Well that was a bit better. Maybe our away form will see us over the line this season, in the absence of any ability to perform at home.
Quick synopsis: First half was fairly even. Our midfield 5 gave us a fairly solid look though we struggled to create anything. As the half wore on we took control without really showing any penetration. Kitson had one weak header at the keeper when he might have done a little better. Second half started much the same, but the away fans found their voices about quarter of an hour in and gave the team a real lift. Gradually we took over, but with Donny showing very little ambition and defending with 10 men behind the ball openings were rare, and Harper wasted those that did come. We started to pile on the pressure, but were left vulnerable on the break. Several times a better finish or final ball could have seen us fall behind. The goal came from one of Matejovsky's many moments of skill and composure. he turned away from the defence, waited for Armstrong to run into the space and released him. Armstrong picked out Kitson, who swept the ball into the far top corner. Classic Kitson, and fantastic to have him back. We saw out the last 10 minutes in relative comfort, keeping the ball away from the home side who had no plan B.
Hahnemann - Didn't have a significant save to make. Dropped one high ball and caused a few problems with poor kicking, but generally marshalled his area well and started a few counter attacks with quick throws.
Rosenior - So-so, didn't offer much as an attacking threat.
Duberry - Had a few dodgy moments, not his best performance.
Bikey - Excellent, of course. Power and commitment demonstrated when he nearly scored after keeping the ball by the corner flag in the closing stages. Surely set for a long run in the side now.
Armstrong - Solid, reliable, Armstrong. Offered a useful outlet throughout the game and provided the pass for the goal. Great.
Harper - Clearly absolutely devoid of confidence. Broke his anonymity only to sky to great chances from inside the box. I like Harper, but he was several levels below his best today, and doesn't deserve his place on this form.
Gunnarsson - Neat and smart.
Matejovsky - Moments of real class. If only he could dominate games like his ability suggests he should. Frustratingly unwilling to pull the trigger. Nevertheless, looked possibly the best player on the pitch and may be the best hope we have of promotion.
Doyle - Did his best, an occasional threat out on the right. We could really have done with his finishing prowess in a more central position at times, and he lacked end product today. I suppose, though, the system got the desired result.
Kebe - About as well as I've seen him play, though I don't believe that's saying much. Still, was very threatening and laid on Harper for one of his poor misses. Could have done better from one chance from a tight angle. Keeps trying to dribble the ball into the net. Shoot, Jimmy!
Kitson - Had a hard time of it, with a ref and lino clearly intent on making it a frustrating night. Still, won plenty in the air and linked well with the midfield. Headed one half-chance at the keeper, took his other with great skill.
Back from the game (genuinely) - Donny away
Thanks.Great feedback.
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Ian Royal
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Thanks, hopefully a bit of continuity and another result can get the confidence back and we'll see some quality and fluidity in our play again.
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Kitsondinho
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As I said on the bogus thread..just got back from Donny....(The joys of living in Chesterfield).....Good display, ok game. Kebe and Marek played very well,but both need to learn to shoot. Bikey looked bored for most the game, he was just far too good for the Donny front line. Marcus still can't kick.....but then again Scotland's old number 1 was a lot worse!!
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LoyalRoyal22
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Just got home. Really pleasing peformance,seemed like a 451 we played with matejovskiy in the pocket, we played some really good football and i would like us to use this at home possibly.
My ratings...
Marcus - 7
Rosenior- 6.5
Armstrong- 7
Bikey- 7
Dubberry- 6.5
Kebe- 7
Doyle- 7
Harper- 7
Gunar- 7
Matejovskiy- 8. arguably his best peformance in a Reading shirt
Kitson- 7.5. great finish
My ratings...
Marcus - 7
Rosenior- 6.5
Armstrong- 7
Bikey- 7
Dubberry- 6.5
Kebe- 7
Doyle- 7
Harper- 7
Gunar- 7
Matejovskiy- 8. arguably his best peformance in a Reading shirt
Kitson- 7.5. great finish
Just a word about the refereeing:
Sh*t.
