful job with Rea as holding midfielder behind him. Pelly: a very decent game and almost scored on a couple of occasions as he worked little triangles and cut holes in the Morecambe defence; keep playing him Nathan, he will get better and better. Just do remember Mr Pelly to shoot a bit more often; you have a cracking shot so don’t be afraid to use it. Gilliead: sorry if this is getting monotonous but like others, he played well; not at his sweet best but a good game as he forever looked to take the opposition on and did his bit in winning the ball back. McGeehan: stuck at it all afternoon and whilst not outstanding, simply decent enough and as ever, always willing to power his way into the area. Vassell: well we are balanced on a knife edge here with Vassell in my opinion: just a little tip of that balance in the right direction that suggests we really may have a star player in Isaac Vassell. He has pace, power, bravery, he can head the ball; I have to say I like him. Hylton: simply superb; he was a total pain to the Morecambe defence all afternoon. Every time a Morecambe defender thought he had won the ball then in flies Danny boy to take the ball off his toe and get another attack moving. The travelling supporters just love the guy; totally the real deal when it comes to a clever centre forward. The Subs: Smith: Came on at about the 80th minute for Pelly and as ever with Smith “what you see is what you get”; total commitment. Marriott: Nathan sent him on in the 83rd minute to give Vassell a break and in the moves he was involved in, Marriott looked hungry. Gray: came on as the last sub and never really had time to make much of an impact on the game. The Teams: Morecambe: Roche, McGowan, Edwards, Winnard, Murphy (Turner 71), Molyneux, Ellison (Mullin 71), Whitmore, Jennings, Stockton (Massanka 82), Rose. Subs: Nizic, Wakefield, Conlan, Dunn. Yellow: Rose Red: Whitmore Luton: Walton, Justin, Mullins, Rea, Sheehan, Lee, McGeehan, Mpanzu (Smith 83), Gilliead (Gray 86), Vassell (Marriott 80), Hylton. Subs: O’Donnell, Mackail-Smith, McQuoid, King (GK) Yellow: Smith, Hylton On a dull November day, the Last Post was played quite beautifully within our creaking old ground amid a total hush as all football supporters came together in remembrance for those who have fallen in service of their country. The silence gave you time to briefly reflect on the often futile sacrifice that war brings and as we were hosting Accrington, I thought of the decimation of the Pals from that town. Well, all associated with LTFC, supporters and players for such a respectful ceremony. Nathan was forced to make one change from last week's starting line-up at Exeter with Jack Marriott returning from injury to replace Pelly who got a second yellow at Exeter when he foolishly attacked an Exeter players Elbow with his neck. A shame to be without Pelly as he is one of the few capable of running at defences especially when we are trying to unlock the door at home. The first half was one of those truly frustrating affairs with lots of square passing as our players looked for space and movement from midfield but that space and movement rarely came. Indeed a really frustrating aspect of the first half so slow walking pace build up with the ball often from the back reaching Cuthbert who in passing terms, had a wretched first half. Cuthbert has had some great games of late but his distribution in that first 45 minutes was awful; indeed one dreadful miss was just surreal; no player within any distance, no danger and Cuthbert somehow simply managed to kick the ball out for a throw. Not the stuff we are used to from our captain who has been outstanding recently. Around about the half hour mark at last looked like we may break the deadlock when McGeehan hit the bar followed by a couple more half chances been created by our team but really that was about the strength of the excitement for the first 45 minutes lots of possession play but difficulty in slicing through a well organised Accrington side who were a touch more defensively minded than on their last visit to the Kenny. Before I leave the first half, I should really give praise to the Accrington goalkeeper Parish, who made a really outstanding save near the foot of his right-hand post as he changed direction so brilliantly to save what seemed to be a certain goal for the Town. Looking at Accrington, you have to give immense credit to John Coleman who just does such a superb job in bringing together such a competitive side on a zero-based budget. Thankfully, maybe with wise words from NJ at half time, we managed to up the tempo a touch in the second half and patiently stuck at the task of breaking down our stubborn visitors. Around about the 60 minute mark we won a free kick in a very inviting position just outside of the penalty area: who would take it? Would it be the ever willing McGeehan or the cultured left foot of Alan Sheehan; shades of Hartlepool away? As it turns out Sheehan shot the ball over the wall and hit the bar for the ball to come back into play almost on the goal line but luck was not with us and we could not turn the ball into the net: was this going to be another afternoon of frustration in the effort to gain all three points for our promotion push? It has to be said that our