Firstly, a lovely result. Deserved a clean sheet imo but 3 points are most welcome.
A few points:
- I understood KR's reasoning for starting with Garbutt and as the results show it was the right decision. I would stick with Garbutt, at least for next week as it is away and the emphasis will be on Gillingham to attack us.
- I may be wrong but I'm sure I saw Sam Long try to tackle a Scunny player with his head while on the ground in amongst the flying feet. Bloody brilliant if so and what commitment.
- Sinclair's last 2 performances highlight why new signings shouldn't be written off before they've kicked a ball. Worked tirelessly in the 1st half with little to no support. The hold up play and pass that very nearly put Sykes through was quality.
2nd half his hold up play (which was excellent overall) had an effect as the attacking players were far closer. The calmness that he took both goals with provides encouragement for the future. It is only a start but a good one nonetheless.
- Sykes showed some exciting moments today. The control and cross for Sinclair for the 1st goal was sublime. He wasn't afraid to battle and work hard which really bodes well. And he has an attacking intent about him, seems very willing to shoot/drive at the opposition defence and create something.
- The defence overall were solid, Dickie was very good today and deserves a mention especially he was in a wrestling match pretty much every time. There was the odd moment for the defence such as when Easty took their forward out early after winning the header but overall decent.
- James Henry looks a bit tired and could maybe do with a rest. Especially if his kid is still ill. He definitely improved in the 2nd half though.
- Jordan Graham definitely enjoyed the switch to the left against that right back. A masterstroke by KR in letting them sign McMahon knowing it would disrupt them when he couldn't play against us.
- Credit to KR, I think he picked the right team and then made the right change with Gavin Whyte at the right time.
He got his tactics right for me. Some may have found the 1st half frustrating but keeping it tight gave us a platform for the bench to make an impact. Points are the key thing now so being difficult to breakdown is a good starting position with Whyte, Mackie, Brown, Carruthers etc to come off the bench.