Only 6 games into this season we seem to have learned so much from our opening fixtures. Domination at Sixfields only to concede a late goal was followed by an abysmal performace at home to Notts County, then a home victory over Colchester, well earned point at the MacAlpine, followed by the unconvincing win over Cheltenham and then the emphatic win at the weekend over Mansfield.
Although the league table is relatively unimportant at this early stage of the season, we find ourselves 4th, with 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat from our opening 6 games. We have scored 10 times and conceded 5 times. We lie above Cardiff, and the other two teams relegated from the First Division last year, Barnsley and Stockport, yet prior to Saturday's demolition of Mansfield we hadn't got anywhere near top gear and in my opinion, the best is still yet to come.
Hulsey is the early season top scorer, with three goals, Rodney has netted two goals in two games since a calf injury forced him out of the opening four games, and we have kept on average, a clean sheet every other game.
Deano has yet to find his scoring touch and the left back problem is yet to be resolved. David Vaughan has appeared in the full Welsh squad, we are unbeaten away and the squad is nearing on full fitness. All in all, not a bad start to the season, especially after the shocking performance on Tuesday August the 13th at home to Notts County, when we were left embarassed to a side who only just avoided relegation from this league last year.
Here's my view on the individual players who have featured thus far this season;
Clayton Ince - 5 apps - 5 goals conceded
The Trinidad stopper has established himself as the clubs No.1 this season and has done well when called upon. I feel he could've done better with two of Notts County's three goals, yet he has looked comfortable in the other 5 games and produced a stunning one handed save at home to Colchester and again at home to Cheltenham.
David Wright - 5 apps - 0 goals
The experienced yet young fullback has had a poor begining to the season, his crossing has been poor and he has failed to attack the opposition enough. His defending has been below the standard we became acustom to when he first broke onto the first team scene. As the season progresses we should expect to see a return to form from the 22 year old.
David Vaughan - 5 apps (1 sub) - 0 goals
Dario recently stated that if the 'player of the season award' was handed out now, there would only be one candidate. The 19 year old has found himself played out of position at left back, but played admirably, appeared as a substitute for Wales against the Czech Republic a few weeks back. His mazy runs have dazzled the Alex faithful and his corners resulted in two goals on Saturday. Most impressive player so far.
Stephen Foster - 6 apps - 1 goal
Foz has had an indifferent begining to the campaign, began the season playing alongside Efe Sodje at Northampton and has had three defensive partnerships already. His distribution has been wayward at times and he was beaten to the ball for Huddersfield's equaliser by Andy Booth. Opened his goal account on Saturday and will hope his consistency improves.
Efe Sodje - 3 appearances - 0 goals
Started the three opening games but found himself dropped against Cheltenham after Dario was unimpressed with his display at Huddersfield. The wholehearted Nigerian has established himself as a fans favourite but will have to be patient to regain his starting place after only 1 goal has been conceded in his absense.
Richard Walker - 3 apps (1 sub) - 1 goal
Replaced the injured Sagi Burton in the home win over Colchester and has retained his place since. Looked nervous in the opening of games, but seems to have grown in confidence and capped a solid display at Field Mill by opening the scoring.
Sagi Burton - 1 app - 0 goals
Signed a short term contract as cover for the injured Dave Walton. Made his debut against Colchester but picked up an injury in the second half. Didn't recover in time to face Huddersfield and left the club last week after the guarantee of first team football and a one year deal at Peterborough.
Kenny Lunt - 6 apps - 1 goal
Was unfairly criticised after the home defeat to Notts County, has had an impressive start to the season, the new vice captain has looked acomplished in his more attacking role. His vision and passing has resulted in numerous chances for Hulsey and Jack. Scored a great free kick at Mansfield.
Dave Brammer - 6 apps - 0 goals
New club captain began the season slowly, his obvious lack of match fitness was aparant. Looked solid as ever in recent games, midfield general with the influence required over a young an inexperienced squad. Outstanding on Saturday. Will look to build on solid start.
