Ratings - Grimsby (H)

[moonwalk19]

Sweeney didn’t replace Hunt - James did.

What game was you watching. James started and reverted to LB with Sweeney coming on for Hunt

[Orient Punxx]

Err yes!! Thought I meant that! Was said above that Sweeney played LB.

[macc13Aug02]

He was the link between defence and midfield and even ended up playing left back.

Yeah that's what he was today (and FWIW I think he did the job well). I'm wondering if that's RW's plan, or this was an emergency move given injured midfielders

Based on the RW post match interview it was done out of necessity. He prefers to have a specialist player there for the defensive duties but appreciates James' quality to be able to step in and play there.

Thanks for that

[RedDwarf 1881]

Is Connor Wood injured ?

[Loyal_Supporter]

Firstly, well done to Richie and the boys. First game and a win with a clean sheet, can’t ask for much more. I thought we were losing our way a bit towards the end of the first half but we basically nullified any threat they had second. Was right by Richie, which was interesting, but more on that over the next few days. He still won’t be completely happy and we need to be better organised against better teams and make better decisions but a wins a win. Grimsby did alright on the counter attack first half but didn’t have much else about them.

Vigs - 7 - although it sort of hit him, great double save in the first half. His distribution needs to be quicker and he needs to make better decisions but he got a clean sheet. Nothing to do second half.
Hunt - 5 - solid enough start but he got caught out of position a few times and gave far too much room for crosses to come in. He’ll be good once he gets to know the squad a bit more.
Beckles - 7 - solid performance.
Happe - 8 - gonna give him an extra mark cos he was a rock despite probably not being 100% fit. Richie was talking to him loads and I’ll think he’ll really come on under Wellens.
Thompson - 5 - solid second half but was caught out 2-3 times first half and one should have put us 1-0 down. Not sure about him at RB.

James - 7 - hard to score him really. One of the best goals I’ve ever seen down Brisbane Road but I think he looked a bit lost as a CDM. Calm on the ball but didn’t look very interested in tackling. Feel like it’s a bit of a waste for our best player to be out of position.

Moncur - 7 - ran his bollocks off and finally scored us a pen. Didn’t do too much but got into some good positions and the attacking threat he brings from midfield will be key this year. He’s gonna be good for us.
Pratley - 6 - nothing of note but to be fair to him he ran and ran on a very hot day until the last second.

Sotiriou - 5 - did a fair bit of defensive running first half but he wasn’t really at it today. Still could have scored but he needs to do better if he wants to keep his place.
Smyth - 7 - was a big threat first half but should have squared the ball instead of shooting. Caused problems though but probably not best suited to that 9 role.
Archibald - 5 - was disappointed in him. Clearly got lots to give but was a ghost first half. Better second but his quality was lacking today.

Subs:
Clay - 5 - granted he’s not 100% sharp but thought he’d bring a bit more energy to midfield and he didn’t have a touch really.
Smith - 5 - nothing aside from chasing down the keeper. Could be a sign of what’s required of him from Richie though.
Sweeney - 6 - could of nice touches and a delicious through ball.

Hunt and Theo a 5? Are you sure?!

Pratley was at least a 7 and Vigs was VERY lucky to not give Town a goal. That said, he did save a couple he had no right to save so swings and round-a-bouts on that.

[Max Fowler]

Woah, that wasn’t Wood at left back?

Wood was sat in coronation gardens about 2.00 so assume he’s injured?

Got to be on his way out. Probably the player rumoured to be going.

Really hope not and it’s just an injury.

[waigO]

Firstly, well done to Richie and the boys. First game and a win with a clean sheet, can’t ask for much more. I thought we were losing our way a bit towards the end of the first half but we basically nullified any threat they had second. Was right by Richie, which was interesting, but more on that over the next few days. He still won’t be completely happy and we need to be better organised against better teams and make better decisions but a wins a win. Grimsby did alright on the counter attack first half but didn’t have much else about them.

Vigs - 7 - although it sort of hit him, great double save in the first half. His distribution needs to be quicker and he needs to make better decisions but he got a clean sheet. Nothing to do second half.
Hunt - 5 - solid enough start but he got caught out of position a few times and gave far too much room for crosses to come in. He’ll be good once he gets to know the squad a bit more.
Beckles - 7 - solid performance.
Happe - 8 - gonna give him an extra mark cos he was a rock despite probably not being 100% fit. Richie was talking to him loads and I’ll think he’ll really come on under Wellens.
Thompson - 5 - solid second half but was caught out 2-3 times first half and one should have put us 1-0 down. Not sure about him at RB.

James - 7 - hard to score him really. One of the best goals I’ve ever seen down Brisbane Road but I think he looked a bit lost as a CDM. Calm on the ball but didn’t look very interested in tackling. Feel like it’s a bit of a waste for our best player to be out of position.

