Town dominated the game from the start and although Cardiff tried bullying Town, kicking players off the ball consistently and picking up 7 yellow cards Town still controlled the game. A year ago we would have succumbed to the tactics but not this time. Despite all the dominance we failed to really create great openings until teh second half and then against the run of play Cardiff strung a couple of passes together and scored. The Welsh outfit had relied upon the long punt and see what would happen. They were lucky to keep 11 players on the pitch and subbed Hugill before he got sent off as he had got away woith 2 clear elbows in the first half but not the one in the second. Town rallied after conceding and drove forward equalising through Koroma on 88 minutes and Russell scoring the winner on the 96th minute. Cardiff had been time wasting since the first minute of the game and there had been a long injury to Lees which accounted for the 9 minutes added time.

Nicholls 8, Turton 8, Pearson 7, Lees 7, Thomas 9 (MOM), Russell 8, O’Brien 8, Ruffels 6, Sinani 5, Ward 7, Holmes 7.

Carlos 7

Nothing expected from this game against free scoring Fulham but Town pulled off the shock. We dug in deep to defent and see if we could snatch anything at the other end and it worked a treat. The one good attacking move resulting in Danny Ward nipping in and snatching a lead on 31 minutes. Then again against the run of play Town broke away and THomas won a dubious penalty which Holmes despatched to send in 2-0 up at half-time. The second half was all Fulham as they pressed to get back into the game but Town defended well and if we had of looked after the ball better on the odd brake away we could have gone 3 up. In the end Fulham snatched a late goal but Town comfortably held on.

Nicholls 8, Lees 7, Pearson 8 (MOM), Turton 7, Toffolo 7, Hogg 7, Russell 7, O’Brien 8, Ward 7, Thomas 7, Holmes 6.

Carlos 8

Was always going to be a tough encounter against one of the form teams in the division. Whilst UNited tried to boss the game Town gave as good as they got and should have been awarded 3 penalties but the ref bottled it each time. Russell making his first start for Town in the league did have the ball in the back of the net but the ref ruled out as he thought Ward had fouled the keeper but replays showed that Ward had been fouled and fell onto the keeper so the goal should have stood. Still not a bad result though.

Nicholls 8, Pipa 7, Pearson 7, Lees 7, Ruffels 7, Russell 8 (MOM), Hogg 8, O’Brien 7, Thomas 7, Ward 6, Koroma 5.

Carlos 7.

At a ground where we never win we dug in resolutely but evre really looked likely to win the game. We lacked self believe and the desire to really break forward and commit bodies to the attack. In the end we did well to get the point.

Nicholls 7, Lees 8 (MOM), Pearson 7, Turton 7, Thomas 7, Toffolo 6, Hogg 7, O’Brien 7, Holmes 6, Sinani5, Ward 6. Carlos 6

FA Cup fourth round action for Town. The last tim eTown got into the fifth round we lost to Manchester United who crashed out to Middlesborough and the season before it was the blue half of Manchester that knocked Town out. We managed to get the victory today to book a place against Forest who have taken the scalps of Arsenal & Leicester this season. It will be a close contest with us having won at their place despite Forest being well on top and Forest won at the John Smiths’ to spark a revival.

For the game against Barnsley we made several changes as some rotation was used. This could have been risky and could have upset the momentum that we have built up but it proved to be a good move in the end. We dominated the early exchanges and tehre was no surprise when Thomas did well to head cleverly to the unrushing Holmes, who controlled the ball at speed with his right foot and finished with the left. Town continued to dominate but did not really force many clear openings until late on. Ward on for Rhodes who started for the first time shot against the post and the rebound fell away from Thomas who would of had a tap in. Then with Barnsley pressing forward space was left at the back and Thomas fed the impressive Russell who with the just the keeper to beat put his effort past the post. Sarr did turn a cross against his own post when there was no pressure on him but that was the closest Barnsley came other than the late goal that was ruled out for a foul, although I have to admit I don’t believe there was one, however Turton also had the ball in the back of the net which was ruled out for offside although he appeared onside.

Ratings

Blackman

Making his debut he never had any real shots to save just a few long range effort fired directly at him. He did look composed and assured controlling the game from the back and his passing was solid.

Rating 7

Pearson

Had a good solid game at the back and did not panic.

Rating 7

Sarr

Had a scare in the first half which he recovered from but there was no need to try and cut the cross out which he diverted against the post as there was no pressure on Blackman who would of had a easy catch.

Rating 5

Turton (on for Pipa)

Had a good solid game and deserved his goal which was ruled out.

