Extracts from yesterday's Observer (prompted by TrickyColour on another thread):
Reid sparkles but Dowie hits the boos
Jamie Jackson at The Valley
Sunday October 22, 2006
The Observer
Dowie, though, decided on 4-4-1-1, with Darren Bent the lone frontman and Andy Reid given responsibility to shape the game behind him. In the first half this paid off, and Reid was the most influential player, his positioning and distribution a puzzle the visitors failed to solve. 'He's got the talent for this level and was outstanding,' Dowie said. After five minutes, the Republic of Ireland international's pass behind the defence found Bent. But his shot was saved.
Before the break, Reid produced another fine stop from Foster, this time from a free-kick on the edge of the D. Then from a charged-down Matt Holland shot, Ashley Young's pace took him down the opposite end to bring Carson into action.
If Reid had produced more of these displays at former club Spurs, he would surely still be at White Hart Lane. On the hour his vision allowed Luke Young in, but a first touch from the England squad member that would embarrass a parks player took the ball away into Ben Foster's hands.
Dowie had probably accepted the draw when Reid, Rommedahl and Bent combined to allow the striker time and space on the left of the Watford area. His effort, part shot, part cross, had his manager in despair. It was a long afternoon.
Man of the match
Andy Reid
A performance to remind us why he was picked out to leave Nottingham Forest for the big time. Smooth, influential and with more time than anyone else. Unfortunately his team-mates were unable to match his talent. Providing he stays slim, watch this space.
Stuttgart88 adds: good to see he's rated highly by someone other than us green-tinted viewers who were saying similar things about him above! This is highly encouraging. Pity we've already played 3 internationals this season though. And he wasn't even picked for one despite being fit.
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