Some good positive crisp passing football - particularly in the first half. Some good concentration by the defence for 45 minutes, followed by the same going AWOL after the half time personnel change. We perhaps had more possession than you'd expect against a team who were almost in the Premiership, but we posed worryingly little threat on goal. Way too early to say definitively, but I'd rate the players as follows: Mawson/Nyatanga/Pearson/Scowan All played very well, and will surely be among the first names on the teamsheet. Mawson (on this limited evidence) looks a superb acquisition. Dibble/Bree/Watkins/Rothwell/Smith Some promise, but some work to do to be convincing starters. Wilkinson/Phenix Question marks at this early stage. Not convinced Wilkinson wants it, or that Phenix has it. We badly need Hourihane, Winnall and Williams to be fit, and Davies will be clear first choice in goal. And it's easy to see from tonight why Johnson would like at least one other striker.
Nay, Dibble for the full 90. Made three or four good saves, but looked exposed for the goals. He'll not be displacing Davies anytime soon. Wilkinson may have a Timeform 'squiggle'!
I wonder if Walton might end up surpassing Dibble, seems to be rated. I've not been convinced by Wilkinson yet in the 2 games I've seen. He looks technically proficient when warming up, can really strike a ball, but doesn't carry it into the game. Hopefully he'll kick on once the real stuff begins.
i think Wilkinson would be a better player to come off the bench for a bit and try and work his way into the team, think he might suited a role just off another striker, when he's in space he gets going with a bit of speed and skill.
++ Been talking to a Bolton lad today, watches every team they have , proper football geek(reminds me of H/T), he reckons Wilkinson always looks great in training, got all the attributes etc. but never takes on the pitch during a match. Also been a bit of a arsehole with some of the other younger players !
Thought he should have done better with the third goal. I'd not put him at fault for any of the other three though. He did OK considering his lack of action against competitive teams and who we were playing.
Dibble not ready yet to be first team cover we need to bring in another keeper, still need to bring in a big forward to win and retain the ball. Jackson looked sharp but needs a big man up with him so he can run in behind or run the channels. Will be a better guide next saturday to where we are at. Phenix not ready yet was shattered cant see him being involved much this season looked a fish out of water. Defensively sound in the first half.
