A Hard Fought Win

By Neil Ravenscroft
December 9 2002

Another three points in the bag, even if it was never the most inspiring of games on Saturday! It's time for the considered reaction to Saturday's game.

The Players:

Walker. I thought he was at fault for the goal. I know this is never a popular view, but it was a routine cross, which should have been closed down, a routine header, which should have been defended better, but it should have been a routine tip over. Thought Jim's body language didn't look right afterwards. 5.

Bazeley. Usual solid performance, but did nothing spectactular. 6.

Pollet. I thought he looked comfortable and was surprised that he was the one sacrificed when we moved from 3 5 2. 6.

Hay. One of his least authoritative games for us. Did not look happy at any point. 5.

Roper. Looked mainly OK, but was caught out on a couple of occasions. He should have defended the goal better. 6.

Wrack. Very solid in defence and took his goal beautifully. 7.

Sonner. Wasted possession a few times, but the rest of his game was very sound. 7.

O'Connor. Could almost give him exactly the same comments as Sonner. 7.

Corica. Out of sorts, presumably because of the conditions. 5.

Leitao. Full of running, as usual. Made one, scored one. Can't say much fairer than that. 7.

Junior. Made two, scored one. Would have been MoM by a mile, if he had made better use of a couple of other chances and worked harder! 7.

Aranalde. Made the balance look so much better, especially going forward. 6.

Ainsworth. I remember when Wrack used to take players on like that. Looked a better crosser of the ball than Hall or Harper. I can see why he's a folk hero at Wimbledon. 7.

Simpson. Not really enough time to make an impact, or be given a score. Glad he's growing his hair, though!

Man of the Match? Like 4Two, I'd give it to the captain, although Wrack pushed him very close.

The Manager:

Inspired signing in Ainsworth, the conviction to stick with last week's team, which had done so well, then the courage to change it completely. 8.

The Pitch:

I'm beginning to fear for our reputation for free flowing football (try saying that after a few). The state of the pitch is a definite worry, as it certainly impeded our normally most creative player, Steve Corica. The switch to 4 4 2, however, worked a treat, as we were able to start using the flanks, which looked reasonable. 4.

Grimsby:

If they stay up, it will be only because, impossible as it is to believe, there are three worse teams than them in the Division. 4.

Quote of the Day? Must be from Groves, who said he couldn't remember us creating a chance. That's strange, where did the three goals come from?