Town 2 Rotherham 0
Picture from HTAFC.com
Mark Harrison, Writer.
Twitter: @MarkHarrison15
It was a long trip up from Devon for this one, with incessant delays on the motorways (the M5 road works are the real reason Neil is/might be leaving) Thankfully Town rewarded me and the majority of the “19050” by putting together a very pleasing performance of clarity and controlled aggression and deserved the 2-0 win. On another day, someone once said, we could have scored 5.
Thomas and Koroma exploited the game plan perfectly, with a goal and an assist each, one in each half. Mr Warnock has got them sniffing for goals on the back post and found a way to get them firing again. Wise words in the ear can be just as powerful as modern-day tactics with their rotations, overloads, triple toe loops and the like. Who will pick up the mantle and get the best out of these boys when he leaves?
The back three seem like peas in a pod and thrived on the physical battle that was presented. No inch given and other than a short spell at the beginning of the second half, Nicholls was well protected. I think we can say the old school contest between Helik and Hugill was won unanimously on all three judges scorecard, by the towering Pole.
The midfield engine room looks like it has legs. Lots of legs, from very willing runners. Wiles flitted in and out of the game but acquitted himself well in what must have been a strange match for him against his former club. Rudoni covered his usual amount of ground and played some nice passes. Hogg was the conductor of the orchestra, but has he broken his baton again and will his injury lead to a lay off? I hope not, as this three has real promise. In saying that, I was really hoping we would get a ball player in during the transfer window as an alternative to Hogg.
Young Kes up front, fluffed his lines in front of goal a couple of times, but his willingness to get into the battle and some nice layoffs, hint of good things to come. His partner in crime, The Zorg, has pace and power which is something we have lacked for some while up top. He does have rough edges. Are the edges too rough to be sanded down or can he be the ace in our pack, the difference maker? Time will tell.
By the time you read this, we will know what is happening regarding Warnock. If it’s goodbye, I would like to thank him for two unbelievable spells as manager. The new manager has a tough act to follow. Do they build on the work of Warnock and play to the player’s strengths, or do they try something completely different. If it were me, it would be the former!
