By TarnTalk
August 8 2025

The Super Reds recorded an opening day victory at Plymouth Argyle to hopefully show signs of what is to come during the season.

An own goal followed by goals from Phillips and Keillor-Dunn sealed all three points for the reds who won comfortably despite having Shepherd sent off for two ridiculous bookings.

Hourihane’s men certainly looked fitter and sharper than they have looked over the last couple of seasons and played at the high tempo that we all want to see.

New keeper Murphy Cooper looked more assured than the 15 keepers we used last season and the back four was pretty solid which you would expect with four centre backs in there. More attacking fullback options are a must in certain games, however.

The midfield was excellent. Phillips’ goal was an absolute beauty as you would expect from him. Connell was head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch. Far and away the man of the match. He looked sharper than he did all last season and his passing was superb. He was more like the Connell of the Duff season. And I still believe he was one of our better players last season by the way. His levels had dropped from that play-off final season but that doesn’t mean he was sh*t as some of our idiot fans would have you believe. The vocal minority influencing the opinions of the sheep. Yoganathan was also excellent. His time on loan at Oldham has certainly progressed him as player. I do believe however that he will find himself out of the team. And not for Russell, I think Saturday’s performances have elevated people above him in the pecking order despite his form last season. I think Kelly will end up being the starting midfielder alongside Connell and Phillips. He really looked good when he came on, box to box, arriving late in the box to get a shot away. From his brief cameo he really looks the part. Add Bland in and possibly Nwakali if he and Hourihane settle their differences, and we really do have strength in depth in midfield to rival anything in the league.

Up top and McGoldrick brough everything we didn’t have last season, hold up play, bringing others into the game. At times he was a bit slow to get his shot away when he had the opportunity, but he makes us an all-round better team. Vickers on the right was direct and has pace to burn which is what we need from a winger and Keillor-Dunn, well he’s just a goal machine.

The 4-3-3 system looks to suit us better as well. The three at the back system had become stale and too predictable.  We have more energy and pace and are more direct playing this way. The tempo is easier on the eye and it allows for more attack minded players on the pitch.

I know it is only one game, but the signs look promising. My only concern at the moment is our strength in depth in attacking areas and in the back four so I hope to see some reinforcements before the end of the transfer window as one or two injuries could cause us problems.

COYR