Post by bigjohncraven on Feb 12, 2011 21:37:27 GMT 1
Must start by thanking Lou for the use of her season ticket :-*as not having to be in the away end (the shed) made such a positive difference to my day.
As you all know by now I'm not really one to do match reports as such but prefer a more personal view of the proceedings so BJC's first "View from the north" this season.
Having met up with the usual suspects,plus April! in F&B's I made my way to the ground in the company of yeni,sandy and his clan,who informed me as we waited to get in that there was an empty seat next to him,and if I was thus inclined I could ,rather than sit alone join them.
So 3/4 of the way up the Kop level with the right hand post was my view of what turned out to be a terrific game.
Ollie shuffled the pack a little from last week with Baps in at right back,Cathy and Evo in the middle and Carney on the left.
The midfield as I predicted (sorry yeni)Elliot,Charlie and Vaughny.Up front Alf came in alongside Reg and DJ.
Lets not kid ourselves Villa are a good side with some top players Agbon thingy Downing Young Bent et al and in the early part of the game it looked like they really fancied themselves to get the win.
Early doors the defence looked a bit nervous but with Evo back and playing with an "over my dead body" attitude it seemed to settle us down,unfortunately this was after they had gone ahead.Baps having come in at right back seemed to settle in really well once we got organised but as much as I hate to say it Carney yet again failed to impress me, ok its early yet but...I'm not sure still like the idea of someone called Saladin playing for us!
Forgot to mention kingy,not sure if I should leave it that way!he did make one great save first half with his leg,but as it was his fault in the first place maybe "if you cant find anything good to say say nowt"should apply.
Midfield for me worked fine and I have no argument with Vaughny being named mom he was as always teriffic,Ollie really does have to move heaven and earth to get him to stay,and at last Elliot scored! and until injured had one of his best games.
Up front,as usual Reg gave his all,DJ buzzed round like an angry wasp and Alf added that little bit of strength and power we have been missing.
Subs,Punchy looks the part got stuck in tracked back and joined in the attacks neat passing and a turn of speed,Matty seems to me to have gone off the boil a bit maybe its his age or a dip in confidence I don't know but he wasn't as direct as he had been.
Finally Reid I was very aware that there seemed to be a large proportion of the home support that was too ready to get on his back,ok he did under hit a few passes and lost out in a couple of 50/50's but I was very disappointed with his treatment by the fans who seemed to me far too ready to criticise him,I guess there are still those who need a whipping boy eh Ted!
Atmosphere, well from where I was sat it was good plenty of singing no moaning,well apart from having a go at Reid,and even though it was 1-1 people where still leaving with a couple of minutes to go?
Looking at the other results,no damage done,we are finally off the 28pts and now have a week to get in another Keeper and prepare for Spurs.Fantastic isn't it?
Ps forgot to mention the officials! Tried a "One Sian Massey" chant but no takers!Both Lino's where fine.Howard Webb umm very surprised how easily conned he was ,by both sides I may add sending off seemed harsh and Baps booking also.I'll have to watch motd I guess to have a second look.Which to be fair they dont get!
As you all know by now I'm not really one to do match reports as such but prefer a more personal view of the proceedings so BJC's first "View from the north" this season.
Having met up with the usual suspects,plus April! in F&B's I made my way to the ground in the company of yeni,sandy and his clan,who informed me as we waited to get in that there was an empty seat next to him,and if I was thus inclined I could ,rather than sit alone join them.
So 3/4 of the way up the Kop level with the right hand post was my view of what turned out to be a terrific game.
Ollie shuffled the pack a little from last week with Baps in at right back,Cathy and Evo in the middle and Carney on the left.
The midfield as I predicted (sorry yeni)Elliot,Charlie and Vaughny.Up front Alf came in alongside Reg and DJ.
Lets not kid ourselves Villa are a good side with some top players Agbon thingy Downing Young Bent et al and in the early part of the game it looked like they really fancied themselves to get the win.
Early doors the defence looked a bit nervous but with Evo back and playing with an "over my dead body" attitude it seemed to settle us down,unfortunately this was after they had gone ahead.Baps having come in at right back seemed to settle in really well once we got organised but as much as I hate to say it Carney yet again failed to impress me, ok its early yet but...I'm not sure still like the idea of someone called Saladin playing for us!
Forgot to mention kingy,not sure if I should leave it that way!he did make one great save first half with his leg,but as it was his fault in the first place maybe "if you cant find anything good to say say nowt"should apply.
Midfield for me worked fine and I have no argument with Vaughny being named mom he was as always teriffic,Ollie really does have to move heaven and earth to get him to stay,and at last Elliot scored! and until injured had one of his best games.
Up front,as usual Reg gave his all,DJ buzzed round like an angry wasp and Alf added that little bit of strength and power we have been missing.
Subs,Punchy looks the part got stuck in tracked back and joined in the attacks neat passing and a turn of speed,Matty seems to me to have gone off the boil a bit maybe its his age or a dip in confidence I don't know but he wasn't as direct as he had been.
Finally Reid I was very aware that there seemed to be a large proportion of the home support that was too ready to get on his back,ok he did under hit a few passes and lost out in a couple of 50/50's but I was very disappointed with his treatment by the fans who seemed to me far too ready to criticise him,I guess there are still those who need a whipping boy eh Ted!
Atmosphere, well from where I was sat it was good plenty of singing no moaning,well apart from having a go at Reid,and even though it was 1-1 people where still leaving with a couple of minutes to go?
Looking at the other results,no damage done,we are finally off the 28pts and now have a week to get in another Keeper and prepare for Spurs.Fantastic isn't it?
Ps forgot to mention the officials! Tried a "One Sian Massey" chant but no takers!Both Lino's where fine.Howard Webb umm very surprised how easily conned he was ,by both sides I may add sending off seemed harsh and Baps booking also.I'll have to watch motd I guess to have a second look.Which to be fair they dont get!