Rich - great report as usual but...
Robinson crossed for the first and Delph put Howson through for the 2nd ;-)
Warning – match report seen through a beer haze.
noted!
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Walker" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2009 11:29 AM
Subject: [LU] Cheltenham
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
_______________________________________________
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accept no liability for the personal views and opinions of contributors.
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Sorry Macca - it's the curse of Bates old lad