Moncur - 7 - ran his bollocks off and finally scored us a pen. Didn’t do too much but got into some good positions and the attacking threat he brings from midfield will be key this year. He’s gonna be good for us.
Pratley - 6 - nothing of note but to be fair to him he ran and ran on a very hot day until the last second.

Sotiriou - 5 - did a fair bit of defensive running first half but he wasn’t really at it today. Still could have scored but he needs to do better if he wants to keep his place.
Smyth - 7 - was a big threat first half but should have squared the ball instead of shooting. Caused problems though but probably not best suited to that 9 role.
Archibald - 5 - was disappointed in him. Clearly got lots to give but was a ghost first half. Better second but his quality was lacking today.

Subs:
Clay - 5 - granted he’s not 100% sharp but thought he’d bring a bit more energy to midfield and he didn’t have a touch really.
Smith - 5 - nothing aside from chasing down the keeper. Could be a sign of what’s required of him from Richie though.
Sweeney - 6 - could of nice touches and a delicious through ball.

Agree Happe was fantastic yesterday. Hoping he can continue to show progress and become what we’ve all hoped for years.

Would probabaly just bump Hunt and Archibald up to 6s but otherwise agree! Hunt particularly had a great first half and Archibald, despite frustrating on occasion, did get the team going and into positions for chances.

[Hedmans Header]

Agree Happe was fantastic yesterday. Hoping he can continue to show progress and become what we’ve all hoped for years.

Totally agree Happe was brilliant yesterday,
easily one of his best games for the club..
Strong in defence and some great distribution..

[essexfootball]

I thought everyone was petty solid bar really Ruel was poor, Theo wasn't poor but he wasn't great till Orient were in front and he is better than that.

Happe was very good considering he has been out, Thompson solid, when the back four went to Thompson Omar Happe James it looked far more settled and Clay in front was running round pressing the ball carriers

[Give it to Jabo]

So glad to see Happe have an impressive game
There is a class defender in there simewhere. He's shown loyalty too.

[LittleMate]

Boco Island is still open isn't it?🏝🏝

I hope not . Wood is still a good left back . I'd rather it was one of Coleman, Brown or Sweeney that was leaving .

Wouldn’t put Sweeney in that grouping. Will be very much involved this season - great through ball played to Archibald btw.

Managers seem to rate Sweeney; they think there's a good footballer in there somewhere. Yesterday I thought he showed us a bit of that. It might also be that he's only ever played when circumstances have necessitated it. Today Richie put him on the pitch because he merited it through his efforts theses last few weeks. Its probably the first time he's ever walked off the pitch at the end of a senior competitive game a a winner. I hope he felt good last night.

[jamespevans]

I hope not . Wood is still a good left back . I'd rather it was one of Coleman, Brown or Sweeney that was leaving .

Wouldn’t put Sweeney in that grouping. Will be very much involved this season - great through ball played to Archibald btw.

Managers seem to rate Sweeney; they think there's a good footballer in there somewhere. Yesterday I thought he showed us a bit of that. It might also be that he's only ever played when circumstances have necessitated it. Today Richie put him on the pitch because he merited it through his efforts theses last few weeks. Its probably the first time he's ever walked off the pitch at the end of a senior competitive game a a winner. I hope he felt good last night.

Pedant time. He came on as a sub in our 3-0 win over Exeter at the beginning of last season.

[Orient Punxx]

Also had a very good loan spell at Wealdstone. Carlisle away last season, was a huge step back in his career. Although conversely a huge step forward for Ogie who replaced him at half time.

[Petrov788]

Vigs - 7
Hunt - 5
Beckles - 7
Happe - 8 - unbeatable in the air and comfortable playing out from the back and playing diagonal balls.
Thompson - 5

James - 6 - poor in CDM, until the goal. Hope we get someone in soon.

Moncur -7 - excited to see more of him
Pratley - 7

Sotiriou -5
Smyth - 7 - If he's available for 3/4 of the season we go up
Archibald - 8 - quiet first half, but excellent in the 2nd

Can't be bothered writing anything for all of them. A decent performance and we're not at full strength.

[ComeOnYouOs]

I didn't think Ruel was as poor as some on here think.
He worked very hard throughout.
Having said that, I think he will lose his place to Kelman on Saturday at Creepy

[Top of the JES]

I’d imagine, judging by the bench and the fact that sweeney came on, they’ve made the decision Hunt is first choice and are comfortable with Sweeney as a back up. Either that or Wood kicked off when Hunt came in.

Or perhaps he picked a knock in training on friday

[Top of the JES]

Vigs - 7 Not a lot to do - but what he did he did well.

