Reading friendly

I ain't got a clue about our team selection v Crewe. I don't know who is good or who not.
More importantly, if we don't know, they will know even less!
The Reading game is the only opportunity for our rivals to sus us out.
If I were manager, I'd say "Go out & enjoy, don't bust a gut & if we lose sobeit"

Thought the town played well 1st half today to match a full strength reading side. Not too bothered about 2nd half as 7 changes were made and players playing out of position was always going to be difficult. Shane long getting frustrated was a compliment to our defence. Reading stuck to playing football 2nd half and we went a bit more direct with no effect. More than happy with overall performance considering the squad rebuilding that has taken place in the last month or two. Bring on crewe !

Fantastic peformance first half... not so fantastic in the second. Althought that was mainly because of the large amount of subs and changes made. I was suprised Flint started but have just read on the town website it's because Comazzi has an international 1 match ban..
My match ratings for today;
Smith: 8 - Made some great saves in the first half that kept us in front looked more assured on crosses
Kennedy 7 - Looked solid and did a good job of containing a very good winger in Kebe
Flint 9 - My MOTM didnt lose a header all afternoon very assured and no nonsense.
Devera 7 - Solid, nothing more nothing less.
Caddis 6 - Looked very good going forward, but there was no need to give a way a penalty. Decent first half struggled in the second.
Timlin 5 - He really isnt a winger... looked very lost and often played aimless balls forward
J Smith 7 - Sprayed the ball around nicely at times.. lunges in a lot and gave away a lot of fouls, commitment nice to see though.
Risser 7 - A bit off the pace because of injury but showed flashes of ability. Very good leader always talking.
Ritchie 9 - Just shaded by Flint for MOTM, ran with direction and looked very dangerous. Could have had 2 goals
De Vita 8 - Looked very lively played some fantastic passes and showed some great touches.
Connell 6 - Looks a wee bit unfit compared to the rest, did a decent job of occupying the centre backs but lacks match fitness

All in all a decent test and if we play half as well as we did in the first half next week then we should take the points..

Excellent report ST, ratings are very helpful for me as I live at a distance and couldn't get to the game.

Looking forward to the Crewe game but it won't be easy...they have had a good pre-season beating Wolves and Derby and will come with justifiable confidence. It will be a good test for us. We have six games in August, four of which are away, and I think that by the end of the month we'll have a good idea of how things are likely to go.

Overall I'm both excited and optimistic...but just a little concerned that we don't expect too much too soon.

I also felt smith had a good game, but don't seem to get so much credit from some of the town faithful. Feel sorry for him and even more so after his heartfelt words on radio after yesterday's match ! Can't see myself what more he could of done. He has worried me a bit in the past for not dominating the six yard box but yesterday he seemed more vocal and even took Risser out with one punched clearance ! Smith has been very faithful to Swindon and I hope he get a fair chance this season.

Smithy is as good a goalie that you will get at this level.
He will make mistakes, but he has had to play behind a load of tosers who make more.