The reality of life in the basement is becoming obvious even to the most obtuse. Mumbongo as a target man and he was, the aimless hoofing all ended up at him so not so aimless anymore, gives Hemmings the role he craves- the poacher. Twice in two games he has had crosses in front of him that he can attack and defenders struggle to lay a glove on him. He hasn't had that service in months.
Fact is a Nevitt/Lewis double act is easily defused by experienced centre halves. Nevitt is known to chase down anything so be aware and his threat is minimal. Lewis works very hard but has no body shape in the box and only threatens when he can throw himself at a cross. His suicidal tackle disguised the fact the keeper shaped to take him out with his shoulder ignoring the ball, the outcome could have been reversed- but Lewis is a model pro with no finesse.
I think Mellon is most unfair suggesting Hemmings should have stayed a complete passenger in recent weeks watching from the box. Like Vaughan and Norwood before him he had to seek out possession and gain it very deep. His efforts were more Ferrier like in such a dysfunctional attack.
Mellon can't hide behind his lack of troops excuse for his poor use of the bench. Surely Burton could have put more yards in than Hemmings who was as usual spent, in the dying minutes? Mellon is ultra cautious and no doubt worried about a corner, but he had Simeu added already. He had 21 players around the box at corners, this is mainly self inflicted.
Sunday is a problem, Mumbongo has another half in him, Hemmings must be on empty now. I'd start with Hemmings and add Hughes to midfield. Bring Mumbongo on at half time and aim to withdraw Hemmings later, let Burton charge about a bit. You have to manage your resources which now will be limited energy levels. Anything new will disrupt a flagging Crewe anyway.
On the downside the goal was poor, he was not unsighted. The defender to his left was wide of the shooter and the two on his right were outside the shot so Doohan had sight throughout, it passed him 5-6 feet inside the post and travelled maybe 25 yards. Poor and very average for this standard which is what Doohan is.
Again 10 mins into the second half Bristow goes to sleep, a tame cross and the winger steps inside him and misses a glaring chance without Bristow even reacting let alone getting some contact in. His forward play was modestly more aggressive but a on-two in the box should see a shot not a poor pass.
Tranmere need to sign a left back, the performance of the right and left flanks has never been so marked. Sadly Cogley maybe off, money rather than fame beckons, I'd guess Simeu will replace.
Hero of 2022 part 1, Hemmings the only forward in the northern hemisphere to play in over 99% of the minutes. Hero of the night the Ref clearly didn't get the World Cup memo on injury time, 5 mins was very low.
