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Preston v Wolves review

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posted on 4/8/13

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23474880

posted on 4/8/13

All in all, it's probably a useful point. I think people's disappointment stems mainly from the fact that the build up to the game has been incessant, ever since it was announced, it's been about Preston away. It would have been brilliant to have started with a win, and in truth we probably could have, but if ever there was a dose of reality needed, it's better to have it now and build from it.

It was everything you would expect from a League One game, lots of passion, endeavour, high on physicality and low on quality. I think the fact that Preston are seen as one of the stronger sides in the division tells you what's needed to thrive in this League, look at the way they set up and played.

I thought defensively we were solid, and even though Kevin Davies was his usual 'handful' (did he really play for England 2-3 years ago!?), we coped pretty well, Batth in particular was outstanding. The full backs were solid enough, while the combination of Stearman/Elokobi/Foley did well too.

Midfield was a bit of a mixed bag. I thought Davis was outstanding at times, whilst Evans showed a great deal of promise. Sako gave a real liquorice allsorts of a performance, whilst Edwards contributed very little, save for his usual high work rate.

The strikers did well with what little service they had, Sigurdarson in particular worked the channels really well, and even though it seemed like we'd missed a trick starting him out wide, it helped the overall shape of the team. Griffiths worked off meagre scraps for most of the match, and was still a handful. Came closest to scoring when a shot was cleared off the line, and once or twice a better first touch and he would have been in.


Ratings-

Ikeme- 7. Understandable choice given Hennessey's lack of match fitness, and made one brave block from Davies early on in the second half. Came for crosses a couple of times and missed them though, which would be a concern given many League One side's penchant for using set pieces.

Doherty- 7. Thought he did well, made one or two important challenges as Preston tried to get into the box. He didn't get forward as much as I would have liked, I would imagine in home games he'll be given more of a license to support.

Batth- 9. MotM. Thought he was outstanding. Marshalled the defence really well, and coped admirably with Davies, probably one of the toughest opponents he'll have all season. Won most aerial battles too, which will be important over the season.

Stearman- 7. Thought he looked solid until he went off, looked to have a good understanding with Batth too.

Ricketts-7. Much better than what I've seen over pre-season, looked to be a threat with the set pieces too, which was a pleasant surprise.

Davis- 8. Just edged out by Batth for MotM, I thought Davis had a super game. Won some important challenges, and generally got the team moving, especially first half. He'll never be an superstar, even in League One, but with the right players around him, he will be a very effective player.

Evans- 7. Showed a lot of promise, at times though it seemed as though he was trying too hard, there were occasions when a simple pass would have sufficed, and he tried something a bit more outlandish and gave it away. Given it was his League debut though, you have to give him credit for having the gumption to try it.

Edwards- 6. Didn't make much of a contribution in all honesty, we certainly didn't miss him when he went off with another injury. Tried to get up and support Griffiths when he could, not much came off for him today though.

Sako- 6. Like I say, a real mixed bag. At times he had the full back on toast, and looked unplayable, and then at other times he looked sluggish and disinterested, and his set pieces were a microcosm of this. Some decent deliveries, but also some rotters too.

Sigurdarson- 7. At times it looked as though it was too easy for him, he drifted past players as if they were training cones. He has the physical strength for League One too. It seemed the biggest issue will be making sure he's as effective as possible, i.e. playing him in his right position. I think he's wasted out wide, and he'd be far more effective playing just behind the main striker (Griffiths).

Griffiths- 7. Thought he had a good game. Worked the line well, and as I said before, a better first touch on a couple of occasions and he would have been in on goal. He seems the type of striker who may only need one chance in a game to score, hopefully he'll get plenty though, once the team starts improving.

Subs

Elokobi- 6. His usual solid self, brought the ball forward nicely too on occasions, before going off injured.
Cassidy- 6. Looked a handful when he came on, certainly gave us something different towards the end, could be a useful player as the season goes on.
Foley- 6. Played well out of position, certainly didn't weaken the side when he came on.

posted on 4/8/13

Seemed a well thought out write up from someone at the game.
From everything i have read Edwards was the weak link even prior to the injury, no surprise really and Batth was the stand out, and that against arguably the toughest opponent he will face all season.

posted on 4/8/13

There will be the usual rash comments from those expecting 3 points every match.

What people need to remember is that yesterday we were solid for the first time in 12 months. We look to have a solid foundation in which to build a bit more attacking flair from.

With such a solid base (Hennessey/Batth/Ricketts in particular) you expect our quality to show through sooner rather than later and the goals will come.

posted on 4/8/13

Fans - 10/10

The roar when they warmed up was like the final whistle of the home win over Man Utd. Extraordinary support and they are obviously behind the revolution and right behind the kids, understanding that it will take them some time to find their feet.

Not many got out of Preston before half past six due to gridlock. Their fans were well impressed with our mighty following - check their forum out.

comment by Fiddy (U11570)

posted on 4/8/13

A good solid start at a tricky away fixture

Well done lads

posted on 4/8/13

Solid is probably the best way to describe it but the lack of chances was a bit of a worry. No shots on target in the whole of the second half.

