Back from the game - Donnie

[LoyalRoyalFan]

50/50 with Tabb. Works hard but doesn't really do anything with the ball.

[westendgirl]

However, although the team selection was ultimately justified, I was surprised to see Karacan and HRK excluded from the squad. To me HRK has been the stand out player so far this season. He looked a step above when he came on against Watford. Was he definitely injured - or dropped?

On Friday it was said to be 50/50 whether he would be fit for Saturday - but if you are into conspiracy that could be to mask the fact he was dropped

[handbags_harris]

Church MOM. Led from the front, exactly what we needed after recent weeks. Senoiresque for his goal. Lucky Ricochet? Or putting himself in the mix where others wouldn't? Match winning performance, irrespective of the misses.

Legs back to his best? Bollox, he was rubbish. Again.

Cummings did OK, but hardly 'superb'. He does a job but still looks petrified whenever the ball comes near him.

Gorkks - Reminded me of Adie Williams. Class.

Yep, can't really argue with any of that. Have to say it's a step in the right direction and a complete about turn from last week where we had 0 shots on target. Donny had 0 shots on target yesterday and we dominated throughout. Let's not get carried away though, no corners have been turned at all, the corner is merely in sight. Was happy with the changes made, Tabb at least offers mobility and an uncanny ability to break up play although he'll never set the world alight. I quite like him, but I would have much preferred to have seen Howard in there with Karacan. Leigertwood hasn't so much as fired on half his cylinders, he's not started his engine. He wasn't great yesterday but at least contributed to a dominant midfield display. Kebe on the right was very good up until his injury, and from then on our right sided threat was nil as unfortunately Noel Hunt isn't a particularly good player - a bit like a forward's Andy Hughes, all heart and effort, not a great deal of quality.

Up front I thought Church was excellent to a point, but his finishing hasn't improved. I just can't get excited when he's presented with the most guilt-edged of chances and he spurned two in the first half yesterday. Chance one his touch was poor, it needed to be pushed inside further to open the angle but his poor, underhit touch left him too narrow and he ultimately rushed his shot. Chance two there is no doubt he should have buried but he somehow contrived to allow a defender who he had a three yard head start on to block his shot. Hunt was his usual self, won a couple of good flick ons but looked impotent. Le Fondre was ok, but currently looks like he doesn't offer too much apart from a deadly poachers instinct. Good touch, decent little lay offs, time will tell I suppose. Give him time, I'd be inclined to give him as much as 6 months to really show what he can do because I fear we'll have to be patient while he goes on a goal drought at some point.

Defensively we looked excellent. I actually thought Gorkss looked a very good player last week against Watford and I saw nothing to alter that view yesterday. Good touch, cool, calm, looks to play the ball out of defence instead of the Matt Mills HOOF, a nice change. Very Wdowczyk-esque in some ways. Mills looked comfortable at left back, very composed there and comfortable throughout. Again last week he looked a decent prospect, if he can just iron out the errors in his ball playing he'll do very well. Cummings was decent although unspectacular, if there's one thing that worries me is the amount of space he gives his men when facing up. I wish he'd stand two to three yards closer and deny his man space to build a run at him. Get in his face. Pearce looks ropey unfortunately, one of those players who you want to do well because he's home grown but just so flat footed.

In goal, well Federici had nothing to do. One of the easiest games he'll have in his career.

[RoyalJames101]

Pearce looks ropey unfortunately, one of those players who you want to do well because he's home grown but just so flat footed.

I actually thought Pearce looked decent yesterday, made a couple of good blocks and won nearly all of his headers. But that was off the back of a very poor performance last week, so no wonder I thought he played well.

[grey_squirrel]

Hardly an inspiring performance against the leagues whipping boys but in taking the positives

Good on McD taking some bold steps

At least Church scored (from where a similar postion Torres couldn't)

The back 5 looked better/ more progressive.

Tabb had slightly more of a clue than Karacan (slightly)

Legs was marginally better than since he signed his lucrative contract

Alfie took his goal v v well (great pose and execution) despite having been given the freedom and keys to the MadStad in doing so.

A safe and secure mid table position with no drama and excitement position should be achievable this year. So the board and the chairman are happy with Feds and/or Kebe being sold in January to fill Sirs legendary black hole.

Job done then.

[M-U-R-T-Y]

Le Fondre was ok, but currently looks like he doesn't offer too much apart from a deadly poachers instinct. Good touch, decent little lay offs, time will tell I suppose. Give him time, I'd be inclined to give him as much as 6 months to really show what he can do because I fear we'll have to be patient while he goes on a goal drought at some point.

That's a bit harsh IMO. He looked lively to me, and he's only played two games, scoring one. Give him a chance before making a judgement.

I think a firing Kebe will help him too.

Mills looked comfortable at left back, very composed there and comfortable throughout. Again last week he looked a decent prospect, if he can just iron out the errors in his ball playing he'll do very well.

