For me the top performers on the day were Platt, Norwood & Clarke. I would give Norwood the MOM but any of the three could have had it.
The performance overall wasnt that great but was good enough. Had Pompey had a real goal threat it could easily have been different. Thought first half we were second best and after we scored first pompey upped their tempo only to be deflated when we got the second.
Bigi looked lost first 10 minutes then got into it - did a few passes but lacks a little pace, which might stop interest from bigger clubs. Thomas started off ok played a few good passes then got a few passes in tight situations (with no great support) and his confidence fell away - it can happen with young players especially when asked to play in a position they are not suited for. Didnt have a great game but to rate him 2 or 3 points behind all the other players i find a tad harsh.
I never felt at ease with our centre backs on the day both Keogh & Crainie made mistakes and got away with it. Clarke and Hussey in particular have a lot to learn about defending but good going forward. Hussey like Clingan has got to learn to look before you pass, there were a couple of passes we got away with that could have cost us.
Nimely never seemed to pick Platts knock downs - there were plenty so you might think he could anticipate some of them. He looked tired. McSheffery scored his goal ........... did he do much else ? Murphy did ok but he still managed to drop a few crosses you might expect a keeper to hold.
Thought AT got what he did pretty much spot on - I might have got Cody on for last 10 minutes but thats a thought rather than a criticism.
3 welcome points, 3 valuable points, but lets not get carried away this was at best an average standard chanpionship performance. But right now the performance and style are not the be all end and end all............. points are. I would happily take another 4 or 5 results & performances like that
PUSB