Hunt - 6 Slotted in seemlessly at LB - despite not being match fit.
Beckles - 7 Reliable as ever.
Happe - 7 Nice to see Dan looking his old self, Solid and formed a good partnership with Beckles.
Thompson - 6 Not a natural RB but was Solid enough, Grew into the game. you can see why RW likes him.

James - 7 Clearly not up to speed fitness wise but calm on the ball and scored a beauty second half.
Moncur -8 Quality on the ball - I can't recall him giving it away, gives us a different dimenson, Confident penalty.
Pratley - 7 Hard to believe the guy is 37, was still making recovery runs in added time.

Sotiriou - 6 Didn't really happen for him in front of goal, but never stopped running.
Smyth - 7 - He will be dissapointed not to have worked the keeper with his opportunties today, but a real pain in the arse to mark.
Archibald - 7 - One sublime reverse pass first half to set up Smyth - Better second half when he was on the ball more and ran at them.

Clay - 6 Nice to see him back, did the normal CC things.
Smith - 7 Looked fresh and hungry, did well when he came on.
Sweeney - 6 Did well when he came on.

[JimbO]

When Playing as a CDM James was Pony gave the ball away several time and just before the goal threw it straight out for a goal kick.

When playing as the wing back was his usual self The cdm was an experiment that failed.

Having managed to catch one shot sweetly doesn't make you man of the match.

[Top of the JES]

When Playing as a CDM James was Pony gave the ball away several time and just before the goal threw it straight out for a goal kick.

When playing as the wing back was his usual self The cdm was an experiment that failed.

Having managed to catch one shot sweetly doesn't make you man of the match.

Literally no one on here has made James MOM have they ? I thought he did a bit better than OK there but he clearly wasn’t 100% fit and got caught on the ball a couple of times when they pressed him. he was in there as a stop gap until this CDM comes in. I thought it was odd starting him there with Clay on the bench, but RW knows best and we won that’s all that really matters,

[Adz]

Paging tuffers. There's a lot of people on this thread you need to set straight about the cdm role.

[JimbO]

When Playing as a CDM James was Pony gave the ball away several time and just before the goal threw it straight out for a goal kick.

When playing as the wing back was his usual self The cdm was an experiment that failed.

Having managed to catch one shot sweetly doesn't make you man of the match.

Literally no one on here has made James MOM have they ? I thought he did a bit better than OK there but he clearly wasn’t 100% fit and got caught on the ball a couple of times when they pressed him. he was in there as a stop gap until this CDM comes in. I thought it was odd starting him there with Clay on the bench, but RW knows best and we won that’s all that really matters,

I was in the supporters club after the game and he was man of the match in there.

[Max Fowler]

When Playing as a CDM James was Pony gave the ball away several time and just before the goal threw it straight out for a goal kick.

When playing as the wing back was his usual self The cdm was an experiment that failed.

Having managed to catch one shot sweetly doesn't make you man of the match.

Literally no one on here has made James MOM have they ? I thought he did a bit better than OK there but he clearly wasn’t 100% fit and got caught on the ball a couple of times when they pressed him. he was in there as a stop gap until this CDM comes in. I thought it was odd starting him there with Clay on the bench, but RW knows best and we won that’s all that really matters,

James is a much better footballer than Clay. Clay can play the ‘8’ role, run around and press, but not the ‘6’.

[Top of the JES]

I never saw James starting as a holding midfield player. I think RW looked at it and picked his best Eleven players and went from there, the only advantage of playing there is that you can get away with being less than100% fit.James adapted pretty well didn’t go on many if any lung busting runs until he went to full back.

Considering James and Hunt were probably no more than 80% fit we got away with it a bit on Saturday. Good we have a week on the training ground to get those levels up and hopefully/finally get in that elusive CDM.

When Wood, Drinan,Kelman,Ogie and the CDM are available, our squad looks pretty good. I would look to move on Sweeney and Colman either on loan or permanent.

[Chief crazy horse]

Sweeney was on his todd out wide on Saturday.

[RedDwarf 1881]

I never saw James starting as a holding midfield player. I think RW looked at it and picked his best Eleven players and went from there, the only advantage of playing there is that you can get away with being less than100% fit.James adapted pretty well didn’t go on many if any lung busting runs until he went to full back.

Considering James and Hunt were probably no more than 80% fit we got away with it a bit on Saturday. Good we have a week on the training ground to get those levels up and hopefully/finally get in that elusive CDM.

When Wood, Drinan,Kelman,Ogie and the CDM are available, our squad looks pretty good. I would look to move on Sweeney and Colman either on loan or permanent.

Yes, I’m also pleased we haven’t got a midweek game this week . It gives our players a bit more time to prepare for our next game. I also agree with your last sentence.