A few thoughts on last night...
The first half was a pretty turgid affair, mistakes at the back gifting them goals. Regards players from last year, Thompson looked ok, but off his usual performance (given the injury not at all surprising), and if Branco and Rodgers play the majority of games next year we are not troubling the top of the table (however, as occasional bit part players, no probs). Robert looked good, and worth a one year contract I'd say, good on the ball, can pass it. The No 11 (Brophy?) had a good start to the half, but faded. He was often in space and wanted the ball, linked up well, again, may be worth a one year punt, but unless he improves I wouldn't want him as a first team regular.
Second half was much better. The defence looked a good unit. BOO looked good out wide, too. Byrne had a good game...frankly looked head and shoulders about everyone else on the pitch (in either half). Belford was blameless for the goals, and didn't really have much to do in the way of saves you'd applaud, but dealt with things well. The beak showed flashes and covered a good amount of ground.
It's a friendly, and it's always nicer to win than lose, but the result doesn't really matter. We need to cut out defensive errors and, please, someone, just bloody shoot, now and again.
Is it vain to bring up an old post... Maybe, but a year and half (near enough) on... I think some of this still rings true.
