Today's Game

[* ORM *]

Firstly a few thank yous.

To Andee for stepping up to the plate as Manager for the day. (It didn't seem fair for me to waltz back in and take over.)

To Colin, Andee + Mike for their continued support and organisation, both in training and today. Todd's performance in the first half is the benefit of some recent hard work.

To those supporters who continue to be patient. We'll get there and your patience will be rewarded.

Finally for GNH for refereeing, again!. I have got a referee on my books who phoned me a couple of weeks back. Unfortunately he was unavailable for this Sunday.

I feel a bit of a fraud at the moment as my involvement isn't nearly as much as it should be. Not only am I playing for Sutton Sports each week but I'm finding it hard at the moment to spare time to get on the PC in the evening. It is nigh on impossible to get on at work any more as our PCs are being regularly audited and I'm not taking any chances. All I can say is work will ease off and Sutton Sports do know that I'm leaving them at the end of the season.

On the pitch as was pointed out after the game we're getting there. It was a pretty even first half although they did start to dominate the middle of midfield towards the end of the half. I thought we played the better football but they were much better winning the loose ball.

In the second half, even if you ignore the illegal intervention of their ringer we were definitely second best. The big difference from previous games is that we didn't collapse and give the game up, even when they scored a couple of quick goals. Fitness is a massive weakness of hours and we need to work on stamina. Getting through 90 minutes really shouldn't be a problem, but too many of us seem to be struggling.

There are some definite positives to come from today again. Todd and Wayne both had a fantastic 45 minutes each in goal. Colin and Kev were solid at centre back and Andee played well at left back. We also passed the ball around well in the first half. Other than fitness one lesson for us to learn comes from Benjy's (lucky) goals. Sometimes direct is much better than pretty.

We have a chance to bounce straight back next week. Please reply to the new thread I'm starting.

[Bob Cratchitt]

I would like to say thanks to GNH for standing in as ref but he was offside http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Well thankyou to everyone who turned up both to play and to watch. I know it is frustrating but we will get there.

Wayne thanks for playing with your broken finger I hope you are not suffering too much tonite/today.

Never again will I be gaffer and play. It is just too much to think about. Also cheers Mike for being my able assistant.

God I feel like i have just won an oscar, after all that speech. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[The General]

I put a huge post up earlier only for this pony site to go down for 5 minutes. Took me a good 15's minutes and i really cant be bothered to say what i did earlier so i'l keep it short (well kinda ...)

Belief. Its a huge thing when your playing (trying!?) football. You need confidence in your own ability otherwise there really is no point. Its like the team being a man down. Everyone has got to believe in there own abilities and the teams own ability (as a unit).

Did the warm up a bit early. Should of stayed in the dressing room (warm! http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif) and talked tactics and given the team then. Then go out to do the warm-up as we were standing around for 10 minutes fart arsing about but that wont happen next week as its a 10.30am kick off especially as its Calvert's b'day! From the back Todd was superb. Although he isnt the most vocal me and Colin knew where he was going to be so we had to deal with it. I think thats been a problem over the past few matches. We didnt know each other well enough back then but know we do we know people's strength's and weaknesses. Obviously Todd's kicking isn't great and leaves someone to boot it up there and thats an area he needs to concentrate on.

The defence dealt well with there attack in the 1st half but when Colin went off and one of there Pony strikers came on my in-experience in that position showed. But thats what its all about. I know that i can play there if called upon but i'd much rather have Snowy and Colin together and me bugger off into midfield with Dan. The midfield was over-run but midfielders are always an easy target. I know. I've played there. Barry running 6 miles in the morning didnt help nor did the fact that they won 75% of the balls in the air as they are lanky streaks of ****.

Upfront we looked a bit weak but this was due to the support (or lack!?) from other areas. I cant really remember having any real shots at goal. Im sure when we play them again next month sometime we can have a go and see what there GK is really likely as he was kept quiet.

Sorry if anyone feels bad about what i said but its better in the open rather than stuck in my brain. Criticism is good but its got to be constructive. Not X is f**king sh*t. Thats just pointless and isnt need. Lets hope we can get our bext XI out next week and really have a go.

Rant over ...

Kev

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[Benjy91]

Hello.
First of all, Im sure some of you are a bit upset I played for the "opposition" today....... What you have to appreciate is that all of those guys are very good freinds of mine, and I was pretty much in a no win situation as to which side to play for, and at the end of the day I just want to play!!!! Had i played for you Im sure I would have had plenty more stick than you guys gave me and probably be less able to walk than after one of Carter's tackles!!!!
Anyway, you can blame the goals I scored on HockleyShrimper, as he made me a sub in the first half and gave me the right hump!!!!

