Superb performance. Was thinking just before the first goal that we had played really well but hadn’t taken our chances so was almost expecting them to hit us with a sucker punch...but then we deservedly took the lead.
Second half was more of the same, more opportunities created and scored a great second. After that, could’ve been several more, especially Camara near the end, and we might be made to pay for such profligacy in future games, but that really was a terrific start to the season, and an early dent to SkySports’ agenda.
So...our Italian leader has had a full pre season with his squad and the opportunity to bring in some of his own players. And what do we get. Probably one of the most entertaining first 45 minutes seen at Crawley for a very long time.. I am going to stick my neck out and predict a top 10 finish this season and a half decent cup run. Let's hope the guys on here who were calling for our leaders head most of last season have a very quiet season on this forum...
Indeed Stephen, good job I forecasted the win then. I'm surprised you didn't take the chance to tell Cioffi at the forum what a good job he was doing - perhaps you were hedging your bets too?
It does look more promising now GC has started to get rid of Kewell's underachievers and also Selim's January window players.
A top 10 finish would be good (although perhaps not unreasonable if we still have a top 10 budget?). On the other hand judging him after one win is perhaps premature.
Simon....very nearly a whole positive post from you....
A superb performance, long may they continue. For me the biggest change in playing style was our ability. To get the ball forward quickly out of defence. Glenn Morris was not afraid to kick long to the wings, he started many attacking moves. I hope we have seen the end of “piddling about at the back”.
Josh Doherty had come in for some critism recently - but thought he had a good game along with everyone else -
From the Salford Forum - A fair assessment of the game
If ever we needed a reality check about the league we're in and after the euphoria of last Saturday then it's probably just as well that we've received it so early on in the season. The 2-0 losing scoreline barely reflects Crawley's superiority all over the park and if not down to a combination of any number of last ditch defensive blocks together with some wayward shooting from the home side the final scoreline might well have been considerably worse. Defensively we were pulled out of position time and time again, the midfield was virtually non existent and the combination of Mani and Roons barely troubled the home keeper throughout the whole of the afternoon. I suspect - not surprisingly - that Crawley fans will say that this was their best performance in a long while while equally it can be said that this was one of our more disjointed showings over the same period! Richie Towell missed a golden opportunity to halve the deficit when clean through and skyed another effort later on just to cap off a miserable afternoon for the 142 Salford fans in the crowd. Don't think there's any doubt that we'll see a number of team changes for the Leeds game this coming Tuesday night!
On the plus side the Crawley Redz Bar was welcoming, well organised, had a good selection of drinks and had a good atmosphere. Equally so the tea hut sold a good selection of food at very competitive prices at what was overall a well appointed ground.
Having hated their owners forever, I developed a genuine antipathy to Salford City over the close season & was euphoric at giving them a proper trousering yesterday...
...but you have actually made me mellow my attitude Alain, by sharing that view from the North. As you say - very balanced - bordering on the generous & even makes it hard to totally hate the dirty northern glory-grabbing scumbags.
Josh Doherty had come in for some critism recently - but thought he had a good game along with everyone else...
I felt that he & others have a shed a few pounds & look sharper for it... I am guessing there is a new fitness regime...(?) which was at the heart of everything yesterday, we overran them.
Stand out illustration of the point was their 1-on-1... with Pooch being our last man back, having sprinted there from just having a shot in their penalty area...!
For all his potential, Sesay does appear to have to drop a bolly every match, is he a spot TOO calm on occasions...? nothing that cannot be fixed.
Good blend of youth and experience makes for a very balanced and exciting team to watch.Lots of stand out players yesterday but Ferguson MOTM for me but it's all about opinions,well done reds.
Having hated their owners forever, I developed a genuine antipathy to Salford City over the close season & was euphoric at giving them a proper trousering yesterday...
...but you have actually made me mellow my attitude Alain, by sharing that view from the North. As you say - very balanced - bordering on the generous & even makes it hard to totally hate the dirty northern glory-grabbing scumbags.
Josh Doherty had come in for some critism recently - but thought he had a good game along with everyone else...
I felt that he & others have a shed a few pounds & look sharper for it... I am guessing there is a new fitness regime...(?) which was at the heart of everything yesterday, we overran them.
Stand out illustration of the point was their 1-on-1... with Pooch being our last man back, having sprinted there from just having a shot in their penalty area...!
For all his potential, Sesay does appear to have to drop a bolly every match, is he a spot TOO calm on occasions...? nothing that cannot be fixed.
They are obviously new boys Matey! After all, fans of 'proper clubs' wouldn't dream of giving us praise for our team, bar, food etc. :-) I don't believe they mentioned Evans either! Standards are slipping!
As for Sesay, it is easy to forget that he had barely played a handful of games before all the hype started. He is still learning. He seemed to go into his shell a bit yesterday after that rick, which was a shame as we want to see the exuberant, confident player that we know he can be.
I too am not sure what Sesay gives us he has pace to burn but but thought he got caught out of position too often, just wonder how long before the Birmingham loanee Cogley gets his chance, he looks like he could be the real deal.
I too am not sure what Sesay gives us he has pace to burn but but thought he got caught out of position too often, just wonder how long before the Birmingham loanee Cogley gets his chance, he looks like he could be the real deal.
im not a fan of Doherty personally but he shut me up yesterday with a solid performance. Competition for the wing back roles is good but I expect Cogley will begin starting as he has championship experience under his belt.