Cup fever landed officially at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy today as Sussex County League Eastbourne United Association visited for the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup.
Chatham Town manager Don Logan decided to start Lee Barnett in place of Justin Ascheri, pairing him with Brendon Cass, with Tom Davey starting in place of the injured Mark Green. Razor Powell started at right back, with recent incumbent Brad Potter starting in place of the injured Richard Avery (see note at bottom).
It took just three minutes for the game to come alive, when Lee Barnett started a move in the middle of the park, finding Steve Hafner on the wing. Running into the box, Barnett was first to reach Hafner's cross to send the ball home past United's keeper Nick Maynard.
After the goal, Chatham kept searching to break down their opponents, but found it tough to win the second ball against a spirited and packed midfield, Solly and Lyons very much outnumbered at times, but were composed at the back. The game was played with the gusto of a cup tie, and there were plenty of mini battles taking place, the referee doing a good job of allowing the game to be played in the spirit of the occasion.
That said, Eastbourne United did threaten themselves. They're a tidy passing side, and the midfield had plenty of possession but they rarely threatened, their best chance falling when Ben Billings got goalside of Ray Powell but sliced his shot well wide.
At half time, Chatham could consider themselves unlucky not to have added to their lead, but for all their possession, there were too many long balls played forward into space for Cass, who at times was operating as a lone striker as Barnett became embroiled in holding the ball up in midfield. Cass, a true fox in the box striker if ever there was one, does not have the pace for this type of game, so despite his best endeavours it was no surprise to see him replaced in the second period by Justin Ascheri.
The second half appeared much the same, although it was something of a sucker punch to what had for once looked like a sturdy back four when United's Steve Dallaway (who has a Diana haircut by the way) hit a speculative but well aimed drive from outside the box past an outstretched Stroud to level the tie. At this point, Chatham got a bit more interested, but couldn't do enough to clinch the game. Barnett pushed forward more, taking advantage of the jinking runs of Ascheri and Solly to get himself into the box, but was let down too many times in service to be able to really create. He tried and tried, and his persistence was nearly rewarded when he managed to shield the ball from two defenders, turn and fire a shot in that hit a 'bourne defender on the arm, the referee resolutely not giving a penalty on the old "ball to hand" logic. Barnett had earlier headed a cross inches wide, and it was summed up that this was not to be Chatham's day when with the last kick of the game, a shot come cross from Tom Davey hit the join of the upright and the bar. In truth, it would have been an injustice for United had Chatham again won a match with the last kick of the game, and they will be tough opponents for the Chats on the long trip to the south coast this coming Tuesday for the replay.
Chatham: Stroud; Probets, Powell, Payne, Potter; Lyons, Solly, Hafner, Davey; Cass, Barnett (subs Binks, Ascheri, Dodsworth, Ellis)
Highlights: A much better "90 minute" performance. AOB wanted one, and he got it. Shame it wasn't rewarded, but their goal was an old school screamer.
Lowlights: The lengthy injury to United keeper Nick Maynard that added ten minutes to the first half. Ambulance job.
The ref: Let it be cup tie. Well done.
In conclusion: A good performance, but didn't get the result. Will be a tough trip to their ground on Tuesday, particularly if their support can remain as vocal as it was today. We need to get that sort of thing going again. Where are the West Stand Boys????
MOTM: For my money, it was Ben Payne, did a no nonsense job at the back, and is looking more assured with each game.
Pointless fact: There was no alcohol allowed out of the bar today as it was a cup game, but, in good news there are plans afoot to refurbish the bar area, which will be welcome.
Next up: Them, at their place, on Tuesday night, the first of two long trips to the south coast in five days (Worthing away next Saturday). Must win it to keep a cup dream alive (and, if we go out, there's no home game until the 19th - three weeks away - I can't stand it when the fixtures go like that)
Note: Richard Avery is injured. I was mistaken when I thought his substitution at half time last week was anything other than injury related. Please do note that I have no official sources of information at the club, and wish for it remain that way. What you read here is always my opinion and is always therefore sujbective.
Saturday, 29 August 2009
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Cash 3 - 4 Chats
I was unable to attend last night's match at the Keith Tuckey Stadium. I'd mentioned in previous post though, my fear of the game. Athletico Croydon had got off to a flyer in the league - scoring twelve without reply in their opening two games against our kentish neighbours Whitstable and Ashford, before being held to a goalless draw at pre-season joint favourites, but yet to ignite, Met Police.