Rating 7

Russell

A very mature and measured performance in the middle. Kept the passing simple and to feet moving the ball quickly forward. He is a big lad and protected the ball well. Deserved the goal which he should have scored at the end.

Rating 8 MOM

O’Brien

Good solid game as ever and is looking better as the season progresses.

Rating 8

Pipa

Had to go off in the first half due to injury

Ruffels

It was good to see him get 90 minutes and did a very good job. Showed that we do have some strngth in depth.

Rating 7

Eiting

Had a good game probing and again good for him to get the game time.

Rating 7

Thomas

Constantly caused Barnsley problems and on another day would of had 3 assists for his efforts. Appears to be back on form.

Rating 8

Koroma

A little quiet but Barnsley still struggled to cope with him.

Rating 6

Rhodes

Worked well on his birthday and was kept busy with the towering Barnsley defence.

Rating 6

Derby came into the game in good form but still with a mountain to climb to ensure safety in the Championship and Town with an impressive unbeaten run. Town were very much on the front foot early on and Derby trying to play out of defence got themselves in trouble. Richard Stearman on his first return since leaving Town tried to rescue the situation but he went in with studs showing 2 footed into O’Brien. Stearman was also the last man and therefore the referee had no option but to send him off. Derby who would have kept things tight at the back then played with all outfield players behind the ball for the remainder of the game. This made it difficult for Town to get the opener. We were perhaps guilty of overplaying it in the final third but the players remained patient although the crowd were not. Allsop produced a number of saves to help keep Derby in the game but eventually we got the breakthrough. Holmes finding a bit of space on the edge of the box with 15 minutes to go shot, it took a deflection to lift over the keeper and into then net. Derby had to then come out and play it was no surprise that we went 2 up when Wards shot was turned away for Rhodes to score his first since his return.

Nicholls

Impressive again with his command of the defence. Derby never really tested him throughout.

Rating 7

Lees

Good and controlled performance.

Rating 7

Pearson

Was solid at the back throughout.

Rating 7

Turton

Had a good solid game.

Rating 7

Hogg

Was used in several positions as we tried to force the opening.

Rating 7

Toffolo

Good performance finding space on the left. He performs better in attack without Koroma occupying the same space.

Rating 7

O’Brien

My MOM he was always a thorn in the side for Derby who appeared to target him and resorted to trying to kick him off the pitch in the end.

Rating 8

Sinani

Struggled to get the breakthrough but did ok.

Rating 6

Thomas

Was bright throught and DErby struggled to manage him.

Rating 7

Ward

Looked bright but struggled with a lack of space to operate in as Derby dropped deeper all the time.

Rating 6

Holmes

Had a good first half finding space in pockets but had been disappearing from the game until he popped up to score against his previous club.

Rating 7

Carlos

Full credit to Carlos bringing Eiting on at half time as he identified that the game was there for the taking. He even took defenders off for front men as we went in search of the 3 points. Tactics were good and he ensured that we remained patient went other teams might have started hitting long balls in hope.

Rating 9

The points shared in a game which Huddersfield should have won with how we started the game. In the end a share of the points was a fair result as Stoke were well on top in the second half.

Town were camped out in the Stoke half until getting the brakethrough on 27 minutes. Koroma who had his best game of the season scoring with a slight deflection from outside the area. We were fortunate that Koroma was still on the pitch as he could have been red carded earlier. Having said that we thoroughly deserved to be ahead by that point and should have ensured that the game was put to bed in the first half but after scoring we alowed Stoke possession and hadn’t taking enough advantage of our earlier dominance. Despite being on top Stoke did have a couple of chances in teh first period which we had to be grateful to Nicholls for keeping them at bay.

The second period we camped out in our half allowing Stoke all of the time and posession and only challenging them on the edge of the area. It was no surprise that Stoke got the goal back with us on the backfoot. Pearson turned down a chance to clear and after a couple of efforts failed to find the net Brown who undid us at Stoke scored again. Having conceded the game bacame end to end and we had the chance to win the game but with panic setting in from both sides there was no surprise that it turned out even in the end.

Should Kororma have been sent off. Probably, he was second to a ball that 2 players were going at full pelt for. It looked like he tried pulling out but only succeeded in dangling his foot in and with the Stoke man coming across he connected with the udnerside of Koromas boot. Late on I felt that Allen should have been sent off for what looked like a blatant 2 footed studs up challange to halt Thomas attacking but watching it back only a yellow should have been shown, but again another challenge that the referee totally missed.

Ratings

Nicholls

Again consistently good, both with handling and shot stopping. Arguably our signing of the season.

Rating 8

Lees

Good at the back and handled Fletcher and his flying elbows well throughout.

