Billericay 0-1 Grays

[Simon BTFC]

Talk about going out with more of a whimper than a bang.... Very uninspiring stuff today. Grays largely dominated possession throughout, and although they didn't exactly create a hat full of chances they stuck one away which is what counts. The closest we came to scoring was an own goal from one of their defenders that Capleton pushed over the bar.

 

This was our 4th "must win" game in the last couple of months - (Braintree (H), Harrow (a), Kingstonian (H) and now Grays (H) ) - all of which have been lost and it's probably true to say our 4 worst performances since Christmas.

 

In particular our midfield went missing yesterday, Dormer tried manfully but got very little support from Black and Hunter who both seemed to be playing in lead boots.

[jl]

Ahh well

 

Yesterday typified our season really. The opportunity presented itself with Hitchin and Northwood both losing yet, as per, we could not take advantage.

 

I thought the first half was fairly even yesterday with both teams having some decent chances but in the second half Grays were well on top and if anything the scoreline could have been greater in their favour. Grays looked a decent side to me and it just underlined that even after bringing a few in that, we are still well short of what is required to do well at this level.

 

The team was

Weaver

Aziz Sappleton (Davidson) Trott Henty

Hunter Dormer (Jones)

(Stowe) Hockton

 

Tomlinson, Black and Opara also apparantly played some part although you could have fooled me.

 

snu: Bauckham

[BTFC Martin]

KK, Hockton and Aziz clearly weren't fit but thats the gamble you take when you need a win.

 

The midfield disappered and no one seemed to want to make a tackle.

 

If felt more like an end of season game with both teams in mid table and nothing to play for.

 

Finally, can we practise set pieces as I am struggling to think of any decent efforts (I'm sure someone will correct me), but most either don't get off the ground or are over hit and go straight to the keeper or off for a goal kick.

[c'mon ricay]

Frankly the way they played yesterday it looked a team with nothing to play for when they had everything to play for but frankly that was little more than I expected to be honest. I felt to many went AWOL yesterday especially in the midfield that looked like producing nothing all game.

[mala_D]

You did have a few "walking wounded" though as well didn't you?

 

Sorry you didn't get the right result lads. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

[ray bellici]

I thought this was a very good Grays side, I couldn't believe each time they made a substitution another 6ft+ athlete would come on and look better then anything we had to offer. Here I go again, Tomlinson is a waste of time, I hope he takes the opportunity to 'better' himself and join a club where his ego will allow him to thrive. Jones is way out of his league, off to GWR please. I hope we can keep Weaver, Trott, Sappleton and Dormer, who should be proud of their individual performances over the last few weeks.

[GazzaBTFC]

Even though some people find Steve Jones "out of his league" as the comment above reflects, I still think some gratitude would be nice. As I have repeatedly said this season, Steve Jones is an example of pride and effort, which some of his peers would do well to learn from.

 

Although we are all able to reflect an opinion of this forum, to say "off to GWR" is just plain rude towards a player who, like Gary Henty, puts on that blue shirt and is proud to do so.

 

I have no problem with the fact that people consider these players "not good enough" but you have to blind not to see their effort on the field and their disapointment off it when their efforts are not supported by some their colleagues. A simple thanks would be nice but I suppose that is just plain too much to ask for.

 

The same applies to some peoples attitude to the hard work done around the club by the officials and members of the BTSA. Again, we have an opinion, nothing wrong with that, ideas are good and to be taken on board, discussed and agreed or disagreed but it isn't just Steve Kents club or Justin Edinburgh's team. It is our club, the supporters club, as well and if you are not even in a position to help, some gratitude towards those that do work around the club, visible or not, would be nice. A simple and plain "thanks"...that is all.

 

Sorry for the rant. It was just the previous comment of "off to GWR" that has got my goat. It lacks appreciation of the hard work that people who do work their socks off for the club deserve...Players, officials, BTSA members and supporters a like.

 

 

[Always Blue12]

I quite agree Gazza, not only is it disrespectful to the player, but also to GWR, a club that has made us feel very welcome in the last couple of pre-season games that we have had against them, and may I add Mr Bellici a team that has avoided demotion.

