PRE - MATCH COMMENT:
Due to me being emotionally ambushed by two females who used the fact that London is the swine flu capital of Europe I had to cancel my trip at the very last minute so this report is regrettably from watching it on t.v.
BORUC……………..8 Whatever he was asked to do he did so with complete assuredness and a couple of his saves were out of the top drawer. Also liked the change of distribution, he is now throwing the ball much more. Definitely not as tubby as the start of last season. Welcome back the 'Holy Goalie'.
HINKEL……………6 Saw quite a bit of his attacking skills in the first half and he is comfortable with the quick passing philosophy.
CALDWELL………6 Did all he had to do and captained another clean sheet side.
LOOVENS………..6 Steady, with either Caldwell or O'Dea playing alongside.
NAYLOR………..7 A fine game by a player whose days may be numbered. Another who enjoyed a more attacking role.
MALONEY……..8 Looked sharper and fitter than last season and his footballing skills were very impressive.
N'GUEMY……….. 6 Was not as impressed as I had expected to be but it's early days.
DONATI…………. 8 MOM Hopefully this could be the re-birth of a very talented player. His calmness on the ball, his ability to pick out a player with a good pass and his height could all prove invaluable if he shows determination and improves his engine.
McGEADY…………7 Given a much freer role than under GS and his enthusiasm and work rate were impressive. Could we also wish to see a more mature use of when to release the ball?
FORTUNE……………… 6 Think he will need a few more games before we see his real qualities but he has good body strength, can turn an opponent and was unlucky not to score when his good shot hit the crossbar.
McDONALD……….........6 His second goal was the pick of the bunch and, as usual, he could have scored a couple more but he'll be pleased his back scoring again.
SUBS:
CROSAS…………….6 Replaced Donati and slipped very comfortably into his position.
O'DEA.........................6 Ditto when replacing Caldwell.
FLOOD...................... 5 Wonder if he'll make it?
MIZUNO.................... 5
KILLEN.......................5 Scored a goal but I still hae me doots.
FOX..........................5 Was played in a wide left midfield position and looks to have a cultured left foot.
REF ............………6 Did not shirk from giving the first penalty but bottled it when Naylor was brought down.
GAME………………8 It was a very good friendly in so far as both teams wanted to play the ball on the ground and go forward.
COMMENTS…………1. It was only a friendly but already you can see the difference in approach as to how the game will be played.
a) We have a more attacking style to our game. Very few long punts up the field and proof that we have players who can 'one touch pass' whilst going forward.
b) We will have our most skillful player (McGeady) being given a much freer role.
c) These games and the Moscow ones, will give us a head start when our season starts.
d) Don't know if we have resolved our striking problems......I hope so!
e) Interesting that Sammi was not given a run out.
2. A very promising start by our new Manager and I just hope a very good crowd turns up on Wednesday to fully get behind the team.
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