Rating 7

Pearson

On several occasions he misplaced passes and in the end it was his failure to clear that presented the opportunity for the equaliser.

Rating 4

Turton

Was quite solid at the back. Offered little in attack but did the basics well.

Rating 6

Hogg

Had a good first half despite some wayward passing. In teh second he sat too deep and failed to dictate the tempo and brake up the Stoke momentum.

Rating 5

Toffolo

Struggled at times to be a threat going forward. We do find this when Koroma is in teh side operating in a wide left position.

Rating 6

O’Brien

Was very good in teh first half driving Town forward and operating in the Stoke half. In the second phase he dropped deep and failed to get on the ball.

Rating 7

Sinani

Linked up play well in the second half but disappeared in the second. When defending a lead Sinani does drop far too deep.

Rating 5

Thomas

Was a constant threat in both halves, but needed to be goven the licence to operate further forward in the second half.

Rating 7

Koroma

Despite the potential red card this was Koromas’ best performance this season in the first half. Again he disappeared in the second half.

Rating 7

Ward

Was very busy and looked full of confidence. The service dried up though as soon as we took the lead.

Rating 6

Carlos

Substitutions should have happened earlier in the match as the game had gone from our grasp as the start of the second half. We need to be braver once taking the lead and continue to play attacking football. We were good until taking the lead and have too often thrown away leads. If we are 2 or 3 in front then we can go defensive but not at 1-0. It will work some of the time but that definately felt like 2 points thrown away again.

Rating 6

Town started off brightly and there was no real surprise when we took the lead after 15 minutes. Some bright approach play ended with O’Briens effort being turned away by ex-Town man Hamer into the path of Sinani who could not miss. As the second half progressed Town were the better of the 2 sides and really needed to score a second and put the game to bed but Swansea held on and had a feew half chances themselves.

The second half was like a different match. Town camped in their own half and Swansea controlled the play. The Swans lacked any real cutting edge but had all the posession and if they had of been more decisive in the final third and we had not of had Nicholls in goal then they would have comfortably picked up 3 points. It was no surprise really that eventually the continued possession brought about the equalizer on 78 minutes. Town then upped their game again and Danny Ward had a great opportunity to win the game but rushed his finish, putting it wide.

In the end probably a fair result but we really let Swansea back in in the second half and offered very little in attack in the second period. We needed to be braver rather than retreating. When we won the ball which wasn’t often there were no options for us to retain possession as we were all in defense and static.

Ratings

Nicholls

Easily MOM. He kept us in the game in the second period and commanded his area well.

Rating 9

Lees

Read the play well and defended strongly.

Rating 6

Pearson

Tackled well when needed and marshalled the defence well.

Rating 7

Turton

Defended well, but a little eratic with the ball at times.

Rating 6

Hogg

Defended well and won the ball back in good areas in the first half. Disappeared a little in the second and dropped a little too deep. at times.

Rating 6

O’Brien

Did well in the first half but struggled to get into the game in the second period. Rarely got on the ball and we really needed to challenge more to gain possession.

Rating 6

Toffolo

Struggled to be an attacking presence but did ok in defence. Forced to drop deeper in the second period.

Rating 5

Thomas

Occasionally showed what he could do in attack but another one that was playing in defence too often.

Rating 6

Koroma

Showed more often in the first half but as the game wore on he disappeared. A lack of control kept giving the ball back to the opposition.

Rating 5

Sinani.

Did ok in the first half closing down and linking up the play before going off injured at half time.

Rating 7

Ward

Worked hard but failed to take his chance late on.

Rating 5

High

Came on at half time and really struggled to get with the pace. It is some time since he operated alongside Hogg and appeared to struggle with what was required at times.

Rating 5

Carlos

Today felt like 2 points dropped rather than 1 gained. Having taken the lead we gave Swansea too much time and space. If we had of got into them I feel that we would have upset their rhythm. They were too comfortable on the ball and we failed to force them into any mistakes it became a easy second half for Swansea defensively. It may have needed some bookings but we fell short of being physical in this game. The other aspect missing in the second half was the ability to retain possession in their half. We lacked composure and we lacked the bravery to keep a man or 2 up the pitch as an option for us winning the ball. Tactically we could have been better in this period and we should have made the substitutions earlier as well.

Rating 5

Forest 0-1 Town

Town came into the game confident after back to back wins and Forest wanting to correct their loss against MIddlesborough despite their recent good form. Colwill and Turton came in for Lees and Sarr for Town.

