2020/21 Pre-Season Games

These games are just about getting players up to speed and trying to get them as match fit as possible.  However, what hasn't changed is our defensive weaknesses. The big challenge remains our inability to defend set pieces and crosses. Todays game again highlighted the need for a player who can dominate the penalty area and who will put his head and body where it hurts. Even before the goal Oxford had chances but their players let us off by heading off target.

Hopefully, the suggested signing of Dickie is imminent because its vital we plug the gap. What doesn't help is that we give away soft free kicks and are defensively weak down our flanks.

However, changing the subject slightly, not sure if you heard Warburton after the game but he said that 'We know what we need, we intend to bring in AT LEAST another 3 or 4 players'. I can only assume they have some irons in the fire and in addition to Dickie there will be others. He didn't mention positions but I wonder if he is expecting both BOS and Manning to also be gone.

Smyth only got 15 minutes but he looked pacey and is the type of player who can make an impact against tiring defenders. Hopefully, his loan period at Wycombe will have boosted his confidence and we can see him challenging for a permanent  first team place.