Back on track at U’s soulless new ground
JUST like our opposition from the previous few games, Gillingham had a plan to play for the draw.
I’d go as far to say that that given the number of goal scoring chances they created they had a plan to play for a 0-0 draw, they were quite possibly the most unadventurous team we’ve seen at EP all season, not one clear cut chance was created by the visitors, the only action Ben Hinchliffe had was the numerous back passes he had to punt up field!
I expected more from them, since the new year their form has improved dramatically going from relegation certainties to being a form team in the division, they were rubbish and all credit to the 180 souls that made the trip North, imagine having to watch that every week!
We though, should have done better. Three games goalless is the statistic that most of us would have taken away from the game but how it stayed that way is beyond me – 74 per cent possession, 17 shots and another keeper who raised his game for the big occasion.
Bizarrely, after two points from a possible nine, we’re still in the play-off positions, we actually went up a place on Tuesday night but that shouldn’t hide the fact that we’re not clicking at the moment. It was a case of let’s just hope it’s a blip and we’ll come good at Colchester.
I can’t believe that I’ve never been to The Community Stadium before, I had no idea they’d moved from Layer Road, as such it’s my 189th following County.
How I wished they hadn’t!
Another soulless, prefab ground built in the same mould as so many “new” grounds right on the edge of town surrounded by Industrial units and the obligatory McDonalds.
On the pitch we were miles better than the previous three games, cohesion, well organised and plenty of forward play had the home team chasing shadows.
The loss of Fraser Horsfall was a worry but his replacement, Ryan Johnson, was magnificent. Indeed it was his agility in winning a header from a Chris Hussey corner that put the ball squarely on the head of Kyle Wootton for the game’s only goal.
We had other chances, Sarcevic hit the post from a free kick, Hippolyte had a shot tipped away, while at the back our defence was so solid that Hinchliffe didn’t have a meaningful save to make all afternoon.
It wasn’t always pretty but it was a win and a huge step taking us forward and with some huge games coming up it’s a step in the right direction.