Just got back, Ba stand out player in the first half, very impressed. Got stuck in and passed the ball around well.
First time seeing Cook, looks a tidy little player.
Bauer very comfortable on the ball and looks pretty good, we desperately need another CH, Diarra made two mistakes that in the Championship would have led to goals.
Makeniok didn't do a lot, but he was tidy and as comfortable on the floor as in the air, difficult to rate on this showing.
Aherne-Grant looked very sharp and showed his speed. Pope made a couple of good saves, he's filled out and is looking huge in goal.
We were pretty much all over the Daggers for the first half, the worrying thing is that our forwards don't look like scoring and only took the lead via an own goal.
Complete change for the second half with the kids playing, Holmes-Dennis showed some good touches and scored a great goal.
Best player for them was their right winger (Jones I think) looks like he will be a handful in their division.
Not a bad little night out, don't think we'll see all the youngsters Saturday though
Went to this. I have not read what others have said yet. I don't think things are looking good based on that display, and I worry for the West Ham game, but yes pre season, fitness, experience and all that, don't read too much into it I know all that. Perhaps the real thing will improve the performance of the team, plus having more first teamers in the side. I first of all think we are desperately short at the back, or in central defence. I was yearning for a player like Ben Haim. Age and inexperience in that position are handicaps for Diarra, Patrick was so so at best, indeed the youngsters in the second half looked better in central defence. Fox was ok, so was Solly who crossed for the own goal. Ba did well, as did Charles Cook, Watt was enthusiastic, but Mackienok did not look all that to me, KAG was out wide which I didn't think suited him, JBG searching for fitness and getting into the groove. Second half. Kennedy better in midfield than up front as he was at Welling. Pigott disappointed, the Trialist was average, Umerah was OK, needs more experience, Konsa moved up to midfield played well, not much final ball from a positive Nego, THD was OK, took his goal well (but Dagenham were pretty poor throughout), however I enjoyed the second half much more than the first, mainly due to worries about central defence, and disappointment regarding Mackienok. Liked my visit there, great view, easy journey. Trying not to read too much into it, but not wonderful, however if we don't progress against Dagenham in the cup something will be seriously wrong. Sorry, but very underwhelmed.
The centre back situation is clearly at crisis point (or approaching it) with just over a fortnight till QPR. We need two proven top notch championship centre halves in the next two weeks; nothing less will do. At the moment I am wishing we had kept Ben Haim and Johnson..... They must have been prepared to get others in before letting them go.
Went to this. I have not read what others have said yet. I don't think things are looking good based on that display, and I worry for the West Ham game, but yes pre season, fitness, experience and all that, don't read too much into it I know all that. Perhaps the real thing will improve the performance of the team, plus having more first teamers in the side. I first of all think we are desperately short at the back, or in central defence. I was yearning for a player like Ben Haim. Age and inexperience in that position are handicaps for Diarra, Patrick was so so at best, indeed the youngsters in the second half looked better in central defence. Fox was ok, so was Solly who crossed for the own goal. Ba did well, as did Charles Cook, Watt was enthusiastic, but Mackienok did not look all that to me, KAG was out wide which I didn't think suited him, JBG searching for fitness and getting into the groove. Second half. Kennedy better in midfield than up front as he was at Welling. Pigott disappointed, the Trialist was average, Umerah was OK, needs more experience, Konsa moved up to midfield played well, not much final ball from a positive Nego, THD was OK, took his goal well (but Dagenham were pretty poor throughout), however I enjoyed the second half much more than the first, mainly due to worries about central defence, and disappointment regarding Mackienok. Liked my visit there, great view, easy journey. Trying not to read too much into it, but not wonderful, however if we don't progress against Dagenham in the cup something will be seriously wrong. Sorry, but very underwhelmed.