chances of getting something more than a point from the game certainly looked to be on the up with the introduction of the “something to prove” Vassell. He was so totally wound up to take the game that it was a pleasure to see. Well, the frustration was set to continue. Cuthbert was now back on his game, probably given some half time advice about passing the ball from his fellow Scott bench-man O’Donnell; they do tend to offer each other advice. In fact, it really looked as if Cuthbert would give us the lead after about 60 minutes when from close range he really looked like he must score with a header but that header somehow found the legs of Parish: was it a great save, was Parish lucky? Well, luck favours the brave and Parish was having a really good game for Accy. Finally, we did take the lead when “right time, right place” Cam was on hand to score with a looping effort that somehow found the net when other much more worthy efforts from himself and others had failed to do so. Who cares, a goal is a goal and once again our Cameron had the gift of being there when needed. With all the goals he bags from midfield, it’s difficult not to appreciate the guy. Games can be won or lost via small margins and by the time Cameron’s effort had hit the back of the net, had those small margins been a tad biased in out favour then we would have been about three goals in front. However, as we are Luton Town, we never try to do things the easy way; let's simply bite those fingernails to the bone and Cook duly obliged with our portion of the jitters as he needlessly collected a second yellow card. Just why Cook made that tackle that gave him a second yellow, I really just don’t know. It was just outside of the Accy penalty area, no danger and simply no sense Mr Cook. Thanks to that silliness by Cook we were put under more pressure than necessary for the final few minutes of the game but thankfully with the aid of additional game changers, Smith and Mullins, held out for a deserved three points. It has to be said that we did have one scary moment very late in the game when Accrington looked like they were about to sneak a lucky goal but a superb save from the wonderful Walton kept that one safe; really, why ever did people describe him as a young Joe Hart, daft simply daft, Walton is a decent keeper. Overall impression: The win was not spectacular in a “wow look at us” sense but nevertheless absolutely notable in the patience and commitment that the team showed when others, including me, could just not see that goal coming. The Sunday Rant: I still struggle to see what Nathan is able to see in Jordan Cook; yes, the odd nice touch but surely there is much more of a contribution needed from him? I reckon there is a good player in there based on his time at Walsall but do we continue to play him in the starting line-up simply hoping that one day he will click? I would rather he be used from the bench until such time that he settles in as we have others who could contribute more. Maybe next week with Cook taking a break, we will have Pelly and Gilliead giving us a touch of width and McGeehan showing us what he can do in the “No 10” role. As Ever, a few impressions of individual players performances yesterday: Walton: brilliant instinctive reaction save late in the game; simply did nothing wrong all afternoon. Really this guy is in a class of his own as a tier four goalkeeper. All credit to Nathan for getting him for the season. Justin: I simply forget when watching him that he is such a young player; composed, athletic and so pleasingly does not mess about in the area when he needs to clear the ball. In my opinion, he is going to be a really classy wing back for us. Cuthbert: simply could not pass the ball in the first half; just so many of his attempted passes went astray. Much better in the second half thankfully. Rea: good dependable performance at centre-back making some excellent interceptions. My preference though is still to have him in front of the back four in that holding role. Sheehan: decent enough game and when in position he slung over some well-placed crosses. He had a beautiful free kick in the second half that struck the bar and then was scrambled along the goal line. In terms of playing LB since the away game at Nottingham, this was his best LB performance but I still don’t think he is the wing back answer that Nathan needs. Lee: yesterday Accrington presented Lee with a chance to show the more natural side of his game as the Accrington set up did not close him down or really overly pressurise him; a thoughtful passer of the ball and when it works it can be attractive. As ever, I would be happier to see him given some game time playing in front of Rea as holding midfielder. Gilliead: some good parts some not so good parts but at least he was trying to be creative and move the ball forward and take on the Accrington defence. McGeehan: poor Cam has been out of sorts for the past few games but yesterday looked a touch more lively. You simply have to give him huge credit for always arriving in the box and been available to get involved and grab that all important goal. He won’t classify his goal as his best but who cares. When we have Pelly and Cameron ticking along together, it has to happen sometime, we will in my