Strange game with some even stranger refereeing decisions. From 3 big shouts for penalties for City, I reckon at least one was stonewall. Possibly 2? However, on the other side of the coin, McCaffery was lucky to still be on the pitch for a 'tackle' which could have produced a serious injury. I ve seen people sent-off for less. Many around me were also screaming unbelievably when an early Walsall goal was allowed to stand despite what they seemed to think was a foul on Will Aimson. Personally, albeit from a distance, I thought it was just schoolboy defending! Anyway, 2 - 1 to City with late goals from Johnny Margetts and, despite what the tannoy announcer said, a second from Fran McCaffery. 1) Jako - Didnt do alot wrong but had little to do. Seemed a little more assured than the previous times I ve seen him play, but I still fear Gulasci when I see him. 2) Richard Brindley - I d sum him up in two words - Danny East. Anyone who has seen Danny East play for the reserves has seen Richard Brindley. I d sooner see Sam Topliss get game time. 3) Conor Townend - Back to his more customary Left Back in a flat back four. Pushed forward well and defended reasonably well but like all City players on show tonight gave the ball away cheaply for most of the game. 4) Matty Dixon - A youngster who needed better support from his grossly un-match-fit central midfield partner, Michael Stewart. Still held his own bearing in mind the lack of experience. 5) Will Aimson - I dont understand this signing. Must have some promise and to fair is a better than average young centre half. However, having seen the likes of Frazer Papperill come and go, I dont understand the clamour to get this kid on board from Eastleigh. Apart from his 'mistake' for the goal, did ok at best. 6) Liam Cooper -A rock at this level and the inquisition continues as to why he hasnt been favoured in the first team when we are so short in defence. 7) Danny Emerton - My MoM, and he grew in influence as the game progressed. An inch perfect cross after a surging run with the ball for 'McCaffery's' goal. Not first team material yet, but I hope he continues to progress. 8) Michael Stewart - Woefully un-match-fit and depriving the promising Douglas Wilson of game-time in my opinion. Number one culprit of misplaced passes on the night. Also caught in possession too many times for my comfort. If the intention is to offer him a contract, then I think it is some time away. 9) Lewis Clarkson - Fast, niggling, harrowing, young forward with an eye for goal. Seemed to fade as an injury affected his game from half-time. I hope he develops into a Keith Edwards type, however, he could also be the next Mark Cullen, or dare I say, Gary Bradshaw! He has time on his side and, one hopes, the correct advice from behind the scenes. 10) Johnny Margetts - Always looks a threat and with a little more luck, he could have earned at least one penalty. Took his goal well but the ball in from, substitute, Sam Topliss was a peach for him to finish with interest. 11) Fran McCaffery - As stated, I think he was lucky to stay on the pitch, but having done so always looked dangerous on the ball and threatening running off it. Took his goal very well after being put in by Danny Emerton. A busy player throughout till a late injury forced him off. Subs: Sam Topliss - Made a big difference on his brief appearence at right back as Richard Brindley moves to midfield. Looks assured at Right Back in tonight's flat back four, but also shone in a defensive three in the last game I saw. Jack Barlow - Had little time to impress as a direct replacement for McCaffery. (All opinions are my own and correct at the time of writing)
Thanks for that Mussie, I was going to nip down and see you last night, but when I got in at half six and told the missus I might 'nip to Ferriby for an hour' I nearly ended up with a freshly cooked gammon in the mush. Next time.
see you soon mate. i thought i had missed the kick-off but fortunately it was delayed for 20 mins. walsall's bus was delayed en route. god bless the M42/M6. gave me a chance to watch the end of yorkshire's win agen t &t in the bar
nothing personal of course, but i hate it when people queue up to suggest that Margetts, Clarkson or AN Other is scoring for the reserves, therefore should be knocking on the door of the first team. there is indeed plenty of promise in our development squad but Cooper is the only one who is anything like ready for a first team bow in my opinion. At the end of the season, there maybe two or three who are ready for the first team fringes, provided we keep this 'development squad' together and we refrain from using the Reserves a dumping ground for trialists and trial-and-error policy
How old are they, 18? We here it ever year. The best crop for years then they all just slip away to Ferriby/Brid/Hall Rd. Theres something seriously wrong with our youth set up. Always has been.
It's ok, I wasn't aware of it until 6:42pm today (messageboard time). Just saw the update from facebook about their game and didn't think it was worth a whole new thread.
