With only having one warm up game against Hull, the three competitive games we've played have in effect been warm up games for the league season. Changing the team around so much is never going to lead to a great deal of cohesion although giving so many penalties away and incorrect play the balls seems pretty fundamental. Having said that, I watched the Barrow v Oldham game and both sides were pinged regularly at the play the ball too. It did seem rather arbitrary as there were many instances that were overlooked as well. All sides need to get their act together on this very quickly.
Having picked up some injuries, a few weeks off might be a good thing but five weeks without a game can also lead to rustiness and lack of match fitness. Our first four league opponents are York, Sheffield, Wakefield and Featherstone. They will all be more finely-tuned than we'll be as they'll have played other matches whilst we're resting. This worries me somewhat.
I can understand Richard Horne not wanting to play too many pre-season games in order to avoid injuries but we can't afford to be half-cooked when the league season begins for real. Compared to our first four opponents, I fear we could be. Then we've got a trip to Barrow in Game Five.
Maybe the Widnes defeat will focus minds and make everyone realise that the Championship is a very tough league and if you're not on your game you will get severely punished.
