Substitution times are estimates.
4-4-2 (R-L): Myhill; Lynch (Thelwell 45), Turner Collins Dawson; France (Fry 80), Andrews (Welsh 80), Marney (Green 75), Elliott; Duffy (Paynter 60), Burgess (Fagan 45).
Burgess was the key man in the first half, almost everything went his way. He won what he could, but the service was poor. 45 minutes was probably enough for him after 90 on Wednesday, but we felt it would give the side a chance to build rather then lump it. Lynch also went off at half time, he'd been poor. Supported well going forward, but awful going backwards, particularly in the air.
The first 15-20 minutes was excellent, initially with Tigers pressure and then Scunthorpe. Duffy met a sweet France cross 4 yards out but was denied by a miraculous save from Murphy. Marney hit 2 tame shots wide. Myhill saved low from Goodwin. Early on, we played good stuff, particularly Marney and the impressive, France. We got the ball wide and created good positions. Lynch backed up well and Elliott was dangerous. It didn't last though. As soon as we stopped playing football, Scunny took over. At times, it was embarrassing the difference in passing ability. Burgess whipped a good shot too close to the 'keeper and Elliott wasted a chance to put a good ball in. France forced a second great save from Murphy and then Scunny took the lead. It was a corner, whipped in, Boaz punched thin air and someone headed in from close range. A very poor goal, worse then Winterton.
We came out with 2 changes, Fagan and Thelwell for BBB and Lynched. It should have led to a change in style, but we played the same way, only Myhill lumped the ball to France instead. Not that Bo is too blame, not once did Turner or Collins drop deep, nor Daws and Thelwell show for a quick throw. Neither did Andrews come looking for the ball, a la Idiakez. Instead, they happily made their way to the 40 yard 'line' and left Bo to look foolish, while France, Fagan and Duffy struggled to get anything. Tellingly, Marney only touched the ball once near the goal. It's frustrating to watch, it must be worse to coach. Parky obviously didn't fancy things to change, so he threw on Paynter to give a physical presence.
Scunny didn't take advantage of our dismal play and as a result, chances were scarce at both ends. Marney forced a good low save, France wasted possession after a wonderful run around the back of the defence and Duffy shot tamely after a good team move. We equalised 10 minutes after Paynter came on, Elliott crossing (hopefully?) from deep and Paynter heading sweetly into the corner from 10 yards. Out of jail! Crosby headed a corner against our post and that was about it for chances. It was just left up to Fagan to get into a scuffle. He petulantly kicked out at Butler after the defender blocked his path, Butler shoved him and a mini scuffle took place. Both were let off with a warning by the rubbish ref.
We got what we expect from the fringe players. Collins is a slow, low division clogger. Lynch isn't nearly good enough. Fry is a good footballer, but has no pace. Green failed to get into the game. Burgess struggled to make an impression with poor service.
Myhill kicked poorly, admittedly with little to aim for. He caught the ball very well from crosses, but fouled up for the goal. Dawson is 'Steady Eddie', always dependable. Turner is never beaten in the air, solid on the ground, but has Delaney-itis when it comes to distribution. Andrews is great off the ball, he's a great leader but doesn't do enough with it. Elliott is looking dangerous, having an out and out right winger suits his game. France was our most dangerous player, despite lack of sharpness, very encouraging. Marney was great when we were and anonymous when we weren't. Has a great attitude, looks to work hard and threaten the goal. We'll like him, I'm sure of it.
Duffy was infuriating. He must have been offside 6 or 7 times. He has pace to burn, there's no need for it. Like many, many others, he HAS to be much smarter. Fagan looks dangerous, but in possession, he can run down blind alleys and look to do too much. He could be super effective if he channeled the ability he has. Not sure why Welsh hasn't been involved much, hopefully we're saving him for Villa and not honing an Andrews-Marney partnership.
And lastly to our current #1 striker. I feared for this guy, I thought he wasn't big enough to play the target man or quick enough to play off one, but he's looking hungry. Paynter looks a strong, mobile striker who'll play for the team and score goals. Don't rule Billy Boy out just yet, especially if The Beast is set for a lay off.
Verdict: D-. Must do better.