I think evans was a bit disappointing. Played some world class 50 yard passes but then misplaced some that were 4 yards away but should improve as the season goes on. Sako was very poor, im not sure he beat a player all game. Siggy and gritths both drifted past players but only to try and go past one more who tackled them.

I still don't understand why we cant keep Doyle. If we played him instead of edwards he'd be the link that was missing between midfield and gritths who was isolated.

Davies would have been my MOTM closely followed by Batth. the lack of strength in depth is a worry though

posted on 4/8/13

I think it's time the revolution was extended to the medical department. Wtf they are doing to prepare our players for matches is any body's guess.

posted on 4/8/13

Edwards and george are always injured. If stearman and george are out for any length of time though we have no cover at either full back position and only ebanks landell at cb seeing as kenny doesnt seem to like the pizza man. Ive only seen him play twice at northampton he seemed to struggle (but was his first game) and then away at ipswich where he came on for about 15 mins and actually looked very good

posted on 4/8/13

solid performance but if Sako is to continue in the gold shirt he needs to pull his finger out. Lazy for about 80 minutes yesterday. Otherwise the team was decent enough and we went home nearly satisfied

posted on 4/8/13

Mike
I can't agree with your statement about George. He was badly injured in the first game of last season when on loan at Brizzle and missed almost the whole season as a result. For him to get injured again in the first game of this season must be devastating for him, he must be gutted. Prior to his injury last year he was always fit and ready to play but overlookedby successive managers who favoured Ward for reasons best known only to them.
Edwards is made of chocolate and losing him could be a blessing in disguise if KJ realises that Doyle is a far better option anyway.
Ricketts can play anywhere across the back line so cover at RB is not an issue with Foley available as well however LB (surprise, surprise) and CB could be a problem if Stearman's injury is serious. It's surely time to give Georg Margreitter his chance now, I have a funny feeling that if given a few games he will surprise everyone by being far more capable than he is given credit for.

posted on 4/8/13

Sorry Dances wasn't being horrible to George, thought he played well yesterday but he doesnt have a lot of luck with injuries. On the basis margreitter didn't travel I'd be surprised if he plays

posted on 4/8/13

Totally agree with the summary cinci apart from giving Edwards a 6, from what I saw of him during the game I would have given him a 4 at most, he was very poor and we definitely didn't miss him when he went off.

Sako was a disappointment for me the majority of his final balls yesterday were poor.

But all in all a very solid performance which is what we have been missing from the past 3 -4 seasons(and i know its a lower league).

The worrying thing now is our squad depth,KJ has got to get a few reinforcements in soon we have already had 3 injuries to our senior players and we will miss their experience if they are out for a while.

The fans were world class yesterday we have had 3 seasons of being kicked in the teeth by the board and 5,000 turn up and support the club like they did yesterday and there were a lot outside too asking if we had any spare tickets.So SM get your cheque book out and support KJ because it looks like you have chosen wisely this time.

One final point I am so glad we did not sign kevin davies the guy is past it and yesterday all he tried to do was win free kicks DB played him very well, anyone still think we should swap DB for Johnson?????

posted on 4/8/13

Yesterday 09:26 PM #7
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Wolves only had around 2,000 - there were loads of spare seats - they think they're a big club but they're just a set of gibbons with no face.
We will take 7370 fans to Brentford

..................................................................

Not all the simps are in West Brom

posted on 4/8/13

What Richard Head

posted on 4/8/13

or even what a Richard Head

posted on 4/8/13

If Albion were in our position they wouldn't even get 5000 at home, the tramps.

posted on 4/8/13

They struggle to muster two at any one time for a forum conversation

posted on 4/8/13

If Jeremy Peace saw how his fans were letting forums down then he'd probably try and get some in to talk for then, maybe some old heads on lots of money like spiritual wolf or Frank Munro.

Keep your eyes open wulfrun

comment by aries22 (U1203)

posted on 4/8/13

If Morgan and Moxey knew how to run a football club like Jeremy Peace does, you might still be in the Premier League by now, but they don't, and you aren't, you're in League One for Christ's sake. Gillingham at home your next league fixture. I bet you can't wait. Do you cast envious glances at the Championship?

comment by Fiddy (U11570)

posted on 4/8/13

Arise......pipe down love <3

posted on 4/8/13

Thanks for such an in depth review cinci

I am happy with the result personally, as this is one of the hardest away games in my opinion (although admittedly I don't know an awful lot about most teams in this league).

My concern is injuries. Like I said on the article I posted the other day: we really don't have any depth to cover injuries at the minute. If Marg isn't called back KJ really does need to dip into the transfer/loan market.

A good start to the campaign then by all accounts bar that then

posted on 4/8/13

BTW I was referring to the comment with the ratings, not a sarcastic remark

posted on 4/8/13

we really don't have any depth to cover injuries at the minute.

Yes we do. It's just that KJ is frightened to argue with M&M to use them. O'Hara, Johnson, Doyle, Ward and Doumbia re all sitting around, being paid a king's ransom to do nothing while we have a threadbare squad.

posted on 4/8/13

Thats it cyp we'll play those donkeys and destroy team spirit.....again.

The sooner they are out of our club the better.

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