I appreciate it is only a pre season friendly, but I actually came away from the ground pretty angry.
I felt sorry for the trialists. In my opinion they should be judged on what they could offer in a more first team reminiscent situation, and if this was their D-Day then fairness should have seen them play with the first team. How can anyone really say if Bruno would struggle to hit a barn door from five paces when he was given no through balls from the midfield that consisted of Garner, who is nowhere near first team ready, and Deegan, the 'Pitbull'...I've seen more intimidating and controlled Labradoodles! Meanwhile, Jeffers (who I thought looked impressive against Hinckley...maybe that says it all) seemed more intent on tugging back their left back and being the frustrating player that he has always been
Riki did not have the best first 65 minutes, but when Hussey decides to carry the ball past you before sending over a cross that is too high and long for everyone, it does negate what you can do, and also being in such a weak midfield (which was all too often By-passed by Dunn hoofing it upfield), he did not have anyone to turn to who could have maybe offered him some advice and talked him through the match. I actually felt really sorry for him.
The most damning thing, and quite worrying concern for me, was what happened when we went 1-0 down. Off came Bruno, who did add some presence, and we reverted to 4-5-1....with Riki sometimes being the one to join up with Cody. Now, with those two having the average height that might come up to an Ewok's belly button, you might have thought it would be more prudent to play the ball to feet. Oh no, we kept on lumping it up high. Meanwhile, Thorn just sat, ignorant, on his seat.
In short,if the two trialists are to be judged fairly, then I would like to see them taking part in the next friendly with at least half of the missing first teamers. Maybe Riki, playing alongside Kilbane in one half, with Bruno being supplied by Sheff and Bell in another half.
Only my opinion, and have now donned my tin hat, in preparation for a flaming