Todays match v Villa

Hi Terraceman, I was at the game today and there was no shame with the result today. When you look at it most of the Villa players are on 10 x if not more than the Burton players. There class did show in the last third of the game. We could not deal with there passing. Going on what i saw today I think we will be ok in League 2 football.
Not seeing billy kee today makes me think he will not be playing for us untill half into the season, due to the op.
Me and the lads all think if he comes back and plays anything like he did last season how long will it be before he is off to another club for bigger money.

Next stop up to Gresley on wednesday .

I agree with JFK we matched them for most of the game it was just the extra bit of ability in producing the right pass at the right time that allowed them to score the two goals.

General consensus from the Villa fans was they were impressed with Burton's team, stadium and pitch, wished us well in League 2 and suggested we have enough to cause a few upsets.

My father-in-law managed to get a word with Gary before the game and confirmed Billy was still not fit from his injury but would be returning to full training in a week's time.....so hopefully we will see him back soon in a Brewers shirt!

A good loosener though with so many new faces and a new pale blue kit it didn't always feel like a Brewer's game.

Impressed by Robbie Weir - good energy, put in a few good tackles, and a cracking finish to put us ahead.

Liked the look of Damien McCrory as well. Reminded me of Steve Staunton - a proper left back with a hint of attacking ambition.

Marcus Holness looked strong alongside Stanno. Released by Rochdale now, so expecting him to sign this week.

Anthony O'Connor covered right back in the first half and centre back in the second and did OK. Cover for two for the price of one is not a bad thing at our level.

Paul Downing in midfield before half time, but can't remember much about him.

Villa stepped up a gear in the second half, so less able to comment on Zander Diamond and I didn't notice Lee Bell. Carl Martin at full back started well, but measuring him up against Gabby Agbonlahor might be a bit unfair!

Dean Lyness took the gloves in the second half and made one good save down to his left and then made a good take from the corner.

Took to the seats for a change. Sat in front of a posse of scouts/agents all furiously tapping notes into I-PAD's.

Millwall's Kenny Jackett also watching until just before the end. Wonder who is on his shopping list?

What you see is what you get from last year's crew.

First half had Ross back in goal, Stanno at the back, Corbs right midfield, Mags on the left. Calvin and Adi at the top.

Second half Aaron at left back, Jack in centre midfield, Chrissie Palmer on the right. Cleveland playing off Justin and Jimmy on the left.

We know their strengths and weaknesses and apart from Jimmy having grown his hair long, all the familiar trademarks were on show.

Very early days but a nice afternoon out. Top marks to the Villa for putting out two strong teams. We've had Premiership reserve and youth teams turn up in recent years so to get 45 minutes of Bent, Agbonlahor, N'Zogbia, etc was a great way to begin the new season.

Hope Paul Lambert lives up to his billing and gives them a good season.

Cheers lads that all made for good reading and sounds quite encouraging. Was beginning to worry about Billy so very pleased to read that information. Any gossip on Youl Mawene ? I'm hoping he just had a niggle and we didn't risk him !

Sorry to hear that you are unwell Terrace. Keep going mate and drive yourself through the bad times. Today might be a bad day but tomorrow may be better. Just think of all the things that you really want to do when you have got through this bad spell.

I can't comment on the game as I wasn't there.

Gell well soon terraceman

Radio Derby said this morning that Brewers have ended their interest in Mawene, always thought an injury-prone 32 year old shouldn't be what you're looking for... you've been down that road already!

We may have learnt our lesson at last it seems with over aged crocks.

Terraceman,keep your spirits up friend.
Yes enjoyed saturday and as some have said credit to Villa for bringing there entire first team squad.
Good to see the new palyers play well and some of the trialists shone out. Thought Collins did well in both his roles and Holness looked solid.
Bell had a good second half despite taking a early knock.
Only downside was the game confirmed what we already knew that Jimmy Phillips is useless.

Cheers lad, much appreciated,i will be relying on you all to give me unbiased reports this season, my chemo doesn't end until next May !!!!!!!!!!!!!