Their manager had been very honest in his pre-match comments about the game, saying they dominate games, but don't offer enough in attack. It sounds like we took the game to them in the first half, and they took it to us in the second half, and their problems in attack showed. But then again, we have now only let 2 goals in the last 3 games, so it is silly to underestimate our defence, as apart from the car crashes conceding 10 against Boreham and Hemel, we've only let in 10 in the other 10 games. Dave Winfield has been remarkable all season, we need to clone him!
This league looks so close still, we're 4 points above relegation, which obviously isnt good news. But then again, if we'd had 3 more points (and but for lots of dodgy ref decisions in our first 12 games we'd have had at least 3 more points) we'd be midtable in 13th place, just 4 points off the playoffs. The difference between success and non-success can be so tight, especially in this particular season. 4 of our 7 league defeats were by just 1 goal, and it doesnt need that much improvement to turn narrow one goal defeats round. Great to have won, result! And looking ahead, Enfield look beatable, as they managed to concede 4 against struggling Aveley today.
Actually I will take the prediction back, this is a nutty season where anything can happen, we are where we are in the league, yet we've beaten 2 of the top 5 teams in the table! I don't think we get enough credit for our defence, I've seen away fans point out we've let in 20 goals, forgetting half of them were conceded in those 2 games I mentioned. And Rod released 4 of the players in the Boreham hammering, and the new players have improved us. So crossing fingers the Welling under floodlights magic works again Tuesday night. Hats off to our fans that made St Albans by public transport today.
A thoroughly entertaining match today, but for different reasons each half. The first half we were excellent all over the pitch. Strong at the back, dynamic in midfield and looked threatening going forward. The first half flew by. Deservedly 1-0 up at half time and could have been more but at times the football we played was a joy to watch. Second half was a tense affair as we sat back and absorbed their pressure with everyone working hard and doing their jobs. Special mention for our captain who was collosal. We've looked a lot more solid in recent matches and I wonder if Burch not being available for 2 of the last 3 has contributed to that. I support all our players but he has his moments but I always get more nervous when he's playing.
Couldn't believe it when Chucks missed the open goal near the end and I'm so pleased for him it wasn't costly and he can enjoy being our match winner this evening.
I may have missed something but why was Rod not in the dug out today? For once he wouldn't have blown a fuse over the refereeing as I thought today the officials were very good. What a change not to leave a match where they are the main talking point.
On to Tuesday and hoping for a similar performance under the lights at PVR.
A thoroughly entertaining match today, but for different reasons each half. The first half we were excellent all over the pitch. Strong at the back, dynamic in midfield and looked threatening going forward. The first half flew by. Deservedly 1-0 up at half time and could have been more but at times the football we played was a joy to watch. Second half was a tense affair as we sat back and absorbed their pressure with everyone working hard and doing their jobs. Special mention for our captain who was collosal. We've looked a lot more solid in recent matches and I wonder if Burch not being available for 2 of the last 3 has contributed to that. I support all our players but he has his moments but I always get more nervous when he's playing. Couldn't believe it when Chucks missed the open goal near the end and I'm so pleased for him it wasn't costly and he can enjoy being our match winner this evening. I may have missed something but why was Rod not in the dug out today? For once he wouldn't have blown a fuse over the refereeing as I thought today the officials were very good. What a change not to leave a match where they are the main talking point. On to Tuesday and hoping for a similar performance under the lights at PVR.
According to Nigels brilliant commentary Rod was on a 1 match touch line ban for being naughty.
A much needed three points yesterday to say the least!
First twenty minutes I thought we were excellent and thoroughly deserved our lead and maybe could/should have had more than one. After the goal I think we got a little nervous. Had we been playing better of late and had more confidence then we may have gone on to control the game.
Second half we sat deep and, aside from a couple of headers missed, Rhys Lovett didn't have very much to do at all. The final pass wasn't there and we blew a couple of decent opportunities for a second but fortunately didn't need one in the end. I thought Winfield and Lankshear were both immense and, despite only seeing him for 45 minutes, I was quietly impressed by Garrett Kelly on his debut.
As the assistant manager alluded to in his interview we need to back this up with another three points on Tuesday night. There's the basis of a decent team here although there is still plenty of room for improvement in some areas.
Great to see Welling United win yesterday and away too.
We were easily the best team first half and got our early goal. 2nd half we sat in and defended our lead, kept our shape and doubled up on full backs. I believe we got our tactics right because A: We won and B: We played downhill 1st half and they did 2nd half. I believe that to be more than coincidence on who had the majority of play in each half. Anointed took his goal well but really should have buried the 2nd half chance in front of an open goal. In the end it didn't matter but would have eased the pressure and killed the game at 2-0.
I've said it before, there is nothing wrong with our defence and again to a man they were brilliant yesterday. Goal scoring remains our problem so let's hope it improves soon. Sam Cornish was superb in midfield yesterday and I found out from his dad who I know well through work that he grew up in the same midfield team as Gene Kennedy at Colchester United so maybe that understanding will solve our central midfield headaches. I spoke to Kevin Watson afterwards and he told me they had worked hard for the victory but he felt they deserved it overall. I must agree with that assessment. I think Rod Stringer was serving a 1 match dugout ban. It was a good afternoon out and worth the trip at what is my favourite away ground.
Verdict: If we can find more goals we will be alright this season. I would still start with Elliot Long every match if he were fit though.
Agree with favourite ground.
Really enjoy a beer and food there as well.
