My ratings...

Ruddy 7 Didn't have loads to do but what he did, he did it well and in an accomplished manner. Good catches from crosses and looked dominant. He spread himself for the goal, though Ameobi managed to drill it through his legs. Can't criticise him for that as that the most vulnerable area for keeper.

Martin 6 Did ok, was steady. Got caught a couple of times but nothing serious I guess. We have to remember that with a diamond formation, full backs can be slightly more exposed than with the usual 4-4-2 formation.

Nelson 7 Surprisingly he was comfortable today. Was solid and nothing caused him too much of a poblem. I have completely changed my opinion of the guy since 12 mths ago - even if he isn't good enough, you can't criticise the guy as he always gives 120%.

Ward 6.5 Looked composed and fairly solid. Would have given him 7 but let himself down slightly with the goal as he was turned quite easily by Ameobi.

Drury 7 Solid as usual and got forward well. Linked well with Surman and Hoolahan. No major problems came down his side.

Fox 7 Looked good. Comfortable with the ball. Defensively (being the holding midfielder) we probably won't find out more about him until the proper games get going.

Crofts 7 Busy. Got stuck in. Unfair to compare him with Andy Hughes, I think he is quite a bit better than him.

Surman 8 Really liked this guy. Great vision, didn't give the ball away much and got himself into great positions. Linked well on the left with Hoolahan, C Martin and Drury. I think most of our attacks will be down the left with these guys as we seem a bit bare on the right (particularly as Hoolahan is more likely to drift towards the left, plus C Martin likes to cut in from the left also).

Hoolahan 8 Great first half especially. Got in lots of great positions and used the ball really well, BUT WORD OF WARNING, this was because it seems Newcastle didn't particularly play to combat our 4-1-2-1-2 formation. Championship teams will do and think we'll find Hoolahan will be stopped more so than he was today. BUT, given the space, he showed today what he can do.

C Martin 8 Played well and looked a threat. His touch is excellent and he rarely wastes his chances. That said, the first goal was a tap in my mum could have scored (though acknowledges he has to get in the postion!) and the second was in fact an OG. But, looked good. I think a serious option for tough away games is a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Hoolahan behind Hol and Martin on LW (where he started some games early on last season). Would make us a bit more solid for these games while still having Holt, Hoolahan and Martin all on pitch.

Jjackson 7 worked hard, had goal disallowed for offside. He will score goals in the Champ, no doubt. Very Earnshaw-esque, though looks slightly better in the air.

subs

Johnson 6 Didn't do much
Francomb 6 Looked ok. Would be more comfortable with a more experienced 4th choice centre back than francomb.
Gill 6 did ok when he came on and passed the ball around well. I'm happy with him as a squad member and think we should keep him. He is probably 5th in line for the 3 CM spots, but he is good cover to have.
McNamee 6 Did ok, his cross lead to the 2nd goal.
Lappin 6 Wasn't on for too long. Again, did ok.

Posted By: Wayne Biggins, Jul 24, 21:41:47