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A very encouraging performance today, and though the scoreline flattered our efforts a little we were deserved winners. Tabb's classy pass and Long's pace won what looked a legitimate penalty, well converted by Long. Our midfield trio consistently had the better of theirs, and both our centre-backs were dependable (save for one Mills slip that nearly cost us). Sweet second goal by McAnuff, who had been industrious and threatening throughout. Tabb, HRK and Long were drawing a lot of fouls thanks to their acceleration, Long drawing the foul that led to the sending off, which was pretty decisive. Though we let Burnley back in the game at that point (maybe because Karacan's injury and resting Tabb threw away our midfield control), we always looked sure to score on the break. Long missed a great one-on-one thanks to a poor first touch, and HRK and Antonio shot wide in great positions. Then Long made our third for Antonio with a cool head inside the box. Church took his late goal brilliantly, side footed into the top corner, after being cleverly played through by Howard.
RobRoyal
That was a strange one. I don't think I've seen such a clueless performance by a team who won so heavily. A strong defence and a fortunate (but seemingly definite) early penalty, plus a terrible Burnley team, saw us through. With decent strikers it could've been more - Antonio's miss was horrible, and I'm glad he got a goal immediately after if only for his confidence.
Referee had a fairly poor game. If a player is deemed to have dived, a yellow card should result, no? Two of their players managed to avoid this, most notably Iwelumo's cynical tumble with a perfect swan dive motion. The referee seemed hesitant to give cards out. Bikey did his regular violent protestation when a decision went against him, screaming abuse at a linesman, and got away with a quiet word. I convinced myself Matt Mills would flare up after a nasty kick in the shoulder from Iwelumo, but he limited himself to a pointedly aggressive aerial challenge shortly after.
Prostak
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