I think today's game was the first time this season we have clearly been better than the opposition over ninety minutes, irrespective of refereeing decisions. In the first half we looked sharper, quicker and more imaginative than MK, with Hepburn Murphy's pace causing them no end of problems, and we should really have been two or three ahead before the equaliser, RHM and Jennings both missing other good chances. The first goal was a great move involving Wilson and Morris, which ended with a poacher's finish at the near post from RHM, something we have not seen much of from the other strikers this season. We generally defended solidly, if a little too deep at times, and only switched off on one occasion, with Reeves given too much time to pick his spot.
The red card did have some influence on the game, giving RHM even more space to run into after half time, but I think we might have won the game regardless. As it was, the MK defence could not cope with him at all after the break and we cut them to ribbons: the second and third goals were both the result of good pace and movement from Murphy, with some excellent build up play as well, and we created numerous other chances in the closing stages.
A lot of credit has to go to Mellon for the performance. We set up in a 532 with numerous players out of position (Wilson at left wing back and Morris in a midfield three, with Rides in the centre of defence) in the first half, before switching to a back four when it was eleven versus ten, but looked the better balanced side throughout.
Individually, nearly everybody played well. RHM will deservedly get the headlines, but I thought Wilson was just as impressive: even played out of position, he glided past players with ease and always had a picture of what was around him, as well as being solid defensively. Morris was hugely influential again, Danns excellent, Perkins still not quite his usual self. At the back, Ridehalgh was solid and Monthe was back to his imperious best. Nelson had an up and down game, which you might expect after a lengthy lay off. Connor linked well with RHM and got an assist for the second goal, but I am still not sure about him at this level. He is still too sloppy on the ball at times and does not read the game around him quickly enough: I think the performance today really benefited from having Danns, Morris and Wilson all in the team and interlinking; proper footballers with good vision and awareness who read the game well.
With Ferrier, Payne and others to come back into the squad next week, we finally have some difficult selection decisions to make for positive reasons.