Well, as will probably be the case for most away games this season, there has to be an alternative to the official version of events, and what better way than to do this shambolically, by paraphrasing other people's work and journalism? If everyone else is doing it why can't I?
In short, Chatham went to the game very much underdogs - and came from 3-1 down to win 4-3, with Brendon Cass bagging the winner in stoppage time. According to Athletico's official site, Matt Solly was an instrumental part of our victory, and on one of the galacticos forum postings states that Steve Hafner had a good half. Chatham's goals were scored by Cass (2), Solly and Barnett, the big former Slade Green hit man again a second half substitute. I'm beginning to suspect that this is tactical, but am now struggling to believe that Justin Ascheri can keep his place, particularly now that Lee is off the blocks in the goal race. Yes, he's been slow to score this season (1 in 4 games, all started on the bench), but the man scored 16 in 19 games for us last season, having already scored 12 for Slade Green before he joined us in November. His only fault for my mind is that he can read the game better than most of his team mates, and if they're not on his wavelength, its frustrating for all.
Anyway, I've digressed. McCartney, over on kentishfootball, didn't cover the game, but has since interview Big Don Logan (AOB - see post on YMCA game for reference). He's still not happy - he wants to see 90 minutes from us, and I think he's going to get it this Saturday against Eastbourne United in the Cup. Turns out Avery's done his hamstring, so let's hope that Tommy Binks is back from his working excursion to Abergavenny or wherever it is that he's gone, to shore up our defence. However we look at the league table, and two injury time winning performances in a week, we've shipped more goals than anyone bar Ashford (who are bottom), but if we keep scoring one more than "them" (whoever "them" are each game), we can't go far wrong - we just may all die of stress in the meantime...
On the whole though, its hard to be negative about the whole thing. I wish Croydon well. McCartney quoted that "some fans" referred to us on the Croydon forum as a "nothing club". In truth, one fan said that, and more than that were complintary, commenting that Chatham deserved their win. It also says on McCartney that Croydon were "cocky big spenders" who had hired the £600 England team bus for last week's trip to Whitstable. That may be true, but £600 to take 16 players, perhaps four members of coaching staff, and perhaps ten committee members and supporters (and limiting numbers to 30 is lets face it for a bus, on the light side), that works out at £20 each return, or £10 single. Cost of a train from Thornton Heath to Whitstable? £24.10. I don't think its fair to refer to Croydon Athletic as "cocky". In fact, I think its unhelpful. What is a bit cocky though, is that the Croyon supporter who posted video on youtube of the game, missed our last two goals... never mind, we'll have to make do with imagination.
Well, as will probably be the case for most away games this season, there has to be an alternative to the official version of events, and what better way than to do this shambolically, by paraphrasing other people's work and journalism? If everyone else is doing it why can't I?
In short, Chatham went to the game very much underdogs - and came from 3-1 down to win 4-3, with Brendon Cass bagging the winner in stoppage time. According to Athletico's official site, Matt Solly was an instrumental part of our victory, and on one of the galacticos forum postings states that Steve Hafner had a good half. Chatham's goals were scored by Cass (2), Solly and Barnett, the big former Slade Green hit man again a second half substitute. I'm beginning to suspect that this is tactical, but am now struggling to believe that Justin Ascheri can keep his place, particularly now that Lee is off the blocks in the goal race. Yes, he's been slow to score this season (1 in 4 games, all started on the bench), but the man scored 16 in 19 games for us last season, having already scored 12 for Slade Green before he joined us in November. His only fault for my mind is that he can read the game better than most of his team mates, and if they're not on his wavelength, its frustrating for all.
Anyway, I've digressed. McCartney, over on kentishfootball, didn't cover the game, but has since interview Big Don Logan (AOB - see post on YMCA game for reference). He's still not happy - he wants to see 90 minutes from us, and I think he's going to get it this Saturday against Eastbourne United in the Cup. Turns out Avery's done his hamstring, so let's hope that Tommy Binks is back from his working excursion to Abergavenny or wherever it is that he's gone, to shore up our defence. However we look at the league table, and two injury time winning performances in a week, we've shipped more goals than anyone bar Ashford (who are bottom), but if we keep scoring one more than "them" (whoever "them" are each game), we can't go far wrong - we just may all die of stress in the meantime...
