Burnley Report Card

By: Dr Fishy
Date: 05/01/2003

CONSIDERING that Town never ever come back to get a result, the 2-2 draw against Burnley was extremely creditable indeed, especially the fact that the youngsters played a major part in the fight back.

Coyne: I can't remember him making a good save, apart from the parry, which led to Burnley's second goal. Routine performance in goal but his kicking once more was a bit dodgy.

Grade: C

McDermott: Although not quite fully fit, Macca was probably the best player on the pitch. He cleared off the line, covered for other defenders and also played his right back role out to the usual high standard.

Grade: B-

Gallimore: A disastrous first half was followed up with an improved second half. Some of his crosses near the end caused Burnley plenty of problems but defensively he was nowhere to be seen to begin with.

Grade: C-

Santos: There was a clear lack of understanding between Santos and Gallimore first half, although the Frenchman continued to dominate in the air. Not so quick at turning and the Burnley front men had a bit of joy taking him on.

Grade: C

Ford: The youngster made some excellent tackles and blocks but just lost out in the air a few times. Occasionally slow to see danger but generally solid.

Grade: C+

Cooke: Like the rest of the team he didn't have a good first half. His early crosses were disappointing but he showed great confidence to tuck away the penalty. After that his game visibly picked up and he could have got another goal.

Grade: C+

Campbell: Showed a lot more purpose and drive in the second half when Burnley were pressed back. Got forward a lot and won a dubious penalty. Tried to take players on in his own half.

Grade: C+

Coldicott: Not one of his better games but as usual he tackled, blocked, got anything between the ball and a Burnley player. Played a forward ball for Mansaram at one stage.

Grade: C

Groves: The manager is becoming a little bit slower to react to situations, for instance he had two good chances in the second half but failed to hit the target with both. He was invisible for most of the game.

Grade: C

Mansaram: Battled away on his own up front for much of the game. It was obvious to see that he and Soames weren't linking up together but the fine individual goal near the end influences the final grade decision.

Grade: C+

Soames: He and McDermott were Town's best players in the first half. He gradually disappeared from the game but his pace won back possession on more than one occasion. Looks like Daryl Clare.

Grade: C+

SUBS

Chettle: Installed calmness at the back when he and Gallimore looked more comfortable defending breakaways. Town never really looked in trouble with Chettle on the pitch.

Grade: C+

Thompson and Rowan came on too late to be graded, but Thompson looked useful with some darting runs. He looks as though he could upset a few defences and Rowan won a couple of headers near the end to keep the momentum going.

Overall Conclusion: At 2-0 down the Mariners looked out of the game and it could have got worse before half time. The second half was a bit improvement and chances arrived. Mansaram and Soames didn't gel together although with some hard work there is potential in the big man-small man combination. Time is on their side. Despite the absence of Oster, Pouton and Livingstone, the team did remarkably well to turn things around. If the game went on for another ten minutes Town would have won it.

Grade Guide

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