White Noise (Burton at home)

I'm posting this having not looked at the BBS since this morning, so I apologise if I've missed anything or I'm repeating stuff. Not had time to read everyone's thoughts, but I will after posting this drivel.

First off, I had the pleasure of two great fellow BBS'ers (and Bradford-based Reds) for company this afternoon. A few beers in town pre-match, nice walk over Nudger's Bridge and up and onwards to Oakwell. We remarked upon how busy it was. Hard for me to know for sure, as for many years I haven't made that walk. But it did seem to be chocker (is that still a word?) walking up Belgrave and down towards the West Stand. We noticed the housing development on the old school site. And again, around Oakwell itself, it looked rammed.

We got there in time to see the Kes flag making its way across the Ponty End from our East Lower seats. No Country Roads! Result. But the fans were in good voice. It all seemed so positive and I was excited to see Conor's lads put on another good show. Then we conceded a penalty. We were gossiping between us, and with another BBS'er sat just ahead of us, so we missed it. No idea what happened. Quality spot kick from their lad to put them 1-0 up.

It became doubly s***e when another Burton player took advantage of a Mad Maël moment, and the quick winger rounded Cooper to make it 2-0. I'll be honest, for the rest of that first half I couldn't see a way back. We weren't any worse than them, but we weren't any better either. The game just 'happened'. The only moment of note that I can recall was DKD forcing their 'keeper into a one-handed save late on after Phillips and Vickers had combined. There were some disgruntled folk around us as the whistle blew for half time, to say the least. It just felt such a shame after all the optimism built up over the last seven days.

Thankfully, we improved second half. It wasn't difficult. I think the conditions played a part (I'm assuming that's why they turned us round at kick off) and Phillips began to drag us into things. He got us playing more. We looked lively down the flank nearest to us. And I think it was Adam who teed up Vickers who found the far corner. That moment turned the tide. Burton were floundering from that point.

I really liked the equaliser. McGoldrick showed class in bringing down a high ball and laying it into the path of Connell whose strike on the run caught them napping. The goalie saved the shot, but it fell kindly for DKD to tuck home from close range. Very direct. Much better than we'd seen up to that point where at times they were guilty of at least one pass too many for my liking.

Nearly s*** myself when Jasper Moon got free at the back stick to head back across goal for Burton. Their number 9 should have buried the header. That would have gone in last year.

I wouldn't have complained at the draw. But to grab a last-gasp winner was fitting. I think it was a little harsh on the away side, but we definitely dominated the game in the main. The young lads Kelly and Cleary made a difference, and as soon as he was announced as player of the match, Phillips was there to put another one on a plate, this time for McG to tap home and make it back-to-back wins.

It wasn't perfect. There were some issues that need addressing. But to come back from 2-0 down to win any game is rare, never mind at Oakwell, where we've been abysmal for so long. Again, I don't think you see that comeback last season. I reckon fitness told to some degree. We looked sharper as the game wore on. Albion were hanging on somewhat.

I really enjoyed the afternoon and it was great to be part of what felt like a decent crowd who by and large, stuck with the team, and were rewarded late on. I doubt many of us thought we'd have six points already, so it's hard to be critical. And again, I look forward to seeing us again next weekend against a side you'd expect to be up and around it by the end of the season.

Ratings:

Cooper 6
Bland 6
de Gevigney 6
Earl 7
Ogbeta 6
Connell 7
Yoganathan 6 (Kelly 7)
Phillips 8
Keillor-Dunn 7
McGoldrick 7 (Russell 6)
Vickers 7 (Cleary 8)

 

Really enjoyed today (even their smart second goal). Can't disagree with any of that but I think you have missed off the zero and the decimal point in front of Earl's 7 rating.

I'm liking Kelly - there's just something about a player who points...

 

Good report I think earl was better than mdg but 7 is abit generous and vimal was better than a 6 imo. But good write up.

 

McGoldrick . (In joke).?
Tbh I've done the same many times.
The subs added a new dimension. As you say. Kelly and Cleary. Ran riot. For the short time they were on. Both 9. Imo.

In the car going home. Motm
1, went Phillips.
1, went Connell
I went McGoldrick but wouldn't argue the point as I think all were a good shout.
Vickers and Cleary could be the next Bullock and Marcelle. And give full backs a torrid time. Unable to get a breather. First one and then the other. Going at em.