On the whole though, its hard to be negative about the whole thing. I wish Croydon well. McCartney quoted that "some fans" referred to us on the Croydon forum as a "nothing club". In truth, one fan said that, and more than that were complintary, commenting that Chatham deserved their win. It also says on McCartney that Croydon were "cocky big spenders" who had hired the £600 England team bus for last week's trip to Whitstable. That may be true, but £600 to take 16 players, perhaps four members of coaching staff, and perhaps ten committee members and supporters (and limiting numbers to 30 is lets face it for a bus, on the light side), that works out at £20 each return, or £10 single. Cost of a train from Thornton Heath to Whitstable? £24.10. I don't think its fair to refer to Croydon Athletic as "cocky". In fact, I think its unhelpful. What is a bit cocky though, is that the Croyon supporter who posted video on youtube of the game, missed our last two goals... never mind, we'll have to make do with imagination.
Monday, 24 August 2009
A clarification...
I don't believe in going back and editing posts - its dishonest. Unless of course, whatever I've said is libelous, in which case, I'm not that stupid (but thinking about it, and that libel actions are very expensive, I'm unlikely to be in a position where libel threats are ever a problem - I don't think the Barclay brothers play semi-pro).
Moving on though, and this has not been prompted by any contact, I realise my comments about the match programme at the end of the YMCA report could suggest it was previously not a good read - this was not the intended point. It was pointed towards other programmes in the league, not our own, which has always been good. It was also meant as a point of gratitude given Mike Green's other work commitments and the short time scale he had in arranging it and editing it. So here's a re-write:
"The matchday programme is back to the sensible price of £1.50 (last seasons cost increase to £1.60 was necessary due to the economic situation but not convenient to find the right change for - also, many supporters give £2 and let the club keep the change rounding out of a total £10 spend including the gate fee). Given Mike Green's recent introduction as editor, on what I understand is a temporary basis as cover for John Crow, he has done a sterling job in arranging its quick professional production at short notice, and the "behind the red door" feature is a good way of bringing all the hard work of club volunteers to the fore, and the "Chat Box" feature makes the club seem less secular. Good work, and good value given some of the other programmes available at this level"....
Moving on though, and this has not been prompted by any contact, I realise my comments about the match programme at the end of the YMCA report could suggest it was previously not a good read - this was not the intended point. It was pointed towards other programmes in the league, not our own, which has always been good. It was also meant as a point of gratitude given Mike Green's other work commitments and the short time scale he had in arranging it and editing it. So here's a re-write:
"The matchday programme is back to the sensible price of £1.50 (last seasons cost increase to £1.60 was necessary due to the economic situation but not convenient to find the right change for - also, many supporters give £2 and let the club keep the change rounding out of a total £10 spend including the gate fee). Given Mike Green's recent introduction as editor, on what I understand is a temporary basis as cover for John Crow, he has done a sterling job in arranging its quick professional production at short notice, and the "behind the red door" feature is a good way of bringing all the hard work of club volunteers to the fore, and the "Chat Box" feature makes the club seem less secular. Good work, and good value given some of the other programmes available at this level"....
Saturday, 22 August 2009
AMAT (1) 1 - (1) 1 YMCA
Or, what we mean to say is Chatham Town FC 1-1 Horsham YMCA.
Chatham last met YM as they're known by their fans in the last home game of the 2007-2008 season, and ran out 3-2 winners. YM have since lost the entire first and second strings that took part in that campaign, and re-emerged into the Ryman 1 South at the invitation of the league for this season having finished third in the Sussex County last term. They've come along a long way, and controlled the match today for much of the first half, taking advantage of apparent disarray at the back for Chatham, and took a deserved lead when Chatham's argumentative defence dropped a gear looking for a handball decision that never came, to see Richard Stroud well out of position and beaten with a well placed shot hit from the outside of the box. It was a little unfair on Stroud, who had been a seeming voice of reason at the back of a shaky back four, Brad Potter looking somewhat uncomfortable at right back, and captain Avery unable to gather control. Stoud had earlier kept the scores level when perhaps we should have been behind after he somehow got a hand to a fierce shot, against his momentum when scrambling back crablike across his line, so he was justifiably disappointed at the manner of the goal that gave YM their deserved lead.
