110% Football

Harrogate Town Vs Blackburn Rovers XI

0-3: Pre-Season Friendly!

03/08/2011

RATINGS:

Harrogate Town:

Mark Cook – Well today we saw the good and the bad sides to Cooky’s game, during the game he made 4-5 top class saves from long range efforts and a couple of decent reflex saves, the one that stands out to me is the header from point blank range that he kept out superbly. However through all these top saves his error in the second half from a corner really let him down, came out to try claim the ball but missed it and the Blackburn striker buried the ball into the unguarded net. If he can iron these mistakes out though he can definitely become a top keeper at this level. -6.5

Greg Wright – Not impressed with this lad at all today, throughout pre-season I have thought he looked a bit suspect and he didn’t improve my opinion of himself today. He doesn’t seem very comfortable on the ball and for a team without and wingers that is big trouble to start off with because if we don’t have wingers we want our full backs bombing up and down the whole game and I don’t think he got past the halfway line once. Defensively he was also caught out on a few occasions mainly due to his lack of pace or positional sense. My honest opinion on him is that I don’t think he’s up to the job; wish we had Dom Roma back! - 4.5

Adam Nowakowski – He got a good work-out today from a pacy strong attacker and it was my first opportunity to see how he performs as a central defender. I think he did ok to be fair to him, won most things in the air although he needs to learn when he’s not going to win the header to just hold back and not get sucked in. I also noticed he clears the ball from the back quickly with no hesitation which is good but sometimes I would like to see him having a look up and picking someone out with his forward balls as at times they were a bit aimless. Also a lack of pace and physical strength may hinder him.  I don’t really want him been our main choice central defender but id be ok with him to play there as cover for injuries or maybe just the odd game. – 6

Matt Bloomer – A Harrogate Town stalwart of the last 3 seasons, the longest serving player at the club. Thought he played ok today, was his usual self getting stuck in when needed to and still looked decent for his age. The only downside was his mistake he made for their 3^rd goal, he dallied on the ball and lost possession and they ran through and slotted into the top right of the goal. You could see his disappointment with himself as he blasted the ball away in anger. He’s experience though and I’m sure he will come back strong! – 5.5

Craig Radcliffe – Did himself no harm today, don’t think he’s been offered contract yet so he’s still here on a trial basis. Defended well throughout got stuck in, wasn’t given the run around at all by the Blackburn winger. The thing I liked about him was that he got forward well, something which Greg Wright was lacking, although his final ball let him down most occasions I’m sure he can work on that and improve it in time. – 6.5

Simon Baldry – My MOM! Well this was my first sighting of this lad, I’m guessing he must be on trial, did a bit of research and he’s a 35 year old winger who has played over 100 games for Huddersfield and played or BPA and Guiseley recently. Was very impressed with him the time he was on the field, for his age he got about well and won every header that he challenged for. I also liked the way he kept trying to link up with the midfielders. Good display from him! -7

Laurie Wilson – One of the 3 central midfielders on show today, when he had the ball at his feet he looked good but I don’t know if its just because it pre-season but he didn’t seem to do much when it came to tracking back and getting stuck in, I saw quite a few Blackburn players plough straight through the middle of central midfield, not saying its all Wilson’s fault by any means the other 2 are just as guilty. I also would’ve liked to see him offer himself a bit more in terms of attacking sense, I want to see and hear him wanting the ball and play quick one twos to get the ball moving. Has to show more when the season starts! - 6

Michael Tait – This will be a very similar report to Laurie Wilson, when he had the ball at his feet he looked more lively but I want to see him tracking back and shouting for the ball when were in an attacking situation, I want to see the central midfielders dictating the play! - 6

Ian Ross – Again quite similar to the other 2 central midfielders as in I want him demanding the ball and I want him to make things happen which he didn’t do today but Ross looked like he has a bit more quality on the ball, played a couple of nice through balls and looked bit more up for it than the other 2, also got stuck in a lot better and is physically stronger than the other. I think he’s out best midfielder in the squad! – 6.5

Stephen Turnbull – I don’t like to see this lad played out wide but I think this is what Weaver wants to do with him, from what I’ve seen he’s certainly not a wide midfielder, he lacks pace and trickery but played in a more central pole I think he will show his more creative side and his movement in midfield should help creates chances. Still a good player if played correctly. - 6

Paul Brayson – Really don’t like how Simon Weaver is using him, he’s a proven goal scorer yet he seems to be played more as a target man style hold the ball up sort of player on his own up front. When he got the ball played to him today he did well, never gave it away but I don’t want to see him with his back to goal I want to see him linking up with another striker and actually turning and getting some shots away. Play him properly Simon! – 7

SUBS:

Liam Hardy – Was pleased to see him played in his favoured position as a striker having been played right midfield in the last few games. Looked lively when he came on linked up well and closed down well. Should’ve scored though Brayson played him in and he completely mistimed his left foot effort - 6

Jonny Allan – Again very pleased to see him given some time on the pitch, did well when he came on a few neat touches, and a good move from him broke down when Tait shot wide. I like the look of him though and I reckon him and Brayson would make a decent partnership. - 6

Lee Elam – Had a shocker, don’t think he’ll have played a worse game than he did tonight, don’t think he passed to a Town player once seemed to think he was playing in Amber and Black. Hope fully just a bad day at the office, if he’s given another chance he should have the experience to overcome this performance. - 3