by SCIAG »
15 Dec 2015 23:32
Largely agree with Nameless. We dominated the first half, looking totally comfortable, as if we were 3-0 up already. United just sat back and tried to stop us. We created a few chances, but missed them all. We used four strikers, which is great when you're counter-attacking, but today we could have used some genuine wingers (maybe Chatee or Denton) to help us break down the defence.
Second half, they got a goal against the run of play, we lost our composure, and the game became very scrappy. Goal from a set piece, extra time. We were in the ascendancy, despite using three U16s in midfield (albeit two England youth internationals), and although the red card was very harsh (even - gasp - wrong), we deserved to win. I know they're only boys, but I found the celebrations at the whistle overdone and unsportsmanlike, particularly as the United players were so dejected.
Some brief comments on individuals - won't r8 or ber8 in case any of them haven't learned not to read HNA? yet.
Southwood - pretty typical of our academy goalkeepers really, very good with the ball at his feet. Held onto some balls that the senior goalkeepers would have fumbled.
Akinwumni - nothing flashy, but a reliable presence at both ends. Provided width and crossed well.
Osho - very good on the ball, though had a tendency towards Hector-esque 50-yard chips to no-one. Quite quick. Took goal well.
Axel - tough. Long throws not nearly as dangerous as Sammi's. Good on the ball, but too ambitious with his shooting.
Richards - quick as anything, not troubled at all. I don't remember him doing much going forward, but there was one delightful flick.
Bennett - the water carrier. Steadying presence. Some runs forward presented others with opportunities, but doesn't quite have Kuhl's skill on the ball.
East - classy, good passing. Didn't get many opportunities to show off
Frost - great footwork led to most of our best chances. Not really a winger though, and his crossing needs work if he's going to stay there (hopefully he'll move inside)
Davis - this game wasn't for him. Did some nice things in the spells when he was positioned centrally, but he was anonymous whenever he was on the wing.
Smith - much more presence than I thought he had. Sometimes reluctant to shoot. Worked hard.
Barrett - probably typified our match. He was clearly the most talented player on the pitch. In the first half, he was constantly moving into space, coming really deep to get the ball, drifting wide - all over the place. He was playing great passes, dribbling almost like Pat Roberts, and taking most of our shots (although sometimes nicking the ball from team-mates). Second half, he missed a couple of early chances (one curling shot cannoned back off the bar - that deserved a goal), then they scored and he disappeared. He was clearly frustrated, and started to get a little petulant, having a go at officials and nipping at opponents. Some good play late on. He's clearly talented, but I don't know, his attitude tonight was all wrong. I think one of the centre backs should be captaining this side.
Subs
Loader - rapid, but not involved much before his goal. I'd like to see more of him.
Coleman - like-for-like with East really. Good passing.
Holmes - some issues with positioning early on, but that's not surprising because he was out of position. Looked like a more gifted version of Bennett.
Paradoxically, I think we'd probably do better against a better side.