WHAT WE WANT IS

We can all see that we desperately need some decent defenders, why can't Ollie and Les?

Chris wood would of done

It is up front where we are failing most. OK the defence is often static when crosses come in or an attacker rushes through, but it is our clear inability to put away half-chances that is damaging confidence and team-spirit. The way that Ollie sets up the team is based upon us scoring more goals than the opposition. His substitutions reinforce that position. It is worth noting that Washington did not score again last night for NI but did provide the assist for a goal. Would it make sense for us now to change the striker combination and who would you go for? Washington puts in a huge effort tracking back, as does Sylla & Mackie/Wzsolek; whilst Smith provides the 'hold-up' role as we transition from defence to attack.
My suggestion is Washington assisting Sylla. It means we lose the long-ball option but I feel they could work passes better between them and possibly even score! Thoughts?

I think your approach is very much that of Ollie - analysis of the next opposition determines the next team selection. What lets down Washington is his first touch and finishing, which are pretty important for a striker!   I too am concerned that Freeman, Luongo, or Lualua/Ngnakoto/Wszolek/Mackie (and even Scowen) as midfielders, despite shots being made, are not scoring. We can sort of accept that defenders coming up for corners and suitable free kicks are not heading in goals, but I would expect more success from midfield. I have to say that when I watch the warm-ups at home games I almost flinch as Washington, Ngbakoto and Luongo in particular come up to shoot - they are usually dire! The big improvement though is the number of good crosses being made this season, either from Freeman's corners/free kicks or the wide-ish players - including Perch/Furlong & Bidwell.