As friendlies go this was quite entertaining ,a good crowd of 3600 which gave the night a good atmosphere . The Brewers were without Diamond ,Weir , and Kee from their squad , Derby were pretty much at full strength .The first half saw some good movement from both sides , but with few chances Hughes was pulling the strings in midfield for Derby ,with the busy Brayford firing over when well placed . Albion were matching the Rams and looking solid in defence with Edwards and Sharps mopping up well at the back .Then from nothing right on half - time, Martin for the visitors got a foot to a ball which Lyness could only deflect into the goal. Changes towards the end second half , by both sides, made the end a bit scrappy , a saved penalty by substitute goalkeeper Chris Dunn for the Brewers being a highlight , and again with virtually the last action Sammon ghosted in at the far post to make the scoreline a bit flattering . As for our new signings , Delap looks class along with Edwards who i suspect will partner Diamond at the back come the start . Macdonald and Hussey did ok but the jury is still out on them for me ,Howe and Symes had good first halves but were substituted second half ,Howe held the ball up well and will get better once he gets his match fitness im sure , and i suspect will partner Kee as first choice . Knowles looked bright and sharp second half , but for me Palmer although not a new signing , has started to come of age, and is like a new signing ,and didnt look out of place against a very experienced Derby midfield.
posted on 24/7/13
Thats an excellent assessment Stuart, very much how i saw the game.
Its difficult to judge players when they are playing opposition from a higher level especially in the offensive phase of the game.
posted on 24/7/13
Excellent surmation Stuart. I thought we were outclassed by a very, very good looking Derby side. Throughout their team they ooze class and it showed in the end.
Really like the look of Edwards and I agree he will partner Diamond in defence. Delap is a class act, but as much as Knowles had a couple of good touches he still looks a little out of place. Palmer again, I agree is maturing into a good player.
Still have that nagging doubt at the back of my mind that we just do not have the goals in the squad. I know Billy wasn't available but Howe and Symes did not fill me with massive confidence and looking at the bench disappointingly Paterson is not there, when he should be!
Walsall will be another tough test. Hope Billy is back we need him.
posted on 24/7/13
Good comments guys, I too quite enjoyed it as a spectacle but not so much for the football, it was the good crowd
A game of football is a game of football regardless of what level each team plays at. Derby were better and the classier side. That said I liked the look of Hussy and Edwards both look like very capable additions. Howe needs to lose a few pounds and maybe up his fitness regime!
As for not scoring goals, it is a worry and I will totally agree with you BurtonBoy, if it was possible for GR to bring Paterson back into the squad I am sure it would be met with tumultuous agreement from the Burton hoards!
UTBs we'll batter Walsall
posted on 24/7/13
I do think that we have a team of good players who are good enough to mix at the top of league 2 football but for me GR and KS have got some work to do yet to get this team to gel. The goal side of things needs to be sorted, from what I have seen at Alfreton and Nuneaton , Hussy put the ball in the box over and over , but no one in the box to finish the job. Weir for me was missed last night because when he came on at Alfreton he was class and by far the best player on the pitch. I know Delap is saving his throws for the start of the season, but from what I have seen pre season , his throwing would put the fear of god into any defence, and If Billy kee finds form maybe we could have a season as good as the last.
Like I said we have a team of good players ,but there is some work to be done yet.