Let's hope for a fresh approach next weekend vs. Ayr Utd...
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Let's hope for a fresh approach next weekend vs. Ayr Utd...
I think that Naysmith's comments are fully directed at Martin as being culpable for both goals. It is a reoccurring theme that regardless of how well we play throughout the team there is a soft underbelly which costs us on so many occasions and the keepers lack of dominance in the box is clearly a flaw that needs addressing. He is undoubtedly a decent shot stopper but he does not seem mobile enough and for him not to come for a cross ball "hung up into our six yard box" as the manager has put it says it all. The goalkeeper selection for the next game will be interesting especially as Naysmith picked out Langfield at his "Meet the Manager" event as being the best of the young crop of players at the club. Time for young Jack to show the managers expectations are indeed well founded and rest Martin until he starts to exhibit the penalty box dominance which is clearly lacking at the moment.
Callum Semple is a must in the middle of the defence. Been rested now and must surely start at Ayr.
Fordyce has been at fault for goals at East Fife, Morton and Dundee Utd. All over the place. Doyle for the goals against Morton and Dundee Utd.
Semple is the best defensive header of the ball we have as well as giving us balance with being a left footer.
He may only be 19 but has never let the team down this season with any howlers.
Semple must be brought back into the team, - he should never have been dropped to the bench.
I have been saying (along with many others on this board and the great, and very sadly late Allan Ball) that the problem with Martin is that he doesn't claim easy balls.
Martin is a very decent shot stopper and he has saved us a few times when players have been through one on one, - most recently with Morton at Palmerston, - but there are many, many times when coming out to claim or punch the ball would deter or completely put off most attackers.
At the moment, every team knows that Martin will dither on his line if you float in a cross, so Shankland of Ayr Utd (and Ian McCall) will be looking for a hat trick next Saturday.
If on the other hand, Shankland and every other striker or big defender knew that there was a high chance of getting a punch on the coupon from Martin at floated crosses, - the other teams in our league would have to change their tactics very quickly.
To conclude: Martin needs to work on this aspect of his game over the next few weeks, while Leighfield is brought in as a shock tactic to completely mess up McCall's plans for next Saturday.
The Ayr Utd derby next Saturday is a huge match and psychologically very important for Queens; if we were to win, - we will stay in touch with the leaders and have a chance for the play offs, - but if Ayr win, - they will be out of sight and we will be looking at staving off relegation with Alloa, Falkirk and Partick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm0rpk9Ij_I
Those goals :(