A few notes on the U21s game today

Overall it was a pretty entertaining game, played in a good spirit with decent football from both sides. The coaches have certainly got them playing the "right" way, so it is difficult to criticise anyone, but oh what a frustrating time they had in front of goal. Rhys Oates forced their keeper into a couple of good stops and our left back Templeton hit the post after a great run in from the left. Apart from that it was just weak shots at the keeper or tame efforts sailing over the bar. Time and again you saw a Reds player in a good position only for them to scoop it or underhit the ball, thus not troubling the keeper at all.

Looking at those with first team experience, Digby had a decent game after a wobbly start. He was caught in possession twice early on, and one of them resulted in a goal for Bristol. He improved though and looked head and shoulders above most of his team mates (physically and football-wise). He played the holding midfielder role, always demanding the ball and usually laying it off to someone, but not always in a positive way. I would like to see him try some of those raking long passes that he is capable of. Hopefully this recent England training experience will have done him some good.

RNL looked a bit slow to me - I know he's not the lightning quick kind of player, but he really did lumber around at times. Nothing much to say about the lad apart from that. Sad to see his lack of progress and this looks like his last season with us, unless something radical happens.

Big Jean just strolled through his defensive duties, partnering Jack Cowgill to good effect mostly. He had a couple of efforts on goal himself but didn't impose himself on the game. Probably thinking he was too good to be playing in that team, which he is of course.

Bree and McHale - I didn't really notice much of what Bree did, so maybe he just had a steady game. McHale tried things but kept running down channels where there was no way through. He needs to look up and find a team mate, but he's young so will learn that.

They were ALL young, apart from M'Voto so you just have to put it down to a good workout against a decent side. Bristol looked to have a bit more skill and drive than us today. I'm glad I tore myself away from my work to go and watch. It was nice sitting in the sun on the banking that actually had seats on it. Not been in that part of the complex before so it was a pleasant surprise to see rows of seating like that, even if they have mostly seen better days!

 

Bree was centre half with mvoto cowgill injured

 

Eh? Are you saying that the big lad at Number 5 was Bree? Hmm, not sure about that. I saw Bree play against York and I am pretty sure he's not THAT big

 

Jack's got an inury. Been out for over a week now.

Cheers for the report though.

 

Thanks for the report, mate.

 

Yes bree was 5 today

 

Ok, I bow to yours and Whitey's superior knowledge. Funny how the angle you are watching football from changes your perception. I had heard Cowgill was a big lad and sort of assumed that was him at 5. Hadn't seen Bree as close up as today - that's my excuse anyway.
The Official Report doesn't help cos it mentions Bree twice though, to be fair, Cowgill isn't listed!

 

Jack's as big as Big ******* Jean, a unit, and has blonde hair. James Bree is slim, and only 6 foot I think.

Interesting putting him there though.

 

He didn't look out of place there, did he? And if he is "only" six feet at only 16 years old it will be interesting to see how he develops in the next couple of years.

I'm new to this watching the U21s lark due to many years of exile so I can't compare this current crop with previous generations but I can definitely say that what I have seen so far is very impressive. The future's bright, as they say....