It was a real curates egg - good in parts -of a performance by all concerned
(players, ref, crowd and manager)
First the good - we won fairly comfortably despite both our centre halves and
best striker being absent. We kept a clean sheet. We created a number of
records. We got 3 points. We stay joint top of the league with a bit of a gap
starting to open.
Bromby had a reasonable debut - his long throws (which unlike Rich) I like
provided they are not all we rely on, will be a real asset. Grella looked
lively and got his name on the score sheet for the first time. Lubo (despite
some idiot behind me giving him abuse all game :-) looked quite solid and
scored as well.The ref allowed the goal to stand -good decision - even though
the keeper dropped the ball under pressure and they often get the referees
sympathy. Grayson realised who the ref was (tosser who sent off both Becks and
Kandol last season at Gillingham) and subbed Doyle to prevent him being sent
off - good call. Higgs continues to look composed and solid and exudes
confidence at corners and freekicks etc. He also maintains his concentration
when called upon to make the odd save.
The bad.
The replacement of Doyle with Kilkenny - now I admit I have changed my mind
about Kilkenny and think he is one of our better players but yesterday in a
really niggly game with a fussy ref and a packed midfield Prutton as a straight
like for like replacement may have been the better option. Kilkenny was
anonymous for most of the time he was one (did have one good shot and one good
headed attempt at goal)
Bromby got injured (cramp?) and went off but instead of bringing on Huntington
a central defender Grayson moved the midget Crowe to centre half and
re-arranged the back 4. A decision which did work just about but was not the
right one really.
The ref who was pretty rubbish all game then game us a penalty which should
never have been given and Snoddy (who was poor throughout) compounded the bad
by hitting it down the middle allowing the keeper to save with his feet -
justice was done I suppose but even so ..
The crowd was smaller than it should have been thanks to Kens making it a Cat
A, and was very subdued - as quiet as i can remember.
So another win and we go marching on - there will be tougher tests than
Stockport at home but it really is so far so good - in fact it is so far so
brilliant !
A few decisions for Grayson for next week - he has always said he will stick
with players who come in and do well and keep faith with a winning team. That
being the case who will be centre halves next week ? Bromby and Lubo who kept a
clean sheet yesterday or Kisnorbo and Rui who have been solid in the previous 7
games, or maybe a mixture (Kisnorbo and Bromby perhaps?) Beckford presumably
must be recalled if fit but did Grella do enough to keep his place instead of
Becchio who had a poor game ?
We shall see
Dave
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