Warning – match report seen through a beer haze.
I thought I needed a drink before this game but overall it was a decent game
and I pretty much enjoyed the afternoon. Credit to Grayson for recognising the
problems and changing the system to an inventive 4-3-3 with Robinson, Snodgrass
and Becchio up front. My main worry was the 3 man midfield with Delph pushed
wide left and Douglas at the helm in the centre. Same old problem, Douglas gets
most of the ball and as usual Leeds struggle at times. I think Grayson could
have played any formation today and also ask the players to play in their
slippers and still have won this game – Cheltenham were that poor but you can
only beat what is in front of you and the only worry about this game was how we
only scored 2 and how we went in 0-0 at half time? Becchio could have (should
have) had a hat-trick in the first half. First he was played through and just
seemed to miss the ball when all he had to do was control it and slot it home,
second he did well to slip
the ball past the defender and found himself one on one with the keeper – he
missed although it was a good save and the third when he muscled himself a
chance but failed to covert again. We then had a whole load of other chances
and must have hit the woodwork 4 times. We could (should) have gone in at least
3 up but nobody was worried because we all knew it was just a matter of time ….
And it was.
Second half started just like the first – us controlling the game and creating
chances. Grayson had to change the system due to an injury to Hughes. This was
a blessing in disguise as it moved the ineffective Douglas to right back (out
of the way !) and enabled Delph, Howson and Kilkenny to take control. Say what
you want about Kilkenny but he can make a pass and he does make the game look
simple. These two may (?) struggle against better teams but against Cheltenham
they took control and ran the show. Robinson was lively throughout and was at
the heart of all our that was good. The goals when they came were well taken.
The first was from a Snodgrass cross, Howson coverting with a superb glancing
header – the keeper never moved, Becchio take note. The second came when
Becchio played in Howson and he converted with his left foot , another well
taken goal.
Overall a good win in terms of getting some confidence back but I wouldn’t read
much in to it ‘cos Cheltenham were poor and they did cause us a few problems
including a goal that was ruled out for offside.
Casper – 7. Not much to do. One great one on one save which is his speciality.
Hughes – 3. He was dreadful whilst he was on the pitch.
Parker – 5. I don’t rate this lad as a defender. He’s too slow.
Marquis – 6. One or two worrying moments.
Naylor – 7. Solid.
Howson – 8. Two goals and he looked lively all afternoon. Should have done
better with a few other chances but hopefully this will be the start of his
season. I rate Howson as much as Delph and want to see him in the team.
Delph – 7. Didn’t figure too much out on the left in the first half but overall
he played well.
Douglas – 6. Poorish first half , looks ok at right back. Not sure he would
against better opposition.
Snodgrass – 7. Worked hard all afternoon and enjoyed the freedom of playing up
front rather than stuck on the wing.
Robinson – 9. Our best player.
Becchio – 5. Worked hard and had his best game for ages but let’s be straight
here – he missed 3 sitters , everything he does is a real struggle and second
half he looked knackered to me. Just not good enough. Where is his next goal
coming from ? If you can’t score against these who can you ? Is that 1 goal in
16 ???
Subs:
Kilkenny – 7. He made a difference, some good link up play.
Trundle – didn’t do much
Grella – came on in injury time. First impression – he looks shit.
Crowd – not too bad really and a few anti Bates songs which I was happy to
here. Category B game this apparently - is he having a joke or what ?
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Sorry Macca - it's the curse of Bates old lad
