A slightly dull first 40 minutes where they contained us well…then a crazy next 60 that could’ve been pretty much any score. How they didn’t score with their trio of chances at 3-2 I’ll never know - it’s clear there’s still work to be done for us to find the balance between being a threat going forwards and susceptible defensively.
Closing out a game at home to Aldershot really shouldn’t be that stressful, but as a fan give me this ‘Keegan’s Newcastle’ set-up over the ‘respect the point’ days of Ardley any day.
Slocombe - 7.5 - Couldn’t be faulted for either goal and made a brilliant save at 3-2 which got us the win. Handling and kicking exemplary throughout. Great to see after a difficult start to the season.
Brindley - 6 - Solid enough first half before making way for the attacking change, which was the right one to make.
Lacey - 7 - Sounds like the ‘injury’ he came off with was just cramp, which is great news as he showed again he is way too good for this level. Rock solid defensively and distribution was first class, created the opener with a brilliant long-range pass to Rodrigues.
Cameron - 6 - Slightly at fault for first goal and definitely at fault for the second (if we agree that it wasn’t a free kick), but made amends with a good header of his own for our second. Distribution good throughout and a threat going forward.
Kelly-Evans - 6 - Better at full back than at wing back. Seemed unlucky that his goal was ruled-out but needs to offer more going forward.
Palmer - 8-* - Best signing we’ve made, hard to find a weakness in his game and can play any midfield role comfortably.
O’Brien - 6 - Non-stop work rate and scored a decent goal which was ruled out, but distribution hit and miss to say the least.
Taylor - 6 - Did ok, good cross for the DKE goal which was ruled out. Looked more solid defensively down his flank throughout.
Roberts - 7 - Anonymous first half, then sprung to life in his more natural habitat on the right wing second half. A constant threat after the switch, and deserved his winning goal. Only blemish was an unnecessary headbutt which would’ve meant losing him for three games had it been spotted by the ref.
Rodrigues - 6 - Never quite in the game, yet still created two goals. Mucked in with the defensive side well, particularly second half.
Wootton - 7.5 - Led the line brilliantly and scored a good goal. Scored in every game so far…who needs that ‘marquee striker’ now?
Mitchell - 7.5 - Very, very impressive. Slightly out of the position on the left wing but along with Roberts on the other side, helped to change the game. Quick, strong, skilful and still only 23, he looks a real find.
Rawlinson - 7 - His sort of game to come into, led the late aerial rearguard well.
Francis - N/A. Not really enough time to judge.
Burchnall - Yet another positive, proactive half-time sub to put us under the front foot. How refreshing to regularly see such decisiveness and adaptability along with such a positive style of play of course. Cannot remember any manager ever being so willing to change things so early in games.
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