BBS Player of the Season - Plymouth - Game 1

Interesting game. We got dominated but rode our luck well and overcame some very average refereeing as well as a talented Plymouth side.

But who stood out

 

As ever if you want to vote for a sub put it in the thread.

 

Had to pick either Phillips or Yoganathan, I went with Phillips on the basis I’ve questioned his commitment and effort at times but today he give his all for 90 mins and really showed some class.

 

Definitely a number of contenders but Connell for me. Played like he did under Duff. His set piece delivery was brilliant too.

 

Gone for Murphy O'Cooper - a wonderful mix of talent and blind luck. It's a shame he didn't get a clean sheet bonus as he could have bought some more lucky heather.

 

An incredibly tough choice as that was a proper team display. The number of serious contenders is in double figures. As mentioned by a few people already, Connell was close to how we know he can play. Vickers and Yoganathan looked lively and purposeful. And every single defensive player put everything on the line to make sure we stayed in front, restricting Plymouth to very few serious chances to equalise. And out of everyone, Bland just shaded it for me. Came on for Robbo who'd been outstanding, was immediately shoved in at right back, then reshuffled again after Shepherd's ludicrous dismissal. Looks like he's got a very exciting future in the game. Hopefully we'll get to enjoy him for a few seasons before the inevitable big move away.

 

Vickers and Cooper had very decent games, as did Kelly when he came on. Choice for me though is between Bland and Connell. Probably the skipper edging it, looked to be back on form, dominant in the middle of the park.

 

Vickers and Cooper had debuts of note, Phillips as good an all round performance I’ve seen from him.

Went for Connell though. Bustling yet calm and composed in the middle of the park. Very good.

 

I'm not voting as I didn't watch the game, but Andy Giddings has been waxing lyrical about Yoganathan on the radio.

 

Just back - Connell, country mile. Was everywhere, led by example, provided the defensive cover in spades and got those around him playing. Smart passing all game and a cut above everyone else on the pitch.

Honourable mentions for Roberts who was imperious until he had to go off, Vimal who let's just say is inspiringly ....erm... 'very competitive', Earl who came in at CB when we went down to 10 and held things together and the 'keeper who mixed in some great work with a couple of hairy moments. DKD and Phillips did their thing with excellent finishing.

Last honourable mention must go to a spirit and determination on evidence throughout not readily identifiable in the last two seasons. Against a Plymouth side intent on niggling, play-acting and all manner of tantrums, aided and abetted by Mr Declan Bourne's proper C U Next Tuesday of a refereeing 'performance' the Reds didn't take a backward step, turned adversity into inspiration and could even have had more late on with Bland, Kelly and Russell all spurning golden opportunities.