Did you go for a pie and miss when Mills played it short to Gorkss and put us under pressure? Not very comfortable, definitely not composed. He needs to work on his awareness and as you say, work on his ball playing as there were numerous misplaced passes. I like him though. Great cross for Alfie's goal and combined well with McAnuff I thought.

[Wycombe Royal]

Le Fondre was ok, but currently looks like he doesn't offer too much apart from a deadly poachers instinct. Good touch, decent little lay offs, time will tell I suppose. Give him time, I'd be inclined to give him as much as 6 months to really show what he can do because I fear we'll have to be patient while he goes on a goal drought at some point.

That's a bit harsh IMO. He looked lively to me, and he's only played two games, scoring one. Give him a chance before making a judgement.

I think a firing Kebe will help him too.

He was also the reason we scored the opener. McAnuff long ball was just an aimless punt but the pressure he put on Sullivan caused the error that gave Church the open goal.

Not bad for someone who doesn't offer much apart from a deadly poachers instinct.

[chilipepper91]

Mills looked comfortable at left back, very composed there and comfortable throughout. Again last week he looked a decent prospect, if he can just iron out the errors in his ball playing he'll do very well.

Did you go for a pie and miss when Mills played it short to Gorkss and put us under pressure? Not very comfortable, definitely not composed. He needs to work on his awareness and as you say, work on his ball playing as there were numerous misplaced passes. I like him though. Great cross for Alfie's goal and combined well with McAnuff I thought.

He's very hit and miss. Will hit some wonder-balls like the cross for Alfie (and one later which nearly found Hunt I think) but he does have those lapses - don't think you're talking about this one but there was a moment in the first half when Mills left a ball that was really his to Gorkss on the edge of our penalty area and they should have done better. So a work in progress, I think he's definitely competent at this level from what we've seen.

[Wimb]

Some Tilehurst End thoughts now up.

http://thetilehurstend.co.uk/2011/09/18 ... -on-track/

[M-U-R-T-Y]

Mills looked comfortable at left back, very composed there and comfortable throughout. Again last week he looked a decent prospect, if he can just iron out the errors in his ball playing he'll do very well.

Did you go for a pie and miss when Mills played it short to Gorkss and put us under pressure? Not very comfortable, definitely not composed. He needs to work on his awareness and as you say, work on his ball playing as there were numerous misplaced passes. I like him though. Great cross for Alfie's goal and combined well with McAnuff I thought.

He's very hit and miss. Will hit some wonder-balls like the cross for Alfie (and one later which nearly found Hunt I think) but he does have those lapses - don't think you're talking about this one but there was a moment in the first half when Mills left a ball that was really his to Gorkss on the edge of our penalty area and they should have done better. So a work in progress, I think he's definitely competent at this level from what we've seen.

Yeah that was the one I was referring to. For some reason I thought Mills had played it short, but I remember he left it entirely and they got mixed up.

[Hoop Blah]

Much improved performance by the team as a whole and also the individual performances that made up that team.

Legiertwood looked a lot more like the player he was last year but still has a lot more to give and the back four looked better for a having a bit more pace (and only having the one ineffectual Donny forward to contend with).

As much as this was a step in the right direction I'd echo the reservations that this was, afterall, just a regulation home win over a poor Donny side that hasn't really troubled us in recent years.

Special mentions for Cummings and Tabb for coming in a having a positive influence and also for McAnuff who I thought had a good game for the most part.

I like what Mills brings to the team over and above Harte, but at times you can certainly see why he couldn't hold down a place in the Southampton side.

Interesting to hear that Karacan wasn't injured and so he was dropped from the squad completely.

[Wycombe Royal]

Interesting to hear that Karacan wasn't injured and so he was dropped from the squad completely.

Something must have happened behind the scenes because he has been no worse (and probably better) than Leigertwood over the previous few matches.

He certainly comes across as someone who isn't afraid to speak his mind so maybe he overstepped the mark a bit at some point in the previous week?

[If you still hate Futcher]

[Mills is] very hit and miss. Will hit some wonder-balls like the cross for Alfie (and one later which nearly found Hunt I think) but he does have those lapses - don't think you're talking about this one but there was a moment in the first half when Mills left a ball that was really his to Gorkss on the edge of our penalty area and they should have done better. So a work in progress, I think he's definitely competent at this level from what we've seen.

Yeah that was the one I was referring to. For some reason I thought Mills had played it short, but I remember he left it entirely and they got mixed up.

That looked to me as though Mills called it and then waited for the ball to come to him, totally forgetting about the Donny winger behind him who nipped in and could've/should've made us pay for it.

Don't want to knock Mills though as I thought he was decent but with several areas to improve - much like the whole team. Saturday was a good stepping stone, nothing more but at least we've made progress but we were lucky that it was Donny we were up against. That said, it's a shame that the last 2 fixtures weren't the other way round as I'd expect we'd put on a totally different performance against Watford if they'd been the 2nd of the consecutive home games. As everyone else seems to be saying, the stand outs were Gorkss and Church but I'd give it to Church, if only because I want him to do well and I think he showed a lot of character to put in a performance like that. He looked absolutely knackered with about 15 minutes to go and I was expecting him to be subbed, given he's only had the odd 10 minutes or so in the games so far.

