Interesting game that. You could tell that most of the first half line up hadn't really played for a fair few weeks. A lot of huff, puff and shouting for the first twenty minutes but very little actually was done. Douglas, Forshaw, Saunders and others looked a tad off the pace, but that is to be expected first pre-season game back.
Farid looked to win everything in the air and is certainly a presence up front. His header resulted in Douglas smashing in the rebound from close range. Leon got his he'd on most things, and couldn't really make a judgement on Craig as he only got forty five mins.
Second half was a lot more lively. Donaldson looked threatening and hopefully this could be his confidence regained. The more I see of Jake Reeves the more impressed I am. Whereas Douglas picks up the ball deep, ambles and plays a short ball forward (not necessarily a bad thing), Reeves will drop deep, pick up the ball and look to move it on at speed and with purpose. Tsoumou looked interesting. Doubt he'll score a lot of goals but he's powerful, direct and interested - would like to see him taken to Germany to get a bit more game time.
I have a niggling feeling that if Harry Forrester starts games for us then (other than the obvious jinx of this comment) he'll completely rip this division to shreds this season. Tonight, as with Hampton, he was involved and strong in the tackle, his movement and flicks were sublime and he's always looking to make things happen. Took his goal well, hit the post and created most things good in that half.
The left back (Redwood?) played well again. Didn't get forward as much this time, but defended well.
Good game all round I thought - final thing, some of Simon Moore's saves were excellent. He's a great shot stopper and I reckon he could be first choice come the start of the season.
