Was impressed by Harris. Seemed eager to get involved and linked up well with those around him, a few neat touches here and there, but tired as the game went on. To be expected for a debut in senior football. A promising start at least.

Excellent win. Good starting line up and thought subs were spot on. Bodes well for season ahead. Good quality on subs bench too.

Was it just my impression, but was the atmosphere a little muted today. Could it be because of all the negative speculation and rumour surrounding our future.

OLDCROMWELLIAN wrote:Was it just my impression, but was the atmosphere a little muted today. Could it be because of all the negative speculation and rumour surrounding our future.

Seemed ok in the Hazell. Bit muted on this grandstand thread though after a good win. Would have been different if we'd lost.

Blackandamber wrote:

OLDCROMWELLIAN wrote:Was it just my impression, but was the atmosphere a little muted today. Could it be because of all the negative speculation and rumour surrounding our future.

Seemed ok in the Hazell. Bit muted on this grandstand thread though after a good win. Would have been different if we'd lost.

Yes indeed. The long knives would have been out

Great team performance today. A one goal lead is not usually enough for us, however we managed to see out the game. First half we were excellent, understandably Crewe put up a bit more of a fight after the break. We will come up against a lot stiffer opposition than that Crewe team today. 3 points on the board. Result.

I watched Christian Jolley today.. Just a journeyman now making a few Bob.Far too many nondescript footballers in lower leagues struggling to impress

The result flattered Crewe. Excellent all round team performance. Unfair to single out a M-o-M.

Amond was fantastic today and it is plain to see why there were so many rumours around him in the summer.

Very good performance which made me think walking out today there should be no reason why we cannot match last years league placing.

mad norm wrote:I watched Christian Jolley today.. Just a journeyman now making a few Bob.Far too many nondescript footballers in lower leagues struggling to impress

So sad

The two biggest positives for me today were:
a) the passing which was nearly all along the ground ie not much hoof ball, and
b) in the 2nd half we kept pressing Crewe when they were in possession and unlike last season when defending a lead we didn't sit deeper and deeper as the game drew to a close.

Agree with both points, exactly waht we all said at the game.

Amond is far too good for this level. His work rate is incredible. His finishing is excellent. He moves centre backs all over the place and rarely loses a physical challenge. Cardiff should pay his wages as Harris will learn loads from him.

Good performance today. Much much better than what was dished out last weekend.

Few things to ponder.

Pipe MUST play.
Harris was great. Showed some class and willingness to run at defenders, something we haven't seen since Jolley in Conference.
Joe Day is one of the best, if not the best, keeper in this division. For those that have been saying he doesn't command his box and is a bit of a flapper, yesterday showed that he has improved his all round game.
Sheehan "in the hole" is much better than Marsh-Brown and Matt doing sweet fa out wide.
I'm still not convinced that Crofts, Dolan & Bennett work as a triumvirat. Think we were lucky that Crewe were very average as 4 at the back doesn't allow Pipe & Butler to get forward as much as they should. Saying that, because Crewe offered little, they both managed to attack regularly. Perhaps the role of Bennett is to drop into a central 3 if the full backs do go forward. Will see how that develops more I guess.
Amond is a class above at this level. I think Harris will make him an even better player, hopefully more prolific.
Franks is also showing that he is more than an able replacement for Ben White. The partnership with Mickey D is formidable in this division.

So where are our weaknesses?
The midfield lacks pace. We are s l o w...... When Dolan is our quickest midfielder (Sheehan apart) then you know we are in trouble! Our full backs aren't exactly the quickest either.
Goals. 2 games, 1 goal. We've had plenty of chances - 27 shots (officially) over the 2 games. 10 shots on target (officially) which I would suggest that 80% are from Podge.

Considering Crewe won 6-0 last week, they were fairly innocuous. We played football on the deck and not int he air and we actually ran at defenders and moved the ball round easily. I'm hoping Matt & Marsh-Brown aren't on big money as they are going to be bench warmers on this showing. However, we do have a small squad and a run of injuries & suspensions will test us big time.

All in all a fairly content Beefy after last week's horror show!

Andrew Crofts, substituted just after half time last week, inocuous today, in fact missing in midfield, sat back too deep, gave Crewe the midfield, which put us under pressure each time they had the ball. He might be MF's best mate but we're effectively playing with 10 men!! Any views??