I mean laugh-out-loud poor at times.
Well done to the support, the 12th man was a much of a match-winner as any tonight.
And finally:
Piss off Royalee.
Sh*t.
I mean laugh-out-loud poor at times.
Well done to the support, the 12th man was a much of a match-winner as any tonight.
And finally:
Royalee Piss off Coppell.
Piss off Royalee.
As this sems to be the genuine thread.....
Well, not back home - I'm at a very deserted Tibshelf services, having a keep me awake coffee!
As for the game......if we had shown 10% of the guile, effort and confidence since Xmas that we did tonight we would be 10 points clear; we were superb.
First surprise was the team - Coppell played a 451 with Kebe on the left, Doyle on the right and restored Bikey to central defence alongside Doobs. The 3 man central mid allowed Marek space and time to create, especially in the 2nd half.
In the first half we effectively nullified a smart and dangerous Doncaster team by not giving them the time to create and hurt us. And when they did get behind us, Bikey and Doobs were magnificent - there is no way Coppell can change that defensive pairing for the rest of the season, as, having bikey beside him, Doobs was back to his defensive best (even though his distribution was still iffy!) The downside of the 451 was that we didn't create too much, although Kebe' s pace was causing major panic with the Doncaster defence (but with no end product) and so though it was an ok 1st half, there was no real sign that the 2nd half would be any different.
But it was.
Bluntly, it was all one way traffic; we totally dominated the game, with Gunnarsson and Harper everywhere in midfield, Marek had the time to start feeding passes from the centre to Doyle on the right and Kebe on the left and we started to create chance after chance; unfortunately, most seem to fall to Harper, who didn't hit the target - being especially wasteful with one fantastic opportunity half way through the 2nd half.
Doncaster only posed a threat from breakaways, and a couple of chances flashed wide, but apart from that, the ball from the back was generally used very effectively, especially by Bikey, which simply created more and more pressure, and which led directly to the goal - a great move down the right, the ball went across to an unmarked Armstrong coming in wide on the left who squared the ball at pace to Kitson; a well struck first time shot and boy was it great to see the ball slam into the back of the net!!
Cue mass celebrations.
We easily held out for the win, even coming close a couple of times to getting a second (I'm glad we didn't, as I had £2 on a Kitson 1st goal/Reading 1-0 win at 33/1!!).
Reflecting on the game, it has been clear that a change from 442 was needed; we go to 451 and play the best football seen since beating Brum before Xmas.
It was clear that Bikey needed to return to the team; he comes back in, the defence looks more solid and makes better use of the ball than before.
Hugely encouraging all round.
My player ratings:
Marcus: 7 - Very solid when called upon, better distribution than usual, despite one horrendous kick in the first half.
Rosie: 7 - Solid defensively, the formation allowed him the ability to come forward more than in recent weeks; that game should do his confidence the world of good.
Armstrong: 7 - occasionally caught out defensively, but a major asset to the team and gets the assit for the goal
Doobs: 7 - Back to the Doobs of old, solid reliable and confident.
Bikey: 9 - my MOM; gave real strength at the back, made good use of the ball from the back, and even had a mazy run that nearly set up a goal in added time
Doyle: 7 - Played wide right, worked hard, defended well when necessary, limked up well with Rosie and the central midfield. Always offered an option.
Kebe: 8 - Played wide left, and a genuine threat all night with his pace, but came into his own 2nd half, tormenting the defence, and even added better crossing than usual!
Gunnarsson: 8 - battled for everything in the midfield, broke up a lot of Doncaster's moves and provided the platform for a lot of our creativity.
Harper: 7 - great engine, worked hard alongside Gunnarsson, and got into good scoring positions, but let down by poor finishing. His best game for weeks.
Marek: 8.5 - showed what a class player he can be if used to the best effect; had time to create all night long, and a major thorn to Doncaster. Still a yellow card waiting to happen whenever he tries to tackle though!
