It was clear Clarke had been roasted by our forwards as he came off at half time for Ched Evans. Centre half for centre forward; Barton wanted this. Remember, Evans cost a ‘substantial six-figure sum’ from Sheffield United this summer but he’s not up to speed yet. Aside from one late chance, I wouldn’t have paid an unsubstantial four-figure sum for him. He looked a bit lost in the 3-5-2 formation they switched too.
They probed and pressed but again, found no joy and soon made another sub and another change, going to what looked like a 4-2-4. Credit to them, they wanted to win the game and continued to bring it to us. That’s to be expected I guess, but last season at 2-0 up against Stevenage we waited until the last ten minutes for the onslaught. Barton was quick to react to changes in the game and made fluid alterations. I do wonder if maybe the speed with which he swapped things about meant they didn’t get into a rhythm with one approach. After all, they played well in the first half up to the goals, but clearly not well enough for their manager.
Danny Andrew picked up a booking for a foul on Harry, but it was our winger who almost made it three not long after. Jorge Grant, a real threat with his delivery and work rate, blocked a clearance and then moved into space himself to deliver a cross. It ended up being hooked over at the far post by Harry, but it was as clear cut as anything they’d produced, despite having more possession. It’s odd isn’t it, we had the possession against MK Dons but were criticised for not being clinical, yesterday we produced chances despite not having the ball as much and I’ve seen us criticised for it. I suppose it’s all about perspective.
It was a second period low on chances, but to be fair Fleetwood controlled much of the play. Danny Andrew had a free-kick saved, Paddy Madden had a couple of headed opportunities, one which was about six yards offside and hit him square in the face. I’d been interested to see Madden’s impact as he had been praised highly by some League One pundits I chat to, but he disappointed me. He was busy but looked a little laboured in his play. I suspect he gets a lot of joy bullying younger centre backs or getting behind a defence that isn’t quite as deep as we were at times, but he got no change at all out of Bozzy and Shacks. I know Cian has been hard done by in some people’s eye, but if you want to know why we play those two at the back, watch how the kept one of the division’s leading scorers wrapped up.
Walker could have had a hat trick on 74 minutes, a one-two with Harry leading to a scuffed shot that Connolly might have had a better chance of putting away. He switched with Big John for the last fifteen minutes and John almost set up Connolly, but the on-loan Everton man drilled over from just outside the area.
Despite them having the better of play and a series of half-chances, we never looked like conceding. I never drew a deep breath, or gasped and remarked how close they’d been. This from a team with the highest xG in the division before the game. That’s a real credit to our boys and the lack of chances shouldn’t take away from what was a great performance. Put it this way; I thought we played better against Fleetwood than we did Rotherham and the game in South Yorkshire was described as a master class.
Aside from Ched Evans missing a glorious chance to give them a lifeline, arguably their best of the game, we saw things out well. Josh Vickers had perhaps one serious save to make from Andrew’s free-kick, but otherwise a solid performance brought us all three points.
I’m really excited to watch that midfield dynamic grow over the coming weeks. Callum Connolly had a strong debut; he’ll be amongst the goals and assists as well as the defensive duties. He’s certainly a box to box man and in his post-match press conference, he admitted that’s what he sees himself as. He’ll add value in terms of versatility, but he showed yesterday where he’s most effective. He slotted in nicely next to the busy Joe Morrell, a player who has settled into our side like he’s always been an Imp.
The other summer signings just keep screaming quality though. Tyler Walker got Man of the Match, a decision that surprised me. I suppose if you get two goals, both quality finishes too, then it’s to be expected and he offered plenty all afternoon. Jorge Grant has to have a mention, his delivery was always strong and he worked hard all game. Jack Payne did what he does, getting on the ball, carrying it about and hoping to create. At the back, all four we excellent as well.
There wasn’t a bad performer but for me, Harry Toffolo was Man of the Match. His delivery gets better and better, he has an incredible engine and offers as much to our attack as he does at the back. There’s little wonder we’ve signed Ben Coker because if Toff plays like that every week, January is going to be a very interesting time for his agent.
We’re back up to second, it means nothing in terms of promotion or relegation, but it does send a little message to the rest of the division; we’re not sliding out of anywhere and when you knock us down, we’ll get back up. We can pass and crate, but we can work harder without the ball than we do with it.
Not only are we second, but we’ve only played two teams in the bottom ten and the side keeping us off the top have been handed a 5-0 ‘gimme’ by Bolton. That’s nothing short of a great start to the season.
SW Man of the Match – Harry Toffolo
a long ball undid us at Donny, in any league you have to deal with that threat.
& use it yourselves sometimes
That’s what you get when you have a proper striker. Two chances, two great finishes, three points, thank you very much ?
The only difference between the two sides was Tyler Walker !