Was kinda sad that no one paid attention to this fixture here. A match is match no matter who we play
Anyways, back in my room for half time, and here's a little head's up for u ppl.
The first half were rather dull and unspectacular. Scrappy at tiems, but promising in other moments. Hornets started the brighter, being more industrious and committed. Tackled hard, closed down well, basicaly they were charged up. Dudek had 2-3 shots to save in the first 10 mins alone, and we conceded quite a number of corners to them. Raven was unspectacular, and sometimes when in possesion, he often opts for the long ball out of defence when he could just play it accross the backline, or pass to Welsh. Hyppia was his usual self, altho a little low-profile. Whitdread has been solid. Crisp pasing, altho doesn't come off often, good reading of the game, supported the midfield when needed. An assured performance. Traore was his usual gangly self, got up to the fianl third a few times. Appeared to have injured his right ankle in a tackle by Sinclair. Made a great recovering tackle in the middle of the half to block a low cross into the box.
The midfield was absent in the 20 mins, almost every other ball was a clearance or header. Neither team managed to settle down in midfield and pass the ball around, although HOrnets looked to be more efficient with the ball when they had it. Biscan was anonymous, maybe due to the team settling down late. Welsh idn't really stand out, he did a lot of covering, but little tackling. Personally, there was a few times when he could have just opted for the simple pass to Potter or Biscan but he went for the long crossfield thru pass instead...which didn't come off. Potter caught my eye, he looked calm and assured on the ball. Has a very good touch comnpared to the rest of the midfield players we have. Was quite positive and effective in his use of the ball, made a few encouraging plays. Warnock settled into the game late, but worked hard on the ball, trying to create sth. Always runs with the ball when he has the chance. Sinama to me was very useful, although his small physique often made him rather easy meat in challenges.
We raised our game in the last 10 minutes, our passing starting to come off a bit. Passes were crisp, pacey, accurate and quick. NIce to see they tried to link up with each other with one-touches towards the end of half, probably because they've settled down and got used to the soggy pitch.
The pitch might have an effect on the lads, because its quite heavy with all the water. We looked a little off the pace many times compared to the Hornets.
All in all, the half ended in an encouraging mrhythm for us. Hope to see better things in the second half. Maybe Potter or Biscan playing a more influential role.
My suggestions: Learn to keep the ball in midfield, don't be afraid to hold the ball and play simple.
