Planet Swans ArchivesOur first visit to the JJB and our thoughts are, very impressive stadium with plenty of free car parks, with one allocated for visiting fans. Cost was £12 and £7 to the East Stand, which ran the length of one side, with an excellent view. Wycombe please take note of the cost.
Our Walsall report started with the warning that the result was great, but that we should not get carried away. This game backs up that statement.
The first half was men against boys, with Wigan slicing through our defence like the proverbial knife through butter. Before they scored there had already been numerous chances with Howarth hitting the bar when it was easier to score when he was left one on one against Rog. Some slick one-pass movements by Wigan didn’t result in goals due to some last second blocks by the defence who were under constant pressure.
On the half our the inevitable happened when a throw in on the left was passed to an unmarked Liddell on the corner of the box allowing him to cut in and beat Rog with a crisp shot into the corner. Jones was injured and replaced by Roberts with Price going to right back. One chance for the Swans in the first half was a free kick outside the box which saw Howard try a side footed pass for the top corner, but lacked any power to trouble their keeper. Only a couple of other quarter chances for us before half time, which came with us totally surprised to be still in the game.
The second half again saw Wigan much the stronger team but on the hour we started to get on top and for about 15 mins dominated the play with Roberts our attacking outlet, putting in a couple of crosses which with a bit of luck ( or is it confidence) we could have taken. This was easily our best period of the game, but it came to an abrupt end when Cusack missed a pass on the edge of the Wigan area allowing them to counter attack the length of the field with Liddell again beating Rog from just inside the box.
This was the killer goal as although we didn’t deserve to be in the game at half time we had battled to get back into the game. The game was played out with some handbag clashes, with Cusack & Sheridan being booked for what was their third flash point. Smith was sent off for a tackle from behind with about 5 mins to go. This brought outrage from the fans, but whether he deserved a yellow or red is debatable, but you could see the intent to follow through from his body language.
By this time Watkin had been replaced by Jenkins. As usual no individual player scores, but will add the following comments on our general display.
To continue to play Price is a mistake as he does not track back to protect Jones or close down the defenders/midfielders allowing them to set up their attacks.
Comments were made praising Caseys’ contribution after the Walsall game. We did not agree with them at the time. Today he looked out of his depth and the comments made about Price can be said about him. He did have a couple of chances to run at their fullback but lacked conviction and only crossed when it seemed he was just too tired to run any further.
That leads on to the main comment. The team do not look fit, or at times it could be just not interested. We did not play exciting football last season, but the team could not be criticised for overall effort and team support. This is now sadly lacking as gaps appear all over the pitch. Players wait for the ball to arrive instead of looking for it, giving defenders the extra second to make a tackle or interception.
Like many others this is our team which we follow over the country at no small cost in time and money. Please Mr Hollins read our lips
THE TEAM IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR THIS DIVISION.
The players need reinforcements now. The fans deserve to see a glimmer of hope that relegation is not the formality it looks at the moment. 2 experienced loan signings now could be the kick we need.
To end on a positive note ????????????????? It could have been 5-0.
Bring on Walsall. (Our planned next game) One further comment there was good vocal support from the 200-250 fans, especially in the second half.
But for the first 10-15 mins the large percentage of chants were anti Cardiff with the favourite Stand Up If You Hate Cardiff. The opposition could not care less if we hate Cardiff. The players could note care less if we hate Cardiff. We could not care less, we want to support our team.
Lets have more chants for the team please (Cue abuse) The I’m Swansea till I Die in the second half was much much better.
