Last night

First thing to say is that this was a hugely encouraging performance. There has clearly been a sea-change in our approach to the game - over the three matches I have seen this season it has been clear that we have been trying to pass more, and from game to game we have got better at it - some of last night's football was simply fantastic to watch. The other thing that Camcan and I noticed was how much happier the players are - we watched Leon and Joe Lewis roaring with laughter as they kicked in at half time. It's difficult to see how this can be anything other than the influence of the new coach. In the end we simply played Preston off the pitch and frustrated them into clogging.

Second thing is that every single player had a good game - and when could we last say that? But some deserve special mention.
Dickson is a man transformed. He was in both boxes, making key tackles, pinging passes around, winning headers, if only he had pulled the trigger on a couple of occasions he would have had the perfect night. By the end of the night I think Preston were simply terrified of his power and skill.
Croft made a solid start on Saturday and was much better last night. Because he knows what he is doing in that position he is always there for Jurgen and they look like a formidable combination. I have always rated Colin as a footballer but not as a right back - but these last two games he has really looked the part. I don't care what the Halifax mafia think - he owns that position right now.
Shackell is becoming a dominant player and personality - the way he shut out Jerome last season was great and he has continued the good work. He seems now to be becoming the dominant personality and organiser at the back too - captain before long?
Safri played his best game for a long while also - and generally the midfield three have a very good understanding.

There are some causes for concern. The main one being the lack of a big striker as an alternative. This, I think, is a very difficult role for us to fill while playing this way. It is a very high-tempo approach and, having seen them play, I don't think our recent targets - Howard and Horsfield would be right for it at all. Neither, at the risk of upsetting the nostalgists, would Sutton.

Posted By: Winged Eel Creosote, Aug 9, 11:09:23