Well, that was a change from last Saturday! Great performance, especially in the first half, and a well-deserved win for us. You could tell right from the off we were really fired up, although a very soft penalty decision did help us on our way.
PLAYER RATINGS:
McCormick - 7 - One flap that nearly cost us a goal, but he made up for it well and we were 3-0 up by that stage. Usual solid game, that apart.
Nelson - 9 - He was everywhere. Best game I've seen him have in a while. Dominant at the back.
McHugh - 7 - Not bad by any means, but probably the least good of the three centre-backs. Slipped over and caught on his heels sometimes. Passing was surprisingly good, though.
Hartley - 8 - Very solid - nothing got past him.
Mellor - 9 (MotM) - Incredible performance in the first half, bombing down the flank and showing flair and skill to provide a consistent end product. Very good defensively throughout, even if he did tail off a little bit going forward in the second. Anyone who can make an ex-Premier League left-back be taken off before the hour must be too good for this division.
Cox - 7 - Usual display of efficient, intelligent football. A little slow to release at times, yes, but in terms of picking up scraps in midfield and keeping possession there's few better in this league.
O'Connor - 8 - Dominated defensive midfield, strong in the tackle and in the air, busy and hard-working, kept possession really well. That's how you play holding midfield.
Blizzard - 6 - Not 'bad' as such, but in a good team performance he was the weakest link for me. Did make the odd good pass and his pressing wasn't bad, but he was a passenger for much of the game.
Kellett - 7 - Has a few real heart-attack moments defensively, very raw, but a good if inconsistent wing-back from what I've seen. He excels going forward and he's a battler with a real fighting spirit - I like him, I hope and think he should have a good future in football.
Reid - 9 - Brilliant in the first half: attacked in a number of ways and none were dealt with. Anyone with his combination of pace, skill, strength, height, finishing ability and work ethic is going to be a very tough player to play against.
Alessandra - 8 - Really did well feeding off Reid and his movement was terrific. Very good finish for the goal and a, errrr, clever dive for the penalty.
SUBSTITUTES:
Smalley - 5 - Didn't warrant the high ratings he's been getting, in my opinion. Two one-on-ones: but the first one was a lucky bounce he really should have scored, and the second was a decent solo effort, but there was a pass to Alessandra I think he should have made. Can't help but think if, for example, Banton missed that pass, he would have been blasted on here after the game. Smallet didn't win any physical battles either, I don't think.
Harvey - 5 - Didn't do anything of note.
Morgan - 6 - Hassled and chased relentlessly in his short time on the field. Should have been given a couple of free kicks.