For whats its worth I thought you all played very well in the first half with what was a very young team... I know our side were particularly impressed with Alexis getting stuck in and using the ball well. As has been said already, fitness probably told in the end, and the substitutions always plays havoc with the rythm of the team.

If we hook up for a game next time, I'll be playing for you guys (if you'll still have me!!!) and ill be just as happy when I score as I was today !!!!!

Again, sorry if anyone was disappointed with me playing against you today, but as I say, it was a tough choice.

Paul

[Bob Cratchitt]

Paul

Mate I understand the situation you were in as per my PM's last week of course we would all prefer to play alongside you than against you. And given the fact we had more subs then they did I can appreciate your decision. It was hard enough to make sure everyone got a go.

All my banter about you being scab was just that and nothing more. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif At the end of the day it was good practise for us to play against someone like yourself who knows what to do in the area. Of course to get a result would have been nice to the old confidence, but due our own doing it was not to be.

Will you be available for selection next week for our next friendly??

[McScriven]

So what was the score then?

[Bob Cratchitt]

Not telling you apart from it was 1-0 to them until about the 70th minute http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[McScriven]

So you got thrashed then?

[Benjy91]

I did say to Tony that I could - but that was on the assumption it would be another lunchtime kickoff. We are moving to Canary Wharf at the weekend and Im required to go to the office to test things out - it should only take 30 minutes but it starts at 10am. I'll try to make it down there when im done...!!!!

[Leeboy]

Quote[/b] (McScriven @ Nov. 16 2003,23:30)]So you got thrashed then?
not really Dave, it was very even until a certain Mark Rawle/Judas type character came on for his cameo appearence................. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[new bloke]

I thought Sunday's game was a good game for us. There were some really positive points I felt our two keepers had fantastic games the improvement from Todd is outstanding and the fact we have two keepers will put us in good shape for the games ahead.
I felt Dan, Alexis, Andee, Kev all put in really good performences and the main difference towards the end apart from the fitness side of things was the lack of experience,for the last15-20 mins apart from Naps, Andee and Wayne most of the players left on the pitch were fairly young.
The main area we fell short was up front not that the players who played there had bad games but we did not test the keeper and put there back four under pressure.
A word must also go to Axeman who I felt was the main player in our team who tries to play football on the ground with quick passes but we all need to try and play this way if we are going to start winning games.
Lets all look forward to next Sunday....

[hockleyshrimper]

Thanks for the game lads. As you've said, it was a tight first half and fitness did show in the end. Saying that , it was our first proper game together and we are not a particularly fit team.
If you do want another game soon let me know. If nothing else, it will be good for both teams to get used to the pace of a match instead of just training. And there will be be uproar if you nick our star striker.

One more thing, what was Barry Harris doing standing over the ball every time we got a free kick?

[carter_true_blue]

Quote[/b] (hockleyshrimper @ Nov. 17 2003,15:47)]Thanks for the game lads. As you've said, it was a tight first half and fitness did show in the end. Saying that , it was our first proper game together and we are not a particularly fit team.
If you do want another game soon let me know. If nothing else, it will be good for both teams to get used to the pace of a match instead of just training. And there will be be uproar if you nick our star striker.

One more thing, what was Barry Harris doing standing over the ball every time we got a free kick?
yep another freindly sounds good thank for the game shame that benji was a big assist to you would of been totally different if he didn't come on http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[new bloke]

He just wanted to see what the ball looked like as he did not get to see it much during the game http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Leeboy]

Quote[/b] (hockleyshrimper @ Nov. 17 2003,15:47)]One more thing, what was Barry Harris doing standing over the ball every time we got a free kick?
that's his positional sense - or lack of............. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[The General]

A game a month sounds a good idea IMO as friendlies are hard to get during the season against league teams. Get Snowy back in defence, me in midfield, Benji upfront ... we could win a game. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

I think Barry was a bit knackered after his 6 mile run in the morning and/or he just wanted to be the new Kevin Maher ...

Kev

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[Napster]

Quote[/b] (The General @ Nov. 17 2003,16:12)]A game a month sounds a good idea IMO as friendlies are hard to get during the season against league teams. Get Snowy back in defence, me in midfield, Benji upfront ... we could win a game. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
and me fit again...

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

[carter_true_blue]

2 freindlys a month sounds better the lack of match fitness is bad i'm sure alot of people are feeling sore after yesterday because of the lack of games we have.

