Shaping up nicely

[Mooney Magic]

The defence is starting to grow in confidence, the injured players are coming back and they're all starting to gel as a unit.
Our performance against Barnsley wasn't the best but the encouraging signs are that we had glimpses of neat interchanging play, ie 2nd half, Alexander to Nugent to Sedgwick and then a snap shot just wide. Probably the most encouraging aspect of the evening though was Simmo's frustration and want for better football. Like us he realises that the 3 points is the key but also that the performance needs to get better.
I've got to say that the midfield is looking much better with Sedgwick in an advanced role and with Lewis Neal pushing for a start. Nowland is almost ready, O'Neil is ready and overall the signs are very encouraging. I see the midfield options as McKenna/O'Neil in a deep schemer role, Sedgwick/Nowland more advanced, right wing we have Whaley/Sedgwick and left we have Pugh/Neal. Obviously Sedgwick can only play centre or right and not both before some witty soul pulls me up on that.
Our general play seems OK with Alexander, McKenna, Sedgwick and Nugent all linking well with Whaley proving to be a dynamic outlet and the thrust to step up play and go at teams. One problem seems to be Dichio's role and how we play when he's in the team. Last night we saw neat, on-the-deck football replaced with direct kick n rush and it doesn't work for home games. When we have the options of Mellor and Ormerod I think we'll see an improvement once again.
I really think we can push on this year and my only concern is whether the East Stand will be ready for the Birmingham game.

 

[MJB]

Re: Shaping up nicely

The defence is starting to grow in confidence, the injured players are coming back and they're all starting to gel as a unit.
Our performance against Barnsley wasn't the best but the encouraging signs are that we had glimpses of neat interchanging play, ie 2nd half, Alexander to Nugent to Sedgwick and then a snap shot just wide. Probably the most encouraging aspect of the evening though was Simmo's frustration and want for better football. Like us he realises that the 3 points is the key but also that the performance needs to get better.
I've got to say that the midfield is looking much better with Sedgwick in an advanced role and with Lewis Neal pushing for a start. Nowland is almost ready, O'Neil is ready and overall the signs are very encouraging. I see the midfield options as McKenna/O'Neil in a deep schemer role, Sedgwick/Nowland more advanced, right wing we have Whaley/Sedgwick and left we have Pugh/Neal. Obviously Sedgwick can only play centre or right and not both before some witty soul pulls me up on that.
Our general play seems OK with Alexander, McKenna, Sedgwick and Nugent all linking well with Whaley proving to be a dynamic outlet and the thrust to step up play and go at teams. One problem seems to be Dichio's role and how we play when he's in the team. Last night we saw neat, on-the-deck football replaced with direct kick n rush and it doesn't work for home games. When we have the options of Mellor and Ormerod I think we'll see an improvement once again.
I really think we can push on this year and my only concern is whether the East Stand will be ready for the Birmingham game.

Some good points, but I cant agree about it all becoming kick and rush when Dichio came on. I commented to my friend that the team was managing to not hoof it up to dichio but instead play it the floor the same. The only hoofs were from Carlos boot.

 

[pnefanatic]

Re: Shaping up nicely

I think Dichio proved why we need him last night, he was unplayable in the air and the majority of his flicks went to feet.

You will do for me Danny lad.

 

[Mooney Magic]

Re: Shaping up nicely

I'm not slating Danny at all. I think he's a good player and in a similar way to Crouch is suprisingly good on the deck for his size.
The problem is when Dichio is on the pitch we go more direct and Nash seems to stop throwing the ball to the full backs and sends it long every time. Away from home Dichio is a great release of pressure and makes a nuisance of himself and he's also an added bonus for defending set pieces. At Deepdale though, when teams come and sit back, they can soak up the direct play and continually hit us on the break or pick up the second ball and build their own moves, as Barnsley did in the second half.
My point on Dichio is if we play him then we must not change our system of play just because he's tall. Deepdale likes fast, flowing football on the deck and we have the players to do just that.
On another note, can't wait for Nowland to get back in the side. He was proving to be a genuine, goal scoring threat from midfield and he's a great link player.