Firstly, the vital win over Rotherham. The team reverted back to 2 strikers and the formation was 3-5-2 and for once the players appeared more comfortable.
My MOTM was Leon Knight who looked fast, dangerous and deserved a goal. Claridge held the ball up well and the mature, experience player alongside a fast nippy youngster worked well.
Rotherham had the occasional attack, but looked lacking in the ability to score. Harding had his best game at wing back, and I thought Reid did well on the right hand side. C
urrie had a very strange day, placing at least 3 crosses behind the goal, he however didn't shirk away from the ball and he set up the winner. He flighted the ball across the box to Harding at the back who drove the ball in superbly.
Before that Knight had almost set up Harding, and also drove a quick free kick just wide. He was also booked for diving, but the Referee had been waiting for the first hint of him going over to get the card out. It was along way from me, was it a dive, I didn't think so!
The crowd was poor in size again, but Rotherham had probably just had over 100 fans at the match!
Kuipers - 6 not that much to do
Reid - 7 got forward well and also defended well
Harding - 8 got forward on many occasions
Butters - 7 solid part of a solid back 3
Cullip - 7 as above
Hinshlewood - 7 as above
Oatway - 6 was the solid man in the middle
Nicolas - 6 similar game to Charlie
Currie - 6 strange game, but gave 100% and his desire to still get the ball paid off
Claridge - 6 held the ball up well as ever and gave us a chance to build up attacks
Knight - 8 my MOTM and deserved a goal. Gave us options and worried the opposition
No subs used (Mayo, Hammond, Carpenter, Roberts and Hart)
As for the cup draw, excellent, chance for cash in the bank and we have nothing to lose on the day!
Anyway roll on Saturday and Claridge and his return to Millwall! Will it be his last game (final one as part of his one month loan deal). On the ITV Championship programme they had Andy Townsend at Withdean, he asked about the future and Claridge indicated he was off to talk to Knight/McGhee to sort it all out!
The goal was very well taken by Harding! Withdean looked very strange from having a camera behind the goal by the away supporters and looking down to the open end! Is Withdean the strangest ground the league has seen?
Mark R