Lots to digest.
Robbo clearly got the starting selection wrong. We looked unbalanced from the off and it cost us the first 20 mins. I get that we have so many options now in midfield and up front, but not one of us would have David Turnbull anywhere other than in the middle controlling the game. He is our best player. Play him where he is most effective. To be fair to Robbo, he did change it around and we looked much better 2nd half.
I dont agree with those that say DT and Polworth cant play together. They are both good footballers and if both played centrally they will easily find ways to break teams down. Against better teams though we may have to drop one for a more defensive player.
Those criticising the defence. Other than the penalty and the shot that hit the bar, Im struggling to think of any clear cut chances Ross County created? Certainly 2nd half there was next to nothing. I share everyones concerns re Grimmy, much as he is a great guy, he will cost us at right back and we do need to try someone else in there. Donnelly, OHara? The manager does aslo leave himself open for criticism for not getting in a replacement after Tait chose to leave. However, the rest of the defence looked fairly solid to me. Lamie looks an upgrade on Hartley. He is certainly more mobile and his distribution is better. Positioning needs a little work but thats to be expected in a new team. McGinley for me did great after a shaky start and grew into the game. At 23, he has time on his side to improve.
Midfield/Upfront, surprised to see no Campbell. Hopefully he is not offski as we will need him going forward. But Donnelly and OHara are good defensive midfielders. Whether we need them both on the park against Ross County is another matter. OHara was unlucky to be subbed as he had been the better of the 2 in the first half.
Donnelly is a player I like. His athleticism is suited to the Scottish game but he needs to stick to what he is good at. He should never be on pens when David Turnbull is on the pitch. That decision alone cost us a point.
Similarly corners. Polworth needs told no floaty pish! Get the ball driven in for our defenders to attack or stand aside for someone that will.
To be fair to the players both decisions should sit with the manager who needs to get that sorted out pronto.
Lang looks a decent addition on that brief cameo. Certainly has enough pace and trickery to trouble teams at our level. Bad miss and terrible judgement for the red card, albeit it should only have been a yellow.
Hastie either needs played on the left, or given considerable work in training to go past his man and cross with his right foot. Far too predictible at the moment, as he was before he left for the dark side.
Long needs to get sharper quickly. We have competition for places now, so if he cant hit the net, he might be out the team. Makes some really good runs, but if he is played as a loan striker we need to forget wingers and play thru the middle. The pass from DT to him when he hit the post was sublime and thats how to get the best from him. Formation wise we could certainly go with 2 up top, but that may weaken us further back the pitch.
Finally, the surprise package of the night, Sherwin Seedorf! Where was that guy all last season? Other than his goal v Hearts he offered little. Here's hoping it wasnt a flash in the pan last night. Giving Jake Hastie some competition for his place could be very beneficial to us.
Overall, very disappointing result last night which was mostly self inflicted. However, there were lots of positives and if we can learn our lessons and find a settled formation, there is still much to be positive about.