Need to do more with the second ball because their defenders were struggling to get distance on their headers and the ball was dropping in areas where we should have been able to challenge for it. Our defenders, particularly Pearce, who looked a lot more comfortable knowing that the ball was going to go to them rather than the opposition centre forward. Glad to see more pace in the back line and Hector did well in his natural position, please keep him away from CM from now on Nige.
Still feel we need a better balance in the middle but the inclusion of a specialist Centre Midfielder in Akpan helped in that regard today. Need more creativity in there as well as we look like we are going to struggle to score goals this season without it but hopefully we will get better there once Jem and Williams are back.
Need a LB and another forward and we will be set.
Federici - Not much to do, made a good one on one save in conjunction with Hector. Defenders looked a lot more comfortable and confident on the ball with him in goal. Set up a couple of good attacks as well. 7
Gunter - His usual weaknesses weren't really tested by Tabb. Good going forward, couple of decent interceptions and some testing crosses including the goal. 7
Hector - Been saying he was never a midfielder and proven right
. Promising display in his natural position. 8
Pearce - Much more assured with Federici behind him. Tested defensively a couple of times in the first half, once surprisingly at a corner, but got over it. 7
Cummings - Excellent header on the line near the end. Coped well despite being out of position. 8
Akpan - Did the simple things well and having a natural midfielder in their gave us a better balance than we had with Hector there. 7
Obita - Tried his best. Want to see him on the left more often though. Good defending on the line in the first half. 6.5
Taylor - Took the goal well. Still yet to be convinced whether he will be able to gain a regular place in the team. 7
Blackman - Anonymous really, will be fine there until McCleary comes back. 6
Cox - Again, pretty anonymous but could have scored early after some good work. Early signs of potential in his link play with Pog. 6
Pog - Typical Pog performance jumped for headers a couple of times which was a shock. Lead the line well and relieved pressure at the end with his run deep into their half. 8
Subs:
Edwards - Looked willing and able. Gave them a bit of trouble with his hassling, couple of naïve moments but promising other than that. 6
Cooper - Did well on debut at a testing time defensively. 6
Stacey - Not enough time to make a proper impact. N/A