Kitson: 8 - Played the lone striker superbly, always offering himself as a target, held the ball up to bring the midfield in and showed what a class striker he is with his fantastic finish for the goal.
Subs: Long/Shunt - not on long enough to get a mark, though Shunt still managed to pick up a (deserved) yellow.
Officials: Seemed incapable of spotting handballs, how kebe didn't get a penalty in the 2nd half is a mystery but despite this the officials tonight were still better than most we have seen this season!
Support: A good turnout, and good support 1st half; fantastic support 2nd half, even before the team clicked. The steards were pretty laid back about standing as well, which helped.
Anyways, back on the road!!!
Well, not back home - I'm at a very deserted Tibshelf services, having a keep me awake coffee!
As for the game......if we had shown 10% of the guile, effort and confidence since Xmas that we did tonight we would be 10 points clear; we were superb.
First surprise was the team - Coppell played a 451 with Kebe on the left, Doyle on the right and restored Bikey to central defence alongside Doobs. The 3 man central mid allowed Marek space and time to create, especially in the 2nd half.
In the first half we effectively nullified a smart and dangerous Doncaster team by not giving them the time to create and hurt us. And when they did get behind us, Bikey and Doobs were magnificent - there is no way Coppell can change that defensive pairing for the rest of the season, as, having bikey beside him, Doobs was back to his defensive best (even though his distribution was still iffy!) The downside of the 451 was that we didn't create too much, although Kebe' s pace was causing major panic with the Doncaster defence (but with no end product) and so though it was an ok 1st half, there was no real sign that the 2nd half would be any different.
But it was.
Bluntly, it was all one way traffic; we totally dominated the game, with Gunnarsson and Harper everywhere in midfield, Marek had the time to start feeding passes from the centre to Doyle on the right and Kebe on the left and we started to create chance after chance; unfortunately, most seem to fall to Harper, who didn't hit the target - being especially wasteful with one fantastic opportunity half way through the 2nd half.
Doncaster only posed a threat from breakaways, and a couple of chances flashed wide, but apart from that, the ball from the back was generally used very effectively, especially by Bikey, which simply created more and more pressure, and which led directly to the goal - a great move down the right, the ball went across to an unmarked Armstrong coming in wide on the left who squared the ball at pace to Kitson; a well struck first time shot and boy was it great to see the ball slam into the back of the net!!
Cue mass celebrations.
We easily held out for the win, even coming close a couple of times to getting a second (I'm glad we didn't, as I had £2 on a Kitson 1st goal/Reading 1-0 win at 33/1!!).
Reflecting on the game, it has been clear that a change from 442 was needed; we go to 451 and play the best football seen since beating Brum before Xmas.
It was clear that Bikey needed to return to the team; he comes back in, the defence looks more solid and makes better use of the ball than before.
Hugely encouraging all round.
My player ratings:
Marcus: 7 - Very solid when called upon, better distribution than usual, despite one horrendous kick in the first half.
Rosie: 7 - Solid defensively, the formation allowed him the ability to come forward more than in recent weeks; that game should do his confidence the world of good.
Armstrong: 7 - occasionally caught out defensively, but a major asset to the team and gets the assit for the goal
Doobs: 7 - Back to the Doobs of old, solid reliable and confident.
Bikey: 9 - my MOM; gave real strength at the back, made good use of the ball from the back, and even had a mazy run that nearly set up a goal in added time
Doyle: 7 - Played wide right, worked hard, defended well when necessary, limked up well with Rosie and the central midfield. Always offered an option.
Kebe: 8 - Played wide left, and a genuine threat all night with his pace, but came into his own 2nd half, tormenting the defence, and even added better crossing than usual!
Gunnarsson: 8 - battled for everything in the midfield, broke up a lot of Doncaster's moves and provided the platform for a lot of our creativity.
