Today's Match

[MrB]

A very disappointing result in the end today considering all the hard work we put in in the first half against the wind. To only be 2 down at half time, one of which should have been avoided, was a tremendous effort as we were under a lot of pressure throughout the half. Unfortunately I think a bit of complacency set in when the wind was with us and we seemed to lose shape. Obviously the huge number of substitutions (9 I believe?) doesn't help our rhythm but nonetheless we didn't take advantage of the conditions.

Plus points:
The team played well as a unit in the first half. Everyone held their positions and we looked like we knew how to play 4-4-2.
Dan and Dave worked tirelessly up front in diffficult conditions, they're tackling back in times of pressure was invaluable and helped the midfield to help the defence more often.
He may get some stick around here but Kev looked very assured when he came on (though he's certainly more of a centre mid than a wide mid). If he can maintain that performance over 90 minutes then he'll be an excellent asset to the team once the real stuff starts.
Well done to Andee on playing the full 90, he looked knackered after about half an hour but stuck in there and was still throwing himself about for the team come the end of the game.
I also personally thought the young lad that reffed did an excellent job. Some people still don't seem to appreciate what a tough job it is and perhaps should take a step back before laying into whoever is doing it. If you're so much better then do it yourself.

Moan:
Still not enough talking out there. When there was talking some of it is not so good. Alexis does himself no favours with his personal vendettas. One of these days he's going to pick on the wrong guy and find himself in all sorts of trouble. Focus your aggression into the game and use it in the right way. Also, Jack and Shrek's little bout of petty name calling was totally unacceptable. We don't need bickering on the pitch and I would like to think if anything like that happens again that both players are immediately subbed and not considered for selection in the next game.

It would seem we'll be having a bit of a break before our next game. Bearing in mind the number of players present today, selection issues will start to arise as we work towards a starting eleven and get ourselves ready for next season over the coming months. Bear in mind that we can only pick 11 plus 5 for a league game, some people will need to work hard to get themselves ready, be it personal fitness, extra practice or whatever. As it stands at the moment we'll be struggling against teams in division 5. It will only take a summer of hard work to turn us into challengers, I hope everyone is ready for it.

PS. Sorry about the pen, the keeper moved so early I thought I'd plant it down the middle, sadly his leg stayed there. Ho hum, someone else can try next time.

[* ORM *]

So what was the score

Sutton lost 4-0 - I played the second 45 minutes at RB - nothing special, not a good or a bad 45 mins.

[southend_utd_fan]

7-0 I think.

[The General]

I think the 2 goals in the first half both could have been avoided. The 1st was obviously Todd's fault but the marking for the 2nd goal was virtually non-existant. I didnt see the 3rd and 4th goal (blame Kat - and us not really watching). The 5th and 6th were just sloppy goals and should have been picked up and Carter was unlucky for their 7th. The first half was a good battling performance against the wind. It wasn't tidy to watch but it did the trick. In the 2nd half we were much better going forward and obviously pushing for goals left us un-exposed at the back. We should have come away from that game with at least 3 goals.

Me? Get stick? Really? http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Personally, i've played a great deal of my football on the right wing this year for my Under 18 team. This is down to the fact that their are much fitter players than me who can do a job there but they aren't as good footballers. They can kick people, get stuck in and hurt them but arent as 'technically gifted' as me (that might sound big-headed - but you know what i mean). I dont mind playing on the wing as there is a little less responsibility to get back but im equally happy to play in the middle.

Coming to the substitution thing. It obviously doesnt help. Toddy, Andee and B were the only survivers. Once the season starts, they'll be 3 subs tops, which maybe we should start to try and do as people may not be fit to last the 90 minutes ... if needs be.

It'll come lads .............. one day!!

Kev

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[big-Al]

few things i saw

some good patches where we tried to play football, created a couple of chances from it

i think everybody managed to adapt to the physical aspect of the game and there were some good challenges being put in

alexis, sorry to say it mate but i think you embarrassed yourself today

i think maybe it will be interesting to try a 4-5-1, with dan bombing forward through the centre, just an idea

keep up the good work lads, things can only get better really

big-Al (alex)

[McScriven]

A couple of thoughts from a neutral(ish) view, some might be a bit to close the truth but I think they need to be said.