The game was end to end from the start with Thomas unleashing a strike in the opening seconds which beat the keeper but came back off the cross bar. Forest soon settled though and the game was end to end. Ward had to come off after 15 minutes to be replaced by Rhodes. Despite Forest perhaps having the edge of the early encounters Town took the lead after 30 minutes. Colwill fed Holmes who turned his man well, moved into space and released Toffolo who played a first time pass into the box for holmes to take under his control and slot past the keeper. The move was quick and fluid and Toffolo has been consistantly providing the same ball into the area recently with the same result.

The second half continued as the first had finished with Forest pressing for the equaliser. They constantly probed, there were goalmouth scrambles and Zinckernagel struck the underside of the bar. Despite the constant pressure the best chance of the second half fell to Sinani which he should have finished when Rhodes robbed Worrall of the ball and squared for Sinani with just the keeper to beat he put it over the bar. In fairness though it was not the easiest cross to control.

The result was harsh on Forest but Town defended well once taking the lead and even then should have gone 2-0 up. Spense and Johnson kept tearing us apart as they did in the previous match but a lack of composure, luck and good defending gave is the points. At times we gave the ball away too easily which invited more pressure on but this was a really good result.

Ratings

Nichols

Good performance again from the keeper. Positioning was good and what saves he needed to make he did. He commanded the area and yet another clean sheet.

Rating 8

Colwill

Good to have him back and a very assured performance today. At 18 he marshalled much more experienced opponents very well. Looks a little fresher for the break as well.

Rating 8 MOM

Pearson

His best performance for a while. Very strong at the back and when defending set plays. Looked very assured at the centre of the back 3.

Rating 8

Turton

In a defensive position which suits him best. He did the basics well and stuck to his task when faced by good pacey attackers.

Rating 7

High

On the ball he was a little poor today and gave posession away too often. Needs to improve his physicality and the passing wasn’t at it today.

Rating 5

O’Brien

Very good game from Lewis. particularly in the first half as he drove at the Forest back line. In the second half he did disappear as a attacking force but that was necessary to help out in a defensive midfield function.

Rating 8

Toffolo

Delivered the perfect ball for Holmes to score the only goal of the game. Did his job really well on the left particularly in a defensive function.

Rating 7

Thomas

He was disappointed to be withdrawn in the second half but with the defensive nature and another game this weekend it was the right move. He had not managed to influence teh game in the same manner as teh last match but was a threat.

Rating 6

Holmes

Took his goal really well and in the first half he did cause them problems finding pockets of space. A solid performance.

Rating 7

Sinani

Was fairly quiet. Tried getting into the game but couldn’t find the spaces. Did have the opening in the second half which went over the bar.

Rating 5

Ward

Only saw 15 minutes but was looking sharpe until his knock.

Rhodes

Saw most of the match and put himself about without much service. A good solid 75 minutes for him.

Rating 6

King Carlos

We defended well as a team. A little deep and gave away possession too easily which Carlos was aware of from his post match comments. A good result and good unity from the side. It was good to see Pipa back from the bench, felt we missed the options of Vallejo and Hogg but no issues with the decisions made.

Rating 8

An entertaining Boxing Day game with Town coming from behind and scoring 3 for the second game in succession. There was a renewed feeling of togetherness from the team and the crowd and hopefully this new believe can spread into the New Year.

The game started on a poor note as Lees played a sloppy pass to Sinani which the impressive Bowler cut out and fed Jerry Yates who outpaced Sarr and Lees to slot beyond Nichols. Fortunately though we only had to wait until the 3rd minute for the equaliser as Toffolo crossed for Ward to score with a thumping header into the top corner. The game continued to be open and there was no surprise when Blackpools’ stand out performer Anderson held off Sarr to cross for Madine to head home with Pearson well beaten. The game continued to go from end to end and then on the half hour mark Madine and Tom Lees challanged for a ball with Madine catching Lees full on in the head with his elbow. Lees collapsed to the floor and with him obviously in distress the referee played on as Blackpool attacked. When the ball went dead the physios were allowed to attend to Lees and Toffolo was booked for making the referee aware of the incident. Replays clearly show the elbow right in front of the referee. If there had VAR it would have been a clear red card regardless of intent. Fortunately Lees appears to be recovering now. The fact that the referee did not see anything or take action on the pitch means that the league should now suspend Madine but as we are not a high profile club I doubt it will happen.

