Disappointing as we should have won the game in normal time. Some good signs, but much to work on.
One real positive was a competent senior debut from Louis Jones. While he had no difficult save to make until his good penalty save, his command of the area and judgement of crosses was faultless - usually cleanly catching a cross, but confident punches when necessary. Probably the best decision he made was to go for a low cross, and smothered it well. I think he learned a lot from Seny Dieng. With no false crowd noise, one could hear some of the shouts between players, and Louis talked a lot with the back four. The game must have boosted his confidence no end.
The biggest weakness was the inability to truly unlock the Bradford defence and create clear cut chances. Most shots were blocked or off target. Bradford GK made a couple of excellent saves, but Okenabirhie should have done better on occasions. Also Whiteman had a very good opportunity to win it right at the end, but his shot was over the bar. Ed Williams saw him free and slipped the ball to him and he had a clear look at goal from about 22 yards. Jon Taylor, our best forward, created a great chance for himself, weaving past several players and then shooting into the side netting!
However, my biggest concern were the number of fouls we gave away in dangerous positions near our penalty area - many given away by Taylor Richards. He had a relatively poor first half, but was beginning to play well when DM took him off.
What we really need is a defensive-minded mid-fielder, and let Ben Whiteman go forward more. Also give Butts a one year contract to give cover at centre-back.
I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing our Arsenal loanee play on Saturday.
RTID
Bradford City Game
posted on 10/9/20
Thanks Micky. I was otherwise engaged so could not watch the game, even though I heard odd bits of the sound commentary.
I am pleased about what you say about Jones.
We were guilty of a lot of fouls in the Blackburn game too and if we are truly concentrating on playing football that is not what you expect.
It was clear, if only from the stats, that goal chances were not being converted and against League 2 opposition you expect better.
I suppose there may be an element of young players "trying too hard" to explain both the fouls and the tendency to hurry shots on goal and one hopes that brains will be more suitably engaged as time goes on.
DM seems to have got the midfield and defence fairly well stocked and the Arsenal lad does not seem to lack confidence based on You Tube footage. From all accounts the WBA "target" looks exciting too, but that is not yet in the bag/Baggies!