Reserves vs Swansea

[laufav]

Hi all,

Been reading the forums for a while, thought I would give a few observations about yesterday's game as I managed to make it down after work (missed first few minutes). Good 3-0 win, I was impressed.

Best performer for me was Nathan Thompson. Solid, composed on the ball, quick and strong in the tackle. Didn't put a foot wrong. First I've seen of him, but on that basis he would be adequate cover for Kev.

Smith was strong in goal, made some decent stops when required and was decisive in dealing with crosses. He does tend to look happier without a crowd...

Mark Marshall really impressed me - direct running, sometimes tried to do too much but laid on one goal, scored a penalty and really looked up for the game. Decent strength for his size.

Timlin has put a lot of weight on, and did little to impress me.

Easton had a quiet game, nothing of note.

As for Billy Bodin, he clearly has a lot of ability on the ball. Both his goals were excellently taken, the first a hard, drilled shot into the top corner which he took first time, textbook stuff. Second, was put one on one and finished confidently, bottom corner. As mentioned on the other thread, he does need to toughen up and put some weight on before he should be considered for the team, without doubt. But I thought he was the most promising of the 'kids' out there, and there's definitely something worth persevering with there.

As for the rest, CB Will Evans looked decent, big lad but seemed confident with the ball at his feet. LJF played next to him, as ever showed some real moments of promise, marred by some eccentric pieces of play, including a horrible backpass that nearly lobbed Smith. I think he might have gone for a professional foul had it been a first team game. Midfielder called Mark Hartman looked alright, another big lad. Matty Barnes was a bit hit and miss on the right flank, very much an out and out winger who waits for the ball, rather than an all-action JP/Danny Ward style. LB James Richards looked a bit lightweight for the time being.

[DV]

To be honest that's generally the same comments I make after every reserve game.

Sounds like the usual performances from the usual suspects.

Would have gone myself if I had known it was on.

[Arriba]

wilson seems reluctant to play thompson i think.he's had plenty of opportunity to throw him on,but has not done so.

[laufav]

Yeah, Southend away was the obvious one, when Kev got a knock and Thompson was on the bench. I assume DW just doesn't rate him, so he may well be off in the summer.

Didn't see either DW or Shirtliff there, but it seems like they might have been in talks with Liverpool. Paul Trollope was watching.

[RJack]

I think DW does rate him but now that we're at that crucial point of the season he may feel it's the wrong time to play Nathan Thompson.

[DV]

wilson seems reluctant to play thompson i think.he's had plenty of opportunity to throw him on,but has not done so.

I wouldn't say he's had plenty of opportunity. Big Kev has missed what one game all season and been subbed off 3 times. Thats a maximum of 4 games Thompson could have played. Even if we say Big Kev has played injured the last 2 games as well - then thats only 6.

I guess Wilson knows what he is doing and he either doesnt want to throw a youngster in or he doesnt rate him.

Just last season Byrne gave Kennedy a start despite his age and lack of experience and he put in a man of the match performance at Carlisle before he went off injured. Similar to Kyle Lapham a few seasons before that.

Who is to say Thompson wouldn't do the same?

[Arriba]

amankwaa limped around for the last 20 mins at southend with thompson left on the bench.the lad is a right back but wilson hasn't given him a run out even when we've needed balance in that position.the loanee brought in today convinces me even more that wilson doesn't fancy him

[Oaksey Moonraker]

I think with Thompson it is more that Wilson doesn't want to risk youngsters and damaging their confidence at the sharp end of the season. I think Wilson has said that before but is happy to put them in early mid season and with the exception of Morrison he did the same at the end of last year