My man of match and ratings...

Dale Tonge - up against an excellent player in Eddie Lewis - did a brilliant job.

My ratings, without rabbiting on with too many details of why would be:

Colgan 6 - should have saved first goal, but was okay apart from that. Admittedly had little else to do.

**TONGE** 9 - an absolute rock today, nullified a dangerous player in Lewis with a series of good challenges.

Kay 7 - solid enough, had a tough job dealing with the nippy Healy and clever Blake but didn't do a bad job overall.

Vaughan 8 - A largely dominant display for once, if only he was like that every week. Even threatened with 2 great runs forward... yes it's true!

Austin 7 - did a solid job again at left back, no qualms with him playing there next week.

Shuker 7 - flattered to deceive a little... a couple of marvellous crosses, put completion rate needs to be higher.

Wroe 6 - I'm still trying to work out what he offers apart from running around a lot. No penetration, can't pass, tackle or shoot well enough at the moment - still prepared to give him time. He didn't do anything wrong to be fair, but he didn't do much right either.

Burns 8 - key player in this team, which many people don't seem to realise. Passes mainly short balls but very rarely gives ball away, and breaks up opposing attacks regularly. Did well against Bakke today. Must play next week.

Williams 7 - not his best game but he can't score every match. Almost equalised when his shot was deflected wide, though for some reason the ref (who was useless) gave a goal kick. Injured in the process but looked okay.

Hayes 7 - a few nice touches, clearly has ability but must become more involved.

Conlon 6 - had a chance to stake a claim but struggled. Didn't do much wrong, but not as much of a threat in the air as his height suggests he should be, and Butler had him in his pocket, and could have had for a year.

SUBS:

Nardiello 8 - Brilliant goal, a Premiership striker would have proud of it. If he does that every week he'll do me.

McPhail 7 - Calming influence, good passing, not a lot of time to become massively involved, but his attitude seems to be better.

Jarman 6 - had little or no effect but was employed on the left wing after Williams left the field - clearly not his position.

 

A pretty accurate rating there journo i agree totally exept i'd have given conlon a 4 today i thought he looked a few divisions lower in class than anyone else ,but it will take time for him he missed a big part of last season .

 

Yeah we've got to give him a chance... probably didn't deserve quite 6 but I don't want to put anyone down just yet... to be fair he didn't get much of a chance.

 

Agreed in general, except Conlon 5, Wroe n/a.

We'll be top 6, and matched leeds for spells. Can't believe negativity.