There wasn't a great deal in the game really, not helped by a fairly poor pitch and windy conditions. I thought Hull were better in the first period, although without being too much of a danger, we seemed fairly content at letting them pass the ball around at the back and didn't really press the ball. But we kept very good shape although the movement and skill of Boyd and Brady caused us a few problems. After about 10 minutes we went 532 matching Hull. I think with the personel we had it was a good move, although it didn't really work out that way, in possession we were pretty poor, when our CBs had the ball they had very few options, the full backs were too high up the pitch and the midfield were not offering themselves as an option to collect the ball meaning we often just punted a hopeful ball up to our strikers. It also seemed that out of the 2 we were aiming for Chopra, this was never going to work seeing as he was up against the man mountain of Faye. Second half we went back to 442, although it didn't look overly balanced with Wordsworth drifting. Cresswell always seems to be isolated down on the left hand side, this has always been a problem although it used to be in and out of possession but I feel now he is getting a little more support out of possession but when he's attacking he has the whole left hand side of the pitch to himself. We certainly need more movement on and off the ball and players who are willing to take the ball and offer themselves, atm we have far too many players who just wait for the ball to come to them. But we did pick up abit in the second half we pressed a bit higher up the pitch, although we still failed to create many openings. When we did try to get the ball down and play we usually created something though, this was also helped by N'Daw improving quite considerably in the second half, first half he was terrible. Great header by Wordsworth, he certainly has quality on the ball and I think could well score a few goals for us. On the balance of play I'd say a draw would've probably been a fair result maybe Hull slightly shaded it but it was certainly fine margins. Hull looked a decent enough side, though nothing spectacular, I think it shows how poor this league is if they are second. They were fairly solid and passed it around well enough and had a few players who's movement and vision caused us problems but certainly didn't look as good as Southampton or Norwich going forward. We as ever looked solid but need to be alot better on the ball. I think a playmaker next to Hyam and proper wingers would certainly improve our team a great deal. Players summary: 1. Loach - Didn't have a great deal to do, decent shot stopper but needs to be quicker off his line. Also annoyed me that he released the ball too quickly when Chopra was the only player we had in the opposing half, what is Chopra going to do with a long ball to his head when noone else is near him?? 5. Stearman - looks a very good defender, decent enough going forward, I hope we sign him, although would prefer to see him battle out the CB's spots with Smith and Chambers - 7 4. Chambers - Again very solid, can't remember him making a mistake all match - 8 20. Smith - Looking a great CB at this level now, him and Chambers have a real good partnership together, they work for each other, they cover each other and keep their shape very well. - 8 3. Cresswell - Solid game as per usual, nothing spectacular but rarely put a foot wrong. Needs more support when attacking down the left. Also when we were 532 played too high up the pitch, Smith had few option to pass to. - 7 7. Edwards - His energy levels and pace are immense for a 34 year old, rarely put a foot wrong but also as ever for me didn't go forward with enough purpose. Would prefer to see Martin in his place, at least Martin shows purpose even if it doesn't come to anything. - 6 19. Hyam - Had a decent game, showed alot of energy, was tenacious, decent on the ball and is certainly starting to show another side to his game. Never going to be a player who dominates the midfield but he certainly IMO could be the next Holland. Really needs a play maker next to him. - 7 8. N'Daw - Terrible first half, awful passing and a stupid challenge in the penalty box. Improved second half, started breaking up play much better and finding picking out a few passes. Have to say would rather we didn't sign him now. - 5 18. Tabb - I like Tabb, he's a good performer at this level, consistant and tenacious. Reminds me of a slightly better Ian Westlake. Is never going to be a big creative force but certainly can play football and will always give 100%. Aslong as there are creative players around him, would be a good signing. Shame he was forced off through injury, as he kept to the wing a bit more than Martin or Wordsworth did. 27. Murphy - Pretty average game, not alot of support upfront mind, not alot to work with. - 6 10. Chopra - Ran his socks off. Looked like he was asked to play in a more withdrawn role behind Murphy, pressing defenders. He lack quality at times but I don't think the pitch helped and he probably was knackered given the amount of running he did. Didn't have alot of service, alot of high ball to him. Certainly would rather see him on the shoulder of the last defender, conserving his energy abit more to come alive in the the penalty box, but this was a team performance from him, he sacrificed some of his strengths to put in a shift. - 7 14. Wordsworth - Great header ghosting in at the back of the box, he looks decent in the air and seems to find space in the final third. Looks good on the ball, certainly has quality. Drifted inside a bit too much though leaving Cresswell isolated. Looks a good player but not sure if he will dominate games, never really took the game by the scruff of the neck. - 7 JET and Nouble didn't really have time to make much of an impact. Although it was nice to see a player (JET) able to instantly control the ball!!