Went to this. I have not read what others have said yet. I don't think things are looking good based on that display, and I worry for the West Ham game, but yes pre season, fitness, experience and all that, don't read too much into it I know all that. Perhaps the real thing will improve the performance of the team, plus having more first teamers in the side. I first of all think we are desperately short at the back, or in central defence. I was yearning for a player like Ben Haim. Age and inexperience in that position are handicaps for Diarra, Patrick was so so at best, indeed the youngsters in the second half looked better in central defence. Fox was ok, so was Solly who crossed for the own goal. Ba did well, as did Charles Cook, Watt was enthusiastic, but Mackienok did not look all that to me, KAG was out wide which I didn't think suited him, JBG searching for fitness and getting into the groove. Second half. Kennedy better in midfield than up front as he was at Welling. Pigott disappointed, the Trialist was average, Umerah was OK, needs more experience, Konsa moved up to midfield played well, not much final ball from a positive Nego, THD was OK, took his goal well (but Dagenham were pretty poor throughout), however I enjoyed the second half much more than the first, mainly due to worries about central defence, and disappointment regarding Mackienok. Liked my visit there, great view, easy journey. Trying not to read too much into it, but not wonderful, however if we don't progress against Dagenham in the cup something will be seriously wrong. Sorry, but very underwhelmed.
I'm sure the own goal came about after we had the ball for about 3 minutes and 30 passes but as no one else has mention the Barcelona type passing it may of been a dream ? Not sure what to make of the two different teams tonight but it's all about the minutes and not the results. I thought German Patrick looks smooth on the ball, and Ba looks decent, Simon the Dane is a Target man but is he a goal scorer ? Time will tell. Homes-Dennis can strike a ball.
Went to this. I have not read what others have said yet. I don't think things are looking good based on that display, and I worry for the West Ham game, but yes pre season, fitness, experience and all that, don't read too much into it I know all that. Perhaps the real thing will improve the performance of the team, plus having more first teamers in the side. I first of all think we are desperately short at the back, or in central defence. I was yearning for a player like Ben Haim. Age and inexperience in that position are handicaps for Diarra, Patrick was so so at best, indeed the youngsters in the second half looked better in central defence. Fox was ok, so was Solly who crossed for the own goal. Ba did well, as did Charles Cook, Watt was enthusiastic, but Mackienok did not look all that to me, KAG was out wide which I didn't think suited him, JBG searching for fitness and getting into the groove. Second half. Kennedy better in midfield than up front as he was at Welling. Pigott disappointed, the Trialist was average, Umerah was OK, needs more experience, Konsa moved up to midfield played well, not much final ball from a positive Nego, THD was OK, took his goal well (but Dagenham were pretty poor throughout), however I enjoyed the second half much more than the first, mainly due to worries about central defence, and disappointment regarding Mackienok. Liked my visit there, great view, easy journey. Trying not to read too much into it, but not wonderful, however if we don't progress against Dagenham in the cup something will be seriously wrong. Sorry, but very underwhelmed.
You can't read much into these games and a number of our players need to settle into a totally new environment. That said, in the first half, I was impressed with both Ba and Regan Charles-Cook in central midfield - each of them were always looking for the ball, showed quick feet and were very willing to get stuck in. We look to have some strength in this area now. Bauer looks to pass out from the back and looked very comfortable but we need to see how he fares against higher grade opposition. I like Diarra but am worried that he'll be exposed for pace against some of the speedy strikers in the Championship. We know we're desperately short in that position and that we'll be fully tested next month.
Up front, Simon Makienok looked a bit slow and static to me and I suspect he's a guy who needs to get his mojo back after a very difficult year in Italy. Hopefully we can help him do so. KAG was out of position but still looked menacing and I think we may see a fair bit of him this season.
The second half wasn't bad and I enjoyed seeing some of our younger players, although, as expected given their age, I don't think many are ready to seriously challenge for a place in he first team squad this season. I thought that Joe Piggot led the line intelligently. Umerah, the young lad from who scored all those goals for the Under 18s last season (including the winner against Brentford in the National Final), snatched at a couple of chances and seemed to lack a bit of awareness but time is on his side. This type of game will help his and some of the other lads' development - any sort of participation in a first team game must feel significant.