 

Marks probably identical to mine other than for Vimal who I thought was a 7

 

For some reason, weirdly, I pictured the second goal as a deflection, like mael got it blasted at him and he had no control. Watching the replays though, he makes a right hash of it.

I do think he improved after that though, made 2 fantastic passes which almost got us in some great positions, the one to adam phillips in particular. Second half, it was like a different team. Everyone upped their game. Such a fantastic come back. Just wish Shep & Roberts were back together. Come on you reds!

 

Again another fair set of musings YT. The point about the walk to Oakwell and soaking up the atmosphere is something I hugely miss these days. I’m hoping to get back to Oakwell this season after missing the last couple of years after my SCI. The season ticket I had and time spent with my old man for twenty some years are some of my absolute fondest memories and ones I cherish dearly. Even watching Scott Wiseman and Tom Kennedy!

In terms of the game I thought Phillips was exemplary, young Vickers was impressive and McGoldrick was an absolute standout. Cleary and Kelly made a huge difference when they were brought on. Conor made some tough calls and they worked. We all know defensively we are miles off and that needs rectifying.

I’m excited to see what we can do. There will be some huge gaping chasms as times from where we want to be and where we are but if Hourihane is backed properly we really could achieve something. Even if it’s next season rather than this one.

 

Good write up pal, if I’d known tha was in town for a pre match pint I’d have met up for a quick catch up.

 

Vimal was better than a 6 Andy, so was Bland. Great write up loved Conor's celebrations on the pitch, he love our club and those in the boardroom need to remember this and back him.

 

I thought Mdg had an alright game it was Earl who had a shocker for me. Playing silly passes, holding onto the ball too long. His head didn’t seem in it today.

But a wins a win and if we can win games when we’re missing our two starting Center Backs then it’s a great sign! I didn’t think we’d get anything out of the game at 0-2 and thought that we’d crumble last week with the sending off, the mentality shift in the squad over the summer has been brilliant.

 

I'd agree with most of that. Again, Vimal I'd give more credit to. He closed them down very quickly in what was otherwise a stale midfield in the first half. Teams don't like his aggression. That's obvious as for two games in a row he's been squared up to, but laughed it off. I think this will be his breakout season.

Kelly, I really like and think he's a great prospect. I like Vickers. He's a good bal carrier and retains possession well to build up play. Throw in Clearly who is more direct (but ultimately more likely to lose a ball too) and we've two great wingers there.

Conors use of the full backs is interesting. Ogbeta plays as a wing forward, whilst Bland drops into midfield to allow Philips to support the winger out right, which is a bit like Trent at Liverpool.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. More importantly for me, my daughter finally got to see her first Oakwell win. She's been 9 times!!!

 

An enjoyable day; Beers and pork pie, good weather and good company.
And a good result.

Like others, thought Vimal was a 7. Bland too looked ok and no longer looks like a newcomer.

It might have been the beer talking, but after a poor first half from us, I stated if we can come back and win this, we're going up.

Stranger things have happened.

Ureds

 

I imagine I’ll be there next Saturday too all being well pal.

 

Pork pies? I must have missed that!

 

Another top report ( the pennies only dropped this morning as to why they’re titled White Noise lol). Both Bland and Yoganathan look top prospects and it would be great if we could get Vickers in permanently. With these three together with the likes of Kelly, Cleary and Shepherd we have a group of top young prospects to blend with seniors. If we can keep DKD, Philips and Connell we’re not a million miles away from a top side in this division


Edit Mustn’t forget Jalo to come back as well

 

And just checked WhoScored, which for me is the best of the free statistical sites available and chimes well with what I watched. I’m honestly baffled by anyone who thought Earl was an issue. He played the Robbo role superbly in terms of aerial dominance.

Worth noting that Vickers had a 96% pass completion rate. Which is staggering.

 

Nice 1, I’ll text you in the week to sort something out.

 

I thought Ogbeta looked very solid. Was fearing the worst after the reviews from Plymouth fans, but he did very little wrong, and all the simple things right.

 

Well if you'd taken the scenic route .....

Same again next Satdi, all being well

 

Very fair account as far as I saw it ,I thought the ref was the worst out of the others on the pitch.
Interesting comment ,from the BFC commentary was pointing out unfit the Burton team looked.
Maybe that's cos we looked so fitter late on,than last season.
When we were conceding so many.
Still think we need a centre back.
Very impressed with look of new lads