Having had the curious experience of watching AFC Dons vs Blackpool last week, I thought I would share my impressions of their current team.
My memories were of a half decent in the match at Portman Road and a very fine weekend overall, but as I won't be able to take my Blackpool supporting son (I know... shoot me down) to the game tomorrow we took in a new ground at the Cherry Red stadium. Took pictures of a replica FA Cup doing my best Mick Mills impersonation and found quite a lovely Pale Ale on sale, so I had a whale of a time with the males and females. Fail on the ticket, so I ventured into the home section while my 16 year old headed to the away end - fortunately, a cluster of iToboStewards (TM) parted way to let me join the Northerners in exchange for my ticket and a promise not to come back.
(Caretaker) Manager - looks like an SAS Badger. Likes a laugh with the players and a moan at the officials. Liked by the fans, he get's stuck in, bit like I remember from when he played for Blackburn and owner of one of the finest air kicks to grace the Premier League. Probably fancies the job full time if he get's some decent results in.
Goalkeeper - coped reasonably well with the apparent hurricane force in the first half, with a few testing corners and crossed. Good positioning. Hardly touched the ball in second and wasn't facing the finest strike force. Looked quite confident and has a decent length kick while occasionally finding his own players.
Centre Backs - Ex Norwich lump Husband likes to put it about. Didn't lose much in the air but could be a weak link on the deck and in the head. Quite a solid partnership with another no-nonsense big lad, but some sharp passes ought to open them up. They will eat Will Keane for breakfast and could be a real danger if they get set pieces near our box.
Right back - linked up well with Feeney, quite adventurous but didn't over commit going forwards or in the tackle. Sears could find some joy drifting out wide and Garbutt should get plenty of crosses in.
Left back - Wimbledon had a lot of attacks down the right with wind assisting most of them, tough match but part of a clean sheet nonetheless. I'd like to see us try and exploit the full backs, but through Bishop, Dobra or Judge rather than Edwards.
The midfield were all pretty lively but more diminutive. Lots of quick passing and attempts to play forward, often thwarted by their own striker. Feeney looks a cut above League One, very quick and skilful but maybe too good for his own team mates. We need to keep him quiet, maybe even a man marking job. Ronan was also a stand-out player, still a bit lightweight but great vision and ability. Likes a shot and not afraid to get stuck in, despite age and size.
Attack - Delfouneso is also a bag of tricks and pretty nippy, but needs a little more composure. Failed to score Blackpool's best chance after receiving the ball on edge of six yard box with goal gaping, then trying to beat 18 defenders when a first time whack/finessed pass into bottom corner would have paid dividends. Still a bigger threat than Gary Madine, the one time goal machine. He's certainly a strong lad but lack his of mobility and general lack of cohesiveness with the team offered little to trouble the well organised, but still rather non-league Don's defence. Chambers will probably have a 'mare.
Blackpool weren't a bad team but Wimbledon are so should have won by a couple of goals. If Town are up for the game we may still find it hard work, and the lack of goals in recent games won't help. A fit commanding Huws and lack of mishaps at the back will help, and I can still dream of promotion if Bishop and/or Sears start and give a vintage performance. All we need is a run like Liverpool and we may even be champions...
Good luck to anyone travelling up to the game tomorrow, give yourself plenty of time and cheer the Blues to a much needed win. |  |
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