Neil Sorvel - 5 apps - 1 goal
Scored the clubs first goal of the campaign at Northampton, unsung hero in midfield, solid without being fantastic, compliments Lunt well, quiet but effective.
Lee Bell - 0 apps (4 sub) - 1 goal
Came on at Sixfields on the opening day to make his debut. Looks comfortable playing anywhere in midfield. Scored the second goal against Colchester with a bullet of a strike from 20 yards. One for the future.
Ben Rix - 4 apps - 0 goals
When at his best he is a breath of fresh air, but when below his game, he is a wasted luxury. Missed two great chances at home to Notts County. Skillfull on the ball but played out of position in opening two games. Best of him is yet to come.
Colin Little - 1 apps (2 sub) - 0 goals
The likeable Mancunian has yet to impose himself on the team, made his first start of the season at Mansfield. Yet to score but will prove a useful squad member.
Rodney Jack - 2 apps - 2 goals
The pint sized St Vincent player has had an explosive start to the season, after missing the opening four games with a calf injury. Rodders scored the winner on Tuesday against Chelenham and was the constant thorn in the Stags rearguard on Saturday, scoring once and settign up Rob Hulse and Richard Walker. The livewire frontman will hope to stay fit and find consistant form.
Rob Hulse - 6 apps - 3 goals
Hulsey has been used as an out and out centre forward. The tall Crewe born player has scored three times so far and could easily have had a hat-trick on Saturday. He will hope to continue his goal average of a goal every other game.
Dean Ashton - 5 apps - 0 goals
Found himself rested or dropped on Saturday after a very disappointing start to the campaign. The young striker who represented England U-19's in the summer seems short of confidence and without doubt we are yet to see the true potential of Deano.
Steve Jones - 0 apps (3 sub) - 0 goals
Scored continually in the reserves but yet to open his account with the first team. The former Leigh R.M.I. winger has had limited sub outings and will hope to feature more as the season progresses.
John Miles - 0 apps (4 sub) - 0 goals
After impressing on trial from Liverpool the forwardman has experienced 4 sub appearances afer signing a month to month deal, looking impressive in the process, free scoring in the reserve side, will hope to have a chance to satrt a game in the near future.
What do you think? Discuss it on the message board!
Although the league table is relatively unimportant at this early stage of the season, we find ourselves 4th, with 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat from our opening 6 games. We have scored 10 times and conceded 5 times. We lie above Cardiff, and the other two teams relegated from the First Division last year, Barnsley and Stockport, yet prior to Saturday's demolition of Mansfield we hadn't got anywhere near top gear and in my opinion, the best is still yet to come.
Hulsey is the early season top scorer, with three goals, Rodney has netted two goals in two games since a calf injury forced him out of the opening four games, and we have kept on average, a clean sheet every other game.
Deano has yet to find his scoring touch and the left back problem is yet to be resolved. David Vaughan has appeared in the full Welsh squad, we are unbeaten away and the squad is nearing on full fitness. All in all, not a bad start to the season, especially after the shocking performance on Tuesday August the 13th at home to Notts County, when we were left embarassed to a side who only just avoided relegation from this league last year.
Here's my view on the individual players who have featured thus far this season;
Clayton Ince - 5 apps - 5 goals conceded
The Trinidad stopper has established himself as the clubs No.1 this season and has done well when called upon. I feel he could've done better with two of Notts County's three goals, yet he has looked comfortable in the other 5 games and produced a stunning one handed save at home to Colchester and again at home to Cheltenham.
David Wright - 5 apps - 0 goals
The experienced yet young fullback has had a poor begining to the season, his crossing has been poor and he has failed to attack the opposition enough. His defending has been below the standard we became acustom to when he first broke onto the first team scene. As the season progresses we should expect to see a return to form from the 22 year old.
David Vaughan - 5 apps (1 sub) - 0 goals
Dario recently stated that if the 'player of the season award' was handed out now, there would only be one candidate. The 19 year old has found himself played out of position at left back, but played admirably, appeared as a substitute for Wales against the Czech Republic a few weeks back. His mazy runs have dazzled the Alex faithful and his corners resulted in two goals on Saturday. Most impressive player so far.
