U23s this afternoon

At Oakwell 2pm

Few things to note from the team:
No Brown - suggesting he may be in the squad tomorrow with Payne's departure
McGeehan playing again - good news
Mallan playing too, suggesting the reason for his absence in the 1st team squad may have been injury

 

Thanks for that Red. Surprising what you've mentioned with Mallan as Hecky said previously he's not getting selected because we have too many attacking midfielders ?

 

PH has said more than once that Mallan is fully fit and that his absence is tactical, as it was with Moncur last season, etc.

Looking forward to seeing McGeehan move into the first team in due course, heard great things.

 

What great things have you heard? I've heard the opposite... Don't think pinning hopes on him would be wise

 

What negative things have you heard? All I have heard is pretty positive so I see no reason why he won't do well for us.

 

Luton fans were absolutely raving about him and the various write ups talk of a combative box to box midfielder who scores his fair share of goals. I'm not pinning any hopes on him, just looking forward to seeing him in action for the first team.

 

I don't get the Stevie Mallan stuff if it is tactical, thought he was one of our bigger signings?

 

Maybe he's not buying into PH's philosophy as of yet, in contrast with Bird where today's Chron says something along the lines of his selection is down to his understanding of PH's tactics, etc.

 

What have you heard then? I saw him play for Luton in the carling cup last season looked decent I thought and when we did sign him Luton fans were crying on social media.... interesting to know who has said negative things about him to you. I'm looking forward to him in the 1st team.

 

I've heard or read anything negative about the lad, in fact quite the opposite.

 

It was just a guess about Mallan but was just putting 2+2 together. Hopefully he works his way into plans eventually

Half time. 1-0 up. As already mentioned trilaist scored. He's looked good: strong and physical but also a good range of passing. Had better chances but they've had more of the play. Palmer's struggled physically with the game. Mallan showed good moments but not really got into game. Mottley-Henry been decent. McGeehan not really imposed himself yet. Williams has struggled a bit at left-back against a tricky winger.

Stand out for me Josh Kay: looks stronger and more attacking than before. Hit post as well. Definitely better of the central midfielders

 

homesick

 

Josh Kay has just scored a cracker!

https://twitter.com/AcademyBFC/status/898552677759688704

 

Best player is the number 5 trialist. Reminds me of a certain young lad who came through the academy a few years back... no idea how old or who he is. But looks young.

Mallan better this half. Matty Wolfe looks absolutely class for such a young lad. Playing deep lying centre mid in 4-3-3

 

Good hit but woeful keeping

 

We seemed to switch to a 4-3-3 in the 2nd half with Adeboyejo in the middle and Palmer and Mottley-Henry both wide. Palmer looked much more comfortable than in the first half and showed some great skill. He needs to bulk up a bit but will be a good player. Mallan and Williams looked better in 2nd half I thought. Only players who seemed to struggle in 2nd half were Wardle at RB and Walton, especially his kicking. Kay my Man of the Match - a class above

 

Just maybe that defensive midfielder we go on about is at the club already.Josh Kay anybody ? Or is he too attack minded . Thought s

 

Agree about Wardle & Walton. They bullied and targeted Wardle all second half and couldn't handle it at all.

They were a big strong team, but felt the young lads stood up to it well. Will Smith looked good alongside the trialist. They def need to bulk up. Looked about 6 stone wet.

McGeehan and Mallan should have bossed the match against that quality of opposition, but Josh Kay better than both. Hopefully it's just a case of fitness. They both had some nice touches though.

 

Didn't look defensively minded enough, but good at picking the ball up and driving forward like Moncur. McGeehan and then Woolfe sat in the holding role.

 

Think once mcgeehan comes through a couple of 50/50 challenges he will probably feel a lot better