Will there be an open-top bus parade of the Algarve Cup through the streets of Cardiff?

By: Martyn | July 25th, 2008

Well, well, well. I must say I was very impressed by last night’s 1-0 defeat of Celtic. Although the opposition were as blunt as a sharpener-shy pencil, I felt we contained them in an highly decisive and composed manner. We constantly forced them into hurried decisions and passes whilst ensuring that the likes of Samaras ended up nowhere when either running into space or with the ball. As for our own play, we certainly looked more accomplished than the Hoops when on the ball. The ingredients were all there, and this performance full of raw potential certainly makes the upcoming season seem very appetising indeed. It was a game of few chances, despite the decent tempo, often resembling a game of bat and ball rather than the full-throttle Tennis match a League or Cup encounter would ensure with all the added trimmings. The players I was most impressed by were as follows (in no rank order):

Steven Thompson – Led the line excellently. By the sounds of things, the striker persistently on the verge of leaving has shone in every game during our sunny jaunt in Portugal. In yesterday’s encounter, he constantly drew out Balde and O’Dea in the Celtic back line, thus utilizing space for new strike partner McCormack. Equally impressive and imperious was his touch on the ball, repeatedly clever, penetratingly deft. Thommo was unlucky not to score with a sweet strike that clattered the bar, but he can take consolation in the role he played in the assist for the game’s goal.

Roger Johnson/Glenn Loovens – As strong and domineering as ever. Always alert, always there, and always putting opposition strikers in toddler-esque dummy-spitting tantrums by ensuring they see less action than monks.

Kevin McNaughton – Like the centre-backs, the man who sometimes masquerades in a Dangermouse costume carried on where he left off last season. This showing emphasised how essential his urgency and tenacity are to the team. Not only that, even when he gets caught out of position, he knows where he needs to get to (and can get there because of his phenomenal pace) to redeem himself and thwart the danger – this habit was encapsulated by one almighty swoop upon Samaras in the first half.

Gavin Rae – Very tidy; kept things ticking over, always looking to receive the ball, and while Donati received a bit too much time and space now and again, by and large either Rae or McPhail did enough to make the Celtic midfield develop claustrophobia.

Miguel Comminges – Playing out on the right wing, our new boy caught the eye despite shaky error-strewn opening quarter of an hour. Full of tireless, urgent and confident running, Comminges created space and stretched the opposition on numerous occasions. One of those players that must be a nightmare to deal with, and looks like he could be a very worthy asset indeed.

All that aside, this was still a friendly, and a friendly against a heavily depleted Celtic side. It’s early days as far as this team goes, and our squad is still perilously brittle. Regardless, the Algarve Cup may yet be the appetizer for a pleasing and gift-bearing season.

I wish it’d just hurry up and start now!

Last night saw the airing of our new shirt. It’s alright I suppose. It reminds me of the old ‘Modplan’ shirts.
The away one is a lot nicer.