Fantastic report for us exiled tigers that couldn't make the game, much appreciated - thanks! I know we have to factor in the quality of the opposition but did any of the expected reserves / squad players do enough to put themselves in the frame for a starting place? Or is that a stupid question and it's too early to tell?
Tom Cairney had a good game. If he continues to show this level of mobility and composure against better teams, he'll come back into the fold. I'd imagine NP was impressed with Devitt's movement too. It's a pity he's so lightweight. Gavin Holohan looks like a first teamer waiting to happen but because of his lack of size, I reckon he's still a couple of seasons away. Danny East was very determined and didn't look out of place at RB. Mark Cullen made a good impact but still looks to lack some pace. Great energy though. It is a difficult environment to judge. We've released a lot of juniors over the past few years who've impressed in these games.
I saw things slightly differently, I thought Adebola took his goal very well, but he regularly looked awkward and cumbersome, nobody was excited about his signing and though I do appreciate it offers us something different, I don't expect more people will be excited once they've seen him play(I'd also be surprised if we ever start him). Dudgeon is Barmbyesque in stature and looked nervous to start with, but improved as the game went on. Cairney's free kick was excellent and he looked good on the ball, but he still gets caught napping sometimes, one time last night would have cost us a goal against stronger opposition. McKenna does play a lot like Ash, as we expected he would, he looked out on his feet after half an hour, but seemed to get a second wind and actually looked less tired after an hour than he did after half an hour. He's looks to be a bit better passer of the ball than Ash and he seems willing to try more adventurous passes. I think Danny East deserves a special mention, I thought he looked excellent in the first half(I'm really ignoring the second half, as it was all a bit of a pantomime after all the changes), he's strong, pretty quick and good with the ball at his feet, he looked better than any time I've seen his previously for the reserves. Fryatt still looks our best player, Kilbane still looks our worst and McShambles is still exactly that.
what was cullens goal like? ive never thought hes quite the lost cause that most do, and am still hopeful for him..
Thats sums it all up. Well done Theo. Not much to add is there. A useful workout - 5 quality goals and i stayed dry. Same again at Winterton would do nicely.
To be honest, I was talking to OLM junior about heading towards the way out and he scored while I wasn't looking I didn't think he looked very good up until the goal, some poor touches, he definitely needs to be out on loan to get his confidence back, I'm surprised he hasn't gone off to Bury already.
Thanks for the great report. I wasn't able to get your Twitter page to load last night so nice to see a comprehensive report to read this morning.
I wouldn't be surprised at all. He looks in good condition. He's got no pace but I doubt he ever did have. I'd agree he looked a little awkward at times but this was his first game with new team mates. I thought it was a promising first impression and he did produce some really nice flicks. Our corners are going to be more interesting with Dele and Hobbs attacking them. Odd comment on a game he didn't put a foot wrong in. It was a fantastic finish. Barmby chipped the ball over the top, it bounced up and Cullen volleyed it over Willo (not hard!) from about 18 yards. Quality finish.
All the goals here http://www.twitvid.com/U19ZK posted by the City twitter mob. Apologies to Gavin Holohan, I've given credit for his glorious pass to Nick Barmby ... twice!
Some of his touches(second one a header) and passes were poor and he was up against North Ferriby, I'd play Bradley ahead of him.
Good touch and finish from Cullen. Dele looks absolutely huge, a little bit like a normal sized man playing in an under 13's game.
