by Little Shrimp » Wed Feb 24, 2021 11:09 am
I've calmed now...a bit!
I thought we played relatively well throughout the game and matched a good Salford side. Their main threat was Thomas-Asante, who had a really excellent game. With his goal, I think Gibson was trying to show him the near post then slide in to block, which can be a smart tactic but he got his angles a little wrong. It wasn't a proper 'howler' for me from Letheren as it was a really vicious curling/dipping shot, but was definitely not good keeping. The main concern for me is that the sloppy moments he's had conceding - last night and vs Stevenage - are similar issues in that he got down to the ball but didn't get behind it in the right way to push it away.
On our chances - thought Stockton could be accused of a bit of lack of decisiveness for the first one, but really it was just a pretty out of this world tackle to stop him. The second one was disappointing though - Hladky is probably the best keeper in the league but he completely messed up the situation by coming out like a maniac and opening up way more routes for Stockton to score (chip, rounding him etc). Would have liked to have seen CMG do a little better with his volley, although I think there was a little mix up between him and Toums going for the same ball, with Toums pulling out but only at the last second.
Thought Hendrie coming on had a positive impact. He seems to have a drive to get forward more than Gibson, but is reckless defensively and that's where Gibson's strengths really come through as he's brilliant defensively. He made 7 tackles last night! The switch with Gibson going LCB and Hendrie at wing back worked a treat - Hendrie gave more going forward down the left, and Gibson offered some more mobility and tackling ability in the back line against Salford's forwards.
I love how this side just doesn't give in. I can do all the rambling analysis I want but the sheer willpower shown last night isn't really something that can be analysed like above! I was a bit shocked when we grabbed the ball and ran back to the centre circle after getting a 94th minute equaliser, but it shows that the players won't just settle for things!