PT wrote:It was good fun.
More cup runs please.
It was good fun wasn't it?
Shame about the result though 3-1 certainly flattered Stoke.
I thought the passing was over elaborate at times and needs to be done with an end product in mind; be more positive in moving the ball around. The goal showed the way: excellent build up and execution. They can do it, they know they can do it. So start doing it more often.
General movement off the ball could have been better. A lot of possession was lost because the bloke with the ball didn't have an outlet: too many players watching the game instead of being part of it. (Lalkovic's problem too, that's why he gets caught out offside too many times).
talking to the Stoke lads after the match they were a bit flattering regarding our style of play (I did sense some relief there, and couldn't say they would have been so complimentary had we stuffed them).
Not much else to add really apart from mentioning Baxendales work rate off the ball, which was pretty good but went unrewarded for most part.
Note for D.S.: Introduce Baxendale to J Chambers and remind him he's on the same side so it's ok to pass to him. Just in case, stick photo of Baxendale on J. Chambers' shirt peg so he doesn't forget.
On reflection, I got the impression that they lacked conviction in the way they approached the game last night, and that might be the difference between them having a good season or a
really good season. I still think they have the potential to do something remarkable this time around, but whether they believe it or not, I'm not so sure.
Like my Stokie mate said: Whether they think they can or whether they think they can't, ...they'll be right.
P.S. to the bloke who threw the smoke bomb: What the fudge hell were you thinking of?