The Voice - Match preview Most liked posts in thread: Bradford City vs Walsall Saturday 3 September @ 3:00pm

I thought our midfield were too far apart yesterday, so when trying to play out from the back and pressed there was never anyone around Smallwood to interlink with, so we never successfully transitioned through the middle.

Then when reverting to a longer play Cook struggled to hold the ball up, and our wide players didn't put the opposition on the back foot to keep us higher up the pitch, so Wallsall were able to meep pressing us.

Thought we looked much better with Songo, Oliver and the 2 new wide loaness.

Despite knocking their play, you can't knock Young and Cook's brilliant finishes!

 

He was making runs beyond cook. Stretching play. Dragging us up the pitch. Something we’ve lacked badly this season. He gave us energy and helped us to play in their half, in fact I’d go as far as he was more effective than Banks yesterday from that attacking sense.
Sutton is also more physical than East and more mobile that Songoo so may get more game time against teams like Stevenage.

I do agree that his ball skills aren’t the best and he is a squad player rather than starter. I’m not saying we don’t need better either but I don’t agree that simply he’s shite.

 

Xmas time I heard if he’s still on crutches etc it ain’t gonna be anytime soon

 

A good game to watch and Walsall came and attacked with a big physical approach and looked a decent team, Our midfield struggled as they went longer and both Sutton and Smallwood had to work hard, Sutton struggled as the game went on although showed some nice probing touches playing in an area defences hate and had one good run to the bye line, Smallwood was bullied but to be fair never shirked, two very good goals and a sloppy one given to them although they should have had 3 of there own except for the brilliant keeping by Lewis, Critchlow struggled with the pace and strength against him and not suited to this type of game yet so a good learning curve for him. Sutton should have been hooked earlier for the much more defensive Songo with his added height and presence to see the game out,
All in all a very enjoyable game to watch and a welcome 3 points although to be honest Walsall deserved a share
Roll on Mansfield

 

Not for me. Both games left me with a very clear sense or 'we could play till midnight and not score'. Our build up play needs to be quicker and more incisive. Both games were fair results

 

Walsall lost 3 on the bounce yet looked the best side we have seen. I guess you don’t get consistency at this level as we’ve seen. mid they play consistently at that level they will rise the league. It’s a question as to whether they can stay at that level enough and results suggest they can’t.

 

they played brilliantly but this may be nothing more than a flash in the pan like you say ............. had we been at OUR best then I doubt they would have caused us the issue they did ............. they looked good because a lot of our team where off there game and that won’t have gone unnoticed yesterday .............. Oliver along with the two wingers and Songo have caused Hughes more problems like the lads who played against Wednesday all very good problems to have ................ last season we had complete crap coming off the bench and affecting very little ............. this season we now have players that will come in and affect games and that going forward could end up being a huge advantage going forward .............I got a feeling that come Xmas time when the majority of clubs at this level are stretched we won’t be and we still have players to come back into the mix

 

I was not at the Doncaster game, so can not comment but we should have beaten Crewe, who offered nothing and if Banks shot had been an inch or so to the right we would have won.
Platt should have buried the header yesterday in the second half and Harrott needed to round the keeper. if they had fallen to Cook , both would have been goals.

 

Agree FB. Every ref will make decisions that the fans don't like but if we have promotion aims then it us up to us to overcome them. Our dropping points against Donny and Crewe were not the refs fault but ours alone. Similarly, Walsall didn't take their chances yesterday, we did and I feel no embarrassment about that especially as both goals were class albeit in different ways.

 

I think Sutton shone in a squad full of players who lacked basic skill and desire. He ran harder and showed effort. Unfortunately if that's regaining form, then we need a little bit more. The only position that suits his skill set would be right back, but he's 3rd choice there. I like him because he tries but in my opinion he's fortunate with the injuries we have because I couldn't see him making the bench otherwise.

 

I agree, if he was more disciplined however I think he could be a useful defensive midfielder used to use his energy to break up play. But you can’t do that in no man’s land. For me unfortunately since his Covid he’s not as effective as he once was, I think it’d be wise for him to alter his game and try focus on one position or he’ll be another Jack of all trades master of non type player.

 

The problem is, and I get your point , with the right back position is that he needs to “grow into the position” over time . The conundrum is he will never get that opportunity when there are two fully established right backs in front of him. Looking at Cook’s goal on Saturday. Whilst Halliday is putting in , never give up , crosses in like that, Sutton has zero chance of replacing him .
He couldn’t do it in a reserve set up because we don’t have one…..On that basis he will never get game time to grow into the right back slot RT?

 

You might be right Kev but I can see him being in the matchday squad at least until Walker is fit, although I still think we have no-one else does what Sutton does (however badly you think he does it )

 

Nope I'm not leaving it at that . I'm sure someone will prove me wrong with an odd game but I think Sutton has been in every matchday squad so far, and played some part in most games. So that's at least 2 of us think he can do a job....me and Mark Hughes!

 

Don't disagree. My point was st the miserable sods who think he's a non league player. I like the lad and more than happy to see him come on to give us a boost.

 

We need to be more gung-ho in front of goal from the first minute at home.
We seem to get more like this as the game goes on and we get desperate for a goal.
The encouraging take from the preview is that Walsall may play a more open style. And whilst it might not mean a guaranteed win, it will at least mean a more entertaining game than last Saturdays.

 

First world problems and all that…but could you list the “Most recent results”, actually starting with the most recent. Eg the draw with Crewe is listed first not last? Makes for easier reading and logic imo.

Sorry for being pedantic! Overall it’s a great write up each week.

 

You might be right there about the ref mate. It's Marc "look at me" Edwards!!!!!!!!!

 

Hoof ball……Jeeze!

 

This strength in depth is something we haven’t had for years but deciding what is the best 11 is a real dilemma for MH. One thing for sure we are going to have a really strong bench