Harper: 7 - great engine, worked hard alongside Gunnarsson, and got into good scoring positions, but let down by poor finishing. His best game for weeks.
Marek: 8.5 - showed what a class player he can be if used to the best effect; had time to create all night long, and a major thorn to Doncaster. Still a yellow card waiting to happen whenever he tries to tackle though!
Kitson: 8 - Played the lone striker superbly, always offering himself as a target, held the ball up to bring the midfield in and showed what a class striker he is with his fantastic finish for the goal.
Subs: Long/Shunt - not on long enough to get a mark, though Shunt still managed to pick up a (deserved) yellow.
Officials: Seemed incapable of spotting handballs, how kebe didn't get a penalty in the 2nd half is a mystery but despite this the officials tonight were still better than most we have seen this season!
Support: A good turnout, and good support 1st half; fantastic support 2nd half, even before the team clicked. The steards were pretty laid back about standing as well, which helped.
Anyways, back on the road!!!
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Sarah Star
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You make it sound much better than BBCRB did. 
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Woodcote Royal
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Hob Nob Subscriber
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Mr Angry As this sems to be the genuine thread.....
Well, not back home - I'm at a very deserted Tibshelf services, having a keep me awake coffee!
As for the game......if we had shown 10% of the guile, effort and confidence since Xmas that we did tonight we would be 10 points clear; we were superb.
First surprise was the team - Coppell played a 451 with Kebe on the left, Doyle on the right and restored Bikey to central defence alongside Doobs. The 3 man central mid allowed Marek space and time to create, especially in the 2nd half.
In the first half we effectively nullified a smart and dangerous Doncaster team by not giving them the time to create and hurt us. And when they did get behind us, Bikey and Doobs were magnificent - there is no way Coppell can change that defensive pairing for the rest of the season, as, having bikey beside him, Doobs was back to his defensive best (even though his distribution was still iffy!) The downside of the 451 was that we didn't create too much, although Kebe' s pace was causing major panic with the Doncaster defence (but with no end product) and so though it was an ok 1st half, there was no real sign that the 2nd half would be any different.
But it was.
Bluntly, it was all one way traffic; we totally dominated the game, with Gunnarsson and Harper everywhere in midfield, Marek had the time to start feeding passes from the centre to Doyle on the right and Kebe on the left and we started to create chance after chance; unfortunately, most seem to fall to Harper, who didn't hit the target - being especially wasteful with one fantastic opportunity half way through the 2nd half.
Doncaster only posed a threat from breakaways, and a couple of chances flashed wide, but apart from that, the ball from the back was generally used very effectively, especially by Bikey, which simply created more and more pressure, and which led directly to the goal - a great move down the right, the ball went across to an unmarked Armstrong coming in wide on the left who squared the ball at pace to Kitson; a well struck first time shot and boy was it great to see the ball slam into the back of the net!!
Cue mass celebrations.
We easily held out for the win, even coming close a couple of times to getting a second (I'm glad we didn't, as I had £2 on a Kitson 1st goal/Reading 1-0 win at 33/1!!).
Reflecting on the game, it has been clear that a change from 442 was needed; we go to 451 and play the best football seen since beating Brum before Xmas.
It was clear that Bikey needed to return to the team; he comes back in, the defence looks more solid and makes better use of the ball than before.
Hugely encouraging all round.
My player ratings:
Marcus: 7 - Very solid when called upon, better distribution than usual, despite one horrendous kick in the first half.
Rosie: 7 - Solid defensively, the formation allowed him the ability to come forward more than in recent weeks; that game should do his confidence the world of good.
Armstrong: 7 - occasionally caught out defensively, but a major asset to the team and gets the assit for the goal
Doobs: 7 - Back to the Doobs of old, solid reliable and confident.
Bikey: 9 - my MOM; gave real strength at the back, made good use of the ball from the back, and even had a mazy run that nearly set up a goal in added time
Doyle: 7 - Played wide right, worked hard, defended well when necessary, limked up well with Rosie and the central midfield. Always offered an option.
