Loan spell has sparked Smalley

THERE is no getting away from the fact that we did not play well in the 2-1 defeat at Southampton.

While the goal we scored was a good footballing move, we were not up to the standards we have set ourselves.

To make matters worse, the two goals Southampton scored were both from set-pieces - something we have worked so hard to try to eradicate.

The players did not deal with the pressure of the situation, where we led 1-0 away to a big club.

In conceding just before half-time again, they showed their naivety and inexperience and it is time for some of them to grow up quickly.

We can’t keep seeing the same mistakes, with injury-time goals flying in from set plays.

Our two centre halves (Reuben Hazell and Jean-Yves Mvoto) played well, but the rest of them were not on it.

Despite the fact our performance left a lot to be desired, Southampton still didn’t cut us open at any point. We shot ourselves in the foot.

Our reserves won 3-0 at Accrington Stanley this week, and it was a good performance.

Deane Smalley got on the scoresheet and I must say, since returning from his loan spell at Rochdale, he has looked very sharp and obviously he wants to impress us.

I think his time at Spotland did him the world of good, and his goal for the reserves will give us food for thought.

We consider all performances we see. It has given us something to discuss before tomorrow’s visit to Boundary Park of Plymouth Argyle.

We have been drawn to face Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup first round, and I expect that to be a stern test.

I know their manager, John Coleman, pretty well. He has got them playing some good football this season.

We will have to be on top of our game if we are going to progress into the next round.

It is City Legends day at Boundary Park tomorrow, with Peter Reid now in charge at Plymouth and Paul Dickov’s obvious ties to the former Maine Road club.

Hopefully, there will be a good turn-out because a lively atmosphere always boosts the players.

They notice the difference, especially at Boundary Park, where there is one side of the ground missing.

We need all the help we can get this season as we look to succeed.

Paul has urged City fans to make us their second team, and that would be fantastic because any kind of support is more than welcome.