just back...

Quoted from wigworld

I really enjoyed the game, and it was great o be back at BP.
1-0 seemed about right, and it didn't seem like there were 2 leagues difference between the two teams.

I thought the least we deserved was a draw, yes they put us under pressure in the first half and a couple of good saves from McKeown but I thought they hardly troubled us in the second half and it was only very poor marking in defence after making quite a few changes that they finally scored.

Very, very encouraging.

Efete, Crookes, Longe-King and Pearson is going to be a very solid, dependable and reliable back four.  

I don't expect us to line up with a 3 like Clifton, Fox and Coke for many games at all but any combination of those two won't worry me one bit.  Fox really looks an addition and can see him as an absolute key player for us.  Got a bit of everything, including that bit of class that you rarely see at this level (especially on a player who's willing to put a shift in too).  I think the other midfield slot will be taken by one of McAtee or Scannell in a slightly more advanced role.  McAtee looked a little lost when he was trying to play the central striker role but once he dropped deeper he was a different animal.  With someone to play off, I think he could be a real asset for us.  

Out wide I thought Grant didn't have a great game, ball didn't run for him a few times and the pitch maybe held the ball up for him a few times (the pitch did look excellent but understandably maybe a little long to protect it ahead of the new campaign and not long after laying it).  On the other flank though Sousa was outstanding.  Dembele like low levels of gravity and first touch.  Definitely looks like someone capable of getting fans off their seats.

Trying to not get carried away as it is pre-season and we've all got excited over a few friendlies before and then fell flat on our faces.  But it looks incredibly encouraging.

We do lack a central (and fit) striker.  A fit Taylor or LJL would totally transform that side on Saturday.  Dare I say to the extent it would have been a comfortable victory.  It really was a quite noticeable void in the shape.  Wouldn't be surprised if someone else comes through the door in the next week to give us another option in that role.

Also, just to keep the realism check in place, we do lack a bit of depth.  After 65/70 minutes Hurst made wholesale changes, as is expected with pre-season games, and it really showed.  The vast majority of our changes were young lads which meant we lost all shape and control of the game. The aim is probably always two players for every position, which we're probably not quite there yet with.  But it is still a fair few weeks to go until the new season so I'm anything but concerned.

I've just watched the full match. Firstly it was a testimonial for Macca and the 400 Rotherham fans should be thanked for swelling the coffers by £4k +.

I thought the match itself was entertaining albeit we lost. Many chances for a goal were created, especially in the first half. On the whole, we equipped ourselves well and it gave the younger players a taste of the professional game.

My only concern is that of the officials who I thought were poor, obvious fouls not given, etc. A taste of things to come, I hope not.

On this show with some more application League 2 next season.

UM

Quoted from DB

I've just watched the full match. Firstly it was a testimonial for Macca and the 400 Rotherham fans should be thanked for swelling the coffers by £4k +.

I thought the match itself was entertaining albeit we lost. Many chances for a goal were created, especially in the first half. On the whole, we equipped ourselves well and it gave the younger players a taste of the professional game.

My only concern is that of the officials who I thought were poor, obvious fouls not given, etc. A taste of things to come, I hope not.

On this show with some more application League 2 next season.

UM

Aren't the officials for friendlies usually local referees? In amongst that you might get some decent ones but also ones that are more used to refereeing Grimsby Borough.