Leigertwood still looked off the pace, especially in the 1st half but grew into the game and became more and more involved. Still not his best but again a step in the right direction.

Pearce also looked better and won his headers but he wasn't exactly up against Andy Carroll.

Lastly, am I the only one who thought the away end looked like a page from "Where's Wally"?

[Hoop Blah]

Interesting to hear that Karacan wasn't injured and so he was dropped from the squad completely.

Something must have happened behind the scenes because he has been no worse (and probably better) than Leigertwood over the previous few matches.

He certainly comes across as someone who isn't afraid to speak his mind so maybe he overstepped the mark a bit at some point in the previous week?

Not sure I'd leap to that kind of conclusion, even though I think it's harsh on Karacan following both his and Legiertwoods performances this season. I know which one I think has maintain his levels of performance this season and it isn't Legiertwood.

I think it's possibly more likely that McDermott felt he had to change something in there and that Legiertwood gives us the physical presence that none of our other midfielders does so he almost has to start (hence my suggestion the other day that we try and get someone like Olofanjani in to create some proper competition).

Leaving Karacan out of the match day squad may well have then been tactical as he isn't a player you'll bring on to make or score a goal for you, whereas Brian Howard is one that is more likely to be able to come on and offer something different tactically.

[Svlad Cjelli]

.....

Cummings did OK, but hardly 'superb'.

This is "The Team" - players can only be "superb" or "worst player ever", nothing in between!

FACT!

[If you still hate Futcher]

I think it's possibly more likely that McDermott felt he had to change something in there and that Legiertwood gives us the physical presence that none of our other midfielders does so he almost has to start (hence my suggestion the other day that we try and get someone like Olofanjani in to create some proper competition).

Leaving Karacan out of the match day squad may well have then been tactical as he isn't a player you'll bring on to make or score a goal for you, whereas Brian Howard is one that is more likely to be able to come on and offer something different tactically.

Good call on both fronts and the latter highlights what a ridiculous decision it was to reduce the limit of available subs there are

[handbags_harris]

Le Fondre was ok, but currently looks like he doesn't offer too much apart from a deadly poachers instinct. Good touch, decent little lay offs, time will tell I suppose. Give him time, I'd be inclined to give him as much as 6 months to really show what he can do because I fear we'll have to be patient while he goes on a goal drought at some point.

That's a bit harsh IMO. He looked lively to me, and he's only played two games, scoring one. Give him a chance before making a judgement.

I think a firing Kebe will help him too.

You know something? I absolutely detest it when people jump down my throat when I make a statement and jump to the conclusion that what I have said is an unbudgeable conclusion. My comments are hardly a full and final judgement are they? I've seen him play slightly over two and a half games of football and what I have seen him offer so far is a reasonable amount of sharpness around the penalty area but not a great deal else. He's neat and tidy on the ball, nice neat lay-offs, good touch and he looks like he's very sharp in the penalty area but he's been wholly reliant on service throughout his career up until now. So basically what he offers is "not too much apart from a deadly poacher's instinct". I find it hard to argue with that based on what we've seen.

Mills looked comfortable at left back, very composed there and comfortable throughout. Again last week he looked a decent prospect, if he can just iron out the errors in his ball playing he'll do very well.

Did you go for a pie and miss when Mills played it short to Gorkss and put us under pressure? Not very comfortable, definitely not composed. He needs to work on his awareness and as you say, work on his ball playing as there were numerous misplaced passes. I like him though. Great cross for Alfie's goal and combined well with McAnuff I thought.

So you pick out one incident and come to the conclusion that he's not very composed or comfortable? One incident? Players make mistakes, Mills has made a couple but generally, on the whole, he's cool and composed on the ball, comfortable with the ball at feet, looks to be reasonable defensively although he's not played against any player of note yet. But up until now he's been decent, adequate, no more than that.

And please don't take my judgements as my mind made up after 2 games. I hate it.

[M-U-R-T-Y]

Volatile much?

[Hoop Blah]

Good call on both fronts and the latter highlights what a ridiculous decision it was to reduce the limit of available subs there are

I don't have any issue with the reduction back to 5 subs. It puts a little more empahsis on good judgement, managment and flexibility of the manager and players having less options on the bench.

I think 5 is about the right kind of number for options on the bench, although I wouldn't too disappointed to see it go back to 3 to be honest.

[East Grinstead Royal]

Anybody going to give Hunt the credit he deserved? He was calling for the ball all afternoon, he wanted it, he was in the thick of most of our attacks, and the 20 minute spell we had in the second half, we were so dominant we could beat any team in this division on that form, shame it took the first 45 to get there, and couldn't keep it up for the last 15.

...and he managed to stay on his feet for most of the game! His best performance for a long time, I thought.