Myhill wasn't troubled really. Couple of poor kicks, otherwise very quiet. The defence as a whole did very well before the changes. Noticeable improvement in distribution. In fact, the football was far, far better then anything else in pre-season. Dawson regularly dropped back to try and pick up the ball from Myhill. Collins and Turner picked it up to and thought about it a bit more, Welsh dropped back to try and take it off them. Dawson was the pick of the players. Had a very good game at both ends. Combined very well with Elliott and got around the back twice. Laid on our best chance for Elliott with a lovely reaching header. Turner looked very solid against quality opposition. Was unlucky not to score - Taylor tipped his goal-bound header onto the bar. The game suited Collins and he headed almost everything. Thelwell looked untroubled and turned up in support of Fagan. Lynch's only contributions were 2 very good throw-in's, a panicked hoof into row Z and his comedy slip.
Welsh and Marney formed a nice partnership. Welsh swept in front of the defense and Marney picked up everything behind the front 2. They weren't used as effectively as they might have been, the ball often played down the line or over the top of them, but when they were in the game, things happened. Marney was assaulted 3 times by Gavin McCann as he tried to keep up with him. Marney's got great feet, good acceleration and a good brain. He made a great chance for Duffy (offside!) in the first half and buzzed around the Villa box. He's getting better and better. Out wide, Fagan had a fantastic duel with Bouma, leading to another incident as Bouma pulled Fagan down by the neck when running at goal. Fagan was busy and generally pretty effective. He has the odd bout of head-down syndrome, when there are far easier options. He's exciting though and he scared an international defender. Elliott looked tired, but was effective. Played great off Dawson and missed our best chance, hitting the keeper from 8 yards when 1 on 1, maybe should have dinked it over him.
Up front, Burgess put in another good shift, but didn't sparkle. He's desperate to impress, but tripped over the ball and ran into a defender when trying tricks. As the old fashioned centre forward, he was effective, knocking down for Marney to hit wide, turning and crossing for Duffy (offside!) and Elliott to get in each other's way and causing a general nuisance. Still carrying some weight, and not in the right shape to take on WBA, a slot which must surely be Paynter's, but making good progress. Looking sharp, strong and hungry. Long may it continue. Duffy (offside!) is a frustrating player. He plays a silly game on the shoulder of the defender and is either the world's thickest forward, or is discriminated against disgracefully. Mmmm. He's still never had those great passes to play off since Stoke away, and as a result, is running around looking for scraps. Possibly as Marney beds in, we may see the best of Duffy, but with McPhee on the way back, he needs to start producing the goods. Paynter had another good shift as substitute, all over the pitch, holding the ball up and bringing people into the game. Had little supply towards the goal.
Another good work out, only this time, a much better Tigers performance. certainly provided some hope after the 2 dour derbies.