FORMER WINNER Gerwyn Price is convinced he can finally win over the Alexandra Palace crowd after breezing into the third round of the PDC World Darts Championship.
The Welshman has had an often troubled relationship with the fans and last year wore ear protectors during his 5-1 quarter-final defeat to Germany’s Gabriel Clemens.
Price’s solitary crown came in 2021 when the crowd was shut out due to Covid-19, but he is hopeful of more support after outclassing Connor Scutt with a 3-1 win.
“It’s really difficult to come here when the crowd’s on your back,” Price told Sky Sports.
“I’m glad the crowd were really good to me today and if they continue like this there’s no reason I can’t win it.
“It was difficult, my game was steady, it wasn’t my ‘A’ game and there were some first-round jitters, but I’m through so I’m happy.”
The performance of the night came from Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung who hit 11 maximums as he battled back from 2-0 down to see off Dutchman Gian van Veen 3-2.
Leung looked down and out after missing 10 darts at double for the second set, but stormed back with a thrilling performance to book his place in round two for the first time.
Martin Lukeman had too much for New Zealand’s Haupei Puha as he eased to a 3-0 win, while Tibault Tricole was a 3-1 winner over Mario Vandenbogaerde.
Agree 100%, McGrath and Hendrick may be a bit too attack minded but there isn’t a box to box alternative unfortunately. Hopefully Omobamidele is fit for continuity, it could be argued that Collins is a better overall defender so should he able cover if not.
@TheCraftyCulchie: I think Omobamidele is a bit of a goal threat too. Big bonus.
@Vonvonic: I thinks he’s injured
@Ríain HenC: Bad news
6 goals in 54 senior appearances for Adam Idah. 11 for Ireland with no goals. While I like his enthusiasm and energy I don’t think he’s the future. We desperately need to find a goalscorer.
@Shameless McFly: Club appearances isn’t a great metric to use when he only gets on the pitch for a few minutes and it counts as as appearance
According to Transfermarkt he’s got 8 premier league appearances this season for a total of 49 minutes
@Shameless McFly: Georgie Kelly
@Shameless McFly: Give him a chance. He holds the ball up really well, which is important with the wing back system. Hopefully he’ll get a manager who fancies him at Norwich. Lampard could be good for him.
@Shameless McFly: 100% agreed.. Has shown very little threat at this level a s needs way more club game time and possibly a loan move
@Vonvonic: he doesn’t hold it up really well.. Thats the thing here.. Not sure what he’s currently bringing to the table
@Shameless McFly: Johnny Kenny coming through-serious prospect, give him another year.
McClean arguably our most in form player. Has to start over Doherty
@Stanley:
Yep. That’s the team I’d pick.
Stephens did amazing in the wing back position last time. He’s good in defence and crossing the ball. Far better option on the left than Doherty I think.
Outside of the 11, there’s a strong argument for Coventry and Kilkenny to be there instead of Browne and Molumby based on minutes and form. Browne has experience which gives him an edge but the argument is there to be had.
@Christopher O’Brien: Browne has a lot more minutes on the pitch than Coventry. Coventry needs more time to settle. Kilkenny is a definite option but gaining more experience is also necessary. The changes cant be constant, the team needs stability.
I agree with the team but from what Kenny is saying it looks like he will rotate Doherty and Coleman for the 2 games over fitness concerns. Wouldn’t be surprised if he did the same on the other side with Mclean and Stevens
Even if I don’t agree he don’t want to change the team anyhow.
How Jeff hendrick is still robbing a wage as a footballer is beyond me
@dave Carwood: if he plays like he did last game, he’ll be robbing Portugal of a win
@john Kelly! Seriously??? You must be joking!!!
I don’t think that Idah has done enough in green to justify a starting spot. Otherwise I’d go with that team
@Gerry McCaughey: his physical presence was unsettling for Portugal the last day.
@Frainc Ó Broin: Absolutely. Hé had a great battle with Diaz all game. Unsettled him until the very end.