v Hanwell (pre season game)

[Reading Rebel]

Our squad for today which includes 3 trialists.

Players missing Dyce, Goddard and Makowski  

https://x.com/sloughtownfc

Edited July 26, 2025 by Reading Rebel

[GlenSTFC]

Surprised we’re still looking at trialists at this late stage.

[Curtis]

1 hour ago, GlenSTFC said:

Surprised we’re still looking at trialists at this late stage.

This time last year we played Potters Bar & has three trialists in the squad, so I don’t think it’s anything new looking at them two weeks before the season starts

[GlenSTFC]

44 minutes ago, Curtis said:

This time last year we played Potters Bar & has three trialists in the squad, so I don’t think it’s anything new looking at them two weeks before the season starts

I’m hoping some of the 3 may be higher level players who have not managed to secure deals higher up.

[Irishadrian]

Hanwell 0 Slough Town 3

[Reading Rebel]

6 hours ago, Irishadrian said:

Hanwell 0 Slough Town 3

Hanwell 1 Slough 4

[Reading Rebel]

On the trialists, in his post match interview Scott did say it's a bit late in the day to have trialists because the squad is already formed and in place. 

I suppose it's always a temptation to have a look at other players just in case.

Having said that I'll be very surprised if we're still looking at trialists in our last two games of pre season. 

Edited July 26, 2025 by Reading Rebel

[Reading Rebel]

Update on players missing from today's game:

Dyce has a groin injury, Goddard, sounds like he's picked up a bit of an injury, Makowski on holiday and Gidaree was named in today's squad but wasn't available. 

Edited July 26, 2025 by Reading Rebel

[Irishadrian]

1 hour ago, Reading Rebel said:

Hanwell 1 Slough 4

Really must get those Alzheimer tests done! Didn't clock it was a latest score.

Edited July 26, 2025 by Irishadrian

[Curtis]

3 hours ago, Reading Rebel said:

On the trialists, in his post match interview Scott did say it's a bit late in the day to have trialists because the squad is already formed and in place. 

I suppose it's always a temptation to have a look at other players just in case.

Having said that I'll be very surprised if we're still looking at trialists in our last two games of pre season. 

If we have triallists with the right attitude that are putting in good performances, winning penalties or scoring goals then it’s got to be very difficult to not consider them if there is sufficient playing budget.

[GlenSTFC]

12 minutes ago, Curtis said:

If we have triallists with the right attitude that are putting in good performances, winning penalties or scoring goals then it’s got to be very difficult to not consider them if there is sufficient playing budget.

Going by the current squad page we have 20 players so I can’t see that rising. Obviously the likes of North and possibly one or two others will be loaned out/dual registered. I think we may have room for one more signing.

[Holyport Rebel]

Some points from yesterday's game v Hanwell.
Hanwell have installed some very comfy seats into their new small stand.
Plush, padded red ones that came apparently from 'Club Wembley.'
The 4-1 score line makes it look like it was a straightforward victory.
I thought for the first two thirds of the game Hanwell battled very well, and it was only after when we scored two goals in about two minutes half way through the second half that things mostly got comfortable
One of their players "battled " a bit too much for my liking.
The ref let a lot of things go all match, but I was surprised he didn't invite the Hanwell bench to substitute this player in the second half after he scythed down from behind (was it Tyrique ?) with a  totally unnecessary and disgraceful   foul.
This incident caused a bit of a flare up, and then this same player who remained on the pitch seemed to cause a "ruckus" again straight after the final whistle was blown.
What was his problem ?
It was quite a physical game, something that seemed to be encouraged by the ref being extremely reluctant to blow his whistle for any infringement.
Disappointing to have conceded right at the death.
Seemed a simple goal to let in as it looked like it just went straight in to the net from a cross out on the wing, although afterwards Adam went down holding his face so perhaps there was a foul that I didn't see? 
I noticed that the sub we had coming on in the second half wearing the number 9 shirt scored less than ten minutes after coming on.
I was pleased that most of the back 4 played the whole game.
I think the centre of our defence looks very encouraging.
I like that we have got the experienced "bruiser" Reiss playing alongside Kiki, who to me looks a very skilful and capable centre back.  
Up front if Jared and Wictor ( Wictor didn't play yesterday) continue to show the same form in games that matter as they have in these pre season friendlies, we could be in for some very exciting attacking play this coming season.
I'm rubbish at analysing or evaluating football tactics in the manner that managers etc can do, but something happened a couple of times yesterday that has happened to us for quite a while I think.
We are attacking deep inside the opposition half, whether it be  from a free kick or a corner, and one strong clearing header or a big boot upfield has a fast running opposition forward running over the half way line with  the ball closing in on our goal  with one or two of our defenders backtracking manically to try to head him off.
Like I say I'm no Gary Neville but that is something I've noticed. 
Overall, a very good workout against Hanwell, but the next two friendlies we have you would think would be two very tough tests for us. 

