Watched a good Hatters side play QPR last night, who played their first team for 45 minutes and despite Beckwith giving the boo boys more fodder by conceding a comedy goal in 30 seconds, I was impressed by what I saw - enough to believe that we will again be in contention for the top spot this season. QPR were never allowed to settle on the ball and were consistently pressed when in possession and even their quick passing game did not dampen the Town's spirit. The changes made on the hour saw the Hatters score three goals and win the match 3-1. I didn't expect that at half time! I like the way Brabin had them playing and I hope he opts for a settled side with not too much tactical changing of the personnel. Find the best 11 and let them gel as a unit and use substitutes to change things when needed. So how did they do individually?
Tyler: safe and assured - nuff sed!
Dan Gleeson: looked better than I have seen him last night and will not let us down on that showing.
Curtis Osano: Solid in defence and quick and tricky going forward. I'll stick my neck out and say he will be a crowd favourite after a few games.
Dean Beckwith: Comedy goal aside, ( I think he was on his mobile when the cross came over!), he did everything else OK last night so I can't understand the slagging he got from some fans on Outlaws. He won plenty in the air against big premiership forwards and cleared the ball without ceremony when he needed to. If Pilks is long term injured, as feared, and Blackett remains a week away from fitness for the next three months, Brabs will play Beckwith and he'll do OK.
Will Antwi: Another player whom I predict will become a crowd favourite. Passed it well, won high balls, turns quickly and played out of defence with some skill. Forwards won't like him clattering into their backs as he likes to put himself about. I felt he was still feeling his way a bit but has too much class for our opponents in this league.
James Dance: Looks quick and has some ball control and an eye for a cross. Ideal winger.
Jake Howells: Covered every blade of grass; never let anyone have the ball within catching distance without closing him down or challenging; robbed players in possession several times and has an incredible 'engine'. Must be the fittest player we've had in a long time. Man of the match was deserved. I'll be praying the transfer window gets closed before someone comes in for him, and if they don't will be praying the same in January!
Alex Lawless: Seemed to be working hard but not really able to get as much influence on the game as I know he can, especially in the first half. More effective in the second half.
Keith Keane: Close second for man of the match. Did what he does; closed people down and sprayed some decent passes around and intercepted some potential killer passes.
Aaron O'Connor: Looked lively but was well marshalled by some tall defenders in the first half. Should have had a goal but was blocked by a last ditch slide. He'll be a fine acquisition.
Danny Crow: Looked thinner than I expected with all the fatty comments on various 'boards' and ran willingly, just in the wrong directions for how some plays developed. Never really believed he would threaten the QPR defence. He will be useful taking on Conference defenders especially in the box because his low centre of gravity make him hard to knock off the ball and he'll win a few penalties like that. Not his best performance last night sadly.
Matthew Barnes-Homer: Where was he last night and who was the imposter wearing his shirt? He came on and moved around looking for the ball and communicating with his team mates. At one corner for QPR he was on the edge of his own penalty area and when Tyler collected it , MBH sprinted (read it again - sprinted) for about 70 yards to be available on the edge of the QPR box. It was great to see him react in the way he has. He has the talent and if he develops the consistency and a more busy work ethic he could be the league's top scorer. Brabin's post match comments suggest that their little rift, euphemistically referred to in the terms "I have spoken to him more than every other player and advised him how to improve his game", may be resolved. Let us hope so. Took his header very well for the equaliser. The game was tailor-made for him to score and he obliged.
Amari Morgan-Smith: Last year, never quite the player he was before the broken cheekbone, he looked hungry, fit and focussed, and scored a goal born out of pressing and putting the keeper under pressure when he could have been allowed to clear it unhindered.
Adam Watkins: I doubt the youngster will find a regular starting place but he should be nurtured and brought on gradually and should be the first name on the subs list. He is going to be a very good player, and has proved that with some consistent performances in pre-season.
Ed Asafu-Adjaye: looked comfortable in defence and should be another to break into the regular squad. Will do a job anywhere at the back.
I haven't seen enough of Poku and Lacey to have a confident opinion but they seem to have played well in the Trophy games last season and I don't think Brabin would worry about having to play either of them in injury or suspension situations.
Not playing last night: Wilmott is a certain starter and is going to be a great influence for us this season.
Freddie Murray: We all know what he can do and will be in the manager's plans when fit.
George Pilkington: If he can get his injury diagnosed and sorted will be the first defender on the team sheet. We all know what he can do.
Kevin Pilkington: No worries if he has to play.
Charlie Henry: Regrettably he is still long term injured and is unlikely to be fit this side of Christmas so we still know nothing much about him as he is yet to kick a ball in anger for us. I am beginning to wonder if he will ever play for us at all.
I still believe we need another striker and a top one if possible. I'm not sure that Nathan Elder is the answer but I wouldn't rule out the possibility that he will be signed as cover should the right player not be available for whatever reason.
Support: Can be the best in the League, certainly in numbers, but I really wish that the lads could be cheered on and off regardless of the result of a match, and that no player wearing the shirt should be booed because they are having a bad game.
Prospects for the season: Excellent. As much chance of winning the League as anyone.
Team for Telford (assuming no more signings)
Tyler
Gleeson Beckwith Antwi Osano
Wilmott (if fit)or Dance) Keane Lawless Howells
Morgan-Smith Barnes Homer
Bench: K Pilkington, Adam Watkins, Ed A-A, James Dance or Godrey Poku, Aaron O Connor
Bring it on!
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