Overall, an enjoyable evening, enhanced by a few pre-match pints in the Eastbrook pub, just past the ground. Decent beer and an eclectic collection of signed sports photos above the bar, including David Cross with the FA Cup in 1980, some 1966 World Cup Final photos, the late Barry Kitchener (a fine one-club man) and a collection of boxers, including Alan Minter and Terry Spinks of Canning Town.
I was there last nigt and have to say was not impressed by the first team players, in particular the new signings look out of their depth the best player for me in first half was Karl Ahern-grant, was every where even making good tackles in defence and willing to try and beat the player in attack. The youth team looked a lot better and it was an enjoyable second half.
Went to this. I have not read what others have said yet. I don't think things are looking good based on that display, and I worry for the West Ham game, but yes pre season, fitness, experience and all that, don't read too much into it I know all that. Perhaps the real thing will improve the performance of the team, plus having more first teamers in the side. I first of all think we are desperately short at the back, or in central defence. I was yearning for a player like Ben Haim. Age and inexperience in that position are handicaps for Diarra, Patrick was so so at best, indeed the youngsters in the second half looked better in central defence. Fox was ok, so was Solly who crossed for the own goal. Ba did well, as did Charles Cook, Watt was enthusiastic, but Mackienok did not look all that to me, KAG was out wide which I didn't think suited him, JBG searching for fitness and getting into the groove. Second half. Kennedy better in midfield than up front as he was at Welling. Pigott disappointed, the Trialist was average, Umerah was OK, needs more experience, Konsa moved up to midfield played well, not much final ball from a positive Nego, THD was OK, took his goal well (but Dagenham were pretty poor throughout), however I enjoyed the second half much more than the first, mainly due to worries about central defence, and disappointment regarding Mackienok. Liked my visit there, great view, easy journey. Trying not to read too much into it, but not wonderful, however if we don't progress against Dagenham in the cup something will be seriously wrong. Sorry, but very underwhelmed.
I was there too... If you weren't impressed last then I'd hate to think of what you thought of Sint Truiden!
I thought we did OK tonight. Pope made some good saves. A full pre season in the starting XI and he could go into the start of the season confident and ready if Hendo is out. Diarra was sloppy. Fox and Solly were OK. Bauer looked decent.
JBG wasn't too busy but had one good shot which I think was well saved. Ba was the stand out as has been said and I though Charles-Cook was out of his depth a little bit. Seemed to be following the ball a bit but credit it to him - he didn't stop trying and won it back a few times after losing it. KAG done well on the left but not his usual position. Watt and Makienok were also OK.
I enjoyed the second half a lot more. There was less playing it around the back 4 and it seemed more direct. THD looked decent. The two centre backs were sloppy and Nego needs to eat more! Cracking strike from THD but the defending was awful for it.
Kennedy looked the midfield were generally tidy - Kennedy the standout for me.
I thought Pigott done well compared to most others. Was the target man. Umerah should've scored one on one but I thought he and Pigott were too similar to play with each other.
I enjoyed the match and also thought Ba looked decent. We played a 442 and although it gave us width I'm not sure if it would be my first choice formation.
Diarra looked vulnerable in a centre back 2, maybe he would be more comfortable in a 3 where his lack of pace would be less exposed. The width in a middle 4 came from JBG and AG hugging the touch line but left considerable distance between the centre 2 meaning they were constantly tracking across. When play broke down it was generally due to the space between players unable to pass and move in triangles etc.
I left the game thinking wingbacks would give us width and JBG could tuck inside where he would be able to get on the ball more and drift into space between the opposition defence and midfield, I really would like to see him used as a number10 rather than a winger.
Big Mak looked average, didn't really hold the ball up or link up midfield and attack and for his size thought he'd be stronger and have greater presence. Igor and TW with JBG floating in behind would be my first choice in attack.
We are 3/4 new players away and a less rigid formation from being decent champ team. It's your call Roly.
