Vital Reading takes a look at the players’ performances from the 1-0 victory over Scunthorpe in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night
Vital Reading takes a look at the players’ performances from the 1-0 victory over Scunthorpe in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night, thanks to a late goal from Jake Taylor.
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Adam Federici – 8 – Feders only had to make one notable save, but it was a great one at that, leaping across his goal to keep out Madden from a free-kick. His kicking was also consistently good, while his handling looked safe too.
Chris Gunter – 6 – The Scunthorpe winger gave him a tough ride at times, but got better as the game progressed. Gunter went to left back in the second half and did a decent job there.
Alex Pearce – 7 – Solid game from Pearcey, who did well to keep the lively Madden at bay for most of the game. Any cross or long ball into the box was on Pearcey`s head and his role in the winner was also crucial.
Jake Cooper – 8 – Man of the Match – I`ll give him man of the match for the pure fact that he started his first professional game, yet looked very composed and confident. His big frame made him a presence in the air, but unlike some big players, was capable of using his feet well.
Shaun Cummings – 6 – Good defensively, but it`s a shame that he can`t offer anything going forward, which doesn`t help the winger he is playing with. Brought off at half time because of an injury suffered in the opening seconds.
Hope Akpan – 5 – Hope is a player than can use his physicality well, but has no poise or confidence when he is on the ball. It`s a rare he tries to play a penetrating pass and often looks sideways, not that it`s a bad thing, but doesn`t seem composed enough for Adkins` style.
Aaron Kuhl – 6 – Decent showing again from the young midfield, who can only improve by each game he plays in the first team. Good passing range, but it`s his defensive duties sitting deep that need to be worked on.
Nick Blackman – 6 – When we are struggling in games, Blackman seems to be the only player capable of creating something. While he wasn`t exact dazzling in this one, he did prove a threat and had the beating of his man, but lacked any end product.
Craig Tanner – 6 – On his first professional start, young Tanner was unfortunately quite anonymous and couldn`t impose himself on the game.
Jamie Mackie – 6 – The on-loan Forest player probably showed more of his defensive capabilities rather than attacking, especially in the first half. It`s obvious his work rate is very good, but needs to show more quality in the final third.
Simon Cox – 6 – When he is a lone striker, he cuts an isolated figure, but when he is in the hole, he looks as if he could create something. Cox looked much more lively in the second half, but still needs to convince the fans of his ability a bit more.
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Sean Long – 7 – Mature performance from the young Irishman on his professional debut, slotting in at right-back. He wasn`t shy to get forward either, which was great to see.
Jake Taylor – 7 – Despite being positioned left wing when he came on, he drifted into the middle and looked much more dangerous than out on the wing. Smart positioning and finish for the winning goal.
Ryan Edwards – 6 – I am surprised Edwards hasn`t started more this season, after a good pre-season and good cameo appearances from the bench, where he injects a good energy into the game.
