Stevenage vs Fulham XI

Stevenage played a junior looking Fulham XI on Sunday in front of 786 people. The Fulham side included the likes of Steve Sidwell and Stephen Kelly, as well as new-comers John Arne Riise and Phillipe Senderos. John's brother Bjorn playing up front.

Stevenage fielded Day in goal and the first choice back line, with the exception of Bostwick filling in for Ashton who is still recovering following an operation in the summer. Midfield again looked full strength apart from Bostwick's absence with Murphy and Mousinho in the centre, Wilson on the right and Jennison Myrie-Williams on the left. The front pairing were the ever hard working Chris Beardsley and the excellent Michael Thalassitis (although JMW and MT did swap for the last 5-10 minutes of the first half.)

The first half was a fairly quite and scrappy affair. Both sides attacked quickly and with purpose but neither created many clear cut scoring chances. It was nice to see both sides getting it down and playing football on and excellent pitch (which held up well despite frequent heavy downpours.) Stevenage shaded it in terms of troubling the goalkeeper, with a few too many of the visiting players looking to take a man on and only passing after that hadn't taken them anywhere. Chris Day's first meaningful save came on 40 minutes and unfortunately resulted in a dislocated finger and his immediate withdrawal from the replaced by Alan Julian. Day will be out for around 4 weeks missing the first few league games.

Julian made some excellent saves in the second half and Fulham created more shooting chances, but the game remained relatively even. Stevenage passed the ball nicely but a combination of lack of creativity of passing from midfield and runs from the strikers meant that good opportunities were scarce. They came more and more frequently however as Henry and Laird got more involved in attacked and provided more crossing opportunities.

On 55 minutes several subs were made, Long replaced JMW on the left and the front pairing were replaced by Charles and Reid. Murphy was replaced by Phil Edwards in central midfield. Charles was excellent, commanding in the air and with a good touch on the ground. Reid tried hard and showed some good pace and good touches but never really threatened. Edwards filled me with more confidence than Murphy in midfield, his decision making was better and his distribution was as good. he didn't get forwards as much but that helped us look less vulnerable on the break. Long doesn't work as a winger for me, he wants to play in the centre and tucks way to far inside both in attack and defence, leaving the fullback exposed and with no out ball. It's a pity because when he does stay out wide he puts in a great cross as he did on 80 minutes for the goal.

On 75 minutes the excellent Lawrie Wilson was replaced by triallist Robin Shroot, Long was swapped to right wing with Shroot coming on on the left. Shroot had very little of the ball to show what he can do down the left but on 80 minutes he got himself into an excellent position at the back post to volley a Stacy Long cross into the back of the net. The goal showed excellent technique and piece of mind to get into the right place and keep your cool to get the volley on target.

Shortly after the goal Harrison replaced Laird and Charles went back to left back. Harrison was eager to chase down and challenge despite only getting 10 minutes in the rain at the end of a pre-season friendly.

Overall the game bodes well for a good season. The injury to Day is a real shame, but in Julian we have an excellent replacement as we knew. Edwards looks like a solid defensive central midfielder who will help us close out games. JMW and Shroot both looked like good options on the left wing, and Thalassitis played very well up front. Was a shame not to see Madjo play, but we did at least get to enjoy his tricks at half time.