Better game than the Harrogate game tonight. Surprisingly, only Mowatt showed signs of tiredness. Keeper - had nothing to do but pick the ball out of the net. Defence - Berardi was immense. Carried on from last season in top form & had a screamer of a long distance shot that the keeper had to be on his toes to get. Bamba & Bellusci are probably going to be our 1st choice CBs. Worked well together. Didn't have a great deal to do. Bellusci went elbow-first for every header. Almost got sent off near the end 'cos the striker didn't jump for the ball & got a very obvious elbow n the head. Taylor was competent, and no complaints, really. But still has some work to do to reach last season's heights IMO. Wooton came on for Berardi for 20 mins or so & clearly displayed that he is not what we're looking for at RB, even as cover. Awful going forward (which was rare compared to Berardi's work rate), and completely to blame for the goal. In summary, I think we've found our starting back 4. Midfield - highlight was Erwin's peach of a ball that put Mowatt through to cross for Byram's goal. He was industrious & did a lot of good work out on the left wing. Drury came on for 30 mins or so to replace him & was a revelation - fast & direct. Likes to ghost in at the back post like Byram. Byram was on the other wing & was in blinding form again. Bianchi & Cook had good games, as had Mowatt until he faded fast in the 2nd half. Ajose replaced him & made Mowatt look even better without being there! Attack - Morison. Would have preferred one of the knee-high ball boys to play instead of him. They might have taken the chances he missed. Overall? An improvement, but if we can't score hatfulls against teams like York & Harrogate, what chance do we have in the Championship? Early days, but I dor one am terrified. I also remain convinced that we're not going to sign wingers. Ajose on as a sub as CM. Tells a big story when you consider Walters didn't get a game on Friday. Dawson got no game time again. If they wanted to give him game time, he could have played at York or Taddy. Clearly he's not in Rosler's plans. Wonder if it's a loan out, or has his time with us ran out? What's the inside track, Kissa aka The Don, for newbies)?
Josh, he really was impressive. Nearly scored in the first minute on the park. Fast as fcuk too, and fearless. Far side of the park, but looked similar in stature to Byram. Imagine a Bambi on each wing! Also ghosted into the back post like Byram too, which is a skill that's been lacking in our team for years. Erwin was also impressive there, but I wonder if he'll play through the middle more, once we get rid of fukwit Morison.
Not at all Jock, I was suggesting that the amount of candles didn't match your age....... Morning by the way.
What we may find this season WJ is, Many players will have a better attitude now we have a coach who's laid down the law, there'll be no split between them and them and no picking favourites first. From what I've read about Rosler, he's made it clear they are a unit on equal terms, and it's up to them to play for their position. I suspect Rosler will make changes against different teams and with a change of formation, which means no one can expect to play every game unless they're brilliant in all formations. In all honesty (Redders syndrome again) this season is really going to test Redders favourites from last season. York, Harrogate and Tadcaster are one thing, the championship is completely different and fast attacking football may be beyond some for 90 minutes or so.
