Cod Almighty | Diary
Stuck in the middle, review
17 March 2016
Devon Diary writes: In case you didn't notice, the reserves had a match last night against our friends and neighbours Scunthorpe United. Unfortunately BT Sport turned down the chance to broadcast this one, so rather than being switched to a plum Friday night slot, the stiffs were left to compete on a cold Wednesday night with Arsenal's televised lost cause of a second leg against Barcelona.
Luckily Town provided some excellent updates via Twitter. By all accounts (OK, one account) it was a cracking game and we deserved more from the game than the 1-1 draw. But a reserve fixture isn't about the result: it's about game time against decent opposition for some fringe players, squad members not quite making the cut, and youthful types hoping to impress the gaffer and Deputy Doig.
Internet sensation Omar Bogle partnered young Harry Clifton up top, but of more interest was an outing for Conor Henderson, who I've been hoping to see more of in the first team. When we signed him I expected big things from the former Arsenal, Hull and, er, Crawley midfielder but opportunities have been limited. Maybe Hursts got him confused with the other Conor (since departed, sniff) and forgot he was available for selection, but it's more likely that he is missing out due to the excellent form of Jon Nolan.
Nolan didn't hit the Blundell Park ground running; more so he appeared in the midst of a passing triangle and bossed games in the way that nobody has since Disley a few years back. Whether we go up or face another season in the Conference, I'd like to see Nolan's perma-sneer (by the way, how did the boss tell he was smiling?) at the club for a few more years. But what does that mean for Henderson? He should be pushing harder for a starting place – but with Nolan and Disley in superb form it's hard to see anybody displacing them without an injury or suspension.
Henderson got a few minutes against Bognor last Saturday when he replaced Disley towards the end of the game, and he seems to have done well last night – his cross leading to Josh Sunter's goal. We've run out of Trophy ties to test fringe players, but maybe the sheer number of fixtures coming up over the next few weeks will mean that Hursts will need to shuffle the pack and rest the Ginger Ninja (snr).
I hate to see players ten years younger than me be referred to as having old, tired legs or being in the twilight of their career and I reckon Dizza looks solid for another couple of seasons. But if he does retire or wind down and play less then we will need a replacement. I'd love to see Henderson partnering Nolan for a game or two – but with every match being important now up to and including the second of our Wembley appearances this season (positive mental attitude, folks) I can understand us sticking with tried and tested combos.
There's also our other Craig of course, but is he the answer? I wonder if he's as adaptable as he needs to be. Can he perform well enough without Dizza alongside him? Why isn't he looking as confident and able pushing forward as we know he can be? Is young Josh Venney the answer? He didn't get the required games under his belt with Boston due to an injury, so will he get a first-team chance?
Our last Trophy game takes place this Saturday as the Rocks rock up at our place for the return leg of the semi. The big question for Hursts is whether to go full-strength to secure our place at Wembley or rest a couple of first-teamers and give Henderson or Venney a chance to impress. I'm guessing we'll be stronger than last Saturday (and hopefully far, far better) but maybe we'll see one or two of those reserves come off the bench. So let's wish them the best of luck and of course, up the Mariners!