First-half was a bit of a slog, thought that Kennedy and Joyce were combative but very sloppy with their passing at times.
Back-four never really looked under threat though - McQueen looked good again, linked up well with the wingers infront of him. Brough very solid too, Raynes dominated in the air and CMW's distribution was decent though he doesn't look particularly fit, got caught out by a ball over the top at one point.
Hery looks a decent acquisition - good on the ball, clearly has a decent football brain on him and got in some good position (should have scored with one chance). Balanta didn't look great to me - first game so maybe harsh to judge, but didn't strike me as a player who will make a big imapct.
Asamoah was very lively and Calvert at centre-back struggled to cope with his pace despite being about 12 years younger. Took his goal well. Wyke disappoint - pretty weak and bullied by Kyle May for most of the half.
Second-half we started to get a bit more of a grip on the game and I can't remember Gillespie having to make a save. Miller at right-back was better than at Blyth but didn't look better than McQueen (who slotted in quite comfortably at left-back for a short period of the second-half). Grainger was solid and also setup the second goal with a brilliant long ball. Hammell came on for McQueen at left-back which was a baffling change - not sure what Curle will have learned from putting an attacking-midfielder who looks technically very good on the ball in that position. Matty Douglas replaced Raynes late on and didn't look out of place.
Joyce and Kennedy picked up a bit but were replaced by Dicker and Sweeney - Dicker in particular played pretty well and played some decent balls into the box. Joe Thompson looks pretty good on the ball but should have taken on his man a few more times - as mentioned above, he did get into space a few times but wasn't picked out. Osei on the other wing looks lively - definitely has something about him and with a bit more work on his fitness, might be worth a deal. Took his goal very well, could have played for the penalty but still poked it in. Ibhere put himself about and let May with a bloodied head after his first aerial challenge - he's not one who will be afraid of the physical side of things but that's something we already knew before he signed. He only seemed to get about 25 mins before being replaced by Beck who toiled upfront a bit but in fairness, got very little support as a lone striker (and not much decent delivery from the wings.
The new trialist Walker looks a lot like Dempsey from distance but sadly isn't anywhere near as good. Some nice touches but considering he was a winger, I'm not sure I remember him putting a single ball into the box. Kearns on the other hand, looked impressive again and finished it well for his goal. I'd like to see Curle give him a chance at the start of the season - if he needs another winger, sign Osei and then we've got him, Balanta and Kearns to choose from if necessary.
All in all, a pretty routine win. Reds play some nice football but there's not much cutting edge. We resorted to a bit too much long ball at time which better teams will deal with comfortably. When we got it down and played down the wings we caused a few problems.
