U23s v Villa U23s

[MadAmster]

Watching this courtesy of RamsTV. Watching because 5 of the senior players ore on view. Martin, Thorne, Blackman, Butterfield and Hanson all in the starting XI.

Over the opening 45 Derby had the most possession and pressed pretty much in the way we have see the senior squad do so in the 3 pre season games so far. Villa broke faster and with more purpose. Neither goalkeeper was troubled in the opening half hour. Just after that we lost the ball in their half, they attacked down their left with one of their players going down the inside left channel. Thorne closed him down and Gordon went to "help" but only succeeded in giving their winger all the time in the world to run into space and get a measured pass. The cross came in, a shot was well saved by Barnes, ball in the air, another shot well saved by Barnes, ball out to another Villa man who hit in first time into the left hand corner. No more than Villa's play deserved IMO. Derby then got even more possession and, on the stroke of half time, the ball found its way to Thorne on the right edge of their box. He beat the full back, managed to get a foot to it and pushed the ball to Hanson on the edge of the area. His first touch took the ball ove his marker, his 2nd was a left foot shot that sped just inside the left hand post. 1 all at HT

Martin doesn't look overweight and has been chasinh and harrying. A few deft flicks which the young uns didn't read. He is not up to speed yet but match practice can only help.

Thorne was far more mobile than he was at Mansfield. Plenty of good forward passes. Sideways amd backwards when there was no good outlet forward. Read the game well and set up the equaliser.

Blackman put himself about on the right wing but he needs to show more ability on the ball.

Butterfield has looked beter than he has for a while.

Hanson was the pick of the crop. Won't have done his squad chances any harm with this display.

I would also like to mention young Sibley, our left back. Solid defender who loves to get forward. Played well first half.

Martin hasn't come out for the 2nd half which probably shows where he is as far as fitness is concerned rather than being a comment on his play.

[MadAmster]

Forgot to mention Elsink looking good first half.

Even stevens opening quarter of an hour of the 2nd half. On the hour Butters was replaced. 3 minutes later a long ball down the Villa right saw a tangle of legs. Derby expected to get a free kick and switched off. Villa's right back pushed the ball on and crossed. The first shot hit Barnes and the striker put the rebound away.

Thorne, Hanson and Blackman off on 72.

Ijoma (sp?) the ex Arsenal youngster is on.

2nd half seems to be fizzling out into a nothing game.

Zanzala burst into the box but couldn't out muscle two defenders.

77 minutes : Great cross from Gordon which Zanzala volleyed only for the keeper to make a great save.

81 : Breakaway by Villa. Great save by Ravas

82 : Rams attack leads to a shot from 20 our, deflected for a corner

2-1 defeat. fair reflection.

[mistaram]

Forgot to mention Elsink looking good first half.



Even stevens opening quarter of an hour of the 2nd half. On the hour Butters was replaced. 3 minutes later a long ball down the Villa right saw a tangle of legs. Derby expected to get a free kick and switched off. Villa's right back pushed the ball on and crossed. The first shot hit Barnes and the striker put the rebound away.

Thorne, Hanson and Blackman off on 72.

Ijoma (sp?) the ex Arsenal youngster is on.

2nd half seems to be fizzling out into a nothing game.

Zanzala burst into the box but couldn't out muscle two defenders.

77 minutes : Great cross from Gordon which Zanzala volleyed only for the keeper to make a great save.

81 : Breakaway by Villa. Great save by Ravas

82 : Rams attack leads to a shot from 20 our, deflected for a corner

2-1 defeat. fair reflection.

Thanks for that MA I've been to busy with work today to either watch or go silly time to play football in this heat You obviously see more in Hanson than most

[MadAmster]

Thanks for that MA I've been to busy with work today to either watch or go silly time to play football in this heat You obviously see more in Hanson than most

I have been accused of similar with regard to Bennett as well

Hanson is, IMO, a victim of his own versatility. Only ever had a long run in a position when GT did his ACL and he had a run at DM. He played admirably. Since then it's been an never ending story of 2 games at right back, 1 at CH, a couple at DM etc etc. he also has a cracking free kick in him.

He is now at the point where he either gets a run at whatever his best position is or he ought to move on elsewhere to make a position his own.