Forest Green fan Chris Gardner delivers his synopsis after Rovers’ 4-2 penalty loss against Brighton and Hove Albion U21 in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
Quite an impressive performance, I thought, given the team was ‘scratch’ and pretty devoid of strikers.
After a ‘get to know you period’ of around 15 minutes, we played crisp, passing football and tackled in packs. Twenty year-old Bunker’s mobility for a guy of his size is getting seriously good. Gone is the impetuousness and cheap yellow cards. He’s growing up in front of our eyes
Rovers were predictably let down by finishing. Omotoye’s work rate and close ball skills are admirable, but he lacks a killer instinct and composure when the goal comes into sight. He looks like a winger or attacking midfielder to me (like Jack Aitchison when he prospered under Rob Edwards in that role) but not a striker. We only shot when Bunker supported the attack or after Holland appeared in the second half. That said, we were better than Brighton all over the field and the penalty loss was disappointing, even though we’d secured the point we needed.
I gather Jordan Moore-Taylor’s substitution at half time was planned, which is a relief! We’re playing some neat football lately and pressing more effectively. But someone has to take all the chances we’re creating.
