Good performance from the lads yesterday, particularly first half, against a very strong looking Havant side. Completely dominated the first half and played some really lovely stuff. First goal was rather fortunate, with the keeper kicking the ball straight into his defenders back side and Matt Bodkin tapping in the rebound, but the 2nd and 3rd were great team goals finished by Jack Harris, with the impressive Steve Watt supplying an outrageous back heel for the 3rd. Second half was a little bit of backs to the wall with a little tiredness and substitutions kicking in but the 3-2 final score line was richly deserved.
I thought Steve Watt and Ollie Rowe looked fantastic at the back and really didn't give the dangerous Jason Pryor a sniff all game. We looked decent at full back with Davies having a strong game but don't really like seeing Cole back there and be good to see what Reece Butler can add. Johnson and Wilson looked busy in midfield whilst Crutts was excellent once again and appears to have added both a yard of pace and some extra muscle to his game. Young Harry Stannard looked a box of tricks and worked really hard, just needs to fatten up a bit and add a bit of strength as Crutts has done. I think Jack Harris already looks a different player from last season and his finish for the 3rd was fantastic. Havant really struggled with him all day. And finally, in Matt Bodkin, we had the best player on the field. Reminds me greatly of Billy Medlock. Not sure he will get the goals Billy got us but his pace, skill and particularly movement were a joy to watch and can see him being a real crowd favourite this season.
So a really decent performance heading into the South Park opener. I think our first 11 look strong with Frannie Collin and Reece Butler to come back, but still worry about our bench and back up as I have yet to see any youngster even close to making the breakthrough. But with a bit of luck and no injuries or suspensions, particularly to Watt and Rowe, then I think we will have a cracking season.
Not much to disagree with in that summary John. I'd just add though that, among the many, it was also a very good performance from Simon Johnson. And a great second half move that led to Wayne Wilson's curling chip against the bar! Also, although H&W were better organised and stronger in the second half, we did gift them their first goal through a goalkeeping spill. I've no doubt that a week before the start of season they will have been surprised and disappointed to be on the wrong end of a competitive and entertaining five goal game. Well done U's.
Good game to watch and agree with most of the above but I thought Richard Davis was my MoM but it was a great team performance. Just need to take that into the league and I think we will be at the to at the end of the season.