Edited July 27, 2025 by Holyport Rebel

[Reading Rebel]

With 7 subs allowed we can have a match day squad of 18.

We currently have a squad of 20 signed on.

Of those 20 there are 5 ex EDS players of which I'd guess that North, White and Makumbi will be dual registered leaving 17.

Joshua Adepoju who has come from our under 21's and has done exceptionally well in pre season hopefully will be signed which would give us 18.

Unless any of the latest trialists are exceptional I really don't see how we can shoe horn another player into the squad. 

 

[Reading Rebel]

5 hours ago, Holyport Rebel said:

Some points from yesterday's game v Hanwell.
Hanwell have installed some very comfy seats into their new small stand.
Plush, padded red ones that came apparently from 'Club Wembley.'
The 4-1 score line makes it look like it was a straightforward victory.
I thought for the first two thirds of the game Hanwell battled very well, and it was only after when we scored two goals in about two minutes half way through the second half that things mostly got comfortable
One of their players "battled " a bit too much for my liking.
The ref let a lot of things go all match, and I was surprised he didn't invite the Hanwell bench to substitute one of their players in the second half after he scythed down from behind (was it Tyrique ?) with a  totally unnecessary and disgraceful   foul.
This incident caused a bit of a flare up, and then this same player who remained on the pitch seemed to cause a "ruckus" again straight after the final whistle was blown.
What was his problem ?
It was quite a physical game, something that seemed to be encouraged by the ref being extremely reluctant to blow his whistle for any infringement.
Disappointing to have conceded right at the death.
Seemed a simple goal to let in as it looked like it just went straight in to the net from a cross out on the wing, although afterwards Adam went down holding his face so perhaps there was a foul that I didn't see? 
I noticed that the sub we had coming on in the second half wearing the number 9 shirt scored less than ten minutes after coming on.
I was pleased that most of the back 4 played the whole game.
I think the centre of our defence looks very encouraging.
I like that we have got the experienced "bruiser" Reiss playing alongside Kiki, who to me looks a very skilful and capable centre back.  
Up front if Jared and Wictor ( Wictor didn't play yesterday) continue to show the same form in games that matter as they have in these pre season friendlies, we could be in for some very exciting attacking play this coming season.
I'm rubbish at analysing or evaluating football tactics in the manner that managers etc can do, but something happened a couple of times yesterday that has happened to us for quite a while I think.
We are attacking deep inside the opposition half, whether it be  from a free kick or a corner, and one strong clearing header or a big boot upfield has a fast running opposition forward running over the half way line with  the ball closing in on our goal  with one or two of our defenders backtracking manically to try to head him off.
Like I say I'm no Gary Neville but that is something I've noticed. 
Overall, a very good workout against Hanwell, but the next two friendlies we have you would think would be two very tough tests for us. 

There's always the danger, particularly when playing a pre season game against lower league opposition that some players will feel the need to 'prove a point' against higher league opposition.

IMO when we arrange these pre season games it should be agreed between both managers and players from both sides that dangerous/reckless challenges should be outlawed. I'm sure neither manager will want to pick up injuries from reckless tackles playing a pre season game.

On the bit where a boot, header or clearance up field seems to constantly put our goal in danger could be a consequence of playing attacking football i.e. players pushing up to the half way line and getting caught on the break by a simple punt up field.

  

Edited July 27, 2025 by Reading Rebel

[Holyport Rebel]

33 minutes ago, Reading Rebel said:

 

On the bit where a boot, header or clearance up field seems to constantly put our goal in danger could be a consequence of playing attacking football i.e. players pushing up to the half way line and getting caught on the break by a simple punt up field.

  

 

I'm sure you are right RR, and it would be a simple solution to this scenario by just keeping five or six of our players back in our own half.

Would I want this ?

A resounding no.

It's just frustrating to get these "heart-in -mouth" moments that are caused, not by good opposition play, but simply by a headed or kicked hoof upfield.  

 

Edited July 27, 2025 by Holyport Rebel

[Reading Rebel]

4 hours ago, Holyport Rebel said:

 

I'm sure you are right RR, and it would be a simple solution to this scenario by just keeping five or six of our players back in our own half.

Would I want this ?

A resounding no.

It's just frustrating to get these "heart-in -mouth" moments that are caused, not by good opposition play, but simply by a headed or kicked hoof upfield.  