Went to this. I have not read what others have said yet. I don't think things are looking good based on that display, and I worry for the West Ham game, but yes pre season, fitness, experience and all that, don't read too much into it I know all that. Perhaps the real thing will improve the performance of the team, plus having more first teamers in the side. I first of all think we are desperately short at the back, or in central defence. I was yearning for a player like Ben Haim. Age and inexperience in that position are handicaps for Diarra, Patrick was so so at best, indeed the youngsters in the second half looked better in central defence. Fox was ok, so was Solly who crossed for the own goal. Ba did well, as did Charles Cook, Watt was enthusiastic, but Mackienok did not look all that to me, KAG was out wide which I didn't think suited him, JBG searching for fitness and getting into the groove. Second half. Kennedy better in midfield than up front as he was at Welling. Pigott disappointed, the Trialist was average, Umerah was OK, needs more experience, Konsa moved up to midfield played well, not much final ball from a positive Nego, THD was OK, took his goal well (but Dagenham were pretty poor throughout), however I enjoyed the second half much more than the first, mainly due to worries about central defence, and disappointment regarding Mackienok. Liked my visit there, great view, easy journey. Trying not to read too much into it, but not wonderful, however if we don't progress against Dagenham in the cup something will be seriously wrong. Sorry, but very underwhelmed.
bloody hell. It's pre-season ffs. Half the players don't even know each others name let alone their game. The time to worry, or not, is about 4.50pm on Saturday 8th August, not now.
Very good summary from Essex Al above. I'd like to have seen more from Makienok, albeit just a psf game; Piggott was much more willing to come short and receive the high ball. Ba and KAG were the picks and I reckon Luzon was referring to the latter as one of his four forwards with differing qualities, so expect to see him in contention at times. Also well done THD; strong and quick on the overlap as well as the fine goal.
I was there last nigt and have to say was not impressed by the first team players, in particular the new signings look out of their depth the best player for me in first half was Karl Ahern-grant, was every where even making good tackles in defence and willing to try and beat the player in attack. The youth team looked a lot better and it was an enjoyable second half.
So you weren't impressed by Ba?
Very strange, I thought he ran the game in the first half!
To add to what I said.... Jodi Jones was good for them. Only 17 too...
Agreed Rugby, I didn't realise he was only 17, looks a prospect.
I didn't know his name until he was substituted late in the game, but looking at him with his pony tail and dark skin, I was expecting to hear a Spanish name rather than a Welsh one!
Hopefully! Luzon certainly rates him. If Ba continues to impress against better opposition we might see those two as the defensive platform allowing Cousins more freedom to roam - as long as it's not out wide!
Comments
First time seeing Cook, looks a tidy little player.
Bauer very comfortable on the ball and looks pretty good, we desperately need another CH, Diarra made two mistakes that in the Championship would have led to goals.
Makeniok didn't do a lot, but he was tidy and as comfortable on the floor as in the air, difficult to rate on this showing.
Aherne-Grant looked very sharp and showed his speed. Pope made a couple of good saves, he's filled out and is looking huge in goal.
We were pretty much all over the Daggers for the first half, the worrying thing is that our forwards don't look like scoring and only took the lead via an own goal.
Complete change for the second half with the kids playing, Holmes-Dennis showed some good touches and scored a great goal.
Best player for them was their right winger (Jones I think) looks like he will be a handful in their division.
Not a bad little night out, don't think we'll see all the youngsters Saturday though
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-33620937
I don't think things are looking good based on that display, and I worry for the West Ham game, but yes pre season, fitness, experience and all that, don't read too much into it I know all that.
Perhaps the real thing will improve the performance of the team, plus having more first teamers in the side.
I first of all think we are desperately short at the back, or in central defence. I was yearning for a player like Ben Haim. Age and inexperience in that position are handicaps for Diarra, Patrick was so so at best, indeed the youngsters in the second half looked better in central defence. Fox was ok, so was Solly who crossed for the own goal.
Ba did well, as did Charles Cook, Watt was enthusiastic, but Mackienok did not look all that to me, KAG was out wide which I didn't think suited him, JBG searching for fitness and getting into the groove.
