I'm going to try and commit to doing a little review of all the BFC games I see. Not a match report or chronological summary. Just my thoughts on certain moments, the players and the result etc. A bit like our old friend, @Red Rain used to do back in the day. But with less words. And not as many long ones, because I have Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia. So, a tough opening day proposition awaited the Reds in Devon. I think the majority of folk predicted defeat in @Archey's wonderful match preview thread yesterday. I went for a 3-2 Reds victory myself because I know Argyle can't defend, similar to us in that regard, but we have the better goal threats. And I think that proved the case in and amongst an incident-packed clash. First off - because I think it's only fair considering my fears over him playing there - a big well well done to Maël who looked steady away at full back. I think it helped that he had both Phillips and Vickers on that side a lot, but he wasn't really troubled and I don't recall any mad moments. I still look forward to a genuine right back there, and to be honest, I was more worried about the other side on this occasion, especially in the first half. But perhaps Earl was a little rusty having missed a couple of weeks recently. He grew into the game and was even a threat the other way as the game wore on. Big shame to see Robbo come off. The way he looked, I'm not sure that's a short-term one either. I reckon Shepherd did well in the main. Couple of iffy passes but generally sound. And very unlucky for my money, to receive any booking, never mind two. But I can't keep up with the rules anymore. And thankfully, it didn't cost us a deserved win and three points. I saw enough (before we were reduced to 10) from the midfield and forwards to feel more optimistic than I did last season. Connell was my player of the match, by some distance. He looked like the 22-23 vintage. Demanded the ball. Gave it to others. Won his battles. Led by example. That's all I want from him. I don't need him to try tricks, drive forward or try 30-yard pot-shots. Just keep it simple. He was superb. I thought Phillips was the usual Phillips. The one I see every week. But when he doesn't score or create, it's said (by some) that he's gone missing. Great goal, kept at it for 100 minutes and on another day he creates a goal or two for others. I thought Vimal did alright too. It felt like a good balance in there today, and of course, with DKD and McG coming deep at times we have the capacity to really smother sides. The only player I haven't mentioned (of the starters) so far is Cooper. He made a couple of good saves, showed decent distribution and I felt comfortable as a fan, with him in there. Apart from the moment where he nearly rolled the ball to their striker! It's early days though, and it'll be easier to judge the new lads as the games come and go. Was I convinced, after one game, that the defence actually isn't going to be an issue? Not at all. My reservations are still there I'm afraid. But at the end of the day, we lost both starting centre halves, and ended up with Bland and Barratt in the backline, and still won. In truth, I don't think we looked any worse. But how much that boils down to how poor the opposition were, I do not know. Because they were. Not throughout, but in a lot of key moments, Argyle looked really bad. We took advantage though, and that's great. Not only a first opening day away victory since August 1996, but signs of early progress from last season. When that Plymouth goal went in, when Shep was red carded, of course I feared a comeback and another garbage Reds second half showing. But it didn't happen. The team looked fitter, they all gave 100% and went up the other end and - at the second attempt - killed off the game in front of the 800 travelling supporters. A pleasing, proud performance in my book. Ignoring the full backs, the rest of the lads looked comfy. They knew their roles and despite a handful of fresh faces, they linked up well in this new system. It wasn't perfect, and I do think we had some fortune at times, but I have no doubt that we deserved the win. And I think the more they play together, the better we ought to be. Said, with the caveat that we'll probably lose a couple of key players. But maybe not? We'll have to see I suppose. Ratings (out of 10) Cooper 7 de Gevigney 7 Roberts 6 (Bland 6) Shepherd 6 Earl 6 Connell 9 Yoganathan 6 (Russell 6) Phillips 7 Vickers 7 (Barratt 6) McGoldrick 7 (Kelly 7) Keillor-Dunn 7
What I didn't get with the one Cooper rolled out was he was clearly spooked by the 8 second thing (looks a good rule that btw. Just the keeper "injuries" thing to sort out now ) and noone offered. Surely they have worked on that in training? It's not long 8 seconds is it..... Good summary else though. Id argue a lack of creativity as all 3 goals were gifts, albeit two really well taken ones but we will all take that on day 1. You redzzzzz.
Well i was expecting a top 6 finish from Plymouth. So a point away from home was my expectations. Was surprised how much better we were over them . Even with 10 men. So could we do better than were expecting. Still think we need another defender in
I thought that the whole team looked fitter and hungrier than last season. To maintain that tempo for 98 plus minutes was some achievement given we were down to 10 men for the last 30 odd minutes. I was really impressed with Vickers, Barratt and Kelly, however the overall team performance and working for each other was plain to see. We can only get stronger as the team gel together, and I think we will be the surprise package this season. Early days I know, but the signs are there to see.
Well written report YT, although I feel like Bland deserved atleast a 7, I don't remember him putting a foot wrong unless someone can correct me
Thanks for writing that up. I managed to watch a bit of the first half and I jury time. Driving etc so didn't get much chance. What I did see I was hopeful. Absolutely chuffed with the result, and having seen both cards for shepherd, I've absolutely no idea what the ref saw to give him either yellow tbh. Worrying that in the very first game we've lost 2 centre halfs. This is troubling me since we all felt it needed strengthening But it's 3 points. And certainly 3 points I wasn't expecting one bit...
Think Cooper deserves an 8 and I thought Mael was very good when we went down to 10 so I’d give him an 8 too
Thanks for that @YT, looks like there's reasons to be hopeful. Getting giddy for next week, looking forward to seeing the new signings play!
I doubt we’d have scored our third without the new rules as he hoofed it down field And caught their defence off guard. Something to watch out for that, defenders need to be ready for keepers with quick restarts.
