Not this season, there were a few games before December where we looked more potent as an attacking threat, but yesterday was the first time since we learnt how to defend that we consistently took the game to the opposition. Preston pegged us back at times, but that's because they're a good team, not because we were content to sit back. Can't argue with the motm, O'Sullivan was superb, but so were both Cranie and Bailey. Not sure what George Smith has done wrong. I'm not suggesting Declan John is a poor player, but if we're going to bring in a loan player to take the place of one of our young lads, I believe he should be considerably better than what we've already got. John lost his marker two or three times before that eventually led to their goal. John is still a young lad himself, so you've got to allow for mistakes, bit if we're doing that, I'd prefer us to be allowing for the mistakes of our own players. At least it gave us a chance to see that save from Davies. Really disappointed with the way Jennings looked. He's got the talent to put in the same kind of performances we saw from O'Sullivan, but there's no way he can cover the same amount of ground with his current body shape. With O'Sullivan going back it should have been an ideal opportunity for Jennings to show the new manager what he's got, but it appears there's little chance of him being able to do that.
I'd like to see John on the wing, he looks much more threatening going forward that Smith but did lose his man a few times. I think with O'Sullivan going back, now is the perfect time to try it. We can't play Jennings from the start in his current state and we'll need to be solid against Bristol City. Playing a left back at left mid could be the way forwards next week, he's got the pace to get up and support the attack when needed.
Really enjoyed the match, with all our players being fully committed to the cause & shirt. Everyone round us in the ground enjoyed the game, same with the fans leaving the stadium. Talking with a number of Preston's 'Gentry' in the car park afterwards and they were fulsome in their praise of our players and team. However, I was scratching my head a little last night at the large number of posts on here criticising our players (usually targeting their particular favourite victim), even if the player wasn't in the team. God help the players when we eventually lose a game! Ah, well.
View from the Dimensions stand is a good one. Probably the best in the ground. Ideally situated to see that Ibehre was a good half yard offside when the ball was played in. Unless the eyes of everyone in that stand were deceiving us. If you haven't been in there I'd recommend trying it at least once. Go in the summer though, because it's freezing. It's 20 degrees warmer in the Ponty End. Can't understand the criticism of any player after yesterdays performance, other than those taken aback by how big Jennings looked. One lad's entire match report consisted of criticising Bailey, who, without question, was a contender for motm. It's a great pity O'Sullivan is going back. He was doing for us yesterday what Williams had been doing earlier in the season. The likes of Hourihane and Bailey need that kind of player to perform at their best. Someone who will create space for themselves and give them an outlet.
O'Sullivan has done well for us & I hope we go back in for him in the Summer and make him a permanent signing. Iberhe has proved his worth, to me, by being a handful for the tiring opposition defences when brought on. Taking into account we were missing the experience of Turnbull & Ramage during this run and our engine duo of Scowen & Pearson were absent yesterday, the squad as a whole are proving extremely productive & effective. One happy Reds fan here.
Having seen the goal again, yes the eyes of you all in that stand were deceiving you. Preston's right back is clearly playing Ibehre onside.
Anyone know how I start a thread on here please? There is two times of the year; the football season, and waiting for the football season.
