Enjoyable evening and plenty to be encouraged about. Overcame conceding an early penalty, got the equaliser and then had several really good chances to lead before the break during which we dominated. Dylan Asonganyi got himself another brace in the second half and we were comfortable throughout and had a few other decent efforts.
The standout performer was Asonganyi. He’s defintely playing as a central striker now, often on his own as his partner (Jay Bird) dropped deep a lot. However that wasn’t an issue as his ball retention was excellent. He’s one of those strikers that plays with his back to goal (watch some of our fans struggle with that!) and relies on good balls into feet that he can turn and beat the defender on. He did it repeatedly last night, or if he didn’t, it was a quick give n go and he was into space. Very strong at backing into the defenders and holding the ball. Reminded me of the way Kenny Dalglish used to play the game (one for the teenagers there
). I’m sure he won’t be physically strong enough to do that in a central role for us just yet, but his agility will still mean he’s a handful. Add the fact that he can finish too, and we have a bit of a gem on our hands.
As for the others, Kasumu, Tapp, Sole, Bird & Bell all looked really good prospects, but with a fair bit to go yet. I believe I’m right in saying that a lot of those out there are 1st year scholars, so this team has plenty of time to develop over the next eighteen months.
They face Cardiff at home next, some time before the 16th December. Definitely worth watching.