Another dull, uneventful game. Very disappointing that we did not get the point that our overall performance deserved, but you can't defend as we did on all three goals today and expect to take anything from a game. In the first three minutes of both halves we were sloppy, hesitant and lacking concentration at the back. For the rest of the match we put in a performance full of effort, energy and good football, which makes the outcome all the more disappointing.
The game was open and end to end, with both sides looking dangerous and creating chances: the 3-0 scoreline just after half time says everything about our defending and nothing about our overall display. I think McMahon got it wrong tactically in playing Koumas on the left hand side in a 4-4-2 in the first half. Koumas did not track back Myrie-Williams which left Ridehalgh two on one on a number of occasions, notably for the first goal. Equally, Jason was not able to get on the ball and influence the game. Fortunately, after half an hour Koumas was switched to the middle, with Brown moved to left midfield: Jason got into the game and we began to create chances, with Kirby, Lowe (three times) and Cassidy all close to equalising.
Vale were pretty direct, relying heavily on Williams' deliveries and their aerial presence up front and we failed to deal with balls into the box for the majority of the game. For our part, we had enough chances before our two goal salvo - one scored, the other created by Koumas - to have reduced the deficit but Lowey, in particular, was not as ruthless as he has been for he majority of the season. The players should obviously be credited with showing fantastic spirit to battle back from what looked a hopeless position.
It is difficult to criticise the overall display this afternoon, but as I said last week, we have to defend better. In the closing stages of the game Goody came on and played in a three-man central defence, and I think there is a strong case for him returning permanently to give us some stability at the back. So much of our play is good, but we give ourselves no chance if we have to score three even to take a point.
This leads me on to another concern, namely our tactics away from home at the moment. While it is admirable that we played 4-4-2 and had a go at Vale, we are at a sage in the season where every point is precious. Our away form has been decent this season and the majority of our results have come when we have played a five man midfield, kept things tight and nicked a point, or three. At the moment I think we are far too open away from home, and that is reflected in a record of played three lost three under McMahon: we have to pick up points from our remaining four away games if we are to survive.
Individually, Max did really well on his return to the side, both in midfield and as an emergency right back. Jake Kirby was really positive and showed good energy. Ash had a really solid game, but Arthurworrey struggled a bit in the second half. Wallace did not have his best game, but Koumas was excellent after moving to centre midfield. Cassidy worked as hard as ever, but looks really low on confidence around the eighteen yard box. John McMahon should be credited for some tactical imagination: I think we switched formation three times during the game, all of them sensible moves, and that probably would not have happened under Ronnie.
The two home games this week are obviously huge now and we surely require a minimum of four points.