As expected, Stoke provided the first real test of the pre-season. One report refers to a gulf in class but that's a mater of respective. Stoke certainly buzzed around in midfield and at times the Alex couldn't get the ball. However, end products from this midfield dominance were rare and the two goals conceded were defensive errors. When Crewe had the ball going forward they looked quite good and I don't think this is an area of concern (albeit when Jack and Shilow are back plus a couple of signings). It's at the back /without the ball that there's more worry. I'm still not convinced by Connolly and both Hutchinson and Billington got caught out overcommitting a few times. Having said that they both performed well going forward, particularly Billington.
Good performance again by Sanders. March is a defence botherer and will do well. O'Reilly showed good feet. Lunt also got stuck in - it was the kind of game he enjoys.
Have to confess, I thought Booth was Waller all through the game. Has he bulked up for this season?
Still need more experience to add while we wait for Lankester and Tracey to return. There were a couple of others missing ( a striker and CH) but they were not missed ....at all! 😉