Reservlagmatch Villa - Everton 6-2
En rapport från läktaren av Jonathan Fear
The scoreline was deserved, the reserve team, made up again largely of the youth players, were in the most part dominant and enjoyed the lions share of possession. Villa reserves now have 3 wins and 1 draw under their belts and 10 points. Hadji was lively and deserved his hatrick, a timely reminder to DOL, that he has quality in reserve (literally!). The reserves played in front of a fair crowd, I'd guestimate (sic) around 400, although I'm sure these matches could be marketed slightly better to get more.
The reserves are certainly a different proposition to the 'old days', oh God, I sound like my dad :-( where you used to get a team full of senior players who weren't getting a run in what used to be a far more settled first team, before the rotation system was thought of! The team had Postma, Dublin and Hadji in who can boast full Premiership experience, the defence was made up of Ryan Amoo, Danny Jackman, Gary Cahill and Liam Ridgewell. The midfield had Stefan Cooke and Jonathan Bewers in the centre, Steven Foley on the left and as mentioned Hadji on the right. Stefan Moore was up front with Dion.
Villa started bright and lively with both Ridgewell and Dion being vocal, a few early chances went begging with several impressive corners from Cooke. Everton had very little to offer in return with a weak and wild shot from Lee Carsley appearing to be the best they had! Within the first 10 minutes Dublin's hard and low shot deflected slightly and sent Everton's keeper the wrong way, all following a neat interchange of passes between Dublin, Moore and Hadji. 1-0. Within a 2-3 minutes Hadji grabs his first, a good shot, again taking a slight deflection, from 25 yards out. 2-0 and Villa were in control. For a period we ripped Everton apart without finding the final ball to increase the lead, Cooke, Dublin and Moore all had chances, the latter nearly being brought down in the box only for an Everton defender to pull out of the challenge he had shaped to make!
Then, with half time nearing and Everton seemingly having no answer to the pressure our defence switched off for a minute and Everton's number 9 Nick Chadwick, their only real threat all night, took full advantage to bring Everton, undeservedly back into the game. 2-1 at half time.
The only real criticism you could make of Villa during the first half was they attempted one too many passes too many times and at times wanted to walk the ball into the net. The second half they seemed to learn from that. Luke Moore was now on with the solid Ridgewell being substituted, maybe as cover for the full teams game on Sunday? Bewers resumed his more customary role in central defence.
Everton appeared to start the brighter in a contest that had become a bit scrappy, Postma pulled off a couple of good saves but also looked sloppy at times, he should be commanding his young defence and to add insult to injury, just when I was saying to my mate he didn't look Premiership quality, he kicked the ball straight out from a goal kick, shocking! For a good time neither team had a general to command the game, Carsley had long since moved into central midfield to cut out the threat from Villa. Then a moment of pure skill, Hadji flicked the ball over an Everton midfielder to Dublin, Dubbers back to Hadji, he runs, he shoots, goooaallll ! 3-1 A fine save from Postma followed and the counter attack ended any suggestion of a comeback for Everton as Hadji claimed his hatrick with a shot which to be fair should have been easily gathered, but no one cared, 4-1.
Nick Chadwick claimed another on 80 with a glancing header and he nearly claimed a hatrick of his own with a back flip saved off the line following a shot from their No 10 Osman; but Stefan Moore put the game further out of reach with a well taken goal. 5-1 and cruising, leaving only Cooke to join the party getting a deserved goal from another of his tricky runs with 5 minutes to go. 6-2. The Everton keeper (Simonson) getting a yellow for kicking the ball into the stands in frustration.
A fine performance and a great scoreline that didn't flatter the team. I still can't see, within the next two seasons, how many of the young players can hope to break into the full senior squad on a regular basis, which seems to back up what DOL has said recently.
Stefan Postma 6, should be more commanding, but did what was asked.
Ryan Amoo 6, one for the future, but not ready yet!
Danny Jackman 5, not a great game but nearly got through to shoot!
Gary Cahill 6, no more than expected, another some way off.
Liam Ridgewell 7, commanding, doesn't miss much, a real prospect, not far away from the first team.
Jonathan Bewers 6, not sure of him in midfield, but good in defence.
Stephen Cooke 7, gets about, good free kicks/corners. Not sure he is big enough to be in the Prem just yet.
Moustapha Hadji 8, moustapha go in the first team. A little too easy for him at times, he has real class!
Stefan Moore 6, well taken goal but needs to be more aggressive, yet to be fully convinced.
Dion Dublin 6, should have taken the game by the scruff of the neck but failed to terrorise their inexperienced defence.
Steven Foley 6, useful runs but end balls not great.
Subs used, Luke Moore, quiet 45 minutes in midfield. Magnus Troest and I think Alan Brazil came on (without Parry before you ask!).
Jonathan Fear
