TM Ireland - Trophymanager Ireland

Bossed them in possession, plenty of chances and a great attacking performance, but it still wasn't enough...

One of those games that really get under an NC's skin.  Here we are close to qualification, starting to feel the pressure a bit with only two games remaining in the qualification campaign.  You'd think that scoring 3 goals away would be enough to win, even draw, but clearly it wasn't.  Fortunately Lithuania slipped up so we are most definitely still in the hunt, but conceding 4 goals in this game is a blow.

OK, I still feel a bit uncomfortable as an ex-NC from criticising team selection decisions, but I also feel the need to call it as I see it.

Right, we were unlucky with the sending off.  However...  I've always rated Connolly, like Stan does, despite him being obviously 'Alarmingly Aggressive'.  Connolly gets more cards than the average and as well all know, or should know, defenders, particularly DCs, get more cards than other players.  Playing him at DC was always asking for trouble.

The other DC Kenny did not have a bad game, although he did miss the tackle that led to the winning goal.  However the shot was apparently weak and McDermott fisted it into the net.  Have to say it again, but I wonder if McDermott is the man for the job.  Regardless of Cullen's apparent lack of consistency at NT level, he has 50+ routine and excellent key skills.  Perhaps when the keeper routine thing is sorted in the new match engine, McDermott would perform better.  But not yet.  Mind you he is not far off 50 routine himself.

Just looking at the matches McDermott has played since the 20th of August, including friendlies.  He has made 24 saves and let in 14 goals. Is a 63% save rate high enough?  Cullen got 71% for the same period and his performance in the league this season has been outstanding.

Anyway, Stan has done an excellent job otherwise and we have had a bit of bad luck.

Still all to play for.

match report