Player ratings
Travers- 5 has all the attributes to be a top goal keeper in the future, but isn’t ready to be starting at this level yet. Looked very vulnerable whenever the ball was played into the penalty area, there were a number of occasions in which our back line really could have done with him relieving a bit of pressure by coming out and clearing everything before him. Was very lucky that the referee incorrectly disallowed the goal in the first half, as he appeared to collide with Billing and hit the deck. Currently not able to command his area well enough to be first choice.
Zemura- 7 very promising display considering it was his first ever league start. Always provided an outlet going forward and a lovely underlapping run for the second goal. Was a bit worried about him defensively but he stood up to the test in that department. Was beaten at the far post for the first goal but it’s hard to be critical of him for this as he can’t help the fact that he’s about four foot tall. He was quite rash with some of his defending at times but often his pace allowed him to recover the situation.
Smith- 6 looked a bit vulnerable defensively early on but grew into the game. Always up and down and some nice underlapping runs to link up with Brooks. Solid but unspectacular display.
Kelly- 7.5 took on a leadership role and looked very composed throughout. The ideal centre back to be playing when you want your back four to hold a high line. Did however lose his man for the second goal, a tad harsh perhaps to highlight in an otherwise faultless performance.
Mepham- 7 pretty solid. Did the basics well. Cleared his lines when he had to, battled for everything and made a couple of nice interceptions. Can do a job at this level when he focuses on the basics of defending.
Kilkenny- 8 in patches put in the complete midfielders performance. Excellent range of passing, exceptional work rate and retrieved possession on numerous occasions. Was unable to sustain it for the entire game but it was his first league start against probably the toughest opponent he could face at this level, so let’s cut him some slack for that. At times plays like a senior pro, very classy on the ball.
Billing- 7 although not his most impactful game on the ball, he did play an important role in pulling opposition players out of position and creating space for his team mates. Involved in both goals and played a peach of a cross that nearly led to a third. Seems to really be enjoying his football, work rate was spot on.
Marcondes- 7.5 I get the feeling this guy is going to be huge for us this season. He has that knack of perfectly timing his late runs into the penalty area, as demonstrated by the goal. Always felt like something would happen when he was on the ball in and around the area. Used the ball well and made some very intelligent runs, looks like a top signing.
Brooks- 6 the least effective if the attacking quintet. Best work came when threading passes through to the underlapping smith. Was not able to impact the game as he would have liked but was still very unlucky not to get in the scoresheet. More to come from him I hope.
Anthony- 7.5 a very intriguing player. Most young wide players will look to take on their full back at any given opportunity, for Anthony his natural inclination is to try and find a team mate. A lovely intelligent cut back for the first goal and a truly sublime reverse ball to JZ in the build up to the second. His ability to spot a pass and weight it perfectly at the right time really is quite impressive. He can make a big impact this season.
Solanke- 6.5 battled manfully against three giant centre backs. Provided a threat in behind and brought others into play nicely at times. Lovely skill in the build up to the Brooks chance (although the ball did quite clearly go out of play) and had a decent effort to win it when played through on the angle. A decent showing.
