First proper test today and a chance to see what we are really made of, I don't think we had 7 different goal scorers the whole of last season and we got that on tuesday night albeit against poor opposition.
It will make a change playing them on a proper pitch and seeing if there hoof it in the corners has as much effect when the ball skims off the surface.
Yes a good test for us today and perhaps the sort of opposition we should be preparing against, rather than Charlton & E&B, looking forward to a sunny and enjoyable afternoon.
Maodstone have retained the vast majority of their squad from last season and will probably have a decent first season in the VNL (like we had) until all their key players get poached.
Meanwhile we've got a whole new first XI. As others have said, it's going to take a few games to gel. I hope the lads aren't too disheartened by the score line. They've just got to keep their heads down and continue training hard.
I have to disagree with some of the comments above, I know it was only a "friendly" and it was a hot humid afternoon, but it was just like last season, no real threat up front (although more than last season to be fair), and a defensive line that certainly creaked and groaned and looked a bit laboured. They will certainly need to get it together during the remaining pre-season or we will be slipping down again!
Without wishing to sound too negative you can not be anything but disappointing coming away from today. I was hoping whilst not perhaps beating Maidstone we would at least give them a game. However minus a brief 10 minute spell they blew us away with ease. Today has left more question marks but it is pre season and I hope we will improve.
Maidstone impressed me I have no doubt they will be fine this season.
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Not fluent first, last from third, ridden after three out, soon weakened.
Not happy - some good spells, but few and far between. Hopefully the team will gel before the start of the season. On that performance, Maidstone should be well into the top half of the table. Overall, they had the settled side and, as somebody has mentioned, a few of their players will no doubt be poached. Good to see Bill Williams again. I noted that the Stones had some very keen fans behind the goal, if not boorish to the extreme for a friendly.
There's no doubt that was a classy Maidstone outfit. MG has recruited some good players but they need time to gel together as a team. Still 5 more friendlies to put things right before Oxford.
I'd be happy with a top half finish this season, accompanied, I'd hope, by an increase in the clubs support base. It can take a while to build a side good enough to win promotion from the South but when you do I think its quite possible to go straight through the National Conference with some good additions. Maidstone may just prove that.
Off the pitch the refurbishment of the clubs bars and toilets look fantastic. If they publicise it as available for hire I'm sure it will be a great success.
The catering also seems to have improved and the increased car park is useful.
-- Edited by Chris on Saturday 16th of July 2016 07:48:39 PM
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OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh When the Wingssssss
Brief chat with MG after game, he sounded positive and we'll aware of any issues today. I hated him at bromley and now after a few chats I really like the guy.
I seem to remember at least one former manager who organised a non-football team day out to bond a newly-formed team (e.g. Paintball, bowling, etc.) MG might want to consider this. Don't get me wrong: I think he's recruited very well. But yesterday, we either tried to walk the ball in in the first-half or were noticeably short of ideas in the final third when the match was decided. Quality friendlies - and time generally - are running out...
I didn't see Brown on the pitch. Maybe you meant Brand the right back ? Thought Johnson made the difference when he came on. Maybe it will take a while for them all to read each other's games. Thought they were more balanced with Brand and Johnson. Let's hope they both get an opportunity. Early days yet.
-- Edited by Joeyjoejoe on Sunday 17th of July 2016 05:53:56 PM
New to the club and would like a couple or 3 season tickets. Went to game yesterday and plan on going regular. Can't see anywhere on website with info. Any help gratefully received
Best thing is to give the club a call or pop in during the week. I'm pretty sure the ground is open 9-5 most days so pop in and speak to someone there.
Welcome to the forum.
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Welling United FC. Banging on the walls of Woking dressing rooms since 1963..
I wasn't there on Saturday but Maidstone are a well organised, well drilled outfit and know their system and most of the players are familiar with each other.
We have a group of players thrown together and still finding our way and shape and getting to know the strengths and weaknesses of their teammates.
Personally I will be happy with a season of consolidation back at this level on the pitch whilst continuing to see more improvements off the pitch.
Yes, we should be expecting a top third finish, and it's too easy to complain, but with just 5 matches to go before things get serious I was hoping to see a bit more team effort. i was pleased to see the number of friendlies arranged, against various standards of opposition, and whilst defeat against Charlton was expected the 4-0 against Maidstone is still disappointing. But as I said we've still a few matches to go so fingers crossed MG manages to get them to gel together. All the improvements to the ground etc are great but the performance on the pitch has to remain the priority.
I thought we were really poor (didn't compete) against a decent side. Vast improvement will be required if we're to match our third favourites tag in the betting!
Not the greatest I've seen us play but I think it's early days to judge. Maidstone have a settled side and I think they will shock a lot of teams this year in the conference. We have all new players bar 2 from last season.
The improvement off the pitch I hope will ensure that if we are in a position to get promotion to the National league, that we can stay there.
I do think we will be competitive this year, around 7-8th is my bet. Speaking to MG after the game, he is looking for another winger and another striker.
Onwards and upwards.
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Welling United FC. Banging on the walls of Woking dressing rooms since 1963..
I saw a team struggling to find its identity. Still too many players not sure of their future especially the younger guys. I saw a team lacking width and lacking finishing until Johnson came on and gave us a balanced left side..A team who wasn't sure of their team mates strengths and weaknesses. A defence that was strong in the middle but lacked the confidence to trust the two young boys at left and right back. I've seen them both play at reserve team level and they can both get forward and make up a strong left and right wing..Taylor needs a bit of confidence and Brand needed the ball in front of him a bit more. I can only see a promising future but it needs time and trust. Looking forward to tomorrow's game but the nearer we get to the business end the more the boys need to know their jobs and positions in the team and trust those around them.
No just seen them all play together in reserve games. Like to keep an eye on the youth because more than ever we will need them. Not much money about for players and best make the most of what we got.
Every time I've seen Archie Johnson play (which seems to be in PSFs) he's impressed me. He's certainly stood out in the last two games. The way he's played so far he should start against Oxford City.
