Alfreton yesterday

[selby]

  For those who could not get because of the England game here is my take.
  We played two full sides one in each half, and both were a mix of first team and younger players, and included the three transfer listed players.
 Amos and McCullough were the stand out players for me in the first half both showing great control on a lush pitch although obviously a little hard and bobbly.
  Going forward we were not so good, players working hard Mandeville and Alfie having a couple of runs, but the final ball and running into space leaving a lot to be desired.
  They did however pressed well when not in possession and worked hard off the ball, Mason got forward and Anderson looks imposing, Butler making it look easy,but a lack of penetration at both  ends not making it a classic.
  The all changed side in the second half, were kicking down the slope, Marquis soon livened things up in attack, Wright and Garrett were the central defenders Kiwomya wide left and the young Irish lad wide right,  and Blair in midfield.
   Both wide player are very very fast, Watters looking a prospect and Whiteman standing out in midfield.
   No Roe or Coppinger highlighted our lack of adequate cover for them, Garrett looked good and made the goal putting in a good ball to Wright picking him out in a crowded area. Lund was having a good game then got skinned on a run. but played OK.
  Danny Andrew made a come back looking rusty as you would expect, but got into the game as it went on, Marosi looking as though he now has picked up on the sweeper goalkeeper role from the World Cup.
   So my take, impressed McCullough, Watters,  Anderson, Butler, Wright,Whiteman,Amos, The three listed players, as good as most of the others, Mandeville with his runs and turns past defenders, Garrett composed, and Lund apart from one mistake steady away.
 Disappointed Ben Kemis( although playing on the right side of midfield instead of the left) Kiwomya ( frustrating) Blair(not a midfielder) and the interplay of both sets of strikers, the final pass not up to much.
    If you disagree or agree, please say so and discuss, as for Alfreton I really enjoyed it,  a nice pint in the club, a great bacon sarnie, and chatty welcoming supporters, I hope they do well, and were a decent side.
 

[DonnyOsmond]

I like the sound of 4-3-3 which we probably need a couple of midfielders. Sounds like there was plenty of movement which is the most annoying thing of recent years, nobody wanting the ball and moving for it.

Sidenote Watters is from Kent.

[since-1969]

It wasn’t that interesting to watch as typified by the low turn out . Some players  showed interest in flashes like Mandeville Anderson Butler and Khamis,  but over all they paced them selfs and opportunities to score were few and far, i counted just one  corner kick for Rovers in the entire game. A good work out I suppose , but with little to show what we will all expect to see at Southend on the opening day . It was nice to see Lund and Mandeville again but whether they staying was hard to tell.  Grant McCann must have his own impressions of players by now .   

[The Red Baron]

One of the Trialists who came on for Alfreton in the second half was Reece Fielding, who was released by Rovers at the end of last season.

[sedwardsdrfc]

Thanks Selby good to hear feedback on games like this. The true test for Garrett and Lund etc is when they get put under proper pressure with the ball and in defence hopefully they get that soon in pre season and do well.

[selby]

  Mandeville with the ball at his feet in tight situations and his back to goal, is by far the best forward we have got.
  He has to get his motivation and attitude right, or he will throw it all away. He has the talent to be a very good player,it is up to him now.