For what it is worth, I thought that in possession of the ball today's performance was encouraging, a lot better than the recent games against Cambridge and Crewe for example. The first half was even. although I thought we edged it, and we were much the better side after half time. Our use of the ball was good and Cole was effective playing behind Norwood in the 451 formation.
The obvious problem was defensive. In previous away games there was not enough protection for the defence in midfield, but that was not the case today, with Harris and particularly McCullough having good games. Considering how little football they have played, I also thought Sutton and Ellis had solid games the penalty incident aside, winning a lot of headers and making timely interceptions.
The problem was at full back. We know Caprice can't defend away from home, and today he got nowhere near tight enough to his man all afternoon and allowed crosses to come into the box at will. On the other flank, Zoum made a couple of decent bursts forward, but spent much of the rest of the game giving the ball away in bad areas, notably for the second goal. I am not sure what has happened to him since his injury.
Elsewhere, there were some good displays. In addition to the midfielders already mentioned, Connor Jennings continued his strong form and Jonny Smith was scintillating. Every time he got the ball I thought something was going to happen, and he has either scored or assisted all of our last four goals.
It was hugely disappointing to lose to poor opposition in a game where we were the better team for long periods. However, if we put in the same performance in the attacking areas on Monday night, with the regular back four in place, I don't think we will have any problems and Mellon's selection decisions will (in my view) have been vindicated.