Looking at your squad your most gifted of players are Snowy, Twinkle, Steve123456789 and Kev. I know it's the taking part and the turning up for training etc... that counts but if you want to win games these four guys are where you are going to have to build your team around. That's not to say some of the others aren't good, Andee did a great job putting himself about and took on the role of the "thug" after I pointed out number 2 needed to be shown the ground and MrB made some good last ditch tackles.

Your main problem lies in the fact you can't score from what I've seen. you best outlet believe it or not will be Dave. He's the quickest f**ker I've ever seen but I lost count of the amount of times today he didn't use this to his advantage. You need to push him right up on the last defender, we had the ball in midfield and should have been looking for Dave to make diagonal and central runs onto the ball but we never played the defence splitting balls and when we did he never made the runs at the right time.

He could probably do with a big bloke upfront with him (no offence Dan) to do all the donkey work and the hustling and bustling. When Uncle went upfront we had our best spell at pushing forward because he got stuck in he threw himself into situations that allowed others some time with Twinkle and Kev exploiting their defense with their ability and pace.

It's also painfully obvious that you have some players that just aren't very good. I won't name any names because that's not right and I don't know how things are going to work over the summer in terms of who will be asked to join the team or if everyone will but it's something for the management to consider.

Finally, I'd say about 3 of those goals in the 2nd half could have easily been avoided if your backline can get organised. I was always looking to flag the offside but I can't when you've got one sometimes two people playing their strikers onside. Had you pushed up the flag would have gone up and you'd have still been in with a shout. Something to work on.

In summing up you should some good one and two touch approach play in places and you all put a lot of effort in that was one thing I couldn't fault anyone for it's just their are certainly some areas (as you know) that need to be improved if you want to start winning some games (which I'm sure you do).

I await your abuse!

[east stand drummer boy]

The swearing was not aimed at Shrek it was aimed at myself for not getting to twikles cross to knock it in a open goal shrek was not mentioned it at all.

[big-Al]

a bit forward i will say, but probably some valuable comments that have maybe needed to be said.

Bit unfair saying that some of us aren't very good but again there are only 15 spaces in that team, and although they are nice blokes colin and tony are gonna be wanting the best players. Its up to us to prove that we have something to offer.

Really don't wanna be negative at this moment in time though, we still have the summer and everybody knows just how effective pre-season training can be, so we just have to stay positive

lets not let this get us down lads http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[steveh1510]

Frustration.

Ps sorry about the goal kicks, I could hit the half way line before the game (for anyone that wasn't there) but somehow when it came to the game, I was kicking like my legs hadn't been introduced.

[Bob Cratchitt]

I have always been one to never say never. Yes of course we will only field 15 players in a league match but this does not mean that the others will have to leave the club. Training will still be happening and if we get friendlies offered whilst the first 15 are scheduled for a match and our reserves still number at least 11 then who says they should not take on the friendly. Next year we will definitely be only one team entering the league. However if we keep attracting people why cant we have 2 teams the following year. Of course it will be more money but extra people bring in extra money. I believe with the committee we have this could be achieved. I have always called it a club and not just referred to it as the team. Of course we need to walk before we can run. But lets leave the committee to make the decisions for the club shall we, rather than posting our presumptions on here, after all that is why they are there.

[Bob Cratchitt]

And before any picks up about the Management decide the teams. Tony is on the committee and the committee will take guidance from Tony with regards to team matters. For clarification the team is the chosen 15, the club is everybody.

Also it was disappointing to lose by that scoreline today but hopefully the management can see what our weaknesses are and start working on them. Would be nice to have midweek training eh Kev??

I would like to thank everybody who turned up today, players and supporters. Even with our run of results we can still attract such numbers is testament to the attitude running through this club and long may it last.

