Leicester 1 Charlton 1
Gutted really, taking a late lead (which made me go mental
) and then conceding a last minute goal. And to all people, Paddy McCarthy, you couldn't have written a more predictable script really. Couldn't do that for us could he!? Given the number of defenders on the pitch we should have defended it better.
Think we probably edged it to be honest, and the difference between the 2 sides isn't as big as the league table suggests which is infuriating. Fulop only made one save and we had the better chances - Charlton didn't do much against a "solid" Leicester side. On the other hand I think Charlton passed it around better than us and the game made it abundantly clear where our problems lie. In the midfield. No creativity and little service to the strikers. Sheehan, Kenton, N'Gotty (plus Chambers), and Hume really, aren't midfielders. Hayes as he proved today either isn't ready or not good enough. Has to be the priority in the transfer window.
Still I'm heartened by the performance and efforts of the players, especially in the second half and a point isn't too bad. A big crowd and a good atmosphere today too which was nice. Charlton fans were practically non-existant til their goal.
Player ratings:
Fulop 5.5 Didn't have to do much. Made 1 good save. Flapped at least twice near the end, and costing us the goal on the last occasion. Either come for it and get it/ punch it clear or stay on your line. Hopefully that performance will bring the price down!
Mattock 6 - not on the pitch long, off to injury.
McAuley - 7 - handled Charlton well. Distribution dodgy again.
Kisnorbo 8 - Another dominating performance from Kissa, strong in the tackle and the air. I hope it isn't his last home game for us.
Stearman 7 - Looked decent today. Takes some poor choices when coming forward but he was solid today. Big improvements from Stears in the last weeks.
Kenton - 5 - I thought he had a poor game. Second to every ball, and didn't look interested. Granted, he was out of position.
Clemence 7 - Thats more like the Clem I like to see in midfield. Controlling the play and capped his performance off with a goal. I think he gave away the free kick that led to the Charlton goal though.
N'Gotty 6.5 - Decent performance in shoring up the defence. But in midfield, probably ok at the minute given our lack of options. Clem's partner needs to be a priority next month.
Hume - 6.5 Bit quiet today by his standards. But as ever, ran around a lot and played for the shirt.
Fryatt - 8.5 MOTM. Superb performance again by the guy, he really is doing well at the minute and is at his peak in terms of overall play. Just a shame he can't match his performances with a couple of goals.
John - off injured early, looked quiet to that point.
Subs:
Sheehan 4 - Awful and suffered the ultimate embarassment of a sub being subbed. Out of his depth by so much today. Didn't use his strengths to go forward and get crosses in. Broke up our own attacks...looked slow on the ball and exposed far too often on the left side. Not lower because he did have a superb free kick which could have given us the lead.
Hayes - 5 Out of his depth I think. Send him on loan somewhere for some experience. A shame our only out and out winger can't quite cut it yet.
Weso 6 - not on long but good to have him back!
One final point - 24,000 football fans and 16,000 ruggers fans, and people shopping made traffic and parking and traffic a complete nightmare. When the grounds are just 1/2 a mile apart, there should be more than 15mins between kick off if we are at home on the same day. Bloody egg chasers nicking all the street parking.
) and then conceding a last minute goal. And to all people, Paddy McCarthy, you couldn't have written a more predictable script really. Couldn't do that for us could he!? Given the number of defenders on the pitch we should have defended it better.