Unable to be there in person tonight but had the pleasure of watching via TV and for the very most part, I was impressed. Of course, it was a tie against fourth division opponents, but they're one of the better sides down there and had started their own league campaign as well as we had ours. And whilst Conor named a pretty strong XI, it was still missing a few experienced regulars with one or two of the younger lads making their first start. We looked such a threat down the sides and I felt both Ogbeta and Watson (especially) played the full back roles to perfection in such a system. No need to overlap, just push on and feed the wingers. And both Vickers and Cleary were a breath of fresh air to watch. Direct, full of confidence and you just know there's a lot more to come from both. Great delivery from Reyes that Big Jon headed home simply, above the fella marking him at the back stick who must have been a foot shorter, bless him. And it was cruise control for most of that first half. The only disappointment being the failure to add another couple of goals at least. DKD was unusually wasteful and both wingers might have done better when shooting across the goalkeeper. As is often the case in football, if you miss such chances, the opposition end up taking a rare opportunity. And after one of their lads wasn't as lucky as Tom Cowan was for Huddersfield 29 years ago with his throw-in, another set play went all the way through but from a corner kick and we frustratingly went in level at the break. I think the second half was more even, more end-to-end. In fact, it was Fleetwood the stronger as we neared the end owing - in my opinion - to our own changes in personnel as we seemed to get weaker with each one. We had though edged back ahead when again Cleary got beyond his man to fire in a low cross that was turned into his own net by a defender. And there were one or two chances to put the tie to bed but as I say, it did feel like the away side were going to equalise. They ought to have a few minutes previous to the actual leveller. And so to the lottery of penalties. And to a second first round shootout success in successive seasons. Through, and a South Yorkshire derby with Rotherham to look forward to. It's been a great start to the season and it just feels like there's a point to what we're doing. It's not perfect. There are issues. But there's lots to be optimistic about. I'm not confused by what I'm seeing. Which sounds daft, but honestly, at times last season it was like watching Sunday league with the decision-making and men stood yards off their opposing number. So yeah, I like what I've seen so far but it's early days and I think all three results could have been slightly different but for this or that. Ratings: Cooper 7 Watson 8 Barratt 6 Shepherd 7 (Connell 5) Ogbeta 7 (Woodcock 5) Bland 8 (Yoganathan 6) Kelly 8 Russell 7 Vickers 8 (Farrugia 6) Keillor-Dunn 6 (Farrell 6) Cleary 9
Agree. The new players I’m least impressed with so far are Watson and Cooper. Plenty of time to gel and show more and not going to start fully judging this team til September. Much better start than expected, but the soft underbelly is still there.
Thought young Farrell didn't look out of place when he came on, got stuck in, wasnt scared of putting a foot in, impressed me, to be honest. He Keeps that up, and I reckon we've got another big money player on the books
Cleary, Kelly and Vickers are brilliant signings. I thought last night Vickers tried to be too flashy at times but he’s impressed every time I’ve seen him play. Cleary is frighteningly good and will only get better, Kelly is a proper box to box midfielder, reminds me a little of Josh Brownhill. We’ve picked up some very good young players. The jury is still out for me on Ogbeta, I just don’t think he’s a full back. Same probably applies for Watson, but I’ll reserve judgement on him till he’s settled in. My concern is Jack Shepherd, he’s probably the best centre half we currently have and went down a couple of times last night before being subbed. The tackle on him looked over the ball to me and deserved a card of some kind, possibly more red than yellow. We look noticeably weak defensively.
As a stated last night I was impressed and the new guys give so much cause for optimism, especially as 2 of them are ours. My only slight concern was that when Connell, Lamine Vimal and Farrugia came on, we didn't look as good. Which speaks more for how good the starting XI was rather than anything they did wrong. Vimal especially did Ok; Farrugia looked rusty as expected. Cooper marked too high in my opinion, though pen saves added value. And Id have Ogbeta as 6. Not bad by any means, but work to do.
