The Voice - Match preview Hartlepool United vs Bradford City Saturday 20 August @ 1:00pm

You can see how Hughes' squad rotation system works for the forwards.

Jake Young comes on against Barrow and scores, gets a couple of starts but doesn't really have the same impact.

Harratt today comes on and makes the difference, could easily be rewarded with a start or two - but no more likely to work out than it did for Jake. Same with Andy Cook - scored his first goal of the season as a sub, but has blown Vadaine out of the water since.

It encourages two things: 1) subs know they matter and need to make an impact and 2) both subs and starters know that whoever makes the difference likely starts the next game.

I know, I know, it's not rocket science, but how many times have we seen it before where we've got one or two 'starters', particularly in the central spine of the team, and no one really comes close to dislodging them whether they make an impact off the bench or not?

I was a little wary of hearing Hughes rotated his forwards at previous clubs; who's going to find form and bang in 20 if they're only getting a fraction of the games?

But you know what, it's working. We're scoring goals most games, and honestly, we've only ourselves to blame for the fact we've even lost once, let alone twice.

Omens are good. I know not everyone is totally on board yet, but the practices Hughes brings that we're not collectively used to as a fanbase? I think they'll pay dividends. Tried and true, just not here at VP, the land of underachievement.

Up the City.

Hartlepool are pap, but it doesn't change the fact we're getting better and better.

 

When Cooky scored his second goal the camera went to the bench, Oliver was just sat there looking down at his feet suggesting he was a bit down, The rest of the bench and backroom were clapping

 

Thanks didn’t notice that, I’ll have a look.

 

Really? Didn’t we lose last week?

Wouldn’t say we are getting better but things will take a bit of time.

 

He has for me, but I agree with regards to Ridehalgh…he was poor first half yesterday…Passes going astray, repeated losing his man, and allowed the cross in unchallenged for their goal.

 

Oliver needs to stop feeling sorry for himself and roll his sleeves up. He’s shown absolutely nothing to deserve dislodging Cook since he arrived. He’s clearly better than what he’s shown here but he needs to stop feeling sorry for himself and get involved in games and make it impossible for Hughes to drop him. Cook has been called a fatty and all sorts yet he’s knuckled down and shown a superb attitude. He’s on fire. Sulky Oliver needs to follow suit.

 

I think he was wondering how he never got the quality pass Songo provided for Cook.

 

Bit harsh. The challenge for the cross should have come from Angol. I thought Ridehalgh did okay considering the lack of support he got from Mr lazybones.

 

I remember thinking at the time that Angol was taking the man and then he left him for Ridehalgh. That moments indecision let him get the cross in. Should Halliday have been more aware or done better too?

 

Probably but he probably wasn’t expecting the ball to come in, other than the goal I thought Halliday was good. I know Walker at Man City is often criticised for crosses coming from the other side, and Italy’s full back in the Euro final did similar so even those at the top often concede like that so I expect it in league 2. But I would like to see Foulds get a run out as Ridehalgh has been really poor on the ball for me, seems to have lost any remaining pace he had.

 

The lad who scored their goal was their LB and it was Banks who let him go. Halliday probably should've been more aware though and taken control. Halliday's 1v1 defending seems to be very good and he wins back possession well and imo has started really well - just need to work on communication and tactics down that side and I think we'll be really strong and stop conceding soft goals

 

He made that same run a few times on Tuesday and not once did they play it.
Was refreshing to see some more direct passing in the second half on saturday

 

In the post match interview Banks admitted he was at fault for their goal.

 

Ridehalgh has been pretty poor for the last couple of games. Not solely responsible for the goal yesterday but first half I don't think he did a single thing right.

I don't particularly rate Foulds either but I do think he's worth a try and he'll give us some more height at set pieces.

 

Don't think he will let anyone down either.
Our bench is nothing like it's been in the past I know it's early days but everyone's putting a shift in when called upon.
Love the togetherness of the squad which is certainly rubbing off on the fans
You can almost feel the connection returning between supporters and the team
Long may that continue we were so out of touch previously under previous management.
If you were there yesterday and against Hull you'll know exactly what I'm trying to get across.

 

Right blast from the past in that away stand yesterday.
Loved every minute of it.
You can't beat the feeling when your team turns in a winning performance Infront of your eyes.

 

Yes absolutely and Banks especially, fell asleep at the back post.

 

Nothing wrong with a bit of harshnesses! He wasn’t in cracking form at Colchester either , surprisingly two off games in my opinion, especially as he’s been pretty consistent up until this week.

 

I agree v Colchester and yesterday for sure.