Colin Lee played with wing-backs with Matias and Bazeley playing out wide and
Aranalde playing center back. The system worked very well against a Solihull team
who worked very hard right up to the final whistle. The starting line up was as
follows:
Walker, Matias, Aranalde, Emblem, Roper, Bazeley, Oakes, Osborn, Wrack, Birch
and Leitao.
Darren Wrack scored a header from around 8 yards after good work by Jorge Leitao
on 17 minutes. Then on 26 minutes Wrack scored his second of the game after
a good team move that released Wrack one-on-one with the goalkeeper and he finished
superbly after rounding the 'keeper. Gary Birch and Leitao then both missed
good chances when found unmarked in the penalty area. Simon Osborn was excellent
throughout and his range of passing was a constant threat to the opposition. Stefan
Oakes also played well and linked up well with Osborn in the middle
of the park.
At half time the following were withdrawn from the game: Leitao, Birch, Oakes,
Osborn, Wrack, Matias and Bazeley. They were replaced by: Hawley, Fryatt, Taylor,
Stanley, Wright, Caines and Barrett.
The second half was a quieter contest as a younger Saddlers team controlled
the game without creating too many chances. Karl Hawley and Mark Wright both
looked lively, and in the 82nd minute Wright but an excellent ball into the
box which Hawley converted to make it 3-0. Neil Emblem had an excellent second
half and encouraged the younger players throughout.
Neil Barrett was almost none-existent so I don't expect Colin Lee will continue
his interest in the player.
Colin Lee left the game 5 minutes into the second half and Mick Halsall was
left to run team affairs. It is unknown why Lee left so early, maybe he was meeting
a certain player?
Overall, a professional performance and the new boys look very promising. Today
may be an indication that Colin Lee wants to play wing-backs next season.
