It's time to see how good this kid is

[triz]

Today i think hendrick deserved a start but was quiet and ineffective overall. With us being at home on sunday and hopefully looking to have alot more possession i would be surprised if hughes didn't start. With that in mind i think it's time to show the world what he's made of. Is it all hype and bluster?can he perform on the big stage? I'm hoping sunday will be the day when Hughes really makes a for himself. I want him to take the game by the scruff of the neck like we know he can and dominate. I'm not saying it will happen but i know it can. The next 2 games is when legends are made, time to be a hero hughsey COYR!!!!

[su4eranio]

Funny how some see it. Walking out last night I said to mate how good Jeff was after the Team got their act together after that opening 20 mins.
I think we controlled midfield for 70mins of the game, and were always on front foot to launch counter acts, whilst really giving the back 4 excellent protection.
Not sure that Shteeeeve will change the midfield unless the game dictates a need to. We need to be solid and difficult to break through, and thats what this trio gives us.
Bryson did lots of work last night, but lacked that success in getting onto balls beyond the front man

[AdiSalisbury]

I agree, I thought Hendrick had a great game and played all the link up play just as well as Hughes normally would, and also nicked possesion high up the pitch where often we'd be backtracking. It wouldn't surprise me to see Hendrick get the nod again.

Note how it was Bryson who got the sub for Hughes, dropping Bryson might be the option for putting Hughes pack in.

[Bloomeram]

Not sure what viewpoint I have on the midfield last night. Bryson was a bit niave to give away a free kick in such a dangerous area, I also thought Hendrick didn't have a particularly sparkling game. I guess the over riding point is we won, away from home (again).

Not sure we need Hughes in the second leg, as it seems a case of not conceading rather than dominating midfield. We don't need to score, they do and our counter attacking style should see us through. Not sure if we need a wise older head in the midfield, maybe Eustace can play a role?

[ManxRam]

to be fair large parts of the game seem to bypass the centre of the park thus Bryson not having his usual authority. Both sides played with width and overlapping defenders so the ball didn't spend much time in the middle of the pitch.

Bryson will not be dropped IMO but its flip of a coin on Hughes/Hendrick and I would opt for Hughes in the 2nd leg.

[Toggles]

Hendrick had a good game, i thought. Not outstanding, but effective in winning and moving the ball on.

Thought Thorne sat a bit too deep. He shielded well, and still had a good game, but he didn't dominate and play the killer balls that he can do, last night.

[Gift_of_the_Gabb]

Hendrick did o.k for me, he tried to put himself about and push forward when possible, he was possibly the best of the midfield trio. Bryson covered the ground as always but was not his usual self. Thorne was steady and put in a couple of good tackles.

I think a major problem last night was that we struggled to link the midfield up with Martin, leaving him looking isolated.

[GangwayD]

A fantastic result but as a team performance I thought most we're par or below with the exception of Grant, Buxton and Russell.

Even Martin didn't have a great game but with two goals (he gets the second one for me)then you can't argue.

I know we can play much better especially with the ball but I'd actually start with the same eleven.

Hughes can come on and potentially change the game / keep the ball if needed.

I actually really fancy us to complete the job but there is certainly no "where you sitting at Wembley" from me.

Kind Regards
Gangway D from the terrace

[dcfcdavecov]

Hendrick for me. We're going to play the same way in the second leg, but with a bit more possession, and a bit more play through the middle, imo.

Don't forget, if it wasn't for 3 brilliantly cynical challenges, Hendrick's hard work and great intercepting ability would have shone through more.

Good old Jeffrey. He's becoming my favourite player.

[ellafella]

After last night it's not a bad shout to bring Hughes in. I think we lacked dominance in the middle of the park and Hughes and Bryson knit the middle together.

That said, Hendrick will remain in from the start on Sunday and Hughes will be warming the pine again.