A poor game, on a bad pitch, with a terrible referee. I don't think we ever really got our attacking game going today, but I am still disappointed we did not win the match. We had the only four genuine chances - two off the woodwork, two for Norwood - whereas Newport huffed and puffed but did not create anything at all, until their disallowed 'goal' in the ninetieth minute. Our passing was not great, not helped by a very physical opponent and a pitch like a farmer's field, but you could not question the character of the players: we battled to the last and defended very well, with both centre halves superb.
Individually, I don't think any of the creative players had good games. Banks was decent and Norwood worked tirelessly as usual, and was unlucky not to score at least one of his two efforts. We did not get the bounce of the ball in front of goal all game. However, Jennings was below par, Morris was completely anonymous and Smith was involved and busy but nothing really came off for him. Despite what I said previously, we did really miss Pringle's vision and composure in the final third and I hope the spat can be resolved soon. He links well with Jennings and Perkins and I think their games also suffer when he is not in the side. The men of the match were the two centre halves, with Manny in particular doing a great job to stifle the awkward Matt.
Although Dagnall was in the right place for his effort against the post (which he should have buried), he did not have a great impact and I am surprised he is ahead of Mullin in the pecking order at the moment.
As a final note, it was good to see Les Parry was at the ground today, even if the game was reminiscent of many that we saw when he was in charge (sorry Les).
I think the game next week will be a completely different affair, against a passing team that wants to play football. Onwards and upwards.