Well its was a hard fought win tonight but i actually enjoyed the game. There were a few positive and a few negative performances but what do you expect in pre season. Its just nice to get that first win under the belt!. The obvious problem is at the back, tonight's back 4 isnt going to be our usual back 4 but we were sloppy at the back at times, they seemed to get to much space down the flanks. My ratings are as follows,

Flinders, 7 , Looked assured, wasnt really tested to much. The goal was harsh as there was no floodlight down that end and it bounced right in front of him as it went under his body. From that performance he's better than what we had last season as he can kick straight!

Sweeney, 6, Was ok, i dont really like him playing right back though. Did get done a few times by there winger Phillips.

Smith, 4, Could tell after the first 10 minutes he is'nt up to league standard, certainly not the answer in any way shape or form!

Liddle, 7, Played well tonight, won his fair share of headers and didnt really put a foot wrong. We still desperately need a new center half.

Hartley, 6, was ok, didnt really see much of the ball so im not sure what to make of him after tonight.

McSweeney, 6, was good at getting into the positions but his final ball let him down a few times, still like the look of him though, full of energy and worked hard.

Jones, 5, Barely touched the ball and when he did it went out of play, not going to impress the scouts on that performance,did make one cracking cross field pass though.

Rowell, 6, Again ok without really shining, he has a few nice touches but is a long long way from being the finished article.

Monkhouse, 7, I thought he played quite well tonight, he did go in a bit of a huff sometimes but that was because he wasnt getting the ball enough when he was in space. He has a bit of passion which i dont think some of our lads have, gets frustrated coz he cares!

Behan, 7, My first look at him and i was impressed, held the ball up well, looks strong(although not tall), and scored a cracking header. Think he will start at MK Dongs on tonights performance. High hopes for him.

Boyd, 5, Would have been 4 but he improved a bit in the second half so he gets a 5. Was talking to a pools player in the bar after the game and he said Boydy got rollicked at H/T for not showing enough effort. He needs to buck his ideas up if he wants to be in the 1st 11 come August 8th. Im just hoping he doesnt think he's here for an easy ride because id love to see the boyd of old back.

Subs, Chuffed to see Browny back, he looked sharp and had a couple decent efforts on goal, looks stronger and more well built, hopefully we are going to have a cracking season out of him.

The rest were pretty quiet, a few wayward passes by Power, Mackay looked lost as usual, Foley looked pointless as usual, 2 trialists Lamplough and Greulich didnt really have time to impress. All in all there is much room for improvement and we really need a center half, left back and holding midfielder.

Got me pic taken with Turner and West after game, top blokes!

good report,



did you tell them we need a centre back, left back and holding midfielder?

I think they must know that by now!