[The General]

Quote[/b] (Napster @ Nov. 17 2003,16:15)]
Quote[/b] (The General @ Nov. 17 2003,16:12)]A game a month sounds a good idea IMO as friendlies are hard to get during the season against league teams. Get Snowy back in defence, me in midfield, Benji upfront ... we could win a game. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
and me fit again...

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
Well after your goal (my assist) on my debut then us 2 should be upfront all the time ...

Kev

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[Napster]

Quote[/b] (The General @ Nov. 17 2003,16:28)]
Quote[/b] (Napster @ Nov. 17 2003,16:15)]
Quote[/b] (The General @ Nov. 17 2003,16:12)]A game a month sounds a good idea IMO as friendlies are hard to get during the season against league teams. Get Snowy back in defence, me in midfield, Benji upfront ... we could win a game. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
and me fit again...

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
Well after your goal (my assist) on my debut then us 2 should be upfront all the time ...

Kev

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
Yeah, good point. It's just a shame only a few people saw my overhead scissor kick whilst on the sidelines yesterday...

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[carter_true_blue]

we should try a 4-3-1-2 a assist for the two upfront i think dan would be good for that role and kev you a center midfielder http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif stay there.

[The General]

Quote[/b] (carter_true_blue @ Nov. 17 2003,16:32)]kev you a center midfielder *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif stay there.
I wasn't that bad ...

Kev

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

[Benfleetshrimp]

I dont know about anyone else but I am trying to work out what happens in the second half of most of our games. I personally think it has more to do with concentration than fitness.
I also think that at least one maybe two of the goals in second half were my fault.
Still heres to next week.

[Leeboy]

Leave it out Wayne, both you and Toddy have come on leaps and bounds.Defensive concentration levels were to blame if anything............although fielding a ringer was a factor as well..... http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Benjy91]

Iwas thinking about this... technically Shrimperzone won 4-2. so its not all lost.

[Bob Cratchitt]

Quote[/b] (Leeboy @ Nov. 18 2003,09:22)]Defensive concentration levels were to blame if anything............
I do hope you are not meaning The Defence in that statement.

It was down to the whole team, if the forwards scored goals or even tested their keeper, if the midfield actually kept the ball and created something with it, if the defence could keep up with the constant barrage coming our way. It is all IFs and BUTs at the end of the day it was concentration but when you are unfit concentration is the first thing to go.

[Leeboy]

oooo - touched a nerve there Andee........ http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Quote[/b] (The General @ Nov. 17 2003,22:33)]
Quote[/b] (carter_true_blue @ Nov. 17 2003,16:32)]kev you a center midfielder *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif stay there.
I wasn't that bad ...

Kev

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Kev like i said you are great in midfield if we do a 4-4-2 you should be a defensive midfielder.

[GNH]

Quote[/b] (Bob Cratchitt @ Nov. 18 2003,10:23)]
Quote[/b] (Leeboy @ Nov. 18 2003,09:22)]Defensive concentration levels were to blame if anything............
I do hope you are not meaning The Defence in that statement.

It was down to the whole team, if the forwards scored goals or even tested their keeper, if the midfield actually kept the ball and created something with it, if the defence could keep up with the constant barrage coming our way. It is all IFs and BUTs at the end of the day it was concentration but when you are unfit concentration is the first thing to go.
I would blame the ref if I were you Andee, you were during the game http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Snowy]

Well if it was down to concentration then that is down to individual players. Everyone on the pitch should be concentrating for the whole game, not just when the ball is near them. So many times have I seen our forwards just standing around not even moving when we are defending, the same applies to the defence, when we are attacking. Everyone should be looking to be involved, if that means a forward tracking one of the opposition defenders back into our own penalty area then that is what he needs to do.
Personally I think everyone needs to know his job on the pitch, and that comes down to the Manager prior to the game, and the Captain during the game.
Believe me guys I can speak for ORM and myself by saying that we will get this right, and we will start to win games.
Sadly the injuries we picked up last week will not help this week, but MrB and myself will be back, and hopefully Benjy91, will decide not to be a Judas this week!!

Snowy - giving it to you as it is.

