Ramballs

The Pirelli stadium, even on a cloudy and rather muggy afternoon, is a pleasant ground to go and watch a game of soccerball. Parking isn’t too bad and even leaving the ground didn’t take that long so I as I drove back home down the A38 I admit I had a feeling of satisfaction about the few hours that preceded my journey.

When I arrived I was already aware that the teams would be having a complete change at half time and I didn’t mind given that it was the first game since May and I was just happy to see 22 blokes kicking a ball of wind for 90 minutes. I also entered the ground knowing full well that this was a pre-season friendly which meant it was never going to be a classic, rather it would be a warm up match with little in the way of excitement. I wasn’t far wrong either.

The first half was slow and the ball spent a lot of time in the middle of the park. Early on, Barnes had a couple of opportunities which he squandered and later in the half Croft was faced with a keeper way off his line but he didn’t have the composure to slot the ball away. Savage looked lively although he knocked a few passes short of their target, something which everyone was guilty of today. Savage also threw himself on the floor desperately looking for a free kick even though every member of the 3514 strong crowd could tell no one had touched him. I hate diving by any player and I think it’s down right pathetic to do such a blatant dive in a friendly. My ill will towards Savage in slowing diminishing but, if he starts his own Christiano Ronaldo tribute act this season, those feelings may bubble to the surface once again.

Porters goal came from a corner played in from the right hand side. The ball flew across to the far post and was met by trialist Patrick Kisnorbo who headed the ball back across the face of goal where Chris Porter met it with his head. One nil to the Rams.

The second half started out as a much more lively affair; Steve Davies played in a corner from the left where Kisnorbo headed against the angle of post and bar, Teale came close after a good run down the right hand side and Steve Davis also had a chance. Neither team were going to go sliding into challenges but there was some strong play at times with McEverley making sure his man knew he was about when going up for headers. Between the sticks, Saul Deeney didn’t have much to do but looked competent when called upon, although he did slice a kick which could have ended badly but didn’t, so we won’t judge him on that.

Dean Moxey played out on the left side of midfield and looked ok but didn’t make much of an impression. It’s far to early to make a judgement but I’d guess that he’s more comfortable in the left back position. Kisnorbo looked solid at centre back and got himself involved at corners which is always good to see in from a defender. Barnes tried many a fancy flick, often failing, but this is what you get with Barnes. Sometimes he’s great and other times he isn’t but you just hope he has a couple of great moments per game that can create something special.

You can read a more comprehensive match report on the official site.

To see more of RamBalls pictures from todays game click here.