Defending was awful I agree, Our shape was alot better in the second half with Sol at left back and Perks and Guest in the middle (although I think Guesty was at fault for two of there goals). Even though Vines got two goals I think our back four should be Sol,Moro,Guest and Perks on the right). The winger on the right (Green?) was impressive when he was on.
Saying all that, Histon were impressive from the start, chasing down and some neat quick passing in parts, too be honest 3-0 at half time was a let down for them, they should have had a lot more.
Yeading will be a stern test following this, as Im sure alot of the teams in the League will take heart from this result.
If we had played in the first half like we did in the second we would have had a chance. Take nothing away from Histon they are a good side and were first to every ball in the first half, we were asleep for the first goal, I made it 15 seconds.
Brave subs by Ade before half time reminded me a bit of the Special One. Bods hadn't had a touch. Chris Moore was subbed, guess he took the blame or was carrying a knock. Would be interesting as to whether he holds his place, Guesty was much better when he moved to centre back. Thought Daisy deserved man of the match rather than Che, he was superb all night and unlucky not to score from the free kick. Che does a lot of ball chasing and playing off but I dont know if the goals will come from him. Would be interested to see Andrew Sam given a start.
Kevin Hales was there last night, looking at Keds maybe?
When the subs were made I thought Vines would be the first to go. He was at fault with the first goal and his marking was poor throughout. He’s good in the air and would probably be OK as centre back but as a full back he doesn’t cut it.
He then proves what I know about football and scores two goals.
Mind you, they could have subbed anyone in the first half as they were all very poor.
I had Daisy or Boateng as man of the match. They both played their hearts out in the second half.
I liked the look of Green when he came on and I think Sam deserves more than a few minutes.
Full marks to Histon though. They came out at 100MPH and didn’t give us a look in for the first 45. I think we matched them second half and if we play like that for 90 we’ll do OK.
It’ll be interesting to see what line-up we have on Saturday. Perhaps they’ll try Perkins at right back. He seems to be able to play anywhere.
What’s happened to Rowlands and Daniel Moore by the way? Are they both injured?
Also, is Adrian Clarke still with us? I thought I saw him in the crowd last night.
Lastly, what can we say about the Ref? Well, he was consistent. Consistently awful. I’ve never before heard a Ref argue with the crowd or even worse, gesture to the crowd. What did the malignant dwarf think he was up to?
He books Benjamin for a tackle then lets a far worse one go from Histon a few minutes later. Players only had to look disgruntled to get a lecture from him. He was an absolute disgrace.
Message to Ref and Lino’s, look up the words “play the advantage” when you get a bit of time.
I can't comment on the first 16 mins since the 2nd goal was scored as I came through the turnstile but what I did see of the first half was woeful and Vines was at fault for the 3rd goal, though he went on to redeem himself with a better performance in the 2nd half and 2 well taken goals.
The sheer pace and persistence of Histon constantly caught us flatfooted and on the back foot, and only some excellent work from Boateng and Daisy provided any resistance. The double substitution on 42 mins was in my opinion a clear statement to all from Ade that the performance was unacceptable as he could have waited the remaining 3 minutes and sent out a revised line up after half time.
As I have said before Guesty is not a left back and I don’t subscribe to the view that centre halfs should automatically be capable of playing anywhere along the back. I think that Mooro was subbed to allow Guesty, who has more pace, to move into his more natural centre half role. Bods just wasn’t getting in to the game and Ellis Green, who has impressed when he has appeared before did so once again.
The second half was a much more evenly contested and given the rub of the green we could have got at least a point if not all 3 from the game.
The refereeing was atrocious and if I were Boateng or Benjamin I would feel hard done by based on what passed without a card being brandished. Classic comment from Alan S - ‘malignant dwarf’ just about sums him up.
I think Row E WUFC’s suggested line up would be worth a try, though it would be a bit like Ade saying I didn’t manage to replace Gleds. Personally though I would stick with Vines, who I thought was another centre half, as I think he could grow into the right sided role.
Che , a favourite of those behind the goal, certainly didn’t deserve man of the match in my book though, as is normally the case, I couldn’t fault his effort but he just wasn’t effective. I too believe that it should have been Daisy or Boateng.
Histon deserved the points on their first half performance, or probably more accurately our poor first half performance. They are certainly a much better side than last season and on last nights performance they look destined to be there or thereabouts again this season.
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YOUTH are the future
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"The worst thing you can do is make a committment and not meet it and I understand that." Barrie Hobbins 14 August 2010
Daniel Moore was released when we signed Benjamin. Haven't heard anything about Rowlands, although perhaps didn't even make the bench as Ade thought Green could play on the left if required.
In my opinion Chris Moore just isn't quick enough - and as mentioned earlier I agree that he was subbed for this reason.
I doubted Che last season, but I'm certainly warming to him. I though his was unfortunate not to score - a fantastic save kept his shot out.
First time I've ever seen Ade swearing from the dugout - great to see lots of passion in there.
Adrian Clarke was sitting in the stand - I recall he's out for at least 6 months with a groin injury, not sure if he'll return to us once fit.
