One Hull of a Game

First home friendly of the season and up against the Alex were Premiership new boys, Hull City.  Last season we faced newly promoted Derby County, who were soundly beaten, though in truth, their team was somewhat of a reserve team.  However Hull had no excuses for their performance as all their first teamers players were on show.  A match report can be found on other websites, but let’s have a look at the pluses and minuses of the day.

Poor attendance of approx 1,500.  Pricing was about right, but lots of supporters claim they can’t be bothered to attend friendlies.  Why don’t the club offer a free ticket for a friendly game with every season ticket bought?  Might be worth trying next year?  Hulls massive following of 2 coaches failed to generate any atmosphere on a glorious summer’s day.

Of the Alex team, lots of positives.  Steve Collis in goal looks like he will be a good signing.  Confident and willing to come out to catch the ball.  In fact my young lad asked if that was allowed because I don’t think he had seen an Alex keeper do that before.  Also, a penalty save was another unusual event with Ben Williams never getting near any penalty faced.

The back four were steady without ever being stretched.  Is McCready good enough to be Baudet’s partner or will the club continue in their search for a dominant central defender?  Jake Buxton has been and gone, and the French trialist appears to be rather physical and not what we are looking for.   In truth, it was only in the second half that they were given something to do when Windass appeared, and gave his usual 100% commitment.

In midfield, Michael O’Connor was his now, usual efficient self, more than holding his own against the experienced Boateng.  Showed his pace when we were awarded our first penalty as he sped to retrieve the ball, expecting he would take the spot kick.  When Nicky went to claim the ball from him, Occy decided to throw the ball back from whence he had retrieved it – temper temper.  James Bailey doesn’t look ready for the first team yet, and was the weak link in the middle, poor passes and being caught a couple of times.  However it is more experience for him, and will hopefully learn from this game.  The two wide men, performed admirably again.  Boppy has been a revelation this pre season.  

From being a certainty to moving elsewhere, he is now a certainty to start the season as a first teamer, and now even tracks back to help his defence.  Joel Grant continues to show flashes of excellence, and will improve with more games played.

And now the biggest plus – Calvin Zola.  Gave the Hull defence a torrid time, winning most headers, and on one occasion even dribbling round the full back.  Two goals in the first three minutes was an amazing home debut, with a penalty just before the break completing his hat trick.  However, words of caution, as, a few seasons ago, I can remember seeing a newly signed forward scoring a hat trick in a pre season game, and much was expected of him – Jamie Morrallee, and he went on to fail to register any more goals.

Nicky Maynard finally scored his first goal.  Again a penalty, though whereas Zola’s penalty was somewhat of a scuffed effort, Nicky dispatched his with power and placement, giving the keeper no chance.

4-0 at half time, with Hull completely changing their side.  Have to say I thought Hull’s second half side, was better.  Geovanni looked tricky, and the tall centre half, Turner, led the defence well.  However, although saying they improved, they certainly looked a long long way off surviving in the premiership.  Sat by Brian Horton in the stand, his pre-game confidence had soon disappeared.  Didn’t appear to appreciate one lad commenting that Hull would have to get used to playing against this class of opposition this season.

Eddie Johnson replaced Zola at half time, but failed to impress.  On chatting with Steve Holland after the game, he commented that EJ hadn’t pushed his cause forward at either Wrexham or at today’s game, but they will persevere with him, and have another look at him, before making a final decision.

No goals in the second half, but Nicky went close on a couple of occasions., with a few other players given 30 minutes – the shaky O’Donnell, Rix, Carrington, Moore, Abbey and the impressive first year professional, Chris Clements. No run out for two other strikers – Miller or Pope. 

Overall a very solid display with Steve Holland commenting that he wanted to give the fans a good performance after the last Gresty Road abysmal showing.

Friendly results mean nothing, but it’s always nice to win, and I’m sure that Hull fans as they made their way home by rail, coach, car or trawler, will be scratching their heads as to the inept performance, with their Tigers failing to burn bright.

Preston next, and hopefully a few more will come and watch.