rayleigh dan
Coach⭐⭐
Really enjoyed the game, nice to have some butterflies of anticipation rather than feelings of dread.
I don't know how many times I have to say that our problems all stem from an inadequate central midfield. I know Bond was offered the chance of Timlin but didn't want him, well, if Waddock is in the role for any time then I'd be snapping his hand off to get him in and teach our CMs how to play the role. Hyam has the capability if he'd stop poncing around with his shorts rolled up and was able to stay fit, but none of the others do.
After the criticism of McLaughlin on another thread, I was delighted to see him come in with such clear determination to do well - what a huge difference he made in the 1st half. Thankfully Stevie Humphrys also looked to be at his most forceful today and the two of them, along with Elvis, were our star performers.
Kiernan and Lennon look to be our best defensive pairing, and I think generally, they did ok. People who say Harry can't play the ball with his feet should look at an excellent pass out to Ndukwu in the 2nd half, and other passes out to the wings rather than passing the ball 15 times across the pitch. The problem defensively was LB. Blackman's defensive work was dreadful, out of position so often and causing others to be pulled out of position to cover. Ox made a few great saves but still needs to be braver and to release the ball quicker.
Coxy looked a bit off the pace to me today but still seemed to be playing well with Humps, which was good as I'm sure I'd read of issues between them on here recently. Mantom is so ordinary it's untrue and I think Hamilton needs someone much stronger alongside to work with. Hutch looked a bit out of his depth.
Great to have our first point of the season, now it's time to build from that.
Oxley - 5
Bwomono - 7
Kiernan - 6
Lennon - 6
Blackman - 4
Hutchinson - 5
Hamilton - 6
Mantom - 5
McLaughlin - 8
Cox - 6
Humphrys - 8, MOTM
This bit made me LOL OBL, thanks! Good summary too.