Bluegoose
Coach
2nd half we did start to move the ball, rather than hoof it up. We did look a lot better playing in on the ground
I thought Timlins passing was shocking again today, especially first half. I think he gave it away about 6 out of his first 9 passes, which is hard to do even for an amateur, let alone a professional. Fortune looks like he's shot his bolt. Nowhere near the player he was last season. He's also losing everything in the air and is now leaning or backing in to give an easy free kick. The plusses for me was Elvis of course who looks a fantastic prospect and had a great game. I also thought Lenny was superb as a centre back, a natural if ever he wanted to switch to that position. I was right behind that shot that Oxley knocked onto the post, it was a super save. Ranger got game minutes which will help him a lot. We are so much better when someone up front is winning his headers and the ball is sticking.
Mrsblue, I see people berate you on here an awful lot. Some called for, some not called for. I've never indulged in reacting to any of your posts because it becomes like a playground. However, I'm really surprised by your above comment! You constantly state that we sign too many old players and don't give youth a chance and yet, today we did exactly that and your unimpressed. I'm totally baffled. For someone who likes to see youth get a chance, I would have assumed that you would have relished seeing such a good performance by both Harry and Elvis. Furthermore, Dru came on and looked composed. I would say the youth system did us and Ricky Duncan proud today. Something that has to be celebrated. Somehow that has escaped your notice. Strange.
Then you clearly weren't watching. But well done for coming.....
There were positives in what was a poor game, not helped by it involving two make shift teams, one of which ended up building a ten man bus.
1. Elvis. Will give PB something to think about. He never looked out of place, never looked out of his depth and played with a confidence you should expect from a 17 year old. Well done, and great to see him get the MotM award.
2. Yearwood. Looks like a real powerhouse, and whilst he may not be ready just yet, I think we have a gem on our hands.
3. Ranger. Questions answered. He is fit enough to play and he caused them all sorts of problems.
4. We got a point with a scratch team. Yeah. It was a ****ing awful game, but I think given the line up most of us would have taken that at 2.59.
5. And here something to consider. We have only lost one game in the league all season. We've played badly, defended badly, and not taken chances... but we've only lost once. A good team picks up points when it isn't playing well. I'd rather be doing that than playing brilliant and only getting draws. And yeah I know its a glass half full point of view.
Ultimately though, we still have problems all over the park. I think a lot of us (myself included) fell into the "look at who've we bought, we are going up" optimism that was generated before the season and the reality is proving to be somewhat different.
I thought Elvis was a complete gem. Had a lovely touch on the ball and oozed confidence. I foresee great things ahead for him.
Dre came on and had a good half. Not afraid to have a go but a little rushed with his crossing perhaps? Another one with a great future.
Good to see Ranger getting some game time, looks to me like he has kept himself fit while away. Just needs to get match fit now.
Also, my son asked to go today which made my day, he came home happy so I'm happy.
Dre came on
Yeah hopefully for us!Yearwood, Kyprianou and Bwomono will give us good reason to be proud at least from the youth guys today. I see no reason why in a year or two they could become regulars.
. The return of the prodigal son, Nile Ranger (hmmm..., yes, those muscles were really wasted during his incarceration, weren't they?!).
I had that feeling of anticipation and expectation from when Nile came on, that one that makes your chest feel a bit fluttery as if anything could happen - not had that in a while watching a game.