Most liked posts in thread: Away vs Doncaster EFL Trophy Sept 8th

Fordy was asking why people would waste £10 on the game. I paid £10 and it was money well spent. It gave me an opportunity to see the game, see the players, and make an informed opinion on the game, rather than moaning and criticising without having seen it.

So first of all, it was just good to watch a game of football on an evening, something a bit more “normal” to do after the last few months of lockdown and what have you.

Secondly it was great to see some of the younger players - none of them disgraced themselves, they were all very good. I can’t say whether any were better or worse than any others, they all impressed in their own ways. Connor Shanks probably edged it for me, and Sikora was great at the back.

Conversely the worst players were the experienced pros Donaldson and Pritchard. Although to be fair to Pritchard he seemed to give himself a kick up the backside and had a good last 20 mins. Donaldson was shocking. He looked 10 yards off the pace.

Longridge did alright but won’t dislodge Connor Wood on that performance alone. French didn’t do much after coming on. Sutton looked like he will be a useful addition.

Overall, a pleasing night’s football, by all accounts against a strong Donny side (don’t know much about their team), and where it was an opportunity as a fan to learn a bit more about our team, tactics and playing style and tempo. Most definitely not £10 wasted.

 

The pluses: The kids acquitted themselves really well. None looked out of place. 4 of them making their professional debuts, all played with a ton of spirit and energy. They all looked to play and think there’s potential in each - for this season at least, I think they can all play genuine squad roles. I thought Hornby looked pretty assured - though he didn’t have a huge amount of anything complicated to do. We look more organised and the shape of the side looks better than last season. We defended with resilience and showed a great attitude in blocking shots and crosses.

The negatives: Donaldson. Absolutely awful - his legs look to have totally gone. At his age, I think the long lay off may have done for him. I thought Sutton was poor in possession too, though he did at least play with energy and a big of aggression. DMH offered nothing, and whilst he’s still building up his fitness, I question how much he’ll offer this season.

All in all, I think the kids might offer us a bit more depth than I’d expected, based on the first 2 games. But it would suicide to put real dependency on them. We really do need 2-3 more players of quality in attacking and wide areas.

 

You need to ask Kenneth

 

Good display and a good performance, the youngsters especially, No matter the result well done,

 

I think it is equally about rebuilding a positive and winning mentality at the club again as this had totally evaporated so I dont think your 'cant be arsed' attitude is what SMc will be thinking. Everytime this team wins the benefit, particularly for the young lads, is invaluable - you'll probably be on tomorrow moaning if we lose!

 

really happy to see the academy lads getting a go, as has been said this season is the ideal opportunity to build a pathway into the first team for these guys. would much rather watch a team of our own try their best and make some mistakes than 11 journeymen pros going through the motions.

 

This competition has always been a micky mouse cup but after such a long time off and with the need to build momentum then we should look to play a strongish side.

 

I think if we have mickey mouse mentality we always lose badly so lets go and win everything we enter or try to...…..

 

Yeah. We do at least have a bit of energy about us. Not much quality, but I’d rather watch these kids in midfield than Akpan, Anderson or Wright.

I think Scales has something about him. I want him to have a dig when he gets the chance though!

 

Giving him the option of a further year contract when we signed him was madness given his age.

 

I thought Jorge Sikora was excellent tonight at centre half, MOTM by a long way for me

 

Thought the young lads did well today... Sikora probably our man of the match, looked strong and comfortable on the ball. Made some great passes and the one time he carelessly gave it away he covered a lot of ground to win the tackle in our box. Good in the air too. Expecially given his age he could go on to be a very good player.

Cousin-Dawson looked solid at right back, barely put a foot wrong without being spectacular.

Shanks and Scales showed a lot of energy without really doing much in the match, those sort of players academies churn out these days who keep the ball well but are a bit small but don't really seem to have that bit extra. That said, they're only very young against an experienced side in their first starts. Very willing to give them the next couple of years to develop

 

Doesn’t matter what it meant - see reasons outlined in the post. Keep up the positive support.

 

I'd like Macca to treat this game with intent. Saturdays win at Bolton was well received and a positive result at Donny would only add to the confidence and momentum going into the season, come Saturday.

 

Result isn't important. Hopefully a positive, high energy performance with a bit of quality on the ball, and signs of promise from the young lads. That'll do for me. These kids will never have a better chance of a professional career than the circumstances of COVID/Salary cap will provide.

 

7 now. Aston Villa u21 being hit for 7 too. Some of the sides they have let in now have made a total mockery of it, if it wasn’t bad enough already.
I get the top 6 could probably field a half decent under 21 side but the rest? Glad they are getting hammered

 

Obviously Sutton not played too much recently so a little off the pace on the ball but I liked him. He offered bite and energy in midfield and won the ball back in good areas, looking forward to seeing more of him!