Due to train issues, didn't get home until late and not in the right frame of mind for posting then; tbh still feel like that, but here goes...
The defensive line up yesterday was the same as the one in the last friendly v Huddersfield, so they weren't slung together for the first time in this match, which is the way their play suggested in the first half. There seemed to be a tendency whenever we got set pieces or possession to pass it backwards, something which wasn't so evident in the friendly, unsure if it was express instructions from Micky and team or as a result of the lack of options further forward. However Jamieson especially, but Robinson also didn't look that comfortable in possession, the near miss og from Jamieson being an example. Byrne as the senior pro in the central defensive trio didn't offer much in the way of leadership. Haven't heard any definitive explanation for Hockenhull's absence from the bench, if he was available then Byrne could have moved into the centre of the three giving a more balance. It's a shame that Turnbull isn't the new Goody, capable of slotting straight into the side without a pre-season!
There was a sharp contrast between our play on the left and right-hand sides. JDC on the right was alert to his defensive duties, there was some good link up play with O'Connor and McAlear setting up promising attacks and most of our threat came from that outlet. By contrast virtually nothing came from the left. Bristow had positive reviews for his pre-season, but felt his inexperience showed in this game, he appeared too far up the field almost detached from the defence and didn't seem that involved defensively. Hawkes who was notionally on the left, though with a free role rarely got involved with any link up play around that side. Lewis made minimal impact when he replaced Hawkes. Sadly, Micky won't consider it, but I'd like to see Merrie replacing Hawkes, as a foil for Bristow to link with and because we need a decent corner-taker. McAlear did have involvement in the goal from a corner, but most of his other corners were poor, in an otherwise promising performance.
Up front there was little. Hemmings took his one chance well, but there was a lack of good balls in and around the box for him that had been evident in pre-season. Nevitt had one good chance and put it wide, therein lies the difference. Yesterday the forwards were feeding on scraps. Certainly additions are needed to the forward line, I don't think Mumbongo when fit will solve all the problems. It might have been worth giving Taylor a few minutes yesterday, his pace could have posed some different questions to the Stevenage defence.
I felt that because of the influx of new younger players, we needed to hit the ground running and make a positive start. That hasn't happened and the fixtures coming up feel harder as a result of what happened v Stevenage. For all of the talk of a more attacking approach, that wasn't apparent in this game. Who knows what next...