I usually stand with the singing fans but as it was a friendly and there was no singing, I decided to go and stand on the halfway line for the game. It's amazing how much more of the game you see and hear!
Overall impression of the game was that it was a more than useful workout. It's a long pre-season and if we can steadily build on this performance we should be ready and raring to go in one month's time.
New signings:-
Darren - as an opponent we gave him so much stick out of respect, he was always going to be a quality signing despite his age. As a replacement for Bandy, he is a definite plus in my book - organising a brand new defence last night, commanding in the air and he never stops barking out the orders to all around him. The one negative is his lack of speed and when we get caught flat at the back we're in trouble.
Laney - I was impressed with Laney. Quietly got about his work and his experience at this level showed through. Again on the basis of "does his signing improve the team" then I would say he does - sorry Azza!
Sedge - the jury is out on Sedge. He looked OK but only time will tell if he is an improvement on Lewis - I suspect not but hope I am wrong.
Trialists:-
Pottsy - showed a keenness to impress for his 45 minutes. I think he is in danger of winning his place back in the squad.
Coo - he was OK but I suspect he is not the answer to our problems at left back (see below).
Berkeley - he worked hard in his 45 minutes and showed some good touches. Not an improvement on Super Joe - Matt will be warning the bench if he is offered terms by Cote.
Baguley - very much in the Bush/Eddie mould, Chris could be the "one to watch".
The Regulars
All of the re-signed players had a run out except Gary Scott and Val Owen (any news on either of these?).
I felt sorry for Pat as he was the last player to get on the pitch with 10 or so minutes to go. Is he destined for another season of cameo roles?
Observations on the Problems from last year
I believe Wazza is the solution to our left back problem. He is left footed, gives the side a good balance and has a superb engine to get up and down the pitch all game.
We must concentrate for 95 minutes. At 2-0 we were cruising to a comfortable win. Then, we switched off for a moment and wham, bang, thank you ,mam, Bury score and they are back in a game they had almost given up on.
When we play football on the ground, we are as good as anybody at this level. When the ball is launched upfront, because of our lack of height, we are just conceding possession and nullfiying all the good build up play. If we are unable to acquire a target man upfront, then it could be another tough season.