BFC_53
Well-known member
The players and manager can't just expect fans to shrug their shoulders at that. It may not have mattered in respect of the league table, but every game absolutely matters, and I'm afraid we were badly let down today regardless of how we've performed over the season. If any of the players aren't embarrassed by that, then I don't know what to say.
For me, that was comfortably the worst performance for quite a few years (including pre-boycott), mainly because the aggression and determination was completely missing throughout the entire team - with no exceptions. It was pathetic, and the excuse of having nothing to play for really doesn't wash because neither did they.
I'm glad Critchley apologised as losing to a relegated side 5-0 because we had no appetite for the game is totally unacceptable, and it would be totally unacceptable if we were league champions. We expect better, and we deserve better.
I've always tended to defend the team and manager when we've had a poor performance and/or result, and like to try and keep things in perspective if I can, but some of the players who started today are looking to cement a place in the first team next season. I can take losing badly - it happens, and even against poor teams (see Barnet 7-0). But it should never be due to laziness or giving up.
The midfield needs a total rethink and some serious strengthening. There was just nothing there at all, no creativity, no strength, and no defensive discipline. I see people criticising Yates and Beesley, and I agree they were shocking and not immune from criticism by any means, but the service to them is utterly woeful. Consistently non-existent. Peterborough put numerous dangerous crosses in during the game, and I can't recall a single time we did. Even simple passes to them are over or under hit, and on the odd occasion they aren't, there are no runners or movement from midfield to give them options.
Also, I'm concerned about Casey. I don't like judging players on only a couple of appearances so there's still plenty of time to improve many aspects of his game that weren't great today, but what worries me is that he was seriously outpaced on a couple of occasions. He's slow, and I mean real slow. And that's not something you can coach.
A couple of positive points to finish on.
Luke Mariette had a few promising moments when he came on. Once or twice he tried to thread a ball through for the strikers, and though they didn't quite come off, at least he had the vision which we've lacked so much.
Also, I have to mention their last goal - outstanding strike.
Lots to do in summer, and lots of good business in the transfer market hopefully.
For me, that was comfortably the worst performance for quite a few years (including pre-boycott), mainly because the aggression and determination was completely missing throughout the entire team - with no exceptions. It was pathetic, and the excuse of having nothing to play for really doesn't wash because neither did they.
I'm glad Critchley apologised as losing to a relegated side 5-0 because we had no appetite for the game is totally unacceptable, and it would be totally unacceptable if we were league champions. We expect better, and we deserve better.
I've always tended to defend the team and manager when we've had a poor performance and/or result, and like to try and keep things in perspective if I can, but some of the players who started today are looking to cement a place in the first team next season. I can take losing badly - it happens, and even against poor teams (see Barnet 7-0). But it should never be due to laziness or giving up.
The midfield needs a total rethink and some serious strengthening. There was just nothing there at all, no creativity, no strength, and no defensive discipline. I see people criticising Yates and Beesley, and I agree they were shocking and not immune from criticism by any means, but the service to them is utterly woeful. Consistently non-existent. Peterborough put numerous dangerous crosses in during the game, and I can't recall a single time we did. Even simple passes to them are over or under hit, and on the odd occasion they aren't, there are no runners or movement from midfield to give them options.
Also, I'm concerned about Casey. I don't like judging players on only a couple of appearances so there's still plenty of time to improve many aspects of his game that weren't great today, but what worries me is that he was seriously outpaced on a couple of occasions. He's slow, and I mean real slow. And that's not something you can coach.
A couple of positive points to finish on.
Luke Mariette had a few promising moments when he came on. Once or twice he tried to thread a ball through for the strikers, and though they didn't quite come off, at least he had the vision which we've lacked so much.
Also, I have to mention their last goal - outstanding strike.
Lots to do in summer, and lots of good business in the transfer market hopefully.
