And against a team that will provide an appropriate benchmark.....unless they do the same! But it's a squad game so see how they perform. Cup runs aren't our thing though for some reason.
Going tomorrow so want to see something like a side out but got to rest players for Saturday. Side if Robertson is fit & Proctor is fit to do himself justice. Rodak; Jones Raggett Robertson Hinds; Forde Wiles Palmer Williams; Da Ball Proctor
I can't see this as anything more than a competitive friendly. I agree about giving Hinds and Wiles a run out. Hinds seems to be a realistic contender to come in at some point if Mattock is injured or suspended so a real first team game won't harm him. Wiles is now on the fringe of the first team and until we get recruits in Palmer and Vaulks are our midfield duo so let them have a breather. Give run outs to anyone close to but not in the first team, and anyone who needs game time. It would be great to see Proctor get half an hour or so if he is ready for it.
Absolutely towd' - love to see some obvious shape changes. Get hour an hour playing a defensive set up that they could play against the likes of Leeds. The Harlem Globetrotters used to to have a period of keep ball and they were untouchable. No need to have any superstars - just competent / combative players with discipline.....( 0-0 ) and a point - thank you very much. Then the "transitions" into various attacking formations. A good skillet to have - in our case essential. Tonight would be good practice.
2 good goals from Procs. Only two players though who look like they could push for a place against Leeds are Robertson & Jones but at Right back. I wasn't that impressed with Vyner. Don't know if this could happen but we're in the loan window. Send Vyner back, bring Emmanuel back. Clearly need a midfield player to sit in front of the back four. Need a Right winger. Forde Taylor Williams not up to this level.
vyner did well and the two centre backs were excellent with a defensive midfielder in front of them. Lot of positives last night and we won so we are through to the next round for once
Enjoyed last night. Great to see Proctor back and looking sharp considering what he's been through. If no CM comes in this week, I think Warne will play Ajayi in front of the back four at Leeds. Robertson and Raggett looked sound. Wiles had a good game also and he looks like a decent prospect. Price was very good in goal. Into new territory now - a second round cup draw!
They were like us no were near full strength. We missed Vaulks, need that holding midfield player so Vaulks can push forward more. I knew Robertson was a player, that was confirmed. Jones though out of position got better as the game went on. Wiles did well. Proctor also, I'd put him in front on Da Ball in the pecking order. Ajayi is not a midfield player, need one in for the Leeds game. Negatives Vyner doesn't look up to this level to me. That missing link in midfield. Out wide. Forde Taylor Williams all three again not up to championship level.
The objectives were a run out for those who needed it (Proctor more than any other), and a chance for Warne to look at certain players in certain positions/setups. A win was a bonus if it came. The Proctor goals are an even bigger bonus. Mission accomplished all round.
They were like us no were near full strength. We missed Vaulks, need that holding midfield player so Vaulks can push forward more. I knew Robertson was a player, that was confirmed. Jones though out of position got better as the game went on. Wiles did well. Proctor also, I'd put him in front on Da Ball in the pecking order. Ajayi is not a midfield player, need one in for the Leeds game. Negatives Vyner doesn't look up to this level to me. That missing link in midfield. Out wide. Forde Taylor Williams all three again not up to championship level.
I think the reality is that the middle four against Ipswich will not stand a chance against Leeds (or any other Championship side) and something needs to change. There is only one player who has the ability to fill the midfield and it is Ajayi - he may not be perfect but he's the best available. I'd have a midfield of Williams (L), Vaulks, Palmer, Ajayi and Forde (R) at Elland Rd with Vyner, Raggett, Robertson and Mattock behind and Smith up front. Both Williams and Forde help out their fullbacks better than Taylor and Newell, and that assistance will be essential on Saturday.
Raggett and Robertson look like solid citizens to me. I agree we need three in midfield when defending. Ajayi might just do a job as long as he doesn't get it into his head that he is the new Pogba. Win it, head it, and keep it simple.
The only fear I have with the 451 formation is that it unless we have the players to break quickly and get up in support of Smith we just end up defending deep for long periods, and good teams will break us down sooner or later in a game of attack versus defence however well we defend. Ninety minutes can feel like forever in that situation. I don't think Vaulks or Palmer is athletic enough to get up and down the pitch that quickly. That is where we miss Towell or a player of that ilk. That is a job that I hoped David Ball could do, but to be honest he has often been a bit disappointing although he is clearly a clever player.
I didn't see Vassell against Ipswich, but I understand he played as a wide forward rather than a second striker in the second half, and to good effect. Is that right, and is that an option Glenn?
I didn't see Vassell against Ipswich, but I understand he played as a wide forward rather than a second striker in the second half, and to good effect. Is that right, and is that an option Glenn?
In a game where we had a limited amount of time in the Ipswich 3rd, Vassell played a similar role to Smith in that he was a target man who controlled and held up the ball very well then laid it off effectively to supporting players. However, he also acted as a striker and, if my memory serves me correct, he beat their left back to create an opportunity for our first attempt on goal - in the second half.
He did an awful lot of work and covered lots of ground, including helping out in defence when needed. So to answer your question Smiler, he is an option to play in a midfield 5, rather than Forde. He has the strength and ability to hold the ball and might therefore help the team to achieve a bit of respite. He's definitely got the desire and he' s the type of player who could get right under the opposition's skin.
Forde has extra gears. He is much quicker. Last Saturday he ran at speed up the middle of the park unchallenged. Shame no one picked him out and passed the ball to him from our left wing. Opportunity missed? I think so. Imparting tales involving selective vision and observations can often mislead the audience. Roy Walker was correct when he used to say, '' Say what you see.''
-- Edited by wotsisname on Wednesday 15th of August 2018 09:47:17 PM
