Rample

Looks like we're trying to use full backs to start attacks and getting crosses in. Although Alfreton totally in control at the moment winning the 50-50s. 

Oduroh's last ball upfield went straight out of play. Forsyth getting forward well, looks like he's playing for a contract.

Smith looks smart, trying one twos, good movement.

Sibley doing plenty of running, put a few half decent corners in.

Loach has had a good touch and a couple of easy saves. That shouldn't be happening. We've headed over with a few crosses but not tested the keeper.

We look disorganised in defence and their tall striker is winning everything.

1-0 Alfreton.

12 minutes ago, Ram1988 said:

Be interesting to see how the trialists do. Where is Robertson playing?

Right wing, looks lively.

Jenkinson sounds like Matthew Kelly.

"Tonight Matthew I'm going to be Lionel Messi"

"Jack Stretton as Lionel Messi!!!"

18 minutes ago, Sparkle said:

Forsyth would need to be under contract wouldn’t he?

He would need to be registered. I presume he could actually play on a non-contract basis.

I was assuming though for the sake of the post he will sign before then.

I think even the opening day team is pretty much set.

Wildsmith seems a given to start in goal as we seem no closer to a 'rival'

A new right back, Davies, either Cashin or Chester (Cashin being left footed should steal it) and Roberts.

Bird and Hourihane are definites for midfield.

NML is a cert for right wing, if Knight is still here he'll be accommodated. Most likely McGoldrick will take the 3rd spot based on performances with Collins up top.

Subs: Loach, Chester, Stearman, Forsyth, Smith, Barks, Sibley

3 academy graduates in the team and one on the bench.

Highlights we need to be looking for an alternate to Collins, otherwise it's kids and midfielders covering his spot.

Kennedy, Gillespie, and most importantly Bobby McFerrin. Now there was a man with a great attitude to life.

Truth = Uncouth Roofe spoof.

2 minutes ago, Dan_Ram said:

Off topic but Plange scored a hattrick for Palace today.

Against title favourites Ipswich no less.

Not that it really matters but ratings

Wildsmith 6

Knight 7

Chester 6

Davies 6

Roberts 7.5

Bird 7.5

Hourihane 6.5

NML 8.5

McGoldrick 8.5

Barkhuizen 6

Collins 6

Subs:

Loach 6

Oduroh 6

Stearman 6

Cashin 6

Forsyth 6.5

Thompson 6.5

Robinson 7

Nunn 6

Aghatise 6

Sibley 6

Stretton 6.5

Sibley in a good position on the edge of the box, but it's on his right so he passes to Stretton instead, whose shot from inside the box was pretty tame.

Hertha stepping it up. We'll do well to hold on.

Robinson with a good tackle in a dangerous position.

Bird goes off. Had a very good game. Added a lot defensively.

Aghatise and Robinson on.

Good God Rams TV sort the bloody brightness out.

They keep switching it up to max everytime the ball is in the shade so the other 80% of the (quite narrow) pitch is just a blinding blur. 

Then they turn it down so much the shaded bit is like middle of the night. Just leave it at 50% maybe, or be smarter with your camera positions/angles.

Just now, Animal is a Ram said:

Barkhuizen off, Nunn on.

Looking forward to seeing him. Don't expect him to feature too much for the seniors over the season but sounds promising.

Stretton, Fosyth, Stearman, Sibley and Thompson on. Fozzy is captain.

1 minute ago, Sparkle said:

How much of their first team are playing?

Looking at a few random line ups from last season there are maybe 4 first teamers, and a few new signings.

They have sold a couple of players and a number of loans have gone back to their parent clubs so this might be something like their first XI. It's their second match of the day but the better opposition so I'd expect this is the stronger of the squads. Kenny and the left winger look decent. Giving Roberts a good test and he's doing well.

Just now, Stagtime said:

He needs a bath by the smell of him.

Or some mint sauce and gravy!

Nice first half, we grew into it and more than matched them.

Credit to Roberts defensively as well as going forward.

1 minute ago, LincsRam said:

My observations so far.... when its in defence they do the sideways crap for just enough time and look to get the ball fwd, none of this keeping it at the back for 2 mins and a whoosh ball forward. Refreshing so far.

Mcgoldrick, NML are very forward thinking, very happy so far.

 

When Collins finds his feet can see NML and McGoldrick (and in fairness Roberts, Hourihane and Barkhuizen) supplying plenty of ammo for him and getting a few themselves.

NML with a nice finish from just inside the box. Good work by mcGoldrick on the left and had 2 shots saved before the ball fell to NML.

1 minute ago, Animal is a Ram said:

Mendez-Laing is the standout, not just going forward either. McGoldrick doing plenty of the leg work too.

Enjoying the ability of Barkhuizen and NML to swap wings too. Always used to like that when Ward and Russell did it.

Prefering NML on the right more, nice and direct. Good to change it up though, Hourihane and McGoldrick adding to the fluidity of the attacking roles too.

Just now, Anag Ram said:

How’s Collins looking?

Any impact?

Always difficult to tell in friendlies, I know.

Not a lot so far, came wide/deep a few times and generally moved around a lot.

Strangely these look a good league one style test, very physical in defence, especially when we're coming down the right.

Roberts seems very proactive and has a decent pass on him. Look at him compared to Buchanan last season and its an big improvement