It did strike me as well that we looked a cut above Derby which isn't bad considering our tiny budget and lack of experience. I wasn't sure what to expect but we did look more like a side that has dropped down and is looking to get back up than a team in disarray that could be relegated. As you say swap Vaughan for McCormack or similar and that's a big difference to results, I like Vaughan but he's not quite there.
On the lack of subs I was disappointed that we didn't make any to change the flow of the game when we were under pressure but to be fair nobody looked dead on their feet and it did swing back our way towards the end. It wasn't like the game where McNair was hobbling around with an obvious injury and Moyes kept him on for far too long.
As we've been reminded so many times, the mags lost their first 2 games last season. So we didn't lose our first game. But that doesn't mean jack ****! But seeing that game tonight, we really are back to square 1, maybe 10/15 years ago, with Quinny and SKP wondering their legacy.
I'm pleased with the performance, Vaughn isn't a great footballer but the lad grafted! Honeyman was a breath of fresh air with his willingness to beat a man and play little 1 2's. I think we were definitely the better side but their goal was far too easy. If you consider our 3 brightest players I preseason played no part it's not a bad result at all. Also at times Catts looks like Roy Keane in this league
He chipped a lovely ball Into Vaughan in the first. If that had been to Defoe it would have been a shot on target minimum
Catts was superb, when he laid on Grabban to hit the post, gemreat awareness and ball. Hopefully he stays fit.
Honeyman does deserve praise he was tidy throughout and didn't look fazed in the slightest by the occasion. Composure is an underrated quality I think and he has it.
Thought the keeper did OK after his spill in the first half. Few comfortable confidence enhancing catches. Will see what the season brings but I'm definitely happy tonight.
Well Derby have spent a lot and looked ****e. But so were we first goal was a disgrace, a stark reminder players are not going to respect you and if anything make the extra effort to turn us inside out. Attacking wise, we looked ed ok. An extended run for them all playing together will reep rewards. Defensively? A little bit scary, the kind of scary which tells me that with a bit of determination a league 2 players could have our life. Lot's to do defensively. Lots, but I'm happy enough given out circumstances.
Disagree fair result and even that is being bias given it hinged on a penner decision. Derby were ****e, but we looked every bit the team in transition imo. Derby's lead was deserved cause they simply rang us out to dry, turned us inside out. The equaliser was lifeline. Don't feel like we should have won it in the slightest. Penners won't sav e us every week, but as I've said it's not attack that bothers me, it's the other end. Come on Si. Still time to sort that defence. Plenty of course for optimism though, so long as we'll give Grayson time.
Rammed and loud in my end. The usual rest of the ground who can't be arsed to get off their fat lazy arseholes and support the team. Not the numbers, it's the effort that counts, we could rock that place with 20k if 20k acctually gave a ****. Half our fan base look as interested as Kone.
I would agree Bri, Derby were sh*te but they have been a consistent model for the championship the last few seasons being in or around the play offs. To me they looked like a typical Tony Pulis or Sam Alladyce team in that they were big physical soft as sh*te cheating b*stards. If that is the standard were up against and we can hold our own the season is going to be better than I thought. There were some good individual performances tonight and with an addition or two and McNair, Watmore etc in the team I think come Nov-Dec time we will see a very decent SAFC willing to fight for each other and put some effort in. Something we have been sadly lacking. We deserved a point if not all three although personally thought we looked a bit jaded after 70 mins.
We were ok, thats only 70% of Graysons finished team, we will improve.if he has us in the pack by January we will kick on and be there or there abouts. ALL THOSE STAY AWAY W@@@@RS WILL JUMP BACK ON THE BAND WAGON BY THEN ! Who thinks the atmosphere last night was better without them ? Great support around me.
