' The Phillips clanger '

' The Phillips clanger '


By Glen Williams


Seconds before the final-whistle blew, just as I was mulling over my player ratings, I wondered whether Dillon Phillips had done more than Aden Flint to earn the 'star man' tag.

To my dismay, I looked up to see him bungle the opportunity to save Masina's free-kick. It was well struck, it must be said, but it was straight at him. He will be gutted that was the reason they lost the game.

It was a mistake and when you are a goalkeeper they are, of course, magnified. But it would be unfair to get on his back for that one error, because he has been terrific over the course of the last nine games.

He has made some tremendous saves, including those crucial double penalty saves against Preston, and has been rock-solid.

There will be some kneejerk fans calling for Alex Smithies to start against Stoke City, no doubt, but for me that would be unjust.

Judging by McCarthy's post-match comments, he seems to agree.

"Poor old Dillon’s wondering how it happened," the manager said. “He did hit it particularly well. It’s just one of those things that happening so I won’t be too hard on Dillon, that’s for sure.

“Dillon’s saying he should have saved it. If he’s saying that then I'm not going to disagree with him, but he did hit it well.

“He saved two penalties a few weeks ago and we were all patting him on the back. I’ve no recriminations with him whatsoever."

I dont think he will drop a goal keeper who is playing with confidence. We know how good Smithies is. but it takes a couple of games to get match fit I think. So no need to take a risk at the moment unless he's unfit or has a mare the couple of games

You drop a keeper if hes on a poor run of letting in soft goals or looks jittery at corners ect over fair few games ... you dont drop him because of one mistake! He hasn't looked jittery far from it and only one mistake not bad for someone who was a 2nd goalie

I dont think he will drop a goal keeper who is playing with confidence. We know how good Smithies is. but it takes a couple of games to get match fit I think. So no need to take a risk at the moment unless he's unfit or has a mare the couple of games

I agree,it doesnt deserve him being dropped.but dont forget, he came in not being "match fit",so i guess with the position of goalkeeper doest very often get the chance to get match fit as such.