[c'mon ricay]

I quite agree as although Stevie Jones ability wise isn’t the best player we have but he does run his heart out for the club unlike some of his more able colleagues (not going to name names don’t think I have to really) and if those more able players had put in as much effort as Steve has this season we certainly wouldn’t be in the position we are now in and maybe even comfortably in the top half of the table. Personally I prefer the players who may not be all that ability wise but wears the shirt with pride and gives 210% when he plays for the club rather than some who may have more ability but player in a lazy manner with their head in the clouds. Also he has got a few goals from midfield this season off very few games one of which against St Albans he was subsqently knocked unconscious as a result, which shows personal bravery something I doubt many of our other players would have bothered to do. Also he scored on the Isle of [****!!****] therefore hes an absolute legend

[ray bellici]

It's my contention that you can both have the ability and give maximum effort, take Dormer, take Trott, take the whole Grays side. If you want to see eleven Jones's running around then fine, I don't agree with that.

 

So the btsa person wants recognition for his volunteered services, that's very humble of him. Maybe get some badges made up and sell them in the shop, or get the vocal support to chant your name as part of their repertoire.

[Simon BTFC]

I wouldn't have said Grays were anything special Ray, they had pace to burn up front but created next to nothing in the second half (not that we did either!) against a defense that included one player that started the season in the reserves (Aziz) and another (Davidson) playing well out of position.

 

I think your harsh to criticise Steve Jones' ability based on Saturday - he did a lot better than Black or Hunter and looked our most creative player second half.

 

Tommo is an interesting one, some of our fans seem to rate him highly others don't.... He started well for us, in the win at Heybridge he was probably our best player, but his confidence is shot to pieces. Personally I think he's a lot better when used as a striker, and I guess if KK isn't fit, he will most likely play up front on Saturday against Northwood.

 

Yes you can have players who have both ability and attitude, but had we started the season with 16 of em, we'd have gone bust before the end of September. Personally I would rather have players who always give 100% over more talented players who don't...... Obviously there's more money available now to bring in players but how often have we seen players with big pedigrees turn up, think they're too big for us and disappear without a trace?

 

[GazzaBTFC]

Quote:

ray bellici said:
It's my contention that you can both have the ability and give maximum effort, take Dormer, take Trott, take the whole Grays side. If you want to see eleven Jones's running around then fine, I don't agree with that.

So the btsa person wants recognition for his volunteered services, that's very humble of him. Maybe get some badges made up and sell them in the shop, or get the vocal support to chant your name as part of their repertoire.

Did you read and understand what I wrote....obviously not, so let me illumiate for you...I took umbridge over "off to GWR". It shows that you had no respect for the player or the hard work that he puts in. Do you usually treat people that work hard, for what ever talent they possess so glibly and such a dismissive manner? As for your comment, I wish to see 11 Steve Jones running about, is just plain childish.

For your comment concerning a medal for the work, again, no. I did include everyone that has done something for the club (maybe glassess should be your priority). Personally, I enjoy the job for what it is worth and don't really look for the thanks but your comments show how you have miss interpreted my thoughts. I go and support my club in anyway I can, my friends are there, I enjoy the atmosphere, as do others. I don't ask for reward but how difficult is it to say "thanks"....Just a word eh? All I can say is that if your argument is as I think I've read and understood it then ray, obviously gatitude is a word you can't be very familiar with and I suggest you aquaint yourself with it.

People like Steve Jones and the other young people, be they players, officials, anyone down that club from the ball boys upwards, work hard 'cos they enjoy the game, the club and the people around the club. A bit of gratitude goes a long way, as does encouragement to those that deserve it.

[Simon BTFC]

Quote:

GazzaBTFC said:
obviously gatitude is a word you can't be very familiar with and I suggest you aquaint yourself with it.

I'm not sure I'm familiar with the word gatitude, Gazza, care to enlighten us <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I think it's gratitude Ray is lacking.....

[GazzaBTFC]

I think I said that Simon.