Disappointing performance. We just didn't turn up for the first 65 minutes and only really got going when Crooks scored and Bridge & Powell came on. This was a very good opportunity to advance to the late stages of a cup competition against a side battling relegation in League One. It was an opportunity missed, considering that we showed in the last 25 minutes how we could really serve it up to Bristol Rovers.
I'm not sure if it was negative tactics from Curle that did for us in the first half or just the personnel involved.
Hoskins remained true to form, scurrying feverishly up and down the wing all night. He must have been released down the flank half a dozen times or more and on only one of those occasions did he deliver something resembling a good cross into the box.
Taylor's hoofball also continues, and our defence looked much sturdier when Pierre replaced him.
I hate to say it about a young player but I thought Jay Williams had a bit of nightmare, he seemed to be overrun for a lot of the game, and it was only when Crooks began playing more positively that we wrestled control of the midfield.
Morias played up front on his own in the first half in one of Curle's less revolutionary ideas. Rovers' defence kept him very quiet, and he just doesn't have the stature to win the ball in the air unfortunately. I wouldn't be surprised if his number of touches in the first half was in single figures.
Buchanan and Facey were desperately poor, so I think George Cox may get his opportunity very quickly.
Our game improved massively when we brought on Bridge and Danny Powell- two players with pace and skill on the ball who can actually play a bit, even if Powell's finishing leaves a bit to be desired.
Crooks was trying hard to orchestrate things but unfortunately a lot of the team just aren't on his wavelength, so it was nice to see him take matters into his own hands and just belt the ball in!
Actually a decent report free from the wailing comments above incl. mine! Powell has had several chances to impress but has been invariably been subbed. To me Powell is best used as a sub where he can add impetus to a flagging team. Bridges should be used as a left winger where at least he can cross and beat a man. He certainly deserves a meaningful run in the side. Perhaps KC needs to try again the system in place for the first 10 or so games. We must arrest the current slide before it gathers real momentum.