The second half was more one sided aided someone by the 61st minute red card of Gabriel for Blackpool. He picked up his first yellow late in the first half for a very heavy and late challenge on Holmes and again was late with a challenge on O’Brien resulting in the second yellow. Rhodes had already come on for High which changed our formation and we had already started to get on top in the game prior to the sending off. It was then an onslaught of the Blackpool goal led by Thomas. Wave after wave of attack came and then Rhodes managed to turn a cross into the net which was quickly ruled out for off-side. I have not yet seen a replay but the decision was very tight. Blackpool did well at trying to slow the game down by going down for treatment but on the 80th minute Thomas played a one two with Sinani on the edge of the box and then again with Rhodes inside the box, side stepped a defender and then sent the keeper the wrong way. A goal out of the top drawer and you could see the relief for Thomas who has been trying to find his early season form. It was no surprise that just 3 minutes later Blackpool failed to clear a corner that Thomas had won and the Welsh international controlled his volley to rifle home through a crowded penalty area.

A massive improvement in performance in the second period. Blackpool had been the better side in the first half as we struggled to cope with Bowler and Anderson, but they should have clearly received a red card for the foul on Lees. In the second half the change of having 2 upfront and the experience of Rhodes made a big difference. We had more options and the was onbvious with the bodies getting into the area in teh second period in comparison to the first.

I believe that Critchley the Blackpool manager has blamed the defeat on the referee for sending off Gabriel when he says the first offence was not a yellow and the second there was no contact. I feel it is poor form for him to focus on this red card when they should already have had a red card and really if Critchley is going to criticise the ref then talking about the red card that wasn’t given when a man has been concussed would be more appropriate. The 2 yellow cards, having watched them back the first was a nailed on yellow card and I have seen more given for that type of challenge, the second one was not as bad but unlike Critchleys’ comments straight after the game there was clear contact.

Ratings

Nichols

Was beaten twice today but can’t be blamed for either goal. In the second half he got Town on the attack quickly with intelligent balls out from the back. Helped somewhat that he had 2 strikers to target anf Tofollo and Thomas given us width. Nichols did have one flap at a cross in the first half as Sarr also challenged for the same ball

Rating 7

Lees

Only had 30 minutes due to the injury. Inside the first 2 minutes it was his poor pass which Bowler easily intercepted to set up the opening goal. Not his best game, but I wish him a speedy recovery.

Rating 5

Pearson

He grew into the game as things progressed. Marking was poor though on Blackpools’ second goal as he allowed Madine far too much space to finish.

Rating 5

Sarr

Looked off the pace for most of the game. On the first goal Yates got past him far too easily and for the second he did not get close enough to Anderson to prevent the cross. Passing was far too slow from the back but did spray a few good cross field balls. He continues to look uncomfortable on the left side of a back 3 and is much happier as the central person when in this formation.

Rating 4

High

Continues to look good on the ball and gives less ball away then most others but defensively lacks the physicality. Will be good to get Hogg back when fit and get Scott on the weights to build up his physicallity or maybe the holding role is not is best position.

Rating 6

O’Brien

Busied himself about trying to stop Blackpool attacks but rarely threatened at the other end. Perhaps he should play more of a holding role until Hogg is back and bring Rhodes or Koroma on for more of an attacking presence.

Rating 6

Toffolo

Provided a perfect cross for Wards’ opener. Would still prefer to see him stay out on the left more than he does with the formation that we are using but had a solid game.

Rating 7

Sinani

Linked play up well but had to drop too deep to do so in the first half. Mostly because the balls into him were short though and he needs passes infront of him.

Rating 6

Holmes

Struggled to influence the game today and dropped too deep and took too many touches when he did get on the ball which was not too often. I’m not sure that I would start him for the next game.

Rating 5

Thomas (MOM)

Probed on the first half but his crosses faile dto find the right man with one going out for a throw in but his confidence returned in the second period. Thomas was able to find more space due to the Blackpool red card and gave ex Town loanee Husband a torrid afternoon. His first goal was real quality and the second expertly controlled. Thomas has been snatching at chances over the last few months but the last 30 minutes of the game should give him renewed confidence for the remainder of the season.

Rating 8

Ward

Took his early goal very well but struggled to really influence the game afterwards. Always a willing runner and worked hard, hopefully he can link up with Rhodes going forward.

Rating 6

Turton

Came on for Lees in the first half and did his job well. Turton does the basics well but fans often want more from him in an attacking sense. Which is fair enough but consistency and no mistakes is tsill a big positive.

Rating 6

King Carlos

Very positive from Carlos today. He made changes early in the second half and continued tiomake positive attacking changes. It was very refreshing that we had Rhodes, Rowe and Koroma to come off the bench who can offer a lot in the final third. Carlos needs to connect more with the fans and coming around the pitch at the end can only add to that. Sarr and Holmes were poor today and Colwill is likely to be unavailable for the next match due to Covid so it will be interesting to see how we line up for the next match.