I Finally Watched the Notts County Game

With the new signings, I thought it a good idea to take a look at a game I recorded, and had been, previously, too disgusted to view. This tie truely revealed Swindon Town's weaknesses from last season. Some observations:

Why would be bothered that Matt Heywood has left the club, too slow, and a negative as an attacking threat. For someone of his size and presence, his threat in the opposing box is woeful. On the attack, he never seemed to know where the ball was going, zero anticipation. Surely a centre half should be an asset at corners and for other set pieces. Sean O'Hanlon will be a better player when he doesn't have him along side him. Reeves looked swift compared with Heywood.

Besides Super Sam, Grant Smith and Rory Fallon, as subs, seemed the only players capable of passing the ball, without out hoofing it aimlessly. Fallon could be a very useful player, should have scored, and looked more of a threat, on the night than Super Sam, who couldn't be failted for effort. It has been said before that Sam and Fallon would go after the same ball, and I think that is very true. I could see Fallon providing all sorts of flicks and lay-offs for Cureton. Smith looked like the best passer of the ball on view. His reaction to the sending off was appropriate, it should have been a yellow card at the very worst. The ref. was conned, and Smith let the opposition know it.

David Duke spent all his time running sideways and taking futile long throws. He looks like he could be a much better player if he actually ran at someone. Killer goal just after half time was a cross from the Town left, couldn't blame Garrard for that one.

For the player protecting the back three and being a ball winner, Hewlitt looked totally lost. Distribution was generally to kick the ball into touch. Joe Butler used to do the job so well, watching this was truely depressing.

Luke Garrard was skinned several times especially in the first half. He looked better as the game went on, with Sammy Igoe dropping deeper. I admire the players character, but don't think we will miss him.

Sammy Igoe as striker, that didn't work. Having dropped back, you could see that he was the most skilled ball player on the park. Unfortunately, away to Div. II strugglers you have to get stuck into the physical challenges. Appeared to disappear for long periods, and too easily hustled off the ball.

Christian Roberts had the greatest pace, looks like a winger to me, but finishing was off. With a complete lack of a passing game, Christian might as well spent the night selling programs.

Brian Howard was a yard too slow when it counted, defensive midfield skills seemed non existent. He was tackled, and lost the ball, far too easily. A total waste in central midfield. Barnsley would be wise to play him as a winger, or wide midfield, if/when his foot gets better.

Reeves was at fault for the opening goal, which was really an own goal. Nice sarchastic gesture to Heywood and O'Hanlon when kicking the ball into touch, when he could have made a clearance. He looked over with his hand on his ear, glaring at them for some communication.

On the subject of communication, Rhys Evans had more threat from his own defenders than the County forward line for high crosses. They kept on getting in his way. Kicking needs work, no surprise there.

Sean O"Hanlon was exposed several times, and might have prevented the second goal. However, if he had to be 90% of defence, and in the absence of any creditable midfield, had to set up attacks, he couldn't be blamed for some non-perfect marking. Having Reeves as first team coach should help defensive organisation. Between King and Walsh, the team were not prepared properly for the game. The whole crew looked uncomfortable right from the whistle.

Finally, my town man of the match was Steve Robinson. O.K., he was only on the field for a few minutes, but he had some energy at above the O'Hanlon level. Against a team of triers and journeymen, with five in midfield, he should have been the second name on the teamsheet after Super Sam.

Overall, the game was very informative. I should have mentioned King's passion, from the touchline, when the Town were chasing the game. He seemed to be in disbelief that his team didn't have a clue. I saw King play several times, he was an incredibly good attacking midfielder. Perhaps it is all too intuitive to him, why can't his players figure it out, he always did. King's new signings seem to reflect the need for some solid midfield players, who would have not taken any prisoners against a mediocre Notts County side. It was totally appropriate not to offer Hewlitt and Howard new contracts. They were far too lightweight, in what should have been a battle, not a capitulation. Notts County should have won 4:1.