All wins are important in normal times. But this isn’t ‘normal’ – need to be ready for the 1st league game. That is when the word UNBEATEN has to be the aim.
Generally, not at all bad considering that ours is a virtually new team and Vale appeared to have a lot more experience.
There was more fight than we had grown used to.
Positives for most players but far too many mistakes at LB.
Really liked Loft. Good goal too.
I wish someone would coach our lot to score injury time winners, again they scored from a cross but whether Rory could have done better I don’t know, I think our defender might have put him off, but he did play better today.
We were doing ok until loft, colclough and vincent went off, then we barely strung a pass together after that. Its promising but am a little worried about who is going to play alongside Loft. Maybe mooney would suit better but also maybe its him who has covid as he wasnt in the squad today
Hornshaw looked decent at RB but not a natural hope we’re not trying to force a position into someone again. Was beaten n the air for the first goal but was blatantly climbed on. Rodney did that every time there was an aerial challenge and got away with it.
Watson 3 saves and needed 2 goes at all 3 of them but didn’t push them directly to the opposition this time. Rushed out well a couple of times but the winner was a cross that bounced in the 6 yard box. Butroid lost his man but keeper should deal with that.
I would like to see how McAtee plays alongside Loft; that could work well.
Colclough was out of position due to the last minute changes, but needs to be playing wide. I didn’t think he looked that interested, to be honest. Looked a bit grumpy at not having the team set around him. I still have some faith in him, but Eisa is far better so Colclough would probably work best coming on with 15 mins left to dribble past tired full backs.
Butroid was disappointing. Bedeau poor. Cordner was very good and would work well if Onariase is more defensive. Vincent was busy and interesting.
So, when we are full strength it could be a reasonable first team. Nothing that looks promotion challenging, but something far more than I was expecting six months ago. Looking forward to it!
The 2 Bournemouth lads looked good. Loft looks a real find. Still need a keeper who can marshal a defence and dominate his area. Most disappointing was that for the last 10/15 minutes we wre playing in our half and not their’s – and at home.
For a first game of a season we had a lot of players missing today which is not very good, I have no idea if Vale were short of any players, so we will have to wait and see whether the missing lads make much difference.
Colclough was pretty much a passenger when playing upfront and went in a mardy before being switched to the wing. Bedeau looked a bit iffy at times, I suspect he’ll make way for McGahey once he’s fit. Cordner keeps that level up and I can’t see him being dislodged that easily.
I’d stick Rowe at RB and O’Malley LB against Lincoln to see how they get one.
Loft looked really good today, really impressed with him but needs an out and out striker up there with him to feed off the scraps. I’d give green a go upfront against Lincoln with Jarvis, duran-Turan or young Mooney alongside him and save loft for the league.
I actually think the best striker in playing style for loft would be Olomola…he’d probably work fine with him, shame he’s out for the next few months.
We need to see what the other strikers offer, against lincoln would be an ideal time to have a look. Eisa needs to be out wide.
Question is though, who get’s dropped ?. Will Gillead make way for Colclough or will Colclough be the one that’s benched ?
Gillead I suppose could play CM but we saw him for spells last season in there and he was too light weight.
I hope Clarke makes his way back pretty sharpish. Would it be worth signing a short team loan player to cover the gap ?
While I stated that I hope Clarke makes his way back sharpish, you also on the other hand rush him back at your peril.
Hornshaw will have to keep plodding on at RB then for the time being. I’d stick O’Malley in at LB though to see how he get’s on.
Who would you go for upfront SST, presuming Loft is rested ?
One thing is for certain, Colclough can’t ever find himself there again. I don’t think Cox would have been too happy with him, he was sulking until he was moved out wide.
I’d like Green and maybe Mooney/Turan to get a shot against Lincoln. Dales will probably get a run out as well.
Any of you know if we have received international clearance yet to play Turan ?
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