You did notice from the off the tactic was long ball from the back including from Wilson, BNC had a few sorties down the right but not a lot, that was always going to surrender midfield possession, we even had chances to increase our lead, it worked until we had that minute of madness on half-time, at the time I blamed Eccles but it was 100% Hamer.
This was an eight out of ten performance from all in what must have been the most nervy game most had played in.
You wouldn't have thought with his energy levels that he was the old man of the two sides' midfield, was everywhere yesterday. I also think that he does use the ball better when he's fitter and has got a bit more confidence.I still remember Kelly getting slated after the defeat away at Forest Green Rovers in Feb 2018. He went off injured in the same match that Jodi Jones did his first ACL and didn’t play for 10 weeks after. He got absolutely slated in his first match back, that FGR game, while people were loving Doyle for shouting at the referee twice, despite not moving from the centre circle all game.
Anyway, Kelly has always needed time to get his match sharpness. In all divisions he’s played for us in. Think people forgot that after the Wrexham game. Been a superb captain since he came back in to the team.
There's no emoji for thisGodden who set up our goal
He's 'only' 33. That said, I do think 3 central midfielders has played a significant part in his recent success. Not sure if he could play in 2 man central midfield at this level still. I think his biggest issue though, like Godden, is staying fit for an extended period of time.You wouldn't have thought with his energy levels that he was the old man of the two sides' midfield, was everywhere yesterday. I also think that he does use the ball better when he's fitter and has got a bit more confidence.
Definitely, we were very scared of their pace. And went so deep to try and deny them space behind. But we ended up giving them too much space and time on the ball.I think we overdid it a bit second half due to nerves. You could see Robins wanted them out a bit further. Always been an issue with this team a tendency to drop back and try and protect what they have.
Gonna get pelters here but didn’t think we were great, particularly down our right defensively and in midfield where we dropped far too deep and didn’t use the ball well enough. I suspect if we played like that on Sunday we’d get a pasting. We looked nervy.
Thought Vik looked good, Godden anonymous. Kelly very good for when we’re holding onto the game, but felt his use of the ball put us under a lot of pressure. His nightly fouls were appreciated in the middle though. Eccles didn’t seem to impact as much. Hamer was Hamer. Bidwell was solid as every but BNC defensively looked dodgy every time the attacked down that side. And I think it was his man for the goal?
Centre backs were generally good and Wilson was fine.
Probably 8s for Vik and Hamer, 6 for Godden and Cuffy and 7s for everyone else? Even that might be a bit generous TBH.
I agree, we were pretty poor, but did enough to get a point. We can't afford to play that badly and concede that much possession, territory and space over 2 legs. An improvement is needed.
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Would you have Palmer and O'Hare ahead of Hamer in the attacking midfield role, assuming we can hold on to him. Hamer would be my number one alongside either of the other two.It's clear Godden is a 'doing a job' for the team in the absence of O'Hare & Palmer. He would be better as the lone striker or in a 2 with a natural no 10 to provide chances for him. In this system he's supporting Vik, and having to do stuff that is not his natural game. Clearly Robins doesn't think McGuire or Walker are up to the task. Godden has done OK and still managed to find the net despite being quiet in almost all the games. Even if Robins did revert to a 5 man midfield it would be Allen playing furthest forward which again isn't really his position. A shame McGuire wasn't up to standard as that would of given us plenty of options recently.
If we go up and keep Vik, Godden will be used more off the bench I think. Robins won't play 2 up front in the Premier League. Hopefully we'll have O'Hare & Palmer supporting Vik.
Would you have Palmer and O'Hare ahead of Hamer in the attacking midfield role, assuming we can hold on to him. Hamer would be my number one alongside either of the other two.
It's a great problem to have.Would you have Palmer and O'Hare ahead of Hamer in the attacking midfield role, assuming we can hold on to him. Hamer would be my number one alongside either of the other two.
So pleased we get to see Hamer and vik for a couple more games at leastIn general terms, if you play 3 in midfield, you have a creative 10, a sitter, and a guy who goes box to box. The box to box role ticks all of Hamer’s boxes. I think he’d score 12 goals if given the freedom in a full season.
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