Originally Posted by
gazan
Tbf, Wartman, you're assessment is almost right. One of the major differences was that for 80 minutes Harrogate were quicker and hungrier and generally well organised and were prepared to use anything to help them get a result. However, there was little skill evident. For the Alex, there was skill evident. Tabiner, despite his recent positive performance was hardly given the ball in the first half. However, when he did get it, it was clear he could handle it. Mcdonald claims not to be skillful but has an eye for a pass. Finnegan has plenty of skill on the ball. Unfortunately, his body shape sometimes causes an awkwardness. And Uwakwe reminded us that he signed as a LWB/winger ( so shouldn't be used as full-back in a back 4!). His goal also showed us that he can play with the ball. It was such a sweet touch with the outside of his foot that killed the ball but not dead but just enough for it to move away a little bit to give him room to swivel and shoot.
After watching the game, it was clear to me that there is some talent but maybe it is being straitjacketed. There were so many repetitious moves:
All of Richards' long kicks went down the left but nothing came from that side; every time we got the ball wide on the right it was then channelled back to the centre halves to play narrow. Nothing came of it until Tariq laid on a perfect through ball for Agyei to get the penalty.
I could be wrong and it could be that a lot of the players can't think things through but it looks formulaic to me.
So, what I'm saying, Wartman, is that yes, they were poor (not very) but there is talent in some of the Alex players.