Got home at 9pm (earlier than usual), had fish & chips, watched Match of the Day, now here's some rubbish from me without yet reading any match reports or other comments.
First half from us was moderate at best as Shrewsbury looked much more 'up for it' than we did, playing a very physical game which was aided by the referee, who by the end of the match I think had upset both sets of supporters. Hesketh especially, and John-Jules were far too lightweight to compete with them and Grant could hardly get into the game.
No surprise to see Hesketh go off (whether he was injured or not) or John-Jules. In the second half after the equalising penalty it was only the woodwork (twice) and Shrewsbury's keeper who kept them in the game - he must have been their man of the match. Throughout the whole game I can't remember Vickers having a serious save to make. I thought Shrewsbury were a bit similar to the way we've been playing in that they tended to over-elaborate instead of getting in a shot at goal.
We did well defensively - apart from Bolger almost letting them in just before the end - and in midfield, Coventry looked by far the best of the new(ish) players and was a good partner for Morrell. Was a bit disappointed in Elbouzedi, although he did better than Hesketh, and I thought we missed Anderson a lot.
Overall, happy with a point although we deserved to win.
Just a few comments with a difference of opinion from your own.
Thought John Jules was a
real class act and his ability to play passes into his team mates was exceptional.As soon as he received possession he had already visioned the next pass and executed it well.( eg Walker`s chance on highlights)
Up against some tough defenders he didn`t hide and was decent in the air.
This new lad could be a perfect foil for Walker but yesterday our wide positions supplied little service from the flanks and that needs to improve to get the best out of our strikers.(best opportunities yesterday were from shots from distance)
To me Coventry had a quieter contribution and seemed to occupy the same ground as Morrell on some occasions keeping deep and not looking to be a threat moving forward(,it`s early days).Unfortunate to give the pen.away and also pick up a yellow in a game of crunching tackles in which our small sized midfielders were out muscled in the challenges in the air and on the ground.(MOC would have relished the battle.)
Elbouzedi showed flashes of skill and if we can get Eardley further forward then our new winger will benefit from that support as opposed to lone attacking down the right hand side.
One game seeing the new prospects perform was very encouraging.(second half weather conditions were poor.)
Relishing the game Tuesday but the weather forecast gain is horseshit for Lincoln,40mph winds and rain............could spoil it a bit?
Love to put Bolton to the sword,as we all would.