Second half. Kennedy better in midfield than up front as he was at Welling. Pigott disappointed, the Trialist was average, Umerah was OK, needs more experience, Konsa moved up to midfield played well, not much final ball from a positive Nego, THD was OK, took his goal well (but Dagenham were pretty poor throughout), however I enjoyed the second half much more than the first, mainly due to worries about central defence, and disappointment regarding Mackienok.
Liked my visit there, great view, easy journey.
Trying not to read too much into it, but not wonderful, however if we don't progress against Dagenham in the cup something will be seriously wrong.
Sorry, but very underwhelmed.
Not sure what to make of the two different teams tonight but it's all about the minutes and not the results.
I thought German Patrick looks smooth on the ball, and Ba looks decent,
Simon the Dane is a Target man but is he a goal scorer ?
Time will tell.
Homes-Dennis can strike a ball.
Up front, Simon Makienok looked a bit slow and static to me and I suspect he's a guy who needs to get his mojo back after a very difficult year in Italy. Hopefully we can help him do so. KAG was out of position but still looked menacing and I think we may see a fair bit of him this season.
The second half wasn't bad and I enjoyed seeing some of our younger players, although, as expected given their age, I don't think many are ready to seriously challenge for a place in he first team squad this season. I thought that Joe Piggot led the line intelligently. Umerah, the young lad from who scored all those goals for the Under 18s last season (including the winner against Brentford in the National Final), snatched at a couple of chances and seemed to lack a bit of awareness but time is on his side. This type of game will help his and some of the other lads' development - any sort of participation in a first team game must feel significant.
Overall, an enjoyable evening, enhanced by a few pre-match pints in the Eastbrook pub, just past the ground. Decent beer and an eclectic collection of signed sports photos above the bar, including David Cross with the FA Cup in 1980, some 1966 World Cup Final photos, the late Barry Kitchener (a fine one-club man) and a collection of boxers, including Alan Minter and Terry Spinks of Canning Town.
The youth team looked a lot better and it was an enjoyable second half.
I thought we did OK tonight. Pope made some good saves. A full pre season in the starting XI and he could go into the start of the season confident and ready if Hendo is out. Diarra was sloppy. Fox and Solly were OK. Bauer looked decent.
JBG wasn't too busy but had one good shot which I think was well saved. Ba was the stand out as has been said and I though Charles-Cook was out of his depth a little bit. Seemed to be following the ball a bit but credit it to him - he didn't stop trying and won it back a few times after losing it. KAG done well on the left but not his usual position. Watt and Makienok were also OK.
I enjoyed the second half a lot more. There was less playing it around the back 4 and it seemed more direct. THD looked decent. The two centre backs were sloppy and Nego needs to eat more! Cracking strike from THD but the defending was awful for it.
Kennedy looked the midfield were generally tidy - Kennedy the standout for me.
I thought Pigott done well compared to most others. Was the target man. Umerah should've scored one on one but I thought he and Pigott were too similar to play with each other.
Overall a good run out for first team and youth.
Diarra looked vulnerable in a centre back 2, maybe he would be more comfortable in a 3 where his lack of pace would be less exposed. The width in a middle 4 came from JBG and AG hugging the touch line but left considerable distance between the centre 2 meaning they were constantly tracking across. When play broke down it was generally due to the space between players unable to pass and move in triangles etc.
I left the game thinking wingbacks would give us width and JBG could tuck inside where he would be able to get on the ball more and drift into space between the opposition defence and midfield, I really would like to see him used as a number10 rather than a winger.
Big Mak looked average, didn't really hold the ball up or link up midfield and attack and for his size thought he'd be stronger and have greater presence. Igor and TW with JBG floating in behind would be my first choice in attack.
We are 3/4 new players away and a less rigid formation from being decent champ team. It's your call Roly.
Very strange, I thought he ran the game in the first half!
I didn't know his name until he was substituted late in the game, but looking at him with his pony tail and dark skin, I was expecting to hear a Spanish name rather than a Welsh one!