Not bad overall. Decent game with a few familiar faces in the crowd - Pards was there taking a look, as was Mick Harford. Also was surprised and rather pleased to see Flavio present, sitting with Manu Ledesma and Gianni. Perhaps they were discussing the finer points of a proper transfer? Viney was there too, think he was sitting on the bench as he came out at the end to see Linvoy Primus. By the way, David Harris, I sat in your seat today, whoever you are. God, I hope you're not EVERS. Ew. First half was ok with only a few chances, best of them probably theirs, but towards the end we were well on top. Their goal just after HT was diabolical from our point of view thanks to a series mistakes that led to Ambrose, who coasted through the game easily, scoring, but our reply was a beauty. Not sure who played the long ball to Hogan, could have been Akos, but he controlled it, beat his man about three times and then swiped it in comfortably. We really should have won after that - their keeper made a couple of saves and we missed a couple of good chances. All in all, not too shabby. Few thoughts on the team: Crowther - Shouted a lot, but barely had to make a save. Ainsworth - Played at right back behind Alberti and did well as usual. Wasted a few balls early on but was always comfortable and did a couple of excellent runs late on and almost scored as well. Ilesanmi - I don't know how old he is so I won't be too harsh. Suffice to say he is not adequate cover for Delaney. Did go on a couple of good runs, but other than that was not very good and didn't move the ball quick enough. Harris & Oastler - Young pairing who on the whole did well against a disinterested Todorov and the lively Fleetwood. Less 'when in doubt, boot it out' more 'whether in doubt or not, boot it out', but solid. Alberti - I've liked him when I've seen him before, and he's quick, tricky and looks strong, but he must know he had an awful game today. Gave the ball away cheaply nine times out of ten and was always too slow to make a decision, too often refusing to play the quick one touch pass that was needed. He did, however, penetrate down the right two or three times and almost set up goals. I think there's more to come, but he's well down the pecking order on this showing. Ephraim - One of the better players on the pitch, always demanding the ball, improved once he switched from centre mid to left mid with Balanta. Excellent goal and good skills. Still doesn't have the delivery of Cookie, but he's still very young. Bolder - Good strong performance from Bolds. Encouraged the youngsters, anchored the midfield well and distributed well. He deserves better than to sit in our reserves really and although I like him he doesn't stand a chance of getting in the first team - hopefully someone will take him on loan and give him first team football. Balanta - As usual, he looked great. Strong, quick, skilful, clever, keeping it simple when needed and trying something more audacious at other times. Should have scored in the second half when Alberti gave him a glorious chance, but other than that he's gold. Played an assured left mid and then centre mid first half and then went up front in the second, where he was more involved. Agyemang - Worked hard until subbed for Akos at HT. Looked better than most on show and went on one blinding run that took him past three players, but his shot was saved. Di Carmine - Christ knows. He has a great touch, he works the channels, he's strong, he's not slow, but something's not quite there. I like him, but Dex and Balanta are well ahead of him at the moment. Buzsaky - Came on at HT and clearly most fans were there to see him. He's not quite fit, but this was an easy game for him and along with Balanta he was well ahead of the rest of our team. Some beautiful passes, intelligent play, demanding the ball, rarely losing it. At the moment he's better than Parejo, or at least he is when he's fully fit, but Parejo will probably surpass him as he gets older and learns as Akos has done. Thought he might stroll around a bit but he showed great appetite, tracked back and constantly demanded the ball off the defenders, all of whom except for Ainsworth were more interested in getting rid and getting rid long. |