Today - my thoughts........

I'm not going to panic after yet another poor pre-season show but I would like to have a grumble about the game, tactics etc.

THE MATCH OFFICIALS - Where did they get them from? I would go as far as to say the ref was as bad as Trevor Kettle. A very poor display I just hope he isn't a coca-cola league official this year.

THE OPPOSITION - It was good to see Chengdu coming here to get as result, but I wasn't impressed by their foul and dirty tactics (i.e. I saw far to many elbows and two footed tackles flying in). Several key players could have been injured.

THE SUPER REDS - sorry to say it but the Super Reds were not so super today. First grumble of the day was SD's team selection i.e. GK okay, Defence okay, Forwards okay, but Midfield was made up of 3x wingers and a full-back with average height of 5ft 5"....... eh! Even before kick off I knew this wouldn't work. I am all for us trying new formations in pre-season games and trying players in other positions but from my experience (watching from sidelines) I know that Bobby Hassell (although a good defender at this level) is out of his depth in midfield. He has been tested in this position and has proven this to be fact. On the other hand JCR is naturally a winger but did ok today in central role. But why didn't the likes of Butterfield get a run out in this role in front of Hassell, surely it would be a good opportunity to test him and instill his comfidence.

I thought forwards did ok (Hume & Macken) both looked sharp, the goalkeeper (steele) wasn't tested, our defence looked sloppy but were never really tested, wingers did ok, but central midfield was our weak point. Ratings as follows:

6 - Steele - wasn't tested but at the same time did nothing wrong.

5 - Foster - looked out of sorts thoughout and pssing was sloppy. lets hope it was a one off.
6 - Souza - had little to do and was rarely tested. Also scored goal.
7 - Moore - looked dangerous at set plays and set goal up for Souza, organized defence well. Had one scary moment when he was out paced but used his experience to win the ball.
7 - Van Homeot - got forward and linked well with El Haimour

7 - Devaney - did well, and was probably my MOTM
6 - JCR - new role in central midfield but did ok and supported the strikers well.
3 - Hassell - out of position and looked yet again proved he isn't suited to this role. Defensive play ok, but distribution was very poor. Did one good turn to beat his man, then he ran out of idea's dwelled on the ball and lost possession.
7 - El Haimour - looks a good find. Did well today, broke forward well and covered in defence when needed. Good partnership/understanding down left flank between him and Van Homeot.

7 - Hume - Made a few good runs and looked dangerous. had little support from central midfield.
7 - Macken - worked hard and was unlucky not to score.

Subs:
6 - Odejayi - Had little time on the field, and had a decent header ON TARGET!
6 - Mostto - Looked up for it, had a few touches but he had little time to make an impact.


3 - Tactics - poor team selection, sloppy passing, subs unused and brough on to late in the game.

 

Macken did score

 

He took the Penalty nt

 

RE: He took the Penalty nt

i think hume wanted it tho

 

If he takes a penalty like he took that freekick, then

I am fecking glad Macken took it

 

RE: If he takes a penalty like he took that freekick, then

yeah he is a great penalty taker

 

he is rubbish with Free kicks tho` nt

 

RE: he is rubbish with Free kicks tho` nt

hume is meant to be top draw at free kicks i hear

 

he kicked straight at the wall, didnt even get up to JCR`s knee hieght

I thought Hume looked like an expensive Nardiello today, always offside and didnt looked arsed about the match.

 

how can you slate bobby trys 100% every game doing what we pay him to do as he is told when and where to play if you can pick and train a better side than what we have available change your name to paul danniels and send your CV to pc and the job could be yours SIR BOBBY HASSLE LEDGEND