New writer, Frank Tomkins, takes a look back at an unusual Wales Away night.
Wales away is a lot of things. Dull, certainly is not one of them. After two glorious days in sun drenched Budva, the skies opened and between thunderstorms, pitch side fireworks, and endless hours sat on busses with rumours swirling of match cancellations, Craig Bellamy collected his first three points as Wales manager. The game matched the build up to it – chaotic. But crucially for Bellamy and his much changed side, it was successful too.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe initial talk on the never ending mountainside drive to Nikšić, was about the changes made by the manager. Out went Ramsey, Ward, James, Thomas and Johnson, replaced by Darlow in goal, Mepham, Cooper, Koumas and a bandaged Moore up front. There was a change in shape and role for many of the men in yellowy-green but it seemed to matter not. Moore getting things off to an electric start topped by Wilson’s stunning long range effort. It seemed despite all the question marks about selection, that this clicked and Bellamy’s bravery was rewarded.
Embed from Getty ImagesHe has talked often about having the right players for the right game and he was clear in his decision to demonstrate that mantra early doors. I maintain the opposition may have played into his decision making and his wish to give players game time, and as the game wore on I’m not convinced that the changes benefitted us defensively, but let’s bask in the victory before asking questions.
Embed from Getty ImagesHaving bundled into the ground and been touched by stewards in a way that only my wife does normally, we took our spot away from the continuing deluge. The anthem was sung and as the players got to their pre match photo pose, the managers name rang out of the away end. Of all the technical and tactical decisions the manager has made, his choice of jacket will be the one that rankles with him the most as within four seconds of clapping the fans who were serenading him, he was drenched. The chant quickly turned to “you’re getting soaked, you’re getting soaked”, which drew a wry smile from the boss.
Embed from Getty ImagesThat smile turned into open mouth joy, 40 seconds after kick off. A long ball forward was bundled around in the box, and after a botched clearance landed at the feet of Kieffer Moore, he rifled home to scenes of glee and bewilderment in the away end. His shot flew in off the left hand post and after the promise shown against Turkey, the Bellamy era burst into life.
The players and fans had barely had time to collect their breath before a break down the right led to Neco Williams cutting inside and laying the ball back to Harry Wilson. The king of Corwen pinged a right footed strike so cleanly it flew into the net and provided the most satisfying of sights – rainwater exploding off the sodden nets as the ball crashed home. Pandemonium in the away end such was the quality of the strike. Three minutes in and Cymru were in cruise control. We pressed and probed and broke and created half chances but that explosive start put us in a very strong position. Neco Williams particularly will want his time back again, playing in an advanced position on the night, after being put through but his first touch in the bog like conditions, took him wide and the chance was gone.
For all the Welsh positivity and control, there were moments of concern, particularly from wide areas where Wales looked exposed quite often through the game. A cross from the right should have been dispatched with Darlow’s goal gaping. And the fortune continued when Ampadu lost the ball to Jovetic who struck from his own half to beat the debut keeper who was way out of goal. The ball bounced off the bar and over. A let off. The narrative changed from fortune to excellence when Montenegro really should have taken the lead. Another cross was fizzed in and not dealt with. The rebound was smothered twice excellently by Darlow and then cleared off the line by Ben Davies following another follow up strike by the hosts. Excellent gritty defending.
Embed from Getty ImagesA word for Davies too. One thing is clear seeing him in person once again, is that he is so underrated in that Wales team. He’s strong, quick, dynamic, reads the game so well and his range of passing is excellent. Equally his “dark arts” skills are not to be underestimated. He reads the situations around him, and his direct opponent very astutely. He manages the game based on what’s in front of him. You can see him being calming and cajoling in equal measure when needed – a real leader.
Embed from Getty ImagesAt half time I think the general discourse (other than “how are we still playing in these conditions”) was that we did well but there’s improvement to be made defensively. Sentiments I think Bellamy would agree with himself. By the time we’d got our breath back and the game restarted, we were treated to a first for me. A flag and full firework display by the home fans. The game getting back underway with something more traditionally seen in November. Thomas had entered the fray and replaced Koumas whilst Johnson was already on during the first half following an injury to Connor Roberts.
Montenegro looked much more in control and seemed to have an extra man in midfield as the game continued. They adapted well to Wales’ approach and Wales looked to defend deep and break quickly. This seemed to be effective as a tactic but not really well utilised. The final ball or decision sometimes lacking. After a lovely move involving Ampadu and Thomas, Ben Davies was slipped in down the left and fired a perfect ball across to Moore. The keeper beaten and the goal gaping, the big striker lunged and lift the ball over the bar. Very quickly afterwards it was 2-1 and it felt a very different game.
Embed from Getty ImagesDarlow’s post was struck from distance and the rebound wasted, but the warning from the home team was not heeded. Wales’ high line was exposed and despite questions of offside, the ball was flashed across the box to see a combination of Williams and Camaj put the ball in the net. The goal energised the home team and crowd with 15 minutes or so to go. This turned the pressure up on Wales.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhilst the conditions weren’t conducive to the way Bellamy wants to play, credit must be given to the players for adapting to the situation and seeing the game out. The conditions suited (in a weird way) the hosts who wanted to cross the ball into the box, whilst our attempts to play fancy football didn’t come to much as the game wore on due in no small part to the conditions. Despite that, we dug in and I thought Ampadu performed excellently. Keeping the ball and managing himself well after a hilarious early yellow card. Jordan James made a positive difference when he came on too, but in the end the result was the key and the players did what they needed to. The keeper went forward for a last minute corner and the referee (who was bloody awful by the way) blew up and ended an entertaining and nervy encounter.
Embed from Getty ImagesBellamy (who had mercifully changed his vodka revs bomber jacket for a coat more suited to the weather) saluted the travelling faithful and the players joined and we all basked in the mutual applause three points can bring. As the slog to return to bed began, there was once again the name of the manager being sung. Recognition that we see the positive impact he’s brought. But he will know that there are still improvements to be made. And I have full faith for now that he will find the correct answer to the challenging questions ahead of him. Namely, how does he balance the desire to attack and be front footed, with the openness that leaves us at the back.
Embed from Getty ImagesFor now, the aim is to enjoy the win and the memories of a frankly bizarre away trip. From last minute location changes, wild weather, long bus journeys (which didn’t need to be as long as they were) coupled with sunshine, glorious surroundings and three points. This correspondents first Wales away win too by the way. And our first win in what was Yugoslavia, ever. It was memorable.
A final word for our hosts. I sincerely hope the FAW make some level of complaint about this fixture and everything that has gone with it. A totally unnecessary police escort everywhere we went and intentionally making fans sit and wait on buses. I understand that some fans were left stranded at the end of the evening outside of the city of Podgorica. This is unacceptable, especially for fans who are nothing but well behaved and when the weather was the way it was.
Embed from Getty ImagesOne guy on our bus back to Budva said, “imagine this was your first Wales away. You’d never come back!” Given how enjoyable Wales away is, it would be a shame for things like this treatment from the police and decision makers around the game to drive away fans who spend a lot of time, money and energy supporting their team. The culture around this from hosts should be embraced, as it usually is, and encouraged instead of making people feel like an inconvenience.
For now, we have a month to reflect and recalibrate before we go again in Iceland. Another unique destination and another great opportunity to get three points in Bellamy’s back pocket. There’s lots to look forward to.
What were your experiences on this Wales Away trip? Let us know @colemans_dream