I've only seen a brief clip of Micky's post-match remarks, so may be doing him a dis-service. The impression he gives was that it was all going well until half-time. While that was true in terms of creativity, Hughes hit the post and there were good chances for Norwood and Kirby, there was always the feeling that carry on playing the same way, without adjustment to properly protect the defence and we would concede. It's something RLC mentioned above and was my view and that of those around me. It would be a concern if it hadn't registered with the manager.
Viewing the goals again, their 2nd and 3rd were virtually unstoppable in terms of how they were placed. I suppose you could make arguments about the lack of aerial challenge for the Lewis header or the marking could have been tighter before Rowe's shot. I didn't think their fourth should have been a penalty, Vaughan's challenge was a clear foul, but there was a shove on a Rovers player in the build-up, which went unpunished.
I agree that the tactics and team selections were wrong for this game. Wallace doesn't have the fitness yet to carry out full defensive duties. His body language came across as negative too. Starting with an additional defensive midfielder could have shielded the defence too. While I would have started with Maynard, in terms of changing the line-up Micky selected, you can make an argument for introducing Jennings S to break up their play and deliver simple passes. Our ball retention on the second half was poor. Is our defensive record so good, not so much because of the positive abilities of our defenders and more down to the quality of protection from the likes of Maynard, Harris and Stevie J?
With regard to whether more players are needed, I'm unsure. Firstly Micky needs to familiarise himself with those of the squad who haven't had much opportunity yet and those he thinks might be able to deliver should be in the squad for the South Park game. There are enough options in defence/midfield already, four who could replace Lee Vaughan, if that change is needed. The attack question is harder. Mangan and Norwood can play together, they did so with some success in the Forest Green game for example. From those currently available, Almond and Kirby can also play up front, as can Tollit, though his shooting radar seems to have gone awry. It sounds from the gravity of Andy Cook's hand injury that he may not be back until next month. Stockton is injured, no clues how long for, likewise Stephenson has missed the last few games on loan at Fylde through injury. Both of that pair are closest to Cook in playing style, bigger lads who can hold the ball up. If Micky decides we need a striker of that ilk and one is available, it might be a move worth making, as would a loan deal, particularly if Cole and Darren are sidelined until Cooky's return date.
. I'm unsure that loaning a player out to the same lower league that he did well in last season does anything for his development. After how he's handled Duggan, I'm not getting any positive signs from Micky about progressing the home grown players.