Match thread

Disappointing but not unexpected given the jump in level, short turnaround and a few injuries. The need for a striker is obvious.

Don't think we have found our feet yet but we will in time.

While I agree we definitely need some additional attacking options the big disappointment for me today was the midfield trio of Morris, Green and Holohan. With the two new signings I was expecting to see them flying around the pitch snapping at heels and nicking the ball from opponents Ben Fox style but there was very little of that. Our pressing game, a strength in the playoffs last season, was totally missing and we had too many players looking leggy and leaving too much space in the centre of the park after they went 2-0 up which meant it was easy for them to see the result out. Felt like we didn't really have any leaders on the pitch trying to drag us back into it after their quickfire double which was sad, most of the players were just moaning at each other when passes went astray, or weren't played where they wanted.

Quoted from Chrisblor

While I agree we definitely need some additional attacking options the big disappointment for me today was the midfield trio of Morris, Green and Holohan. With the two new signings I was expecting to see them flying around the pitch snapping at heels and nicking the ball from opponents Ben Fox style but there was very little of that. Our pressing game, a strength in the playoffs last season, was totally missing and we had too many players looking leggy and leaving too much space in the centre of the park after they went 2-0 up which meant it was easy for them to see the result out. Felt like we didn't really have any leaders on the pitch trying to drag us back into it after their quickfire double which was sad, most of the players were just moaning at each other when passes went astray, or weren't played where they wanted.

Luke Waterfall also referred to this in his interview on RH. The never say die attitude was missing today.

As Gary Croft pointed out, a change to our normal formation was forced upon us due to injuries.

We had scant time to work on our normal 4 2 3 1 during a short pre season, never mind the 4 3 3 we played today.

We lacked a focal point too and it all made for a disjointed performance.

Both of your posts Chrisblor, describe what I saw. That's all I can type on  this Sheffield train!

Quoted from Croxton

Both of your posts Chrisblor, describe what I saw. That's all I can type on  this Sheffield train!

Oooooh train ……

I’m on a National Express bus due back in Leeds around midnight

No alcohol allowed 😎

Orient looked a decent side to be fair, just one of those days.

Sure Town will do alright with time.

Thought we edged the first half and towards the end of it McAtee looked like he was getting a taste for the game with some trademark flicks and tricks.
Then we came out for the second half looking right up for it but it was only for a few minutes before the pen took the wind out of our sails.
Then the second killed it as we just couldn’t find a way back into the game.
A bit disappointing after the playoffs but overall I thought we looked decent and competitive, just missing a bit of spark except for just before and just after half time. I reckon it’s there though. Looking forward to next week and I see a few of the players have tweeted about putting things right.
UTFM

Quoted from AussieMariner

Oooooh train ……

I’m on a National Express bus due back in Leeds around midnight

No alcohol allowed 😎

Sorry mate, back home in Hillsborough by 8.30. Wife felt sorry for me and picked me up at the station!

Quoted from HerveJosse

Not enough strikers in the building whatever the quality. Key player having to play out of position in first game as a consequence not good. Surprised we didn’t keep Mani given lack of incoming in that department

I read somewhere that Mani wanted to be a regular starter in the team, and PH didn't want to promise him that.