[* ORM *]

Quote[/b] (Bob Cratchitt @ April 04 2004,21:47)]And before any picks up about the Management decide the teams. Tony is on the committee and the committee will take guidance from Tony with regards to team matters. For clarification the team is the chosen 15, the club is everybody.

Also it was disappointing to lose by that scoreline today but hopefully the management can see what our weaknesses are and start working on them. Would be nice to have midweek training eh Kev??
There are very few teams that I've played for over the last 30 years that have anywhere near the team spirit and dedication shown at this club and this is not just as a result of input from players and the committee.

Maybe I have misunderstood what I thought SZFC was going to be about. The first aim of this club is to bring together like minded individuals. The second aim is to try to be successful on the pitch. If anyone thinks I have the priorities the wrong way around feel free to join a team of glory hunters (and backstabbers) but I can guarantee that when success comes our way it will feel even better.

Do we have too many players in the squad ? Absolutely not. We need a minimum of 19-20 players for one team which means we definitely haven't got enough players for two teams. As Andee says maybe this might happen the season after next.

Are some players in the current squad "good enough" ? There are a number of players I have looked at that clearly would not be first named players on any teamsheet next season. However I have said enough times in the past that my team selection isn't necessarily going to be based on the best 11 individuals. For example a great player that turns up for every match but doesn't turn up for training is good for the team but is not good for the club.

As for our weaknesses we have many. I have one or possibly two games left for Sutton Sports (depends on whether the league award us a game or not). After that my ties with Sutton are severed, apart from retaining player of the season again http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif (unlikely this year). Colin and I have the entire summer to get things right in training. I think we've just about cracked the fitness issue, now we need to concentrate on skills and organisation.

Scrivs has 'helpfully' pointed out a couple of faults. His input (to Colin and I) at a couple of training sessions would be welcomed.

[McScriven]

Quote[/b] (* ORM * @ April 05 2004,09:01)]Scrivs has 'helpfully' pointed out a couple of faults. His input (to Colin and I) at a couple of training sessions would be welcomed.
I'll try and get along to a few training sessions soon, but sometimes staying in bed on a Sunday morning is more appealing http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

My thought's weren't meant as a critiscm of SZFC and it's ethics nor was it slagging off the side or individuals. While the team spirit is good now I can pretty much guareentee it won't be when the league starts and your getting hammered every week and sitting at the bottom of the table.

I hope this doesn't happen and I'm sure with the right guidance from the management between now and then it won't.

I tried to give a few pointers to individuals on Sunday but as it's not really my place to do so in an "official capacity" I didn't get too involved.

As I said previously I saw some good points in your approach play and some bad points and the same can be said in defence.

I remember when I was playing for my last side, we must have spent about 2 months solid with the defence working on their role on their own at training and the attack working on their roles on their own in training until we'd pretty much got it sussed what we were all suppose to be doing.

[Napster]

Just want to say I thought there were encouraging signs yesterday, especially from Dan and Dave up front who battles hard for the team.

Shame I couldnt play for longer...

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

ps I reiterate what Andee says- the team is different to the club and will always be second to the club.

[Davros]

I thoight yesterdays games was one of the best we have played as a team, yet the score line didnt reflect that, which was frustrating. The back line seemed so solid, and was only really broken by set pieces, and bits of bad luck.

I thought i had an ok game, could have done with a goal tho.

dave

[* ORM *]

Quote[/b] (McScriven @ April 05 2004,09:22)]My thought's weren't meant as a critiscm of SZFC and it's ethics nor was it slagging off the side or individuals. While the team spirit is good now I can pretty much guareentee it won't be when the league starts and your getting hammered every week and sitting at the bottom of the table.

I hope this doesn't happen and I'm sure with the right guidance from the management between now and then it won't.

