It was never going to be a classic or straightforward but the manager got most things right putting out a strong and well-balanced team before using his subs to ensure the vital goal.
With two defenders apparently suffering positive covid tests and Diop still – for unfathomable reasons – out of favour, Moyes again went with Craig Dawson and aren’t we glad he did.
Having seen a small squad take five points from games which included two away over the holiday period, we were again on ‘foreign’ ground and one where we have not won in seven visits.
It was not surprising therefore that on an energy-sapping pitch we were nothing like as lively as we might have hoped.
In the end, Moyes got his subs spot on and it was effectively Bowen who turned the match with his loan signing grabbing the goal.
Had it been a better game he could have expected a bigger mark but he certainly produced an above-average managerial performance on a very tricky night
Moyes rating 7
I’m glad to see Milo Odubeko finally blooded, even if it was right at the end. Lots to look forward to there from the young man.
Well done to the team – in years past we mught have been content for a draw and then bring them back to our place for a replay – which of course is not possible this year
Hugh – I see that Alan Irvine gave a very plausible explanation why Issa Diop was not involved – slight niggle
I think Noble should have been pulled at half time as should Antonio. Neither offered anything and Antonio could have been back to square one had he tried to sprint on that surface, just as well he barely jogged let alone sprint. It wasn’t pretty but they got the job done and as you say credit to Moyes for starting a strong side but yet again his dubs baffled me, not the ones coming on but those he took off. Antonio needs minutes that is a given but last night would have done more damage than good so the youngster should have been seen far far sooner.
I think that’s about right Hugh. Given the conditions we needed a solid team and having the likes of Rice, Ogbonna and Coufal from the start was right. I thought Bowen and Souchek substitutions did make a difference and Bowen’s quick thinking with Rice for the short corner, great cross and well timed run from Dawson was one of the few times in the match where quick thinking caught out Stockport’s defensive set up. We often played pretty stuff in front of them without much effect.
Well done to moyes for fielding such a strong team. In the past we would have had a weakened team getting embarrassed and losing that game and getting knocked out the cup.