Ricay 0 Folkestone 0

[jl]

A pretty forgetable game with Folkestone getting lots of people behind the ball at every opportunity. There was no doubt we were the better team but chances were few and far between.

 

We had a good penalty shout turned down and Cousins found the goalie's arms when one on one but other than that can't recall many chances. Folkestone's one attempt at goal (off target) came in the 89th minute.

 

Positives a clean sheet after leaking a few of late - a good debut from Paul Gothard and a more solid performance from the back four especially Pat who had a good game. Hockers had an off day and the midfield I felt didn't really get going.

 

Let's hope we can get back on the winning trail with our twice yearly goalfest with Northwood coming up on Tuesday.

[Alice]

I agree the defence looked more solid and we deserved more. Added to this our shape was much better than it's been lately; seemed to repond to Gazza's comment about the need for more width.

 

The biggest negative for me is the amount of 'hoofball' we continue to play. I'm not sure I agree with JL about Hockton....from what I saw he got very little decent service and he was very close on a number of occasions to making the crucial breakthrough.

 

It's becoming very easy for the opposition to set out their tactics against us....play their tallest defenders and gobble up the long upfield shunts. Most of the time we completely miss out playing through midfield and this leaves the front men making lung bursting chases for balls which inevitably favour defenders.

 

I also found Justin's programme notes disappointing. Publicly criticising players smacks of weakness and an attempt to avoid his share of blame when things go wrong. They are all in it together and Justin should remember that he has been given every financial support (and I suspect moral support) by Steve Kent. These players are those that he wanted. He selected them and he should also be dictating the shape of the team; their tactics; and their playing methods. Bearing that in mind I'd say the blame for recent displays is about 50/50 between players and management. While I'm sure we need strong words and criticism in the privacy of the dressing room, it is to noone's credit when these issues are made public.

 

There is no crisis yet and the season can still deliver what we all want if all concerned take full responsibility for the roles they should be performing.

[GazzaBTFC]

I would agree with Alice's comments with regards to "hoof" the ball. We have players that are better playing the ball on the ground and yet we persist with this. It seems that all the teams we meet play the long ball and we just try to match 'em for it. Why? We have plenty of ball players on the field and proved it in the opening 10 to 15 minutes when we ran rings round 'em. Also, there seemed to be a bit of confusion as to where to deliver a pass up front. Player went one way, ball the other. One would imagine that this is 'cos the players are still not "tuned" in with each other. This will come in time.

 

I can see what Justin, Matt and the team are trying to achieve. Play the ball on the ground, loads of movement, pace and rhythm but (and this is no excuse but possibly a reason) it was bloody hot out there yesterday and the pace we set in every start this season, I would imagine, is killing when it's 28 degrees or more on the pitch. If the supporters are complaining about the heat (and some were, including me), what about the players? But I did say this isn't an excuse.

 

The positives are that our back four were solid and our 'keeper had a good first game. When all these niggly problems get sorted out, the teams out there in this league are gonna get such a whopping they won't know which day it is let alone the score!!!

[Paul J]

Talk about a game of both teams hoofing the ball. It was 90 minutes of very little quality.

 

I just feel sorry for the match ball.....last seen being carried up Blunts Wall Road on a stretcher!

[Guest]

"a good debut from Paul Gothard"

 

We would expect nothing less ;o)

 

btw if any of you want you can join the Paul Gothard Fan Club. Membership is free, you only have to answer afew questions about Paul Gothard to join.

 

Our email address is paulgothardfanclub@yahoo.co.uk

 

He's got no hair, we don't care

[Rod]

Difficult to know if the midfield played badly or just did not get the chance. Aimless balls played forward that Danny and Chris had no chance of getting and on a hot day they were cream crackered in no time. Is this players not following instructions or bad instructions being given in the first place?

 

Now we have keeper and defence sorted it is time for the midfield to show what they are worth or disappear out of the team.

 

The second half was awful to watch. <img src="/images/graemlins/sunny.gif" alt="" />

[jl]

Quote:

Alice said:
I also found Justin's programme notes disappointing. Publicly criticising players smacks of weakness and an attempt to avoid his share of blame when things go wrong.

I think every one has to be aware that what goes in the programme is not verbatim quotes from Justin but as I understand it a precis of what he talks about with Simon. I think the timing was a little unfortunate with the McCartney situation and the gist of the comment was probably meant to be of the "we need more effort" type. I think its important that we get regular communication from the managment so for me we need this column to stay.

I do however agree that as they are all Justin's players bar none the buck stops with him and I don't think he would expect anything else.

I agree with Gazza that we ain't too far away and let's hope we are celebrating a spectacular win come Tuesday night.

[Alice]

Seems most of us agree that we want to see more passing thru the midfield. Whether the team succeed doing this depends a lot on their confidence.

 

Responsibility for losing the ball during a sequence of passing movements is a lot more obvious than when it is won by the opposition after an upfield shunt. This is where supporters are vital; the players need continous encouragement when playing this way, even when the ball is lost.

 

Equally, fans encouragement for players trying to hold the ball and beat their man one to one, is also vital. We must keep upbeat and not sigh, or at worst jeer, when the ball is lost. Cheering them on when things aren't going well is crucial and will restore the vital ingredient which is confidence. Let's keep criticisms to the post match bar discussions. I remember the 70's, most of all for the continuous singing support by the fans. It can work miracles.

 

We have some good players and their ability to show how good they are is often a mental thing. Let's do our bit to reinforce their belief in their talent.

[GazzaBTFC]

I would agree to that

[The Town Crier]

Alice.... a woman who understands the fineries of football.

 

Perhaps you could explain the off side rule to our team now you're not following the Canvey. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

 

As for your last post.....Couldn't agree more.