When 11 players have just under an hour to try to beat nine there is no excuse for failure.
Albion's 1-0 capitulation to Walsall was nothing short of inept and culpability for the defeat ran throughout the team, but, equally, if the players weren't capable, what instructions were coming from the coaching staff?
It was blindingly obvious to those of us watching that Brighton just needed to stretch Walsall by getting players wide on both sides and in behind the two replacement full-backs.
As Brighton laid siege to Walsall's penalty area in the second half, there was little or no variation to any of the many crosses slung in - all came from the easy, deep angle - whether from Cox and Richards on the left or Hart, then Robinson, on the right.
In fact, the only truly decent chance came when Hart did manage to deliver a cross that cut straight across the back line rather than being angled forward, and Glenn Murray's susbsequent header unluckily hit the bar.
Every high ball lofted into the penalty area was a perfect gift for the giant Clayton Ince in Walsall's goal.It was just so simple for him.
Why was there no variation?
Micky Adams admitted in his post-match interview that the shortcomings he has been concerned about were all too evident - and perhaps the answer to the inept wing play lay in the fact that left-sided Kevin McLeod was out injured and right-sided Joe Anyinsah was suspended.
With the exception of the one cross mentioned above, Hart was certainly a very poor replacement on the right. His re-signing along with Mayo was obviously one of Adams' first mistakes. Robinson isn't a winger but at least he's got pace.
Nicky Forster has been tremendous but clearly wasn't fit, so why did he start?
Oh, yes, I've realised: his replacement was Jonny Dixon. Please, please can we cut our losses and just move him on. He clearly hasn't got it at this level, as was shown once again when he eventually came on as a substitute.
Adam Virgo is a centre back or perhaps a right back, but we've got a decent player in that position in Andrew Whing. Virgo does not have a good enough first touch to be either a central midfield player or a striker. His effort and workrate can't be faulted, but it's not enough if we want to progress.
What are Steve Thomson's attributes? Could someone please explain?
It is clear to me that Forster and Murray will score goals if they receive the right service but yesterday the midfield had insufficient quality in all four positions and the only alternative approach comes from hit-it-and-hope lumps forward from the back.
Frankly, it's depressing. And in a tough, economic climate, just not worth the hefty expense.Labels: League One, Nick Turrell, Walsall
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