Good to get a win yesterday, some decent stuff and some signs of progress.
Positives:
- Gavin Whyte - didnt think he would be so involved and so good so early. Carries the ball well, a constant threat along with contributing defensively. Continue in this vein and we have a real asset
- Set peices - we looked to have some plan from corners and free kicks. Have ditched waving the ball around, Browne delivers a fantastic ball, just need players taking the gamble
- James Henry - runs things going forward. Plays the 10 role perfectly, often being the first to press from the front
- midfield - Hanson and Brannagan a lot more disciplined. Brannagan especially wasn't doing his Ledson impression breaking out of midfield leaving large gaps
- Defence - plenty of times we went basic and just got rid - perfectly happy to see that at the minute
Mackie - still requiring fitness, however was canny when he came on and helped us manage the game along with Holmes. An experienced head that managed to take some pressure off.
Negatives:
Jeering Mitchell - really? There was clearly a plan with 4 players stood on the touch line, obviously looking to bypass the mountain CBs.
Playing out from the back - Burton were canny and set traps. Nelson and Mousinho pushed in to LB/RB roles when Mitchell had the ball, this left Hanson and Brannagan in space in the centre. We attempted to play the ball out but got caught (especially in the first half)
LB - not sure about Ruffels. I wonder if Garbutt in a back 4 with Mousinho talking him through might help.
Trevor kettle - total horror show. KR marching on at half time seemed to stir everyone, focussed the players and appeared to be a catalyst. Just glad his decisions didnt have a bearing on the result
All in all an improvement. We have found a formation/style that works...for the players we currently have available. I hope we become a little smarter when we are out of possession. B