Very disappointed with the first half. Saints were very impressive and totally controlled the game, we were chasing but just couldnt get hold of the ball ! When we did actually get it, gave away possession far too often with poor passing/wrong choices.
I thought Kennedy gave Holmes far too much space on the wing - he had plenty of time to control the ball and set off on his run before Kennedy got close, and it was no surprise when this resulted in their first goal
I thought substituting Connell after only 30 mins was a terrible decision - although he hadn't achieved much, he certainly chased around, but both strikers were totally starved of the ball and received no service at all, as we couldn't get hold of the ball/retain it. When he came off PDC totally ignored him and he looked very forlorn sat back on the bench.He changed into his suit at halftime ! What the hell will that do for his confidence - PDC, as an ex striker himself, must know that forwards in particular thrive on confidence.
Second half was much better, ball retention was much improved and we created a few good chances. A draw would have been more than we deserved overall, but for a while we did look capable of pushing it to extra time.
Flint was immense, again, and deserved man of the match.
Smith (midfield) lunges in far too often and will see red if he carries on.
Smith in goal looked very shaky and lacks confidence.
Thought Caddis and Ritchie both looked decent and worked hard, but they didnt find much space as Saints obviouslt saw Ritchie as a threat and closed him down well.
All in all, not the end of the world, as wont often come up against opposition as good as Saints.
But PDCs volatility and man management (or lack of it) are far more worrying
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