 

Of course if you've got a couple of speedsters up front a punt/long ball up front or over the top will almost certainly put most defences in trouble.

Edited July 27, 2025 by Reading Rebel

[DonnyNo6]

20 hours ago, Holyport Rebel said:

Some points from yesterday's game v Hanwell.
Hanwell have installed some very comfy seats into their new small stand.
Plush, padded red ones that came apparently from 'Club Wembley.'
The 4-1 score line makes it look like it was a straightforward victory.
I thought for the first two thirds of the game Hanwell battled very well, and it was only after when we scored two goals in about two minutes half way through the second half that things mostly got comfortable
One of their players "battled " a bit too much for my liking.
The ref let a lot of things go all match, but I was surprised he didn't invite the Hanwell bench to substitute this player in the second half after he scythed down from behind (was it Tyrique ?) with a  totally unnecessary and disgraceful   foul.
This incident caused a bit of a flare up, and then this same player who remained on the pitch seemed to cause a "ruckus" again straight after the final whistle was blown.
What was his problem ?
It was quite a physical game, something that seemed to be encouraged by the ref being extremely reluctant to blow his whistle for any infringement.
Disappointing to have conceded right at the death.
Seemed a simple goal to let in as it looked like it just went straight in to the net from a cross out on the wing, although afterwards Adam went down holding his face so perhaps there was a foul that I didn't see? 
I noticed that the sub we had coming on in the second half wearing the number 9 shirt scored less than ten minutes after coming on.
I was pleased that most of the back 4 played the whole game.
I think the centre of our defence looks very encouraging.
I like that we have got the experienced "bruiser" Reiss playing alongside Kiki, who to me looks a very skilful and capable centre back.  
Up front if Jared and Wictor ( Wictor didn't play yesterday) continue to show the same form in games that matter as they have in these pre season friendlies, we could be in for some very exciting attacking play this coming season.
I'm rubbish at analysing or evaluating football tactics in the manner that managers etc can do, but something happened a couple of times yesterday that has happened to us for quite a while I think.
We are attacking deep inside the opposition half, whether it be  from a free kick or a corner, and one strong clearing header or a big boot upfield has a fast running opposition forward running over the half way line with  the ball closing in on our goal  with one or two of our defenders backtracking manically to try to head him off.
Like I say I'm no Gary Neville but that is something I've noticed. 
Overall, a very good workout against Hanwell, but the next two friendlies we have you would think would be two very tough tests for us. 

My other half wanted to sit down on Saturday so it was quite nice to find those Club Wembley seats there, one of the owners was showing someone around a bit and I heard him say they were all from Wembley, very posh.

It was their number 15 causing the issues, he had a spat with one of our lads but I couldn't really tell who it was and that wound him up, I said to Jo he's got the hump watch him and then low and behold less that two minutes later a cheap tackle from behind and it got a bit heated.  He seem to lose his head at the final whistle, don't know if something was said but I thought it good to see our lads fronting up and also backing each other up physically, that bodes well for me.

I did have to laugh as when they were all walking off one of their players said to his girlfriend who was right beside us, 'get the car ready this might kick off, we'll get killed have you seen the size of this lot'  I did chuckle. 🤣 

[Reading Rebel]

4 hours ago, DonnyNo6 said:

My other half wanted to sit down on Saturday so it was quite nice to find those Club Wembley seats there, one of the owners was showing someone around a bit and I heard him say they were all from Wembley, very posh.

It was their number 15 causing the issues, he had a spat with one of our lads but I couldn't really tell who it was and that wound him up, I said to Jo he's got the hump watch him and then low and behold less that two minutes later a cheap tackle from behind and it got a bit heated.  He seem to lose his head at the final whistle, don't know if something was said but I thought it good to see our lads fronting up and also backing each other up physically, that bodes well for me.

I did have to laugh as when they were all walking off one of their players said to his girlfriend who was right beside us, 'get the car ready this might kick off, we'll get killed have you seen the size of this lot'  I did chuckle. 🤣 

Where was the Hanwell management when this player was kicking off?

I'd expect any teams manager or his assistants to step in and calm the player down.

Edited July 28, 2025 by Reading Rebel

[Mark44]

In pre season too.... although didn't one of those brothers get sent off against us in pre season for Uxbridge maybe 15 years ago....

[DonnyNo6]

2 hours ago, Reading Rebel said:

Where was the Hanwell management when this player was all kicking off?

I'd expect any teams manager or his assistants to step in and calm the player down.

A couple of fellas came over to him but he tried a couple of times to shrug them off and keep going.