Due to engineering works and me driving, just had to settle for the food.
Didnt think we would hold out a half defending, but we did.
Should have put the game to bed late on, but never.
Just bloody happy for the win to be honest.
Really have to applaud their catering.
Those shipping container beer hubs are excellent.
Should consider one for the PVR/EB corner.
Come with their own generator, so simply dump it down and sell beer.
Very innovative
Those shipping container beer hubs are excellent. Should consider one for the PVR/EB corner. Come with their own generator, so simply dump it down and sell beer. Very innovative
Could not make yesterday but I know what you mean. Problem is each outlet not only needs staff but needs a separate licence. This is why the marquee bar was only serving a few times last season as used occasional licences. Possible that club could consider for the future if staff can be found.
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Those shipping container beer hubs are excellent. Should consider one for the PVR/EB corner. Come with their own generator, so simply dump it down and sell beer. Very innovative
Could not make yesterday but I know what you mean. Problem is each outlet not only needs staff but needs a separate licence. This is why the marquee bar was only serving a few times last season as used occasional licences. Possible that club could consider for the future if staff can be found.
From what I understand, Mad Squirrel brewery operate the two outside bars and staff them accordingly so there is probably some sort of outsourcing arrangement.
St Albans manager's post match interview was interesting, he's run out of answers for their problems, same as him in an earlier interview. With that undynamic response to problems it's likely he'll soon leave. He said our goal was offside, their fans forum claimed that too, so I was keen to see hightlights to decide. And yes, Martell was offside in the build up, but not interfering with play, and went back onside when the shot was taken, so it was a legitimate goal. But maybe our luck has now turned, as many refs would have mistakenly called it offside.
Nice to see Chucks starting to get credit. He makes me smile, he is deceptive, he'll never win awards for grace and elegance in play, but is bloody effective! Interesting to see Gene involved in the build up for Chuk's goal, I dream of us playing with Chuks and Elliot in attack, with Gene just behind them, they are our 3 most creative and scoring players, and would be an unstoppable attack, with so much movement, but 1 isnt played much and is in midfield if played, and another is used as a holding midfielder which limits time helping attacks. But maybe the signing of Garrett Kelly in midfield will free up Gene to play just behind the strikers, or as a striker. Scoring is streaky, once Elliot gets his first league goal then others will quickly follow, he gets in the right places, just not scoring from them yet. My unspecific moaning about Martell isnt constructive, so to be specific, which is more helpful, he misses open goals and hits bars or shoots straight at the keeper, so needs to stop snatching at shots, and start looking at the target and carefully place the ball. Then he'll start scoring.
Enfield next, their fans moaned about high player turnover this season, I guess their promoted team has proved not of NLS standard, so the manager brings in new players, who don't work out, so he tries more new ones. Interesting to see the Enfield manager interview, he says his team find it hard to attract players, and I guess quality players will have doubts about joining the new NLS unproven team. He made me smile, talking about his team letting in 4 against Aveley, as he said the problem with that is you then have to score 5 to win! They have let in 32 goals in 12 games, so are really bad defensively. The teams directly above us have tough midweek games, so if we win against Enfield we could move nicely up the table.
-- Edited by Jimmie on Monday 21st of October 2024 02:18:36 PM
St Albans manager's post match interview was interesting, he's run out of answers for their problems, same as him in an earlier interview. With that undynamic response to problems it's likely he'll soon leave. He said our goal was offside, their fans forum claimed that too, so I was keen to see hightlights to decide. And yes, Martell was offside in the build up, but not interfering with play, and went back onside when the shot was taken, so it was a legitimate goal. But maybe our luck has now turned, as many refs would have mistakenly called it offside.
Nice to see Chucks starting to get credit. He makes me smile, he is deceptive, he'll never win awards for grace and elegance in play, but is bloody effective! Interesting to see Gene involved in the build up for Chuk's goal, I dream of us playing with Chuks and Elliot in attack, with Gene just behind them, they are our 3 most creative and scoring players, and would be an unstoppable attack, with so much movement, but 1 isnt played much and is in midfield if played, and another is used as a holding midfielder which limits time helping attacks. But maybe the signing of Garrett Kelly in midfield will free up Gene to play just behind the strikers, or as a striker. Scoring is streaky, once Elliot gets his first league goal then others will quickly follow, he gets in the right places, just not scoring from them yet. My unspecific moaning about Martell isnt constructive, so to be specific, which is more helpful, he misses open goals and hits bars or shoots straight at the keeper, so needs to stop snatching at shots, and start looking at the target and carefully place the ball. Then he'll start scoring.
Enfield next, their fans moaned about high player turnover this season, I guess their promoted team has proved not of NLS standard, so the manager brings in new players, who don't work out, so he tries more new ones. Interesting to see the Enfield manager interview, he says his team find it hard to attract players, and I guess quality players will have doubts about joining the new NLS unproven team. He made me smile, talking about his team letting in 4 against Aveley, as he said the problem with that is you then have to score 5 to win! They have let in 32 goals in 12 games, so are really bad defensively. The teams directly above us have tough midweek games, so if we win against Enfield we could move nicely up the table.
-- Edited by Jimmie on Monday 21st of October 2024 02:18:36 PM
Why you insist on running down our opposition before game is beyond me. You set us up for a fall every time. Have a look at the table first. Its 5th from bottom v 4th from bottom. Nothing in it on paper. They will see us as a chance to take all the point.