Stephen Foster - 6 apps - 1 goal
Foz has had an indifferent begining to the campaign, began the season playing alongside Efe Sodje at Northampton and has had three defensive partnerships already. His distribution has been wayward at times and he was beaten to the ball for Huddersfield's equaliser by Andy Booth. Opened his goal account on Saturday and will hope his consistency improves.
Efe Sodje - 3 appearances - 0 goals
Started the three opening games but found himself dropped against Cheltenham after Dario was unimpressed with his display at Huddersfield. The wholehearted Nigerian has established himself as a fans favourite but will have to be patient to regain his starting place after only 1 goal has been conceded in his absense.
Richard Walker - 3 apps (1 sub) - 1 goal
Replaced the injured Sagi Burton in the home win over Colchester and has retained his place since. Looked nervous in the opening of games, but seems to have grown in confidence and capped a solid display at Field Mill by opening the scoring.
Sagi Burton - 1 app - 0 goals
Signed a short term contract as cover for the injured Dave Walton. Made his debut against Colchester but picked up an injury in the second half. Didn't recover in time to face Huddersfield and left the club last week after the guarantee of first team football and a one year deal at Peterborough.
Kenny Lunt - 6 apps - 1 goal
Was unfairly criticised after the home defeat to Notts County, has had an impressive start to the season, the new vice captain has looked acomplished in his more attacking role. His vision and passing has resulted in numerous chances for Hulsey and Jack. Scored a great free kick at Mansfield.
Dave Brammer - 6 apps - 0 goals
New club captain began the season slowly, his obvious lack of match fitness was aparant. Looked solid as ever in recent games, midfield general with the influence required over a young an inexperienced squad. Outstanding on Saturday. Will look to build on solid start.
Neil Sorvel - 5 apps - 1 goal
Scored the clubs first goal of the campaign at Northampton, unsung hero in midfield, solid without being fantastic, compliments Lunt well, quiet but effective.
Lee Bell - 0 apps (4 sub) - 1 goal
Came on at Sixfields on the opening day to make his debut. Looks comfortable playing anywhere in midfield. Scored the second goal against Colchester with a bullet of a strike from 20 yards. One for the future.
Ben Rix - 4 apps - 0 goals
When at his best he is a breath of fresh air, but when below his game, he is a wasted luxury. Missed two great chances at home to Notts County. Skillfull on the ball but played out of position in opening two games. Best of him is yet to come.
Colin Little - 1 apps (2 sub) - 0 goals
The likeable Mancunian has yet to impose himself on the team, made his first start of the season at Mansfield. Yet to score but will prove a useful squad member.
Rodney Jack - 2 apps - 2 goals
The pint sized St Vincent player has had an explosive start to the season, after missing the opening four games with a calf injury. Rodders scored the winner on Tuesday against Chelenham and was the constant thorn in the Stags rearguard on Saturday, scoring once and settign up Rob Hulse and Richard Walker. The livewire frontman will hope to stay fit and find consistant form.
Rob Hulse - 6 apps - 3 goals
Hulsey has been used as an out and out centre forward. The tall Crewe born player has scored three times so far and could easily have had a hat-trick on Saturday. He will hope to continue his goal average of a goal every other game.
Dean Ashton - 5 apps - 0 goals
Found himself rested or dropped on Saturday after a very disappointing start to the campaign. The young striker who represented England U-19's in the summer seems short of confidence and without doubt we are yet to see the true potential of Deano.
Steve Jones - 0 apps (3 sub) - 0 goals
Scored continually in the reserves but yet to open his account with the first team. The former Leigh R.M.I. winger has had limited sub outings and will hope to feature more as the season progresses.
John Miles - 0 apps (4 sub) - 0 goals
After impressing on trial from Liverpool the forwardman has experienced 4 sub appearances afer signing a month to month deal, looking impressive in the process, free scoring in the reserve side, will hope to have a chance to satrt a game in the near future.
What do you think? Discuss it on the message board!