Ah
Well, in my defence the general consensus around the crowd was that it had hit the back of his heel and gone into the net.. Was the other end of the pitch so I just took their word for it.
Anyway, a very professional performance from the youngsters, with plenty of classy touches and moves to suggest that this is a good crop. Defensively we looked vulnerable to the high tempo stuff that Leeds were playing, and tbf they had a few decent players of their own, but (in the second half especially) we kept them at arm's length, broke forward with slick precise passing, and you got the impression we had a couple more gears to shift up into if needed. The Leeds players were much bigger than our guys in terms of their physique, so to boss the game the way we did in the second half was very impressive. The Leeds fans were very quiet, they knew their famed academy was getting outclassed by little tinpot Reading, and they didn't like it.
In terms of the style of play, it was pretty similar to the way Adkins had us set up at the back end of last season. 2 deep midfielders, and 3 attacking midfielders interchanging behind a central striker with the 2 full backs bombing forward. Excellent to watch at times, though there was plenty of passing around the defence which will have upset a few, especially as it was an error from said passing that led to the Leeds goal. Saying that though, experience is the best way for these guys to learn and for the most part they kept the ball very well against a Leeds forward line that didn't give them any time.
Player ratings for those interested:
Ward - Only really troubled from long range, and he dealt pretty well with most that came his way. Took control when the ball was in the air which is always nice to see, and his distribution was okay. 7
Watson - Quick, marauding full-back who is still quite slight so struggled when the ball was knocked in the air towards him, Defended well though, and offered a decent outlet going forward. Distribution needs to be worked on though. 7
Dickie - Mmm. I h8 to be negative about younger players, but he was caught with the ball over the top far too often. A big lad, but doesn't really know how to use his size yet and was a little clumsy on the ball. Won just about all his aerial battles though. Has potential. 6
Hyam - Yeah, this guy is classy. Doesn't have the stature of Dickie, but makes up for it with good pace and a quick footballing brain. Composed on the ball too, but a slack pass led to the Leeds goal. Can see why he got given a pro deal. 7
McLennan (sp?) - Apparently he's a winger turned full back, and it showed at times with him getting caught out positionally. But he's quick, strong, tall, and good on the ball. I liked him, one to watch. 7
Stacey - Barely got into the game first half, but he found more space in the second and his technical ability was clear to see. Not sure he has the pace to be a winger (which is where he started) but he definitely did a job and has a lovely right foot. Should have scored after being put clean through but a heavy touch took it through to the keeper. 6
Kuhl - The embodiment of class. His awareness of what's around him when he receives the ball means he has so much time, and as a result he can dictate games in the way he did tonight. Defensively not quite all there yet, but if he progresses he'll be a serious player. 8.5
Fridge - Now then. Earlier in the week Maffff joked about him being a combo of Sig and Bryn.. Admittedly there isn't much Brynjar in him, he's a slender little chap who lost concentration in the middle occasionally and was constantly being nudged along by Eamo and DD.. BUT.. there were some moments of exquisite quality to come from this guy. When the ball came into him his first touch was always sublime, taking him past an onrushing Leeds defender, and then he'd have the vision to pick a couple of defence splitting passes. He doesn't quite have the attacking verve of Gylfi, but if you can imagine a version of Siggy that would sit in a deep midfield role then I think this guy would come pretty close. Very raw, but the highlight of the evening for me. He also has a bullet long throw that would cause any team trouble. 8.5
Fosu - Interesting one. Drifted in and out of the game, disappearing for long periods, but when he was involved there was normally something to come from it. Missed a glorious chance, (apparently!) scored a lovely back heel, smashed one against the bar after a good bit of footwork, and linked up nicely with Cardwell at times. Promising, but quite a way off. 7
Kelly - He's very small, very slender, but oozes quality. A few of his touches had the Leeds fans gasping as their defenders fell flat on their faces, and his delivery was consistently excellent. Bullied a little in the first half, but came into his own in the second and is another big prospect, as long he puts a bit of weight on... 8
Cardwell - A tall striker who works the channels well, is a threat in the air, and has pace and a decent touch. Given he's only a first year this was a very promising performance. Took his goal well, should have had another but shinned it, but it was the way he stretched the Leeds defence and linked up with the midfielders that most impressed me. I liked what I saw from him tonight more than anything I saw from Ikpeazu tbh.. 8
Shaughnessy - Rangy Irish midfielder, not particularly quick but looks like he can pick a pass. Didn't get much of a chance to impress though. 6
