by Simon Hough
... our very own Roving Reporter!

For seventy minutes this looked every bit a meaningless end of season game. Southampton looked like a team relieved of the threat of relegation and should have been more than just the single goal in front. They played with a freedom that our midfield struggled to deal with and created a number of chances that should have been converted.

At the other end, we struggled to get going with the normally reliable Cohen even having a day to forget. Moussi looked like a non-league player amongst professionals whilst Earnshaw missed any chances that came our way.

Not for the first time this season, the attitude of Joe Garner turned the game in our favour. Smith’s long kick was headed on by Anderson for Garner to lob their keeper for the second time this season. In the latter stages, Cohen’s corner was met by Chambers header which flew past their keeper.

There was still time for Smith to arrive from nowhere to turn one effort round the post before Earnshaw scored with the last kick of the season after Davies should have scored.

The hard work starts now to create a side worthy of this division without having to rely on another succession of loan signings. The late arrivals of Blackstock, Gunter, Osbourne and Turner all made a positive impact on this season but we should be aiming to start next season with players of this quality.

Smith didn’t have much to do but produced one outstanding save late in the game to preserve our lead. Has improved in the latter stages of the season and recovered well to take over once Turner was injured. It’s essential that we have competition for the keepers spot next season and not rely on one pro and a couple of kids. Turner’s arrival at least provided this competition and the penalty save at Barnsley earned us a massive point.

Gunter and Lynch have shown their obvious qualities and should be retained if possible next season. Both have the ability to defend effectively whilst getting forward to support the attack. The days of continued aimless balls downfield have become a thing of the past. MOTM Lynch has improved as the season has progressed whilst Gunter settled into this position from the moment he arrived and looks like he’s been here for years.

Breckin deserved the decent goodbye he received after a series of reliable seasons. Davies rescued him from the transfer list and he regained his place to do a decent job when required. There have been occasions when he’s been found lacking in pace but in contrast to Wilson he’s been a calming influence on our defence this season.

Chambers produced another composed display and has done more than enough in the past few weeks to justify his inclusion next season. He should be judged on his centre back performances and not the full back ones. Once played in his correct position, his quality is starting to win over the fans quick to criticise earlier in the season. His ability to find space from attacking set pieces is another useful asset.

Morgan had another outstanding season and managed to almost eradicate those frustrating errors that seemed to hold him back for so long. Wilson never really lived up to the promised of last season, too often cruising through games and lacking the application for someone with otherwise great attributes for the game. Perch should also be challenging for a defensive spot next season and hopefully he’s moved away from the midfield spot he’s taken up so often this time.

Moussi looked out of place and on this performance will have to vastly improve on his displays to retain a place last season. He showed his quality at the start of the season but these types of performances soon became the norm instead of the exception. It’s still too early to write him off having been restricted by injury for large spells. Osbourne would have a massive influence next season and his presence was badly missed.

Cohen had a poor afternoon but has fully justified the player of the season award that came his way. We would easily have been relegated without him. Just one of those games where his flicks didn’t find their target. Hopefully we’ll see the benefit of his attitude and running by him playing in the centre of midfield instead of stuck out wide. With a few more goals, we’d have a player of real quality on our hands and should be in contention to take over from Breckin as club captain.

McGugan was his normal frustrating self in the first half passing up opportunities to release team mates in better positions. Much improved in the second half where he looked much more like a team player and tackled back after losing the ball. After question marks over his fitness, needs to return next season in much better shape and with a team attitude.

McCleary struggled on this occasion but has done enough to show that he possesses qualities short in our squad. Raw pace, good attitude and an ability to take on defenders will make him a decent option from the bench next season.

Anderson has been a reliable performer this season with his contributions at both ends. Needs to add more goals to his final product but more than justified the effort we put into adding him to the squad for the season. His effort and commitment will be sadly missed if he’s not around next time.

Blackstock worked tirelessly for the team and would be a major asset if we can get him permanently. A hard working, footballing centre forward who would bring out the best in Earnshaw as they have shown on occasions.

Earnshaw did remarkably well to contribute 16 goals during an injury affected season in a side often struggling in the relegation zone. With a partner alongside him to share the work load, we’d see an even better return.

Garner has been used sparingly at times this season but still showed enough to prove that he’ll be challenging for a first team place next season. After recovering from serious injury and missing the last pre-season, he should be even better next time around.

For long spells we struggled to settle in this league as our squad’s lack of quality and depth were regularly exposed. However, Billy Davies' influence and some impressive late loan signings gave us the momentum we needed to stay up. We now look forward to next season with optimism.

Tags: MOTM Joel Lynch