Yeovil Town v Blues - Match Ratings

Blues battled to a 1-0 victory over newly promoted Yeovil Town at Huish Park, thanks to a fortunate goal that rebounded off of Yeovil defender Dan Seaborne before finding it's way in. It was not the most exciting game, as both sides seemed to lack a touch of quality, but in the end it's the result that matters. Here are my match ratings with some explanation.

Darren Randolph 8 
Neal Eardley 5
Paul Robinson 7
Dan Burn 8 (MOTM)
Hayden Mullins 7
Shane Ferguson 5
Tom Adeyemi 6
Wade Elliott 8 
Shinniesta 7
Matt Green 5
Lee Novak 6

Callum Reilly 5

Randolph - looked like a top quality goalkeeper. A brilliant save to deny Webster in the second half typified his performance, diverting the defender's downwards header onto the crossbar. A decisive and impressive performance from the Irishman.

Eardley - Eardley struggled to contain Foley on the left wing in the first half, however he did sometimes have to deal with two players. He was very close to getting sent off in the first half, but improved in the second half, as did Blues. His crossing was decent without being fantastic. Eardley struggled in his unorthodox right wing-back role.

Robbo - Having played most of his career at left-back, it is no surprise that Robinson has fit perfectly into his centre-back role in the three at the back system. Despite his lack of pace, that was evident in the whole Blues defence, he was strong in the challenge and read the game well. He looked shaky early on but as the defence dropped deeper the ball in behind became less effective and Robbo looked solid.

Burn - A commanding performance against the team that he played for last season. Composed and intelligent, Burn was always in the right place and of course dealt well with the aerial threat. He also forced the goal with his height causing havoc in the 6 yard box, before later firing just wide from the right hand side of the box. My Man of the Match.

Mullins - Mullins appeared to have found his role. As a midfielder last season he struggled to impose on games, but as a centre back he has looked solid. He reads the game well and found himself in the right place more often than not. His main problem is he struggles in the air, but Burn is the aerial presence in the defence.

Ferguson - I thought Fergie would shine in a left wing-back role, but he has seemingly struggled. Where last season he looked quick, dangerous and strong, he now looks ponderous and weak. His delivery and positioning are there, he just needs to have more confidence and cross the ball earlier.

Adeyemi - Having heard people complain about Adeyemi, I myself can't see it. Very strong and quite quick, he could be a big part of the team if we play a high tempo game. He helped out defensively especially when the ball was played into the striker. When Burn held the striker up, Adeyemi and Elliott nipped in to win the ball. He was quite quiet today but there is a player in there. His distribution and creativity are not superb, but we have Elliott and Shinnie to create.

Elliott - I was very impressed with Elliott today. Yeovil tried to play a fast game and attack, but Elliott slowed the game down extremely well. Some lovely passes and even some defensive steel today. I don't recall him giving the ball away once today. He was the best midfielder on the pitch today, in my opinion.

Shinniesta - Shinnie looked lively today. A very intelligent footballer, Shinnie continued to impress. He made some lovely runs and showed some nice touches. He reminds me of a faster version of Wade Elliott, clever passes and intelligent runs. Unlucky not to score today, but I do think he will score goals for us.

Green - Green was ineffective. He is very good at working the defenders but couldn't find space today. He works very hard and has just made a huge jump in terms of division, so it is understandable. He shows flashes of quality at times and hopefully he will come good. If we can create some chance I think he will score a few goals.

Novak - He's alright. He's already been the target of some criticism from Blues fans but to be honest it's unjustified. He works hard for the team and is actually quite intelligent with his movement, but he isn't a complete striker, but we're working on scraps. When all you can sign is frees and loans, you can't expect Thierry Henry. I hope Novak can show why Clark signed him and come good.

Reilly - Looked quite poor in his short time on the pitch. Looked off the pace, but hopefully when he gets more play time he will look better.