Preston Report Card

By: Dr Fishy
Date: 26/08/2001

DR FISHY has compiled match statistics and a report card for the young Grimsby Town side that drew 2-2 Preston on Saturday afternoon in the Division One fixture.

Coyne: Had very little to do other than pick the ball out of the net twice. Once or twice he was left exposed but on each occasion the striker either hit his shot wide or a defender got back to clear the danger. Not a superhero performance this week, I'm afraid.

Grade: C

McDermott: Defensively sound once more, but when venturing forward and linking up with Pouton, he often passed backwards and on one occasion gave the ball away. Even so, he was reliable but even his pace couldn't stop Healy running on to score.

Grade: C

Gallimore: I hate to admit this, but something has happened to Gally recently. His performance against Lincoln was very impressive, and against Preston yesterday he continued from where he left off. He actually looked a threat going forward, which he must do more often because he gave Campbell the support he sometimes needs.

Grade: B

Groves: The captain had a mixed match and was prone to one or two little mistakes. It was because of his ball-watching that the second goal came about, and defensively gave away a few free kicks. Not his best game of the season.

Grade C-

Beharall: On the other hand, his defensive partner was very commanding. His reading of play was excellent and he was covering everything. More than adequate in the air, he also made a couple of good tackles and looked as though he had been playing for us for more than just two games.

Grade: B

Pouton: Scorer of the penalty in front of the Pontoon, he showed great nerve to calmly slot the ball into his favoured bottom left corner. Always available down the right he was always in the game, he showed aggression, guile and just a few step-overs. But for God's sake Alan, use your left foot from time to time!!!

Grade B

Campbell: Strange match for the former Leicester midfielder. Has been so impressive since signing permanently, but against Preston he just didn't look like himself. Saying that, he did have a decent game, but was just very quiet.

Grade: C

Butterfield: The lad continues to play well, his first half in midfield was good, and when switched to left-back in Gally's absence, he played well there too. It was his ball into the box that won "the penalty" as he continues to show his versatility.

Grade: B-

Willems: To me he looks lost at the moment. There were some positives to come out of his display, like his tackling, reading of the game and (at times) his awareness. Was caught out on the ball twice but saying that, he really did try.

Grade: C

Rowan: Celebrated his first league goal of his career, and it was calmly taken. Always looking to pass the ball, he sometimes forgot to run with it, as in the second half when he practically walked past defenders into the area. Very Lester-esque, but without the diving.

Grade: B+ ran his socks off all afternoon.

Jevons: There was some nice interplay between the front two although sometimes Jevons failed to read Rowan's intentions, so there's still some work to be done there. But other than that, he also ran for 90 minutes and never gave up, and although my eyesight isn't the best, it looked as though he set the first goal up.

Grade: B-

Subs

Burnett: Won a penalty after complaining. Made a few passes, kept the ball; a very tidy performance, even if it was for only 45 minutes. Didn't take hold of the game and didn't dictate the play like he used to. Other than that, he made a good contribution.

Grade: C+

Bungle: Came on for the last two minutes. Won a header, gave away a throw. Unfair to grade him for just two minutes of action.

Best part of Town's game: Buckley will be proud of me to say this, but our passing and movement at times looked very impressive, and especially in the 5 minute second half spell, we kept the ball from Preston, but without looking too much of a threat.

Areas for improvement: Pouton's left foot, and there weren't many clear cut chances at all. One goal came about from a dodgy defender, and the other came from a dubious penalty.

Entertainment scale: A good 8 or 9.

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