Firstly, truly shocking news about Joey Beauchamp, he was a real idol for so many people when he was playing for OUFC. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
So onto the game yesterday.
Superb is all I can say. Yes Charlton were truly dreadful, and offered very little after the first ten mins, we really expected them to offer so much more. In spite of this, we were excellent - amazing goals, great team play and battling, superb support from a great turn out of OUFC fans, and a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
I do have a couple of observations tho....
-Our managing the game (ie the sh**housery!) is getting quite extreme now hence the stupid yellow for Brown, Stevens catching the ball throwing the ball up the pitch, Matty slowing every free kick down....yes we need an element of it but do we want a reputation as only doing that? We didn't need to yesterday really, we were so comfortable. Other teams are starting to notice it, I'm sure the officials will, and we really don't want to be called the new Wycombe or Stevenage do we?!
-Williams must play regularly now, he shows fight, control, some aerial ability, and an incredible ball to Matty for his second. He did well on the left but I'd like to see him on the right.
-I think Sykes, tho he played really well yesterday out wide, is a bit wasted there, his drive is more penetrating and useful in midfield....but if we are only playing two centrally then not sure where else he plays....maybe the Whyte role yesterday (tho Gav was on fire too!)....we'll lose him in the summer which is a shame as he is so skilful and is good at the dark arts too.
-We were lucky that our lack of defensive depth wasn't tested too much, McNally was very solid and strong throughout, and we were lucky Brown wasn't tested too much when he came on, a good game for him to get some time playing and working with the defence. If the back 3 can tighten up and work as a team maybe Seddon could thrive in the LWB role as he can get forward and create and is quick but he needed a bit of a rest to recharge himself and get the fans off his back.
-The bloody traffic on the M40 and A40 was shocking yesterday!! Why did the whole world decide to travel to London at 11am yesterday?!
Anyway, despite the JB news
it was a good day out, onto Crewe now, I'll hopefully be there, it certainly will be an interesting final 13 games!
COYY's!!