[BARRY HARRIS]

Firstly HockleyShrimper, please note that I was only standing over the ball when the other side had a free-kick. also the other reason for standing over the ball was to stop them from taking a quick free kick. somthing that we talk about in training !!!!!!!http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Leeboy]

is this the real Barry Harris? *or an elaborate hoax?

quick, check his IP address................... http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[new bloke]

Having spoke to his agent last night,and the reports in the Echo I think we can say this is not theee BH http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif I think it is Stan The Man(ager) http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Westcliff Shrimper]

Quote[/b] (BARRY HARRIS @ Nov. 18 2003,14:34)]Firstly HockleyShrimper, please note that I was only standing over the ball when the other side had a free-kick. also the other reason for standing over the ball was to stop them from taking a quick free kick. somthing that we talk about in training !!!!!!!http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
This is truly a day in history. Forget Collymore. This is the one big news item of the day ... Barry's first post!

WS

[GNH]

This is indeed a great day for SZ, Stan who?........Barry Harris for manager!!!!!!!!

[Leeboy]

NO LISTEN!!!!! http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[BARRY HARRIS]

Will be fit for Sunday match. but will not be running before the match, so I will be able to run all day !!!!!!http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[GNH]

Quote[/b] (BARRY HARRIS @ Nov. 18 2003,14:54)]Will be fit for Sunday match. but will not be running before the match, so I will be able to run all day !!!!!!http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Mince, the word you're looking for is mince

[Westcliff Shrimper]

Quote[/b] (BARRY HARRIS @ Nov. 18 2003,14:54)]Will be fit for Sunday match. but will not be running before the match, so I will be able to run all day !!!!!!http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
What? Even after the all-day sesh for Patsy's birthday?!

WS

[BARRY HARRIS]

Yes I can. anyway, I am going to have a few beers tonight in Rochford if you are around ? if so, meeting up at around 8.15pm.:laugh:

[BARRY HARRIS]

General, I regret that I ran 6 miles before the match on Sunday . however, even though I went off after 75 mins. I still think that I played OK for the time I was on the pitch and alway's gave 110% for the zone. however, at the end of the day I now know that I have to stop running on the same day of the match in order to keep me injury free. I am now trying to get fit for the big match on Sunday, and hope that ORM gives me and Dan another chance in the middle of the park as I think we make a good central midfield. (great game Dan, shame about you coming off !!!).

Dan let's hope the other side does not have another tall bloke (that bloke werent half tall !!!!).

Anyway, GNH thanks for referreing the match (and not booking me !!!!)

And well done to all the lads that played. we will win one day ? let's hope it's
this Sunday. Man of the Match: Todd (Great match,keep it up !!!)

See you all on Sunday

Bazza

[The General]

I didnt realise that you had done the 6 mile run until after the match so sorry if i ever had a go at you for being unfit, as you obviously aint ...

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

Agree about Toddy although i felt sorry for Wayne as Colin went off and Judas came on.

Kev

[hockleyshrimper]

One match a month would be good, but i think two a month would not be beneficial because the teams would get to know each other too well and we wouldnt look forward to it as much.

What tall bloke? What position?

[The General]

They are talking about the huge f**king central midfield with the highlights in his hair. Il sort him out next time ...

Kev

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[Bob Cratchitt]

Quote[/b] (hockleyshrimper @ Nov. 18 2003,18:52)]One match a month would be good, but i think two a month would not be beneficial because the teams would get to know each other too well and we wouldnt look forward to it as much.
Sounds good to me and exactly my sentiments about 1 game a month, but I will happy to say you can now do all the arranging with ORM http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[* ORM *]

We appear to be a bit thin on the ground. I know it's early days and I'm not panicking but Ken and Mike should probably start thinking about getting the dust off their boots. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Even allowing for the fact that a couple or more may be injured from last Sunday there are at least four others coming back.

[Shrimpersarmy]

Quote[/b] (BARRY HARRIS @ Nov. 18 2003,18:06)]I am now trying to get fit for the big match on Sunday, and hope that ORM gives me and Dan another chance in the middle of the park as I think we make a good central midfield. (great game Dan, shame about you coming off !!!).

Dan let's hope the other side does not have another tall bloke (that bloke werent half tall !!!!).
Cheers.

Agree about the midfielder, i was jumping and he was standing and he still won all the headers!

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

Dan.

[Smithy]

David vs goliath it sounds like but unfortunatly goliath won http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[mcnasty]

Quote[/b] (* ORM * @ Nov. 18 2003,21:24)]We appear to be a bit thin on the ground. I know it's early days and I'm not panicking but Ken and Mike should probably start thinking about getting the dust off their boots. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Even allowing for the fact that a couple or more may be injured from last Sunday there are at least four others coming back.
Anyone gone some dubbin ?

[The General]

Any team news for this week? I heard that a Mr Smith is interested in the Southend job but he wants to wait until its announced Monday so he can break the bad news to us on Sunday ...

Kev

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