The balance of the team is wrong. The decision not to buy Julian Gray at the moment seems to have been a huge mistake. We need to strengthen the squad if we have ambitions of promotion. Within the space of a couple of weeks we have slumped into a rut. WBA have signed Geoff Horsfield, Norwich have brouight in Leon McKenzie and are still trying to get Darren Huckerby. We must add to our squad.
We are still well within reach of the play offs but we have got to win on Friday. Not just for the points but for a boost to the confidence.
Things started off bad against Millwall. Only 4 mins in and Alexander was caught out when a corner went straight in. The wind played a huge part but you have to call it keeper error.
Alexander was caught out agains for Millwall's second goal. His refusal to come off his line and be commanding allowed Cahill to nip in and head past him.
The third goal conceded was a team effort at ball watching and allowing Millwall the freedom to pass across the edge of our box before slotting the ball home.
City's goal came from Peter Thorne, him and Kav probably the only two players satisfied with their days work. The best bit of play from City saw Weston and Langley with some neat work down the wing and Thorne bravely putting himself in the think of it to bundle the ball home. Earnie was denied by Warner, if that chance had gone in it could have been a different story. That made it level at half time. City you would have thought would have come out for the second half with a positive attitude and a will to win but it never happened.
Too much time wanted on the ball, too many sloppy passes. I thought there was a total lack of vision. We have the most prolific striker in the league and he was begging his team mates for early balls over the top to run onto. The crowd were urging Barker and Weston to chip over the top where Earnie was swinging his arms beckoning a ball to run onto but all we got was sideways passes that put more pressure on the team.
I think that Lennie should make some changes for Friday's game. There must be a solid case to rest Alexander. These guys need to sharpen up and realise they can't take it for granted they will play every week. James Collins is a hungry young defender. Give him a chance. Let Gaddion or Vidmar have a game or two off to compose themselves. Our midfield is unbalanced. Kav coming back helped but we need an outlet wide left. Earnie needs a goal and a haircut. Thorne is the shining light in the team at the moment. He's in top form but would benefit even more if the service to both strikers was improved.
Thorne has now scored in the last 5 consectuive games. He's scored 7 out of the nine goals scored in those 5 games. Unfortunately in three of those games his goals have been merely a consolation.
We are going to lose games, it happens but to lose a game with such a poor performance is annoying. Let's hope that we come out fighting on Boxing Day and knockout Walsall. We have two games in 3 days. Watford away comes just 48 hours after the Walsall game. 6 points and a couple of clean sheets will be a very welcome christmas present.