Holmes_and_Watson

Well, a shot ...

Little in the way of clear chances in the half. Our attempts to cut through their defence, have mostly been from a little deeper, not reaching their target. A shot into the ground near 40 mins got flicked over the bar from Stu. Some of our passes in the final third have gone astray, leading to counters, that have got their fans behind them. Baz has been the keeper under a little more pressure. He had to do another race out, taking one of their players, before an offside flag was raised. Another ball in he couldn’t keep hold of, as a Watford player raising his foot put him off. The result hit the post, but was offside as well. A cross in just before the break went wide. Baz had to stand up to the first real effort just before 45 mins. After last season, he’s more than used to holding his nerve, in such situations. We’ve had some decent passing moves, and plenty of possession. They’ve got forward in numbers and at pace, looking to exploit our fullback gaps, to get deliveries across. But our defence are well used to this, and have had numbers back, and it’s not fallen for them either. Bednarek has done very well on a couple of occasions to prevent a clear opening for them. Aribo has been interesting to watch. A mix of things. Physically holding things up. Some good passes. Got back at pace a couple of times, and went on a little run, where he got past his man on the byline. On the other hand, still looks likely to pass it back or sideways without checking for a better forward pass. Especially, after he’s just put a little effort in. He needs half a minute to recharge. Watford have looked the most likely in a half of not many chances. But we just need one passing move to unlock their defence.

Well, that should hopefully push SR to get in at least 1 immediate forward replacement, and be looking around to arrange a deal for Adams' departure. Hopefully, this time, the forward :- Will have two functional legs Will remotely fit the system being played at the club Will not be a mythical creature like a Yeti Will put their signature in, and not change their mind leaving smug SR people looking incredibly dumb. Little things...

Water

Giving

When it's big enough, she can be floated out into the channel, for migrants to live on while being processed. It's all part of their plan. 🙂

Believing

Bus

Family

More of a test under pressure for us, and for Martin's system. 2-1 to us though.

Head

That was a really good performance. We set out a team to get at them with a mixed range of passing at a good tempo. Our two goals, were both really good moves, combingin the above with a bit of skill too. AA getting the goals to match his work rate. Another super performacne from him, and he'll be disapointed not to have done and scored more. His work rate and approach can be seen elsewhere. Downes puts in a shift, and we're a very mobile side. At least right up to the final ball. That's not just players playing into their normal positions either. Our players move into varous positions as the play dictates. KWP was over on the other flank at points. Manning was allowed a bit more freedom today too, which suits him more. Cardiff came into it a little more before half time, and started with more possession in the second. But we would have felt very hard done by, if they had got anything from this game. Our usual weak spots in the full back positions, and direct counters were where they had a couple of opportunities. But our team know these are weak spots, and were alert enough to deal with them. With that second goal, we had a bit of a cushion too. Although it was two goals, we had plenty of shots and even more nearly moments that could have led to chances. From all over the pitch, and noticable when Fraser came on. Earlier in the game, we had all the build up. But the players who we'd want to be on the end of things are often part of the build up, so it's touch to create chances. Having Adams on as a focal point to worry their defenders, gave AA more room. In a similar way to how recent teams have been overmarking Sulemana, allowing other players space. Although Adams had chances, with one really, really good one later on, and didn't finish, there were lots of positives in his game. We also got to see players in a slightly differnt way. With Adams on, an on form AA not only wan;t our only striker, but had someone to put passes into. As a team, we were able to be a little more forward. Aribo (fitter and quicker) made a difference coming on again, and Fraser just terrified their defence. If anything he shot on sight too often, letting them off the hook. Downes was all round excellent, while Charles made good solid passing deicsions. WIth better heading, he could be a threat from set peices too. Stu is our best dribbler, setting up one goal and nearly getting right through himself later on. We were very organised defensivly. All of that passing is paying off as the players know where they have to be at any time to get that style moving. We were comfortable playing it out. Without being overly troubled Baz did everything he needed to, with one good run out to head the ball clear. A convincing win, with lots of good performances. And the manner of the win was off of the things Martin has been bringing in all season, so he'll be very pelased at a lot of that today. Lots more to come as well.

AA doing super well, but then doesn;t release the ball into the box... then does super well again and gets the ball over. But Mara on both occassions was the better option.

Mara making the worng choice, haivng done well to get into the poisiton, it went to his head a bit from that range. AA not super pleased out wide.

Oooh... someone has pinched everyone's shooting boots. Mara from close range that time.

Fraser races back and get that ball back, picks up the return and isn;t shy on shooting. We get a corner.

Thankfully that effort tricked through to Baz.

Our players are very well drilled in Baz support, running in from all areas to provide him with passing outlets. Right to the end of the game. Good stuff.

Charles' second header of the day not torubling their keeper. Getting into good positions for them, but the end prodict not there. It's been good to see him being able to pass from a bit further forward today, with Downes and AA doing a shed load of work elsewhere.

Adams off for Mara. A good mix of the good things Adams does and some of the poorer ones. With some finishing, it would have beena mich better outcome for him today. But an important part of our attack, nontheless.

For not being pacey, Aribo did very well putting off their player who could have got away. He's doen well again today. And points to Martin to take of Alcaraz who had tired for someone who makes a noticable difference. AA blazes it over! Adamsagian in a position to get the ball form centre over to AA.

For all of the attention on Admas finishing, Frase has had plenty of efforts on goal. That one blocked. Martin will be really pleased at how many we've created today, less so on how many have hit the back of the net.

Aribo holds off their player well, and gets it wide to Fraser, who has a quick look on the run, passign it centtrally in to Adams who has taken a good position for a tap in... and it goes wide...

Good form Aribo again. quick decision to put Fraser through. Moments before, Adams availalbe for a ball over the top. Once day all those final third passes will reach him, and we'll get to see how many, if any, he manages to put away.

AA racing back at nearly 70 minutes of top work rate. A minute later, it's an AA ball across to a stretching Fraser. We're waiting to punce on them stepping up. Earlier, Aribo got back to make a good touch centrtally to disrupt them getting control of the ball. He had just tracked well to support Fraser on the left flank. Definitely more mbile looking today and in the last game.