Crewe passed the ball 10 times better then we did, but they never threatened in the final third and they over played in defence. In terms of chances, we were miles ahead and should have been out of site before the tense last 5 minutes. As much as it goes against their philosophy, Crewe really should boot it once in a while.
We defended very well, they never got a sniff in the box. Delaney was outstanding, he talked well and bossed his man. Bo had nothing to do. Cort was steady as usual. rogers was clam and efficient at full back, he'll be a great contender to Dawson next season. Wiseman was steady defensively again but poor in possession, along with Delaney. We weren't brave enough on the ball again. Like Crewe need to hit it sometimes, we need to not hit it and hold onto it. Try and pick a pass, or at least hit a long pass rather then a long hoof.
Andrews and Elliott were disappointing again. Andrews has been poor since he got the armband. The defensive line was about half way up our half, not sat on the box, but deep enough to stop Rodgers being a threat in behind. The midfield should have been 10-15 yards in front of them but sat on top of them. Fagan and Parkin did well to win anything with that lack of support. As skipper, Andrews has to push on. On occasion, Nobby pushed out earlier and we hurried them into mistakes. Andrews distribution, considering how able he is, was pathetic. He wasn't at all brave, he was hurried and nervous. if he wants that slot every week, he needs to improve 200%.
Green did well. I really fancied him to score this week and he hit a belter. He passed nicely, worked up and down, got challenges in and tried to make something happen. Not everything came off, but he had a good go and got a reward. Moaning about Elliott is becoming tiresome. when he's not scoring goals, he's not doing anything. In fairness, the cross that led to the goal was a belter, but the rest was, well, enough to have people desperate to see Ellison instead. Enough said! Nobby had a decent game, nothing special, just passes and moves and works up and down. Exactly what is required.
Up front, Parkin and Fagan chased a lot of nothing, and did OK. When he did have the ball, Fagan wasn't good enough (neither was Duffy when he came on) but you can't fault the work rate. Parkin makes things happen with brute force and skill. He was great to bounce the ball off and smashed the bar late on after a great turn from a long throw. Credit to the manager, he threw Duffy, Paynter and Ellison to try and get them going, but it didn't work. There was no were near enough service. Don't be surprised to see Ellison at Ipswich, he gave it a go and looked strong and fit.
The 4 strikers are playing well at the moment, but working with scraps. We must get more quality in midfield. We need braver players, not in the physical sense, but on the ball. We won enough ball today, but gave far too much away.
Well done boys, a good 3 points that all but assures safety. A win over Leeds and brighter performances against Burnley and Preston will cap off a frustrating, tense but thoroughly enjoyable season.
Ratings: Bo 6, Wiseman 6, Rogers 7, DD 8, Leon 7, Green 8, Elliott 5 (Ellison), Andrews 5, Nobby 7 (Paynter), Parkin 7, Fagan 6 (Duffy).