After half an hour, we looked to the skies and prayed it'd be less then 10-0. At full time, we were absolutely gutted that a superb second half revival hadn't earned us at least a point. For the first 30, WBA were better then anything we'd seen last season. They caused problems down both wings, passed crisply, moved brilliantly on and off the ball and should have been 2 or 3 up. Only a brilliant Bo save, a post, 2 missed chances and 2 brave blocks kept it at nil nil.
Parky spotted a weakness and swapped Elliott for France, which completely changed the game, France defended well and attacked even better. We started to create a bit and Marney should have scored. After the break, we took the game to them and were completely on top, wasting 2 great chances. While taunting WBA fans with "You're not singing anymore", the caught us with a sucker punch. We immediately missed a great chance to equalise and in injury time, we were denied a BLATANT penalty when Inamoto stopped Welsh tapping in at the back post by hacking him down. The ref had given them everything, all afternoon. One city fan invaded the pitch to offer him his glasses. He needed them. As bad a decision as Kenny on Green at Sheff U last season. Diabolical. We had a go at them in injury time and fell to another sucker punch, no harm in that.
There was plenty to be proud of. We didn't go to defend. We had to, because they gave us a chasing, but we went with every intention of having a go, and we did. We moved the ball slickly. Where possible, the defence tried to pass it. They were composed and clam. Delaney did a wonderful job of picking it up from throw-in's and hitting balls to Parkin, not in his vague direction, but to him. Welsh picked the ball up and carried it up field, looking for options. Dawson and Ricketts looked to get it on the floor and carry it at them. It was very pleasing on the eye at times.
Bo made on great save, but otherwise untroubled because they failed to hit the target. The defence stood firm and won a lot of ball against the magnificent Hartson and lightening quick, Ellington. They made mistakes, as they will, but they looked very assured as a four already and made plenty of vital blocks, deflections, tackles and clearances. It was a very encouraging start. Delaney, the skipper, led his team fantastically. If he can perform consistently at the same level, he won't be shifted from this team by anyone.
Elliott was withdrawn because he wasn't at the races defensively. After that, the midfield did very well. Fagan and France caused problems when they could and worked hard defensively against the incredibly dangerous, Gera and Greening. France was outstanding. Welsh and Marney made a good start. Marney supported Parkin and Duffy well and got onto things that dropped off the front men. He faded as the game went on and lost a couple of opportunities due to a heavy touch, but continues to impress. He wasted the best chance of the first half by snatching at a shot. Then prodded straight at Davies after a Ricketts cross hit the post. He should have buried it. A goal will do him the world of good.
Parkin and Duffy combined well. Duffy made lots of runs, harassed defenders and made himself available. Again, a very encouraging performance. Unfortunately he wasted our best chances, heading over at the back post and then smashing just over when 1 on 1 just after they scored. Parkin was withdrew for fresh legs, and Burgess had a decent stint, getting involved and looking much looser then he did last week.
If you want positives, there are plenty. We went away against a top side and had a go at them. We defended stubbornly. The players looked ready to give everything for the cause. Ricketts, Marney and Turner look like they've played alongside their team mates forever. Duffy and Marney look like they'll score bagfuls, if they sneak one. Parkinson made substitutions that affected the game positively. It could have been 3-0 to them, 3-0 to us and should have been 1-1, but WBA are a very good side. Hartson is the best striker in the division, and he made the difference. But at times, we made their £8m rated defender, multi million pound midfield and quality full backs look ordinary. Barnsley should be interesting, because a performance like that second half will see us win comfortably. Here's hoping.
Ratings: Bo 7, Ricketts 7, Dawson 7, Delaney 8, Turner 7, Fagan 6, Elliott 5 (France 8), Welsh 8, Marney 7, Parkin 7 (Burgess), Duffy 8 (Andrews).
If you are driving in for the Derby game, note that the A63 will be closed from the Humber Bridge to South Cave from 18:00 saturday until Sunday morning, so plan a way around it. Pass this onto any Derby fans you know.