opinion be at our best. Cook: well Nathan obviously rates him but I still feel he does a wonderful job of concealing his latent talent. Maybe he is doing an Alex Lawless who was way off the mark in his first season with us and the turned into a star; time will tell. However, I don’t reckon he is worth his place in the starting 11 at the moment. Cook so stupidly got himself sent off for a second bookable offence; simply no point in making that poorly judged sliding tackle in an area of zero danger. Marriott: desperately needs a goal or two to get his confidence going. He almost got that goal in the first half with a good shot across goal: I hope he manages to bag a couple of goals soon. Previously I reckoned he would score 20+ goals this season. Hylton: was his usual bag of energy and a decent harrying game. He was well marked at times by the Accy defenders but still managed to be a real nuisance. Having said that, although he was good, I have seen a lot better from him this season; simply a great lad to have in our side he is really that good at this level. The game changers: Vassell: I was really impressed with Vassell simply bags of energy and when he does get a goal or two I reckon we will really see what he is capable of; overall a much more confident display from him yesterday. Smith: using a Jonesism, I totally love the bloke and personally I am happy that his contract runs until 2018. He will always do a job for us and is to my mind one of our most improved players this season particularly with his passing. The Teams: Luton Town: Walton, Cuthbert, McGeehan, Hylton, Cook, Marriott (Vassell, 66), Gilliead (Smith, 87), Rea, Lee (Mullins late on), Justin, Sheehan Unused subs: O'Donnell, Gray, Mackail-Smith, King Accrington Stanley: Parish, Pearson, Hughes, Beckles, Clark, Brown, Gornell, McConville, Boco, Lacey Conneely Referee: Brett Huxtable: I thought he did well as he was sensible about the conditions, kept the game flowing as was totally correct about Cook’s second yellow: no complaints from me. Attendance: 8,008 The EFL Trophy has caused many a protest from supporters throughout L1 & L2 but putting the politics to one side, at least it gives Luton a chance to push some youngsters along with some good competitive exposure.
Another young side was fielded last night with only a mere 11 changes from Saturdays starting 11. As ever, it was a young side although experienced players Smith, McQuoid, O’Donnell, CMS added a good few year to the youngsters bringing the average age of last night’s starting 11 to 22. Of the others that took to the field including the subs, it was generally a mixture of 18 and 19-year-olds. The Luton side included the three mature types that came on as subs on Saturday, Smith, CMS & O’Donnell and as far as I could make out the Millwall side were just about on the guidelines of the competition fielding 5 players who featured in their FA Cup game on Saturday. During the first half, our team enjoyed lots of possession and did manage to carve out a few chances and possibly had we been a little bit sharper or quicker then the likes of Vassell, McQuoid and the unlikely Musonda would have given up a lead by halftime. Some of the passing moves were really very sweet and in particular, a superb defence-splitting ball from Iniesta Smith sent Vassell away: just amazing for a guy who last season struggled to make a 10-yard pass. All in all, the first half was pleasing in terms of both play and performance and of the youngsters it was good to see the willing attacking play of Jack Senior with some lovely crosses; also Bakinson was showing the knack of making himself available in deep midfield and readily finding team mates with some short passing. So we reach half time looking quite tidy with a few chances created and with a little faster reaction we could have been a goal or so up. Into the second half with rightly no changes made at half time and after about 10 minutes into the half we take the lead with an own goal as the ball is turned in from CMS’s low hit across goal. Our visitors then seemed to up their game bringing on the dangerous Onyedinma to supplement a couple of their giants in their forward line and to be honest from that point onwards the more physically stronger, more direct Millwall really took over the game and eventually went on to be worthy winners. Absolutely no complaints from me about anything on the evening apart from the wretched traffic on the A1 south of Huntingdon; no meal for me before the game! I felt, in the end, some of our rising stars will have learnt a lot from this game and also some of the supporters expectations, including my own inflated expectations, regarding these young players will be more realistic. For example, Famewo & Musonda are a super pair of young centre-backs but last night they were confronted by some real physical strength and height; no real issues as they will learn and they will cope with such challenges. The big plus points for me last night were: that King really does look capable of being our No1 goalkeeper next season; he made some really decent saves, Bakinson will be a classy midfield player and that shortly Senior with a touch more confidence will be our attacking wing back in the first team. Some thoughts as usual on individual