I tried to give a few pointers to individuals on Sunday but as it's not really my place to do so in an "official capacity" I didn't get too involved.
Dave,

They weren't taken as a criticism. I was trying to entice you out of your bed on a Sunday morning. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[new bloke]

I have mixed feelings on the game on Sunday the first half we played well with good commitment from everybody and did well to keep the score to 2-0( and one of those goals was very silly) with 8 changes in the second half it was not a great suprise that we did not play aswell as the first but we still had a good 4-5 chances to score.
we had 19 players on Sunday but I feel we still need 3-4 good players to come along before next season or for 3-4 players to show signs of more improvement not just at the games but in training also,,,,,, frustration is a big thing in football you feel that you have given 120% and feel that some people around you have not thats just the way it is right or wrong it happens. Over the next few months we will need to look at getting a settled squad and team but everyone at this club at the moment WILL be needed over the course of a season.

Lets keep going guys we have so much work to do before next season.

Uncle

[Snowy]

I am cursed, that is all I can say. Napper came off after 35 mins of the first half and we were 0-0, then within 5 mins we are 2-0 down.
On a not so good note, my injury is not good, and I will probably not be able to play for at least a month. It's the same injury I picked up at the Colchester away game, where in my drunken state got my foot jumped on. No excuses for yesterday, but I aggrevated the injury in the first half half, and played on injured for the whole of the 2nd. Wish in someways I had come off but wanted to make up for being a complete **** last week.
There are a few things I would like to discuss with Tony and Colin that need to be addressed within the team. As things stand we are not good enough for Div5.
Scriv, thanks for the vote of confidence, but next season I will be 37/38 and be even slower than I am now, so we need to make sure we have cover for every position on the pitch. It's ok for people to say 'can I bring my mate training', but what we really need is people who have played football for proper teams in the past, not just a knock around with your mates. Matches are a whole different game as hopefully you will all now realise.
I might as well say this now, but there are certain individuals who should seriously consider giving up. I know that may sound calous, but its the cold honest truth of it.

Tony / Unc - I will speak to you very soon.

[McScriven]

Quote[/b] (Snowy @ April 05 2004,13:48)]Scriv, thanks for the vote of confidence, but next season I will be 37/38 and be even slower than I am now, so we need to make sure we have cover for every position on the pitch.
f**k me you old ******* you could almost be my dad! http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

The thing is you don't have to have the legs if you can get someone to play alongside you who has. I played most of my football at centre mid but occasionally I dropped into the back four at centre back. I was A LOT fitter in those days and I'd easily last the full 90 minutes but I wasn't built for speed no matter how hard I tried.

What I did have was someone alongside me who was. That meant we were able to get a good partnership going. I did all the work with the ball and most of the organising of the backline and he did all the chasing and tackling. That's where I see your role in defence Snowy as the chief at the back who you can rely on with the ball at his feet with someone of less years doing the hard work.

[The General]

Quote[/b] (McScriven @ April 05 2004,14:17)]
Quote[/b] (Snowy @ April 05 2004,13:48)]Scriv, thanks for the vote of confidence, but next season I will be 37/38 and be even slower than I am now, so we need to make sure we have cover for every position on the pitch.
f**k me you old ******* you could almost be my dad! *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

The thing is you don't have to have the legs if you can get someone to play alongside you who has. I played most of my football at centre mid but occasionally I dropped into the back four at centre back. I was A LOT fitter in those days and I'd easily last the full 90 minutes but I wasn't built for speed no matter how hard I tried.

What I did have was someone alongside me who was. That meant we were able to get a good partnership going. I did all the work with the ball and most of the organising of the backline and he did all the chasing and tackling. That's where I see your role in defence Snowy as the chief at the back who you can rely on with the ball at his feet with someone of less years doing the hard work.
Totally agree. Someone like B is much faster and fitter than you and compliment each other well, even though we did concede a few fair goals after Naps went off. Its all about forging partnerships. You need 3 banks of 2 all the way up the pitch (2 central defenders, 2 central midfielders and 2 strikers) and i dont think we've really done that yet. Everyone is starting to become aware of everyone's positive and negative factors ... and this can only help and push things forward.

Kev

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