Men against boys

Blues end the season with defeat at Blackburn as Andy Munro looks ahead.

Another youthful and much changed Blues side found the pace and power of their more than decent Blackburn opponents too much. Having said that, the game was closer than the 5-2 scoreline and I think that the last two games gave a good indicator of who should be kept and who needs to leave or at least go out on loan.

On Blues TV, Kevin Broadhurst reckoned that Kristian Pedersen was Blues’ man of the match’ but although he scored, he was also culpable for at least one goal when outmuscled. Too often, Blackburn got behind the Blues backline when the young team were crying out for guidance and some firm instructions which weren’t forthcoming from the experienced Dane.

Conall Trueman in goal did himself no favours, with at least two goals eminently stoppable, and in terms of young keepers Zach Jeacock looks a far better bet. Steve Seddon created the Juke’s goal but was at fault for one himself when he let Blackburn’s talented Liverpool loanee get behind him. Still in defence, Nico Gordon showed he belongs at this EFL level and made some good interceptions whilst Dacres Cogley was often over-run thanks to a lazy and lethargic performance in front of him in the shape of Jonathan Leko.

In midfield rekeem Harper looked uninspiring although Ryan Stirk again put in a quietly confident performance alongside a decent Gary Gardner. Out wide, Amari Miller didn’t really get into the game which was disappointing although he tried hard, while SamCosgrove was neat without ever threatening the opposition defence.

Obviously, a lot of work needs to be done with a bit of a clearout but it’s good to hear that Lee Bowyer is looking at lower divisions, when you consider that the Blackburn hat-trick hero Adam Armstrong only cost £2 million when he was signed from Newcastle after a series of loan spells in the lower reaches. Overall, it was a slightly disappointing end to the season but the manager will have learned priceless information from the changes made in the final two games.