Important things we learned from last night

Tom Bradshaw can play up top on his own very well, much better than Winnall. He's strong, good in the air and has a large rear which means he can hold the ball up. This is nothing against Sam but he just doesn't have those qualities. Moncur looked a different prospect in the no.10 role too.

We can cope without Hammill. I thought we got even better when Elliiot Lee came on who impressed me a lot with his sublime ball control and link up play.

Scowen & Watkins have got to start. Both sensational last night. Everyone played well but these 2 and Bree will almost have to be chosen now.

Nick Townsend is still not good enough. Atrocious keeping for the 1st. Yes he makes some good saves but they're all cancelled out by his terrible decision making. Nope, not for me get rid ASAP.

 

It's probably sacrilege to say we can cope without Hammill, but you're not wrong. For all his brilliance and the influence he has on others around him, he does run down too many blind alleys and I can't see both him and Kent playing in the same team. It could work, I admit, but it seems unlikely at the higher level.

Hammill is obviously in front of Kent in the pecking order but I can see us rotating these two, especially when we have options like Lee and Watkins. Everybody can't play obviously. Nice to have such choices available.

 

Is it true Kent has to play 75% of games if fit - could be an issue with both him and Hammill then if you can't see them playing in the same team

 

I think he'll play Kent & Hammill on either side, maybe put Watkins & Bradshaw up top.

 

Yes, he could have done more, but so could Roberts and as for Bree - fast asleep again and let his man go (the one who scored). I seem to recall this happening last year but your not suggesting he should go.

 

Roberts & Bree are good players though. You cannot make so many mistakes as a goalkeeper.

 

I think it's safe to say we have options all over the park, except, centre half and goalkeeper, these positions concern me a bit, if we lose any of Mawson, Roberts or Davies through injury or suspension, then I think we'll struggle!

 

We will never know how good a keeper he could be unless he gets a run of games to build up understandings with his defenders. The goal yesterday happened because Bree let his man go and Roberts gave up cos he thought Townsend was getting it and Townsend gave up cos he thought Roberts was getting it. Its not that long back that most fans did not want Davies in goal because of his decision making and hesitant kicking. A run in the team ironed out most of his faults (but not all) and built his confidence and so he is now the number one. I don't know if Townsend will ever make a good keeper, but if you are going to attribute mistakes that create goals to the goalie then you have to apply that to outfield players equally and Bree as an example has made enough of his own. This is not a pro Townsend / anti Bree post by the way, but I do wish people would attribute "fault " fairly.

 

Don't agree that Lee is anywhere near ready to challenge for a starting spot - last night he chose wrong options most of the time - willing to give him time to adapt to the step up in standard but needs much more yet.
Also needs a bigger shirt and shorts!

 

No he doesn't he's normal size for a footballer

 

And besides, goalkeepers' mistakes usually result in goals, whereas most mistakes by outfield players don't

 

Then why does everyone-else`s shorts not look like they will split if they bend down?

 

Not sure if you've got Player but did you see the shorts Mawson was wearing in the 'Run Reds Run!' video? He looked like he was wearing hotpants!

 

Thinking about it, Ryan Kent is this season's Harry Chapman. Small player with very good dribbling & skill, loves to run at defenders. Same age too.

Wouldn't surprise me if Kent is seen as an impact sub.

 

This thread is turning into a homo erotic shorts fest

 

I'm pretty certain I heard Townsend call for the ball hence why Roberts left it.

There's no way Roberts would have not put that ball in row Z otherwise.

Therefore, IMO it was a goalkeeping error that could have easily been avoided.

He did make good saves when faced with one on ones but was never tested aerially which if anyone does there homework is likely to be his Achilles heel as he isn't the talles keeper around.

 

I'd say the majority of fans still wanted Davies in net when he was replaced by LJ and even then he looked alot more competent than Townsend and other than Shrewsbury at Home I can't think of him making a mistake that gave a goal away