If ever a game summed up a season, that was it. We were very good, but not quite good enough when it counted (again). We were on the wrong end of a shocking decision (again). We narrowly lost a game we deserved something out of (again). I almost wish that Derby had won today to put us out of our misery. I couldnt be prouder of the team and the attitude today. To a man they gave it their all. But we came up short (again). If there is any justice at all we will finish above Derby and stay up, but at the moment it looks highly unlikely that that will happen and for the first time I think I am resigned to the fact that we will be relegated.
Chin up Smiler - it's all going to come good. The key positive for me today was the return to fitness of Chieo who appears to have regained some of his old sparkle. If I were PW, I'd be looking to match him up with Barlaser at Brentford. Freddie also looked hungry today but his miss was appalling. However, I don't think he deserved to be replaced by Hirst who once again contributed virtually nothing positive. I hope Victor is back for the remaining games - we need his command of the area. Blackman did OK but to be honest he wasn't really tested.
I'll be really disappointed if we are relegated. Previous relegations have been on the cards from Christmas onwards, but I've always felt that we have the ability to pull clear this season - yes we're leaving it slightly late!
Interesting to see Ogbene play centrally today. He caused them a lot of problems. We havent had genuine pace like that up front for a long time. They were scared of his pace and it stretched the game for us a bit. A more experienced (and I use the word carefully) Championship player would have gone over on the second half when he stayed on his feet but it's hard to fault him for trying to go on and score.
I already have an image in my head of Ivan Toney winning and converting a 'soft' penalty this week. I hope to goodness it doesnt come to pass. My blood pressure wont take it.
Apparently that was the same ref today who we had at Preston where he gave Ched Evans a yellow for kicking Viktor's head in (compare that to the red given to Crooks) and later allowed Evans to foul Viktor for their goal. I'm not sure if he is anti-beard or anti-Swede or anti-Millers or what, but I should think Viktor will be donning a crash helmet next time he is appointed to one of our games. Very odd that he can be that bad in two of our games, and also that Darren Bond can give two such atrocious red cards against us in separate matches. Warne is right - it stinks.
-- Edited by smiler on Saturday 24th of April 2021 10:29:48 PM
-- Edited by smiler on Saturday 24th of April 2021 10:30:23 PM
I am a big believer that luck evens itself over a season. I also hold no truck about us and other smaller clubs getting unfair treatment from the powers that be and referees. However, after the red card of Crooks, Smith and the goal against yesterday added to Crooks losing his appeal i might have to have a rethink.
I thought we played really well yesterday against a team who are pushing for promotion. We were better in nearly all areas, creativity,winning second balls, pressing, stifling attacks etc etc. But the one thing we were let down by was woeful finishing. Ladapo, who i like just needs to smash the ball home in front of goal. I don't know if he is thinking too much about it or what, but he looks unbalanced when these easy chances come his way. Smith is no natural finisher and i have seen him nod easy chances wide on numerous occasions whilst at our club. I agree with Smiler about an experienced player going over on Ogbene's chance. But is it possible that he felt the ref wouldn't give him anything so carried on ?
We still have a chance but for me our home form against poor teams will have cost us relegation. Brentford won at Bournemouth yesterday and i feel they will have to much for us. Luton are battlers and although i fancy a draw, i just can't see where the wins are coming from. Blackburn at home will depend on which Blackburn turn up. No doubt the one that will beat us. Knowing us we will then go to Cardiff on the last day of the season and the strikers will find their shooting boots and score freely when it doesn't matter. UTM.
Indeed , looking at the challenge and resulting injury on victor suggests to me it should be a red card awarded retrospectively. I wonder if our management team have asked for a review. Leading with the arm is dangerous and foul play.
If ever a game summed up a season, that was it. We were very good, but not quite good enough when it counted (again). We were on the wrong end of a shocking decision (again). We narrowly lost a game we deserved something out of (again). I almost wish that Derby had won today to put us out of our misery. I couldnt be prouder of the team and the attitude today. To a man they gave it their all. But we came up short (again). If there is any justice at all we will finish above Derby and stay up, but at the moment it looks highly unlikely that that will happen and for the first time I think I am resigned to the fact that we will be relegated.
100% agree Smiler...
Bad Luck, Missed Chances and Terrible Refs have killed our season, as we said in other posts.
So hard to take - if we had been beaten 5-0 in loads of games and played rubbish you could take it easier, but as you say, we've simply not had any luck, compounded by Refs ...
I honestly think we could have built a Championship side around the core of this squad next season, but instead we'll be losing players and hoping for an unlikely push for the League 1 playoffs...
I don't think anyone doubts his emotional commitment. His is second to none I'm sure.
And, I don't think anyone would say we deserved to lose this game.
What has happened throughout the season long campaign does however cause me to wonder at tines if the management team has what it takes. On the other hand , I have also been impressed at times.
The question for me is about the medium to long term future, and that starts now.
