I thought it was another unconvincing performance. A bit laboured at times. But just good enough to get the win (again). Cambridge were decent (again). Their left winger Brophy was the best player on the pitch. Joe Mattock was as good as anyone for us and for me only he of the fringe players really advanced his case for a start in the first eleven.
I enjoyed the first 20 minutes, the second half and, of course, the penalties. I thought JJ showed great promise with his hold up play, lay offs and aerial ability. Pity he lacks composure in front of goal but he'll improve. With the lack of Reserve games, these matches are invaluable for fringe players to get some proper game time and there's a reasonable financial reward for participating.
Enjoyed PW's post match interview. League trumps Papa John every time but he'll put out his strongest side in the latter as long as he doesn't compromise his chances in the former. Hoping for 2 new arrivals to assist our ability to find the back of the net and expects interest in a couple of our players but buyers must be prepared to pay top dollar.
I dont like the competition at all and agree with you up to a point. I will sign any petition going, write to my MP etc about keeping the second or development sides of premier league clubs out of the league, but my feeling is that boycotting this competition is only going to hurt our club financially and wouldnt make any real difference in the long run. I do take your point though and it is a valid one to make.
I didn’t bother with the group games but enjoyed them on ifollow and have been for the knockout matches.
I am certain that the attendance figures for Rotherham games will have no bearing in the future of B teams.
I do think that the success in the tournament has been very helpful to our squad situation, giving vital game time to fringe players and increasing competition for places eg the goalies.
Pleased to see us progress but wouldn’t be overly exited by winning it (which speaks volumes for the cups status) as we’ve done Wembley a lot recently. But if we get there i will go.
Hope Wigan get to the final to add to their fixture backlog...
When we are starting a L1 season in a few years with a mouthwatering home game v Crystal Palace U21s you'll be enablers.
The Papa John Trophy isn't the issue Brad. The Premier League is the culprit and whoever enabled Sky to seize control of our national game has much to answer for. As minions in the great footballing scheme of things, supporting our team in whatever competition we participate in is more a function of loyalty than enabling some dastardly scheme. You'd have to look much further up the food chain to find the real enablers!