Have to agree with Markus on BBC Wilts, Nichols did all the right things - at the right times. He won 7 of his 8 ground duels - vital against a second ball team. Also 6 tackles, 3 interceptions and 2 clearances. #stfc

Is the dilemma which part of the ‘to read’ to move underneath the lamp?

Think Nichols could remember how it is done?

Odd. Some weeks he has three on there. Plus Butterworth, who is being used more as a wide forward now Ameen has gone.

Mabete wins about half his contested headers (seventh in the team) but, with Smith injured, he has become the near-post zonal marker at opposition corners. A role usually given to the best header in a side - although Palmer has taken over of late and may do more frequently as he gains fitness. Ends

However when #stfc are pressed in build up play, Mabete drops into the box, & taps the goal kick to Ripley who then makes the pass to the other CBs. With Wright and Wilson-Brown split to the touchline, any attempt to press with three can’t really work and so gaps have to appear. Or Ripley goes long.

When the press is light from goal kicks, Mabete stands on the edge of the box, allowing Ripley to pass to either wide centre back. This holds the central striker in position. But since Mabete rarely even looks to ready the receive the ball, sides may work this out eventually.

When playing out from the back, Mabete is clearly not the desired route for passing out either. His stats show a player who is keeping it simple, moving the ball to others quickly and crisply. Some of this is down to experience, but he is asking Tom Wilson-Brown to play out also

Mabete is top for clearances in the squad which hints at the slightly simplified role he has been given - perhaps as a result of those early moments of uncertainty. His season heatmap v Will Wright shows the limited nature of his role. 2/6

Was it that high? Suppose the Princewill shot was from a decent position too. Good stuff.

I think you are right. The younger elements of the team are learning fast and so long as we can maintain this decent start, there will be a lot more to come from mainly Princewill but also Munroe, Snowden and Ameen.

Along with the Bodin shot that never came, we could have made it a lot easier on ourselves at the end.

And claiming Minturn is 19 on th loan to ‘Nam story. Did ChatGPT tell you that too?