The verdict on the Spotland Debacle
Mark Howard (3)
Not a great performance from Howard. Wasn`t troubled in the first half and looked dominant coming out for catching crosses. However in the second half it all went wrong. Firstly the mistake for the goal was criminal. Dale striker Davies somehow scored from an acute angle, questioning goal keeping I have to say. Also, he nearly repeated the Walsall antics with a complete misjudgement of a cross which only ended up rattling the outside of the post.
Lawrie Wilson (2)
Absolutely awful. You cannot put into context how dreadful Wilson’s defending skills are. Too slow, no consistency with his passing and his night was summed up when he half-heartedly went in for a header and ended up on his backside. He makes Buxton look good and that`s saying something.
David Wheater (4)
Badly missed Beevers. He had no connection with Thorpe and became clearly evident when Rochdale scored. Didn`t look his usual self, he played some sloppy passes and headers were very inaccurate. His night also was summed up when 25 yards out urged to shoot from the Wanderers faithful, he ended up striking the corner flag.
Tom Thorpe (4)
Not terrible but certainly not good. No communication between him and Wheater. No composure on the ball and just hoofs the ball anywhere. Badly missed Beevers.
Dean Moxey (4)
Probably had the best performance out of the four defenders. Pathetic defending for the Rochdale goal but did offer good width and played some good balls to Proctor but was generally wasted.
Chris Taylor (2)
Very poor from Taylor, lacked desire and his crossing was woeful. Found it very disrespectful when he walked off the pitch looking at the Wanderers fans as if he deserved a standing ovation, not very classy from the winger.
Jay Spearing (4)
Harsh, yes, but Spearing disappointed me. In this league he should be running the game week in week out. It was more of a stroll for Spearing. I thought as captain he would be encouraging the lads but he looked frustrated and looked as if he lacked energy. His performance wasn`t that bad but considering he has played at such a high level it`s very disappointing.
Liam Trotter (1)
Yes it was that bad. Unbelievable how bad Trotter was. Many Wanderers will be having nightmares of the ‘old` Liam Trotter because it was that type of performance. His passing was farce and lacked determination but most of all a bit of guts. And just when I start talking about how he has improved and he performs like that. Won`t give fans much hope at all.
James Henry (6)
Yes he missed a couple of sitters but he still looked dangerous and I was quite impressed. If Henry had scored in the first half from Proctor`s cross it would have been a different game. He was also very unlucky in the second half with two efforts. The first was a great save but could have done better at the back post but to be fair the ball awkwardly bounced just in front of him. The second was just agonising to watch as a fan as it struck the post and bounced across the face of the goal to only be cleared away.
Jamie Proctor (2)
Worked hard again but he simply just isn`t good enough. Again too much of this running down the channels but nothing in the box. We brought him into score goals not run down the channels and then offer nothing in the penalty area where it matters.
Keshi Anderson (3)
Touched the ball once and never really had an opportunity to shine. A shame really because the game didn`t suit him.
Zach Clough (5)
He came on and played some nice stuff but didn`t receive the ball as much as I wanted him to do. Doesn`t suit the long ball tactic so we need to rethink how we can adapt to Zach`s playing style. A bright spark in a very dark room.
Sammy Ameobi (5)
He looked good when he came on. He played very direct with his pace and strength. Again had the beating of his opponent and created chances but just lacked the finished product.
Ref Watch – David Coote (6) Best referee we have had so far. Nothing that stood out as a negative. Didn`t really have to make any vital decisions.