Kebe: 8 - Played wide left, and a genuine threat all night with his pace, but came into his own 2nd half, tormenting the defence, and even added better crossing than usual!
Gunnarsson: 8 - battled for everything in the midfield, broke up a lot of Doncaster's moves and provided the platform for a lot of our creativity.
Harper: 7 - great engine, worked hard alongside Gunnarsson, and got into good scoring positions, but let down by poor finishing. His best game for weeks.
Marek: 8.5 - showed what a class player he can be if used to the best effect; had time to create all night long, and a major thorn to Doncaster. Still a yellow card waiting to happen whenever he tries to tackle though!
Kitson: 8 - Played the lone striker superbly, always offering himself as a target, held the ball up to bring the midfield in and showed what a class striker he is with his fantastic finish for the goal.
Subs: Long/Shunt - not on long enough to get a mark, though Shunt still managed to pick up a (deserved) yellow.
Officials: Seemed incapable of spotting handballs, how kebe didn't get a penalty in the 2nd half is a mystery but despite this the officials tonight were still better than most we have seen this season!
Support: A good turnout, and good support 1st half; fantastic support 2nd half, even before the team clicked. The steards were pretty laid back about standing as well, which helped.
Anyways, back on the road!!!
Thanks.
Looks like Coppell had his "On the road to Damascus" experience somewhere on the M1
Wish I'd gone now
Last edited by Woodcote Royal on 17 Mar 2009 23:57, edited 1 time in total.
Duberry out - Pearce in please.
Not sure if the head wound is behind Pearce's absense, but he is currently our best centre back!
Not sure if the head wound is behind Pearce's absense, but he is currently our best centre back!
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LoyalRoyal22
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We really should keep 4-5-1, played some quality football tonight, and we get the best out of Matejovskiy
Sarah Star You make it sound much better than BBCRB did.
I just chatted to a Doncaster fan here, and he said that we were far classier and far better than Brum, and that he was off to the bookies tomorrow to put some dosh on us going up as champions!!!
Not hearing the BBCRB commentary I wonder if the guys have fallen into the trap of a few Reading fans who appear to be determined to be relentlessly negative even in the face of evidence to the contrary; tonight we looked genuinely dangerous. The test will be, of course, can we maintain this. If we can, we will go up. Simple as.
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The whole year inn
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Hob Nob Subscriber
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From O'Driscoll
"I thought Reading were excellent. Our performance was good, we defended really well as a team and were brave on the ball.
"Credit to Reading, I think they're the best side we've played by a million miles. They've got everything, pace, power and a bit of guile that you need and they impressed our boys"
"I thought Reading were excellent. Our performance was good, we defended really well as a team and were brave on the ball.
"Credit to Reading, I think they're the best side we've played by a million miles. They've got everything, pace, power and a bit of guile that you need and they impressed our boys"
I just hope and pray this is the turning point. I recon 85 points will see us up.
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juanpablo
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Deathy Duberry out - Pearce in please.
Not sure if the head wound is behind Pearce's absense, but he is currently our best centre back!
agree with the first part but i think Bikey proved tonight that when he can be bothered he is oxf*rd miles above anything in this league including pearce
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Archie's penalty
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The whole year inn From O'Driscoll
"I thought Reading were excellent. Our performance was good, we defended really well as a team and were brave on the ball.
"Credit to Reading, I think they're the best side we've played by a million miles. They've got everything, pace, power and a bit of guile that you need and they impressed our boys"
Lovely comments from O'Driscoll.
We need to keep playing away!
Only decided at about 4pm to go, well pleased I made the effort.
Hahnemann had nothing really to do, and what he did need to do he did solidly enough.
Rosenior looks fairly good when running towards the byline to put crosses in but still hoofs it too much when defending..
Bikey looked as good as I had ever seen him. Solid, nothing was getting past him tonight. Like the new hair too.
