Stevenage last night..

First of all any news on missing players Holt, Stevie Smith, Hughes, Ward?? Simple knocks at a guess.

Seemed to me that the starting X11 was in Lamberts opinion the strongest we have to offer aside from those injured. Lappin out in favour of Surman as one would expect and Crofts for Smith.

Nelson was the usual great in the air but absolutely shocking in possession. Cant help fearing that we will suffer playing him against quality opposition.

Whitbread looked composed and will certainly benefit from a full pre season.
Martin was sloppy on several occasions and again I have my doubts. Drury was well just Drury solid and dependable.
Fox was in my opinion the best player on the night by some distance. Did the simple things fantastically well and will be a real crowd favourite. Kind of reminded me of Chippy with his eye for a pass and on pitch demeanour. Some nice touches from Wes (who has a new buzz cut!) and Martin who has gone the other way quite long hair and increasingly powerfuul physique. Jackson looked likely given from what I have read he hasnt played much football in months. He looked pleased to be in a city shirt.
Crofts was sloppy and did not justify a start ahead of Smith on this evidence. several times was nutmegged and made to look silly by the stevenage number 8 Stacy Long. he looked like he was losing his temper and was going to take him out with a 2 footed lunge at any given time. Ruddy looked excellent and very vocal dont think we will miss Forster on this evidence.

Subs
Smith - Solid
Steer - poor kicking great shot stopper
Francombe - Looking good looks like a smaller Elliott ward
Mcnamee - Poor

Anyone else off wrath make it?

Posted By: loz, Jul 21, 08:31:14