Halstead 2 Under 18's 0

[Ryan.c]

No trip to Roots Hall this year! A plucky performance by the youngsters against a Halstead side that contained a few 'wiley coyotes'. Both Halstead goals came from poor decisions from the ref. More shocking than that was the tea they served up. Straight out of someones sweaty jock-strap that was!!

[GazzaBTFC]

My gahst is so flabbered about the obviously one sided performance of the ref, I can't force myself to write about the match.

 

I will say tho, well done to the lads who played.

[The Town Crier]

I agree with Ryan, Halstead read our game well; we were a little one-dimensional though, which made it easier for them.

 

I thought for the most part we looked like a team, worked well for each other, and were sharp.

But there was a distinct lack of verbal communication, particularly when going forward.

Our keeper was very solid, making good saves and blocks, his distribution was good, and he stayed calm, an all round good performance, well done Chris.

As the game progressed, our team seemed to divide between the 90-minute players and the 70/80-minute players, something I know they will work on.

Although the goals came for poor decisions by the ref, Halsted were on top at that point and had created a fair few chances, some off target and some saved.

 

 

Having said all that, I was very pleased with the performance; Our lads did well against an experienced senior team.

 

 

THE REF:

 

Yes he WAS p*ss poor, but for both teams. It was unfortunate that we conceded form two poor decisions, although, the first goal was defended badly.

He gave them a very dubious penalty for what looked like a dive, but he did miss three handballs by us, one of which was around the six-yard area and another just inside the 18-yard box.

Added to this he missed fails all over the park for both teams.

We never lost because of the ref, Halstead were the better team on the day.

[Simon BTFC]

Thought we did ok, as TC says Chris Wayman did well in goal. Also thought Rob Swaine was good at centre back. Didn't really compete enough in the centre of the park where we didn't get to grips with the pace of the game - played some good passing moves at times, but gave the ball away cheaply at others. The experience will have been good for the lads, and if some of them are to progress it will have highlighted the areas they need to work on.

[jl]

The game:

Agree re the goalkeeper and the number 5. Both solid efforts. Also thought the 9 showed some nice touches up front and could become a decent player. Despite the bad decisions Halstead deserved to win.

 

Did we underestimate Halstead/overestimate our youth team or were we just not bothered about the ESC?

Should the supporters have been told in advance that we were going to field exclusively our youth team?

[The Town Crier]

If the game could have been played last week it would have been a different team. But I guess what with Saturday’s game we couldn’t afford to lose anyone through injury.

 

Of course we were bothered about the ESC, it's not compulsory, you have to request entry.

 

I assume your comment means that if you were told we were to field an exclusively youth side, you wouldn't have attended.

Are the youth not worthy of your support? Was the game less enjoyable? Would you have asked if we had won?

 

I know what you mean jl, maybe, but does it really matter on the odd occasion

[jl]

Quote:

I assume your comment means that if you were told we were to field an exclusively youth side, you wouldn't have attended.
Are the youth not worthy of your support? Was the game less enjoyable? Would you have asked if we had won?

No it doesn't but forewarned is forearmed, Yes they are worthy of my support, yes it probably was as we lost and Yes I would.
You know me TC have bar will travel but perhaps the same doesn't apply to everyone who made the journey yesterday? The majority that I spoke to were certainly not expecting a full strength team, but mebbe a bit of a mix and match, and virtually everyone was surprised that Stowey and Matt Game didn't get a run-out. Of course had they played and got injured then I suppose the other questions would have been raised, so a bit of no-win situation. I like the ESC as I feel it's a competition we can win, so mebbe just a bit frustrated that we have exited at the first hurdle.

It'll all be forgotten when we give Yeading a good hiding on Saturday.... <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

[The Town Crier]

As I said befere I know what you mean, and I hope no harm was done. Had anyone asked about the team like they did last week, all may have been revealed.

 

Matt got a knock in training, If we assume Cous & Ross are to start Saturday, I presume the gaffer thought it to dangerous to risk Stowey, seems sensible to me. That being the case then the same would apply for Danny K

 

We expect Matt to be fit Saturday.

 

I'm sure the squad will be strengthened very soon!

[jl]

Quote:

I'm sure the squad will be strengthened very soon!

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/applaus.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bow.gif" alt="" />

[Simon BTFC]

Just to add that I've had an email from Martin the U18s manager and he was very appreciative of the support the team got on Tuesday.