The trouble with Smith is that he's never been a natural goal-scorer, you saw that on saturday when he had a one-on-one. I'm sure the coaching staff have been working on that aspect of his game, but there is a clear contrast with Pigott, who has always scored goals wherever he's played. He is a terrific crosser though and you saw that as well, when he sent over a peach of a cross for Cook to head over. He's been doing that a lot for the under-21's, and although it might seem strange for such a tall player I'd rather see him as a winger.
Very pleased for young Pigott, a first half hat-trick is great, even in a friendly.
Let's be clear though, banging in three against Welling in a pre-season friendly is very different to playing away from home against strong sides like Forest, Wigan, QPR etc - there is a huge gap between these levels.
As others have said, just look at how long Smith is taking to come through for proof of how long it can take.
I am not disagreeing, but we must also acknowledge that we have been playing Welling in pre-season friendlies for some time and not many players (any) have bagged themselves a first half hat-trick. If we had just bought the lad, some people would be getting excited.
Just watched the highlights. Thanks for posting those. Yann looking superb, Pigott took his chances very well. JJ looking good and I thought Fox looked decent at left back.
I've seen us play "kids" over the years, that have had teriffic games & never got a sniff & disappeared without trace. I won't be getting too excited. (Although Pigott & Kermy did look v good).
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I won't be getting too excited. (Although Pigott & Kermy did look v good).
Beat Spanner XI. 4 - 2