Agreed, that flowing move and cross where Rhodes’ header was saved was excellent.

That’s exactly what we’ve missed for years. I’m excited to see what Marshall can do if he gets the chance to play further forward and bomb down the line, with Onel on the other wing. Could be some real sex football on offer then.

The sloppiness was disappointing but it was only the first game and the rustiness will work out in a game or two. The slow pitch was definitely an issue and definitely deliberate on Birmunum’s part, despite some of the ‘internet football experts’ proclaiming it to be an excuse but you can’t control that so something we may have to just cope with as and when it happens.

On the whole though, we looked especially good going forward once we brought on some creativity in the middle. For large parts of the game we had no link in the middle of the park which resulted in the passing around the back between Tettey, Hanley and Klose. There was nobody to drop in and move the ball forward and Brum were more than happy to play a compact shape, knowing that we only would play the ball wide, instead of using a different option. I know this is going to be a feature of some away games though so something we may have to get used to seeing, at least while we build a foothold in the game.

Posted By: I Am Hoot, Aug 5, 01:15:35