Fair few positives from today, especially with the new lads. Anderson, Staunton and Patrick had stinkers however and look nowhere near good enough. I wouldn't sign any of the trialists either, not good enough.
Our midfield needs some work by the sounds of things. Where did akpan and colville play? Def mid and att mid? Gibson? Att mid? Anderson?
I miss the multi options where you could say something was interesting or informitive as opposed to 'liking' the entire post. I liked your opinion and assessment of the game but would be wrong to like your dismissal of the trialists as i wasn't there. Does this make sense?
Patrick not up to league football, that's been clear for awhile. Got a long contract on the back of one goal two years ago. Staunton still young, although I don't trust us with youth.
First half O'Donnell Solid enough Henley Too small and lightweight for a full back. Got forward well. AOC Very solid Riley Very good. Always looking to be positive. Created and missed our best chance apart from the goal. Booty Ok Colville Very good. Lively and looking to open the defence. Scannell Ok but didn't create much Anderson Looked very fit. Lots of bits and pieces. Donaldson Good when he got going. Doyle Just as ineffective as last season 2nd half Hornby OK Devine Looked composed on the ball. Mellor Solid enough RE Ditto Staunton Good on the ball but lucky to be only booked for an horrendously bad tackle Gibson Very active, always looking for openings, overambitious Akpan Wandered throgh the game as ever Patrick Lots of running but ineffective Vaughan Played on his own up front with effort but little outcome. Two trialists Nothing to write home about but one scored. All in all a pleasant run out in the sun.
Two interesting things for me in the line ups. Probably more but somewhere to start with anyway! Riley in at left back - thought he favoured right back but it's just a friendly. Devine playing right back. Is he a right back then rather than a midfielder? Again, just a friendly but it stood out to me.
Richards Everton was very aggressive in the tackle and dominated in the air which looks promising. Hornby had nothing to do. French impressed me tbh, very composed and calm on the ball and won his fair share of headers.
Always felt Colville had something to offer. Just hope he stays fit this season so we can see if he has or hasn't.
Not sure why you say Anderson had a stinker. He was mobile, won a few tackles, made a few passes and did nothing obviously wrong. Pretty much standard for a first pre-season run out. Patrick looked clueless. Supposedly has pace to burn but never once beat his man and has the close control of a five year old. Akpan sauntered around in his usual complacent manner, not getting stuck in and doing nothing creative apart from one decent diagonal crossfield ball. I thought both the stocky trialists in central midfield looked quite good. Both could win a tackle and pick a pass, but obviously difficult to judge from half a game each.
It's not the first time Devine has been used at right back, been there under different managers, still don't get it though. Square peg.