performances: King: he made about three or four really good saves and one in particular was excellent when he made a great save after Famweo was being overly cool on the ball and having it picked from his toe. O’Donnell: usual give it everything display which meant that the gate was left open a touch for the move that led to the Millwall equaliser. Musonda: mostly a good cool performance but Like Famewo, the physical side of the game last night would have been a real learning point for him: he will be fine, all part of learning and developing. Famewo: ditto as per Musonda. Senior: good tackling, covering and some good crosses from his wing play; ok, the odd cross that went astray but shortly he will be a first-team wing back. Bakinson: displayed the knack especially in the first half, of constantly being available to receive the ball even the tightest of situations. He also has the knack of almost constantly finding his team mates even with close-range passes although his team mates may need to be a touch more skilful with the first touch to benefit from those passes. Iniesta Smith: usual Smith performance and I write that in a complimentary way and let’s not forget that superb defence-splitting ball in the first half. McQuoid: played a much deeper more of a midfield role and looked decent in the first half; maybe he is more suited to that midfield role? Gray: did ok but he seems to have come to a temporary lull in his performance level compared to what he was showing earlier in the season. Vassell: poor lad worked so very hard and desperately needs that first goal or two that will undoubtedly lift his confidence. Lot’s of speed and body strength, I hope he gets a few goals to set him on his way. CMS: what you see is what you get: a busy annoying wasp, great in away games when he is brought on and you are defending a slender lead and the annoying wasp can keep the defenders pinned back. However, at home? The Subs: Banton: I would much rather have had him starting than CMS but I can understand NJ’s wish to get CMS fit. Having said that Banton really looked the part to me with his close control, speed and trickery: shame Nathan doesn't like him. Hinds & Read: Cameo appearance but enough time to show that they are skilful guys. The Teams: Luton: King, O'Donnell, Smith, Gray (Read, 90), Mackail-Smith (Banton, 66), Vassell, Senior, McQuoid, Bakinson (Hinds, 86), Musonda, Famewo Unused subs: Snelus, Cotter, Bean, Gooch Millwall: King, Cummings, Martin, Hutchinson (Craig, 83), Worrall (Twardek, 89), Wylde, Butcher, O'Brien (Onyedinma, 61), Smith, Rooney, Farrell Unused subs: Archer, Williams, Pavey, Brown Oh well the first round proper of the FA Cup with on the face of it an unattractive tie away to Exeter on a very cold November day: not exactly one to get the Hatters fans heading to the South-West in their numbers especially as we head back to Exeter in three weeks time for a league 2 game. Before the game, I headed to St Ann's well for a swift pint of Otter ale. I felt I really had to go and have a look at the place as the last time I visited the inn it was pretty dreadful but has since has had over £100k spent on it refitting the place out and to be fair they have done a very decent job of it. From there it was off to the Centre Spot, the bar of the Exeter supporters club housed in an old Victorian school next to the ground. I really have to write a word or two of praise for the outstanding effort that has been made by a group of CAMRA volunteers who man Exeter City Real Ale & Cider Emporium; just brilliant, well done guys. Imagine two bars in the room, one serving all the usual offerings and one totally dedicated to real ale with three quality locally brewed ales on offer drawn straight from the barrel and a selection of local cider. I certainly know where I am heading in three weeks time: well-done guys, what a brilliant effort by a group of four volunteer CAMRA dudes. Over a beer, we were discussing the team selection which included the reinstatement of Justin for O'Donnell and a place for Pelly with the injured Marriott sitting this one out. McGeehan according to the early news, was to be rested and the initial line-up given was:
Walton, Justin, Cuthbert, Mullins, Sheehan, Rea, Lee, Gilliead, Pelly, Cook & Hylton. Maybe it would be fairer on Lee to see what he could do in a possibly more creative role with Rea doing the cleaning up. However, once again the away day warm up jinx struck with Mullins picking up a “warm up” injury. So off goes Mullins before the game begins; Glen Rea drops back from holding midfield with that role taken by ferocious Olly Lee and McGeehan having to give up his bench seat and start the game. I felt we started the first few minutes alright with some decent passing moves as we pushed into the Exeter half and likewise Exeter were probing our defence; not a great deal in it in the first 10 minutes. Then we are awarded a penalty for a foul on Hylton which Hylton himself takes and cheekily clips the ball into the net; 1-0 to the Town; could we build on this? Exeter were not themselves offering that much at this early stage but after the goal, they woke up a touch and started to put some pressure on the Hatters. Having said that, if the Exeter keeper had not been in good form we could have