by Kitson12 »
08 Mar 2009 16:32
Having made the 5 hour journey to Plymouth, and then 5 hours back after the game gave me plenty of time to think about the way we played.
Overall I'm quite content with a point against what seems to be a rejuvinated Plymouth side languishing near the base of the table. Though, I do feel we did have the chances to win the game, and maybe should have done too, but happy nonetheless.
So here are my ratings:
Feds: 7 Didn't have a huge amount to do, collected a few shots that skidded in, couldn't have done anything for either of the goals, yet managed to get a hand to Gallagher's. Kicking good, only one went out into touch IIRC.
Rosey: 6/7 It's been said, got booked very early on, seemed to be on the back foot for most of the game from then on, up until the last quarter of an hour when he made some great runs forward, and put some crosses in.
Stretch: 8 Had a really good game, defended very well, made plenty of forward runs, and complimented a poorly performing Hunt. Thought he went through a slight fall in performance for about 10 mins after he got injured, when it really didn't look good for him, but then went all guns blazing towards the end.
Pearce: 7 Unfortunately he didn't finish the game, otherwise I'd have given him an 8. Ever week he looks more and more professional, good in the challenge, fantastic heading, unlucky with their goal, got what looked like a blatant shove in the back. He scored a peach of a header, and could well have got another. He is most definetly a Reading captain in the making. Hope he is ok to play on tuesday after his horrible blood injury.
Doobs: 6 Fairly good performance, I agree that he was partly at fault for both goals, could have marked Gallagher a little better, and could have made more of an effort to close down Mackie. Thought he also looked a bit worse for wear after he'd had treatment.
Kebe: 7 His best game in a Reading shirt IMO, calm, almost assured performance, where he was a lot less 'flairy' and more simple. Took his goal very very well, almost as if he'd been scoring all season. Some great runs into the channel, though I wish he'd be a bit less shot shy sometimes. And also now that Glen is back Kebe will learn even more hopefully.
Hunt: 6 Once again he was poor, crossing seldom got past the first man, however I will say that he appeared much more committed to the tackle, there was more energy, and maybe just maybe he is beginning to turn the corner.
Marek: 7 Fantastic passer of the ball, got in there with a challenge once or twice and provided a fantastic cross for Pearce as well as helping with Kebe goal. However, sometimes he can be a little too weak, and needs to make players around him know wheat he is going to do. Can't believe we've left him out for so long to be honest.
Cisse: 6/7 I don't wholeheartedly agree with what people are say on here about Cisse. I thought he really put himself about, was always there for a tackle and was very strong. Unlucky to hit the bar when it was 2-1 to PA, but was at fault for the second Plymouth goal, letting the ball go far too easily, much like at Brum earlier in the season. However I feel he compliments Marek very well.
Doyle: 7 He worked hard as always, put challenges in, and generally gave 110% as he always does. Thought he should have done better when one on one with the keeper, instead of squaring it shooting. Very unlucky when he did shoot on his other 1 on 1. Also possibly should have scored from the goalmouth scramble in the first half.
Long: 8 Well, I don't think Lita will be starting another match for a while, a very pleasing and strong performance from this young lad. Outmuscled opponents, worked tirelessly to get the ball, and chased lost causes all day. Possibly should have been a little more aware when Doyle squared said ball (see above) when the defender missed it to just prod in, but hard to see anything 'wrong' with his performance.
Subs:
Bikey: 6 Good to see him back, didn't really have time to do much, gave away one foul, think thats about it.
Harper: 5 Too little time, when coming on for the seemingly injured (?) Cisse.
Hunt: Why was he not brought on? Even for the last 5?
Reading fans: 9 Constantly outsung the very poor Plymouth fans, and it was nice to seen Kingsley there too.
Speaking to PA fans after the game most of the believed that we are the best team they have played all season, and that we will probably end up finishing first.