Thursday, October 28, 2004

Match Report 041026 at Milwall: The B Team wins

3-0 against Milwall is not bad a result, but the match was overshadowed by the ugly Milwall fans' chants on Hillsborough.

Frankly I found the B team not too effective, especially for the midfield. It looks to me as if the center midfielders have no connections with the wings. And despite Sinama-Pongolle and Mellor working so hard, it was only until Baros came in and score the 2-0 goal that we were finally secured the game. Having said that, I think it's a good team result. Rafa also mentioned he will use the B team in the next round against defending Champion Middlesborough. Let's see if it works or not.

Player Rating:
Dudek: 7 Solid as usual. Keep challenging Kirkland please.
Josemi: 6.5 No real crucial task during the whole match.
Henchoz: 7 If this game is to show his potential next employer, it's a really good show
Whitbread: 7 A very good debut for the young lad.
Traore: 6.5 The only survivor from the Charlton game. It's really amazing Rafa has turned him from a no-hope player to a decent player.
Potter: 7 A fine assist and also his corner created the first goal. Well done young man!
Diao: 7 Scored a goal! It really amazed me.. but his defence is still very poor...
Biscan: 7 "overshadowed" by Diao as he didn't score... just kidding, I think he plays quite well.
Warnock: 7 Another good assist as well. Good job!
Sinama-Pongolle: 7.5 A fine display form Florent but unfortunately he was injuried... He was creating lots of chances. I in particular like his unselfish pass to Mellor in 1H.
Mellor: 6.5 Tried hard, but couldn't score... Still need to improve a lot, he may be our Sherringham.


Substitutions:
Baros: 7.5 Showed the young lads how goals are scored. He keep the Milwall defenders busy, but was too stupid to earn a yellow card (luckily it's not red)
Finnan/Riise: Not much to do for the short time on the pitch.

Rafa: 7 He tries the B team and works. Though it still need to be tweaked.

Milwall: 3 Both the players and the fans show no discipline.

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