doubled our lead; the guy made a really decent save when it looked as if we were about to double our lead. Yes, a decent enough first ten to fifteen minutes but then we seemed to let things drop a fair amount and lost our way for the majority of the first half. Exeter began to get their game together and really put some pressure on our back line and in particular young Justin who was been severely tested but to his credit did not flap and kept at it even though most of the creative stuff was coming at him down the Exeter left flank. To be fair on Justin, I thought he could have been supported a touch more during this period by our midfield but the midfield were having problems of their own at this stage. We were not really getting to the second ball early enough, Lee certainly did not look the part in holding midfield and McGeehan pointed & pointed but did little else; we had begun to look a touch lightweight. Several very good Exeter crosses came over from that left side and had the home side been a touch more composed, they may have capitalised on those well-placed crosses that really did trouble our defence. Those type of crosses are the ones you just love to see; just too far out for the keeper and into the danger area where I felt our defenders should have competed better. As it was, the Exeter equaliser came from a move unintentionally started by Olly Lee with a dreadful pass from well inside his own half that McGeehan was always going to be hard-pressed to reach. Immediately the Exeter youngster Ethan Ampadu was onto it striding forward and hitting a great left foot shot that came back off the post for chubby Reuben Reid to tuck away: one apiece at half time and from a decent first 15 minutes, Exeter took over the final 30 minutes of that half and sadly we were getting little in the way of decent contribution from our midfield as the half progressed. So evens at halftime but could we turn things up a gear or two in that second half, get that midfield working and would Cameron get into the game? Well, pleasingly the answer to those questions was yes as the team upped their performance in the second half and Cameron started to get into the game. We were passing the ball quite well and Pelly was really looking threatening with his pace and power. One bit of Pelly magic out on the left produced a far post cross that was eventually put into the net by the classy Glen Rea and how he celebrated that goal: great stuff back in the lead. We continued to play reasonable well enough, not anywhere near our brilliant best form but as I say, well enough to be in the lead against Exeter. Then we had an utterly bizarre moment; the referee had stopped the game for a foul and the ball had run some 15 yards away near Pelly. Pelly was then incredibly elbowed to the floor by an Exeter player and all hell broke loose. Pelly got up from the deck and verbally confronted the offender then several players from both sides joined in the heated argument. The officials consult and then the Exeter offender is booked; wrong decision referee he should have been given a straight red; no doubt at all in my mind. Then things get a touch unreal as Pelly is then given a yellow from the referee to go with his yellow from the first half and then sent off. I don't usually moan about refereeing decisions but that was plain and simply absolutely terrible officiating from the referee/assistant referee; simply downright poor. The home crowd could now sense the advantage and excited local tribalism pervades the home terrace. In addition, the locals at every opportunity make their dislike of Hylton known; surely it's reasonable to take your time getting up off the deck after every challenge in a cup game: well certainly if your name is Danny Hylton and you are wearing a Luton shirt. Although Exeter had the extra man advantage, to their credit Luton really did dig deep with the back four splendidly mopping up just about every Exeter advance plus substitutes Smith and CMS chasing everything down. In fact, from a clearance downfield the alert CMS runs into the Exeter box and draws a “challenge” that has the referee immediately pointing to the spot: yes, CMS was showing all of his experience in that situation. Was it a penalty? Well it happened right in front of where I was sitting and to be fair I thought it was very soft indeed; I will leave it there. As Hylton had already scored from the spot our Cameron thought that this should be his turn but as Hylton was holding the ball and was obviously not prepared to release it, Cam was onto a loser. A nicely taken penalty from Hylton and there we are game over and in the hat for the draw for round two of the FACup. Overall impression We had a decent enough first 15 minutes but fell away markedly after that and stayed that way until halftime. I did see Nathan’s post match interview when he was scathing about our first half performance and saying possibly one of the worst he has seen since being at the club. Sorry Nathan, can’t agree with that assessment; we were not great in the first half but let’s not forget for starters: the first 30 minutes at Cambridge when we were out of it, Crawley away a duff performance and Cheltenham away with an absent midfield. At Exeter we may well have rode our luck a little in the