Duberry looks a lot more comfortable with Bikey alongside than he did with Pearce, and as a result, his game improved, made some good blocks and important headers. Still hoofs it out a fair bit though.
Armstrong - Mr Reliable, Mr Never less than 7/10. Looked calm and composed when defending, made lots of good runs forward, including the one for the goal, impressed as usual.
Gunnarson and Harper looked lively, both worked hard in the middle and did everything they needed to with minimal fuss. Shame Harper missed a few chances though.
Kebe looked a lot better than his cameo on Saturday. Very capable of running at people and taking them on, and his defending has imporved too.
Doyle worked hard all night, getting some decent crosses in, he is better as a striker than a right midfielder though.
Kitson looked 100% better than Saturday too, not nearly so much lazyness, won most headers he went for and took his goal very well.
That leaves Matejovsky - probably one of the best players to ever wear the hoops. A class above tonight, playing in that free role off the striker is where he needs to be used from now on. Was all over the pitch, and I can't remember one wayward pass. Always found Kebe, Doyle or Kitson.
A word about the pitch - what a beautiful surface! Much better than the pitch at the Mad Stad, looked as smooth as silk, and I think that only helped us tonight.
Well done lads.
Hahnemann had nothing really to do, and what he did need to do he did solidly enough.
Rosenior looks fairly good when running towards the byline to put crosses in but still hoofs it too much when defending..
Bikey looked as good as I had ever seen him. Solid, nothing was getting past him tonight. Like the new hair too.
Duberry looks a lot more comfortable with Bikey alongside than he did with Pearce, and as a result, his game improved, made some good blocks and important headers. Still hoofs it out a fair bit though.
Armstrong - Mr Reliable, Mr Never less than 7/10. Looked calm and composed when defending, made lots of good runs forward, including the one for the goal, impressed as usual.
Gunnarson and Harper looked lively, both worked hard in the middle and did everything they needed to with minimal fuss. Shame Harper missed a few chances though.
Kebe looked a lot better than his cameo on Saturday. Very capable of running at people and taking them on, and his defending has imporved too.
Doyle worked hard all night, getting some decent crosses in, he is better as a striker than a right midfielder though.
Kitson looked 100% better than Saturday too, not nearly so much lazyness, won most headers he went for and took his goal very well.
That leaves Matejovsky - probably one of the best players to ever wear the hoops. A class above tonight, playing in that free role off the striker is where he needs to be used from now on. Was all over the pitch, and I can't remember one wayward pass. Always found Kebe, Doyle or Kitson.
A word about the pitch - what a beautiful surface! Much better than the pitch at the Mad Stad, looked as smooth as silk, and I think that only helped us tonight.
Well done lads.
Cant be arsed to do ratings....
But heres my pics from the game:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6 ... 2773488e85
And I'm Officially p!ssed off with 50 average speed restrictions which seem to be bloody everywhere!!
But heres my pics from the game:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6 ... 2773488e85
And I'm Officially p!ssed off with 50 average speed restrictions which seem to be bloody everywhere!!
The OS said we were playing a 4-3-3. As far as I am concerned that was 4-5-1 and I think the only slight disappointment for me was that Doyle does not look particularly comfortable wide right. He did, however, turn in a good performance in spite of that.
Just loved Bikey's little dribble in the dying minutes - really deserved a goal
Just loved Bikey's little dribble in the dying minutes - really deserved a goal
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SHORT AND CURLY
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bb0118 Cant be arsed to do ratings....
But heres my pics from the game:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6 ... 2773488e85
And I'm Officially p!ssed off with 50 average speed restrictions which seem to be bloody everywhere!!
Not only that the West Bound M4 was closed off the M25:twisted:
In summary a better performance on a good pitch in a nice ground with pleasant fans.
I did think Doyle struggled in the wider position.
Harper had a better game although his shooting was awful.
Bikey was everything we expect of him. Immense. (including a few long diagonal passes that went astray)
Great evening. I just wish all our games were in Yorkshire!
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