first half when a couple of good crosses that troubled our defenders may have been capitalised on by a better opposition but that's the way it goes Thankfully we upped our performance in the second half and ran out fairly deserving winners: overall a decent away performance which as has been said many times before, away games suit our style of play. . Overall happy enough with the result but a few things for Nathan to sort out such as why were we so troubled by those threatening Exeter crosses why do our midfield so often struggle to pull it together as a unit. If we could manage another youngster on the books then let’s try to get Ethan Ampadu the 16 year old who played for Exeter yesterday; looks a really promising lad to me. The Sunday Rant Not sure it qualifies for a rant but I would have liked to see what Olly Lee could have offered supported by Glen Rea behind him doing the midfield defensive role allowing Olly to be a touch more creative. I do moan about Olly’s role in the team as I just don’t think he will ever make a decent holding midfield player, but it’s Nathan who does the selecting and plays him in that role; maybe yesterday it was a case of needs must etc. Oh well, let’s have a food rant. Come on LTFC catering just have a look at what was on offer at the food bar outside of the supporters club at the back of the main stand. Loads of selection from fried eggs to massive chunky pulled pork roles and very decently organised. Really, something for our club catering to learn from and have a bit more on offer that a mature dry bread roll wrapping itself around a tired burger or sausage. Some thoughts on individual performances: Walton: decent game and knew when to leave his line and come for the ball. As ever Walton was very confident handling of the ball; just simply a good guy to have in goal for the Hatters. Justin: mixed game in truth as he had a lot of pressure heaped on him in the first half of the game. However, he stuck to it and came through well enough in the end before being substituted late in the game; slight injury I think. Cuthbert: did a lot of things really well and overall had a captain's game. He certainly gave the referee a verbal dressing down over the Pelly incident. Rea: Good game with some very timely and strong interceptions and just how he celebrated his goal. Sheehan: a much sounder all round game than he had at County lady week. Some real saving tackles after we had gone down to ten men. However, as Nathan said earlier in the week, his days of running down the left wing are probably behind him Lee: not a very brilliant first half but he seemed to get things going well in the second half: well done him. I am often critical of Lee but that's more about his capability as a holding midfielder: maybe one day he will get to play a more constructive midfield role with Rea doing the holding job behind him. Pelly: produced some fine moments with powerful play and creative passing; just wish he could harness that talent more consistently because if he did, we would surely have the best midfielder in the division. Cook: a touch better than his anonymous performance last week and played his part in winning the first penalty but in truth, only a touch better than last week. I still don't quite get what Nathan sees in him but I guess it's early days. McGeehan: not up to much in the first half unfortunately but had a decent enough second half. Just why does he disappear from a game so often; really frustrates me as first touch apart, he has a lot of latent talent! Gilliead: some nice touches as he tried to take the game to Exeter. Some of his covering whilst enthusiastic could have been more effective but he is a young guy learning the game. However, undoubtedly a talent I would like us to keep at the Kenny. Hylton: what can you say? An absolute pain in the arse the arse for the opposition and also really winds the home crowd up. He just never stopped trying in the game; what a great guy to have in our ranks! Hylton did pick up his yellow to add to his collection but again as with some other decisions, that seemed very unfair; a bit of a marked man our Danny. The subs: CMS: he has come back after injury as the same angry wasp perfectly made for that time in the game when you are a goal ahead and need the angry wasp to keep the defenders on their toes. Did well in winning that penalty. Smith: added his usual assassin like quality to our midfield as he chased and challenged: he did well. O'Donnell: came on for Justin who had taken a couple of knocks and did fine. The Teams: Exeter City: Olejnik, Woodman, Simpson (Grant, 67), Holmes, Wheeler (Archibald-Henville, 83), Moore-Taylor, Taylor, Ampadu (Watkins, 87), Stacey, Sweeney, Reid Unused subs: Hamon, James, Oakley, McAlinden Luton Town: Walton, Rea, Cuthbert, Hylton, Cook (CMS, 69), Gilliead (Smith, 62), McGeehan, Pelly, Lee, Justin (O'Donnell, 87), Sheehan Unused subs: King, Gray, Vassell Referee: John Busby. Yes, he awarded us two penalties and thanks for that but to my mind, the second yellow for Pelly was just poor refereeing aided by an assistant referee. Attendance: 2,972 which included 310 cold Hatters supporters. |
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December 2017
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