Those of the Chatham faithful who were at the last meeting of these two sides, will remember it particularly for that rarity in football, a goal from the halfway line. On that occasion, Steve Hafner took a cheeky free kick, and spotted then YM keeper Craig Meehan off his line to send the fans into raptures. Well, Hafner scored his first competitive goal for Chatham since that game again today, in similar style on 40 minutes - spotting Horsham's keeper off his line, he shot this time from further out, hitting the ball first time after it was rolled back to him, the ball sailing over the hapless keeper to the jubilation of the home support.
He then skied a much easier volley on the stoke of half time, the matchball being lost in the trees at the White Road end, well beyond the reach of the bravest fireman.
Half time came, and the noise from the home dressing room was something to behold. Whilst subs Barnett, Dodsworth and Powell took potshots at Dan Ellis in goal, even they could hear from the penalty area the wrath of Alex O'Brien fall down upon his team. AOB has passion - no doubt about it, and his half time pep talk reminded me of the scene in Sexy Beast where Ben Kingsley's Don Logan character snaps - you know, "Do it, YES YES YES YES C**T". The result of this - a little bit more fight in a second half that saw the immediate introduction of Tom Davey for the injured Mark Green (yet to impress on the left wing, but lets give him a chance), and Lee Barnett on for Richard Avery, who didn't look like he was carrying any knocks other than one to his confidence - perhaps AOB's rant was aimed in one particular direction...
Regardless of the what's and why fors, the defence still looked fragile at times. Jim Lyons, slipped in to the back to partner Ben Payne, with Lee Barnett playing a supporting role to Ascheri and Cass. The midfield started to flow a bit more at this point, but there's part of me that thinks this was more due to the fact that Solly then had more room. He and Lyons are two similar players, and they stifle each other to some extent.
Chatham did look more dangerous in the second half, Cass and Barnett combining well, with Tom Davey an effective threat down the left when Ascheri allowed him space to work the ball. In truth, Justin had a poor game today, his touch apparently left in the dressing room before hand, but his passion shone through - the lad just does not stop chasing every ball, something that both he and Cass do well and is refreshing to see.
I hope that Barnett's place on the bench is fitness related rather than tactical. He was our most potent threat going forward, but had to wait for the ball too many times - it was as if sometimes he couldn't buy a pass.
A lot of positives though - the second half performance just about justified a point,with improved passing and invention. But let's pick this up for Croydon Athletic away.
Chatham: Stroud, Probets, Avery (HT - Barnett), Payne, Potter, Solly, Lyons, Hafner (Dodsworth 70), Green (HT - Davey), Ascheri, Cass.
Unused subs: Powell, Ellis.
Highlights: Hafner's magic trick. Again.
Lowlights: Bickering in the back four, lack of confidence. Why did they all look so nervous for the first half?
The ref: - Did an alright job. Fairly innocuous.
MOTM: Brendon Cass. Missed a sitter with his head, but worked well creating movement at the front as part of the triangle with Barnett and Ascheri. Was let down in service a few times, as was Lee Barnett. If that triangle can get going, it'll bag fifty goals this season.
In conclusion: A fair result, but we need to start playing with a winners' attitude. Where's the confidence guys?
Pointless fact: The matchday programme is down to the sensible price of £1.50 again (went up to random £1.60 last season), and was actually not a bad read. I'd like an audiobook version for AOB's programme notes though... Ben Kingsley could have a serious threat on his hands.
Next up: At home, 29th August - Sussex County League Eastbourne United Association in the FA Cup Preliminary round. We're only 12 games from Wembley, or 10 from equaling our club record quarter final performance back in the days of Victoriana and pea-soupers on the lines...
Away: This tuesday, to league leaders Croydon Athletic. The big spenders were held today by underachieving Met Police 0-0; I am sure that AOB's Kingsley impersonation will do the trick at the Keith Tuckey stadion.
Chatham last met YM as they're known by their fans in the last home game of the 2007-2008 season, and ran out 3-2 winners. YM have since lost the entire first and second strings that took part in that campaign, and re-emerged into the Ryman 1 South at the invitation of the league for this season having finished third in the Sussex County last term. They've come along a long way, and controlled the match today for much of the first half, taking advantage of apparent disarray at the back for Chatham, and took a deserved lead when Chatham's argumentative defence dropped a gear looking for a handball decision that never came, to see Richard Stroud well out of position and beaten with a well placed shot hit from the outside of the box. It was a little unfair on Stroud, who had been a seeming voice of reason at the back of a shaky back four, Brad Potter looking somewhat uncomfortable at right back, and captain Avery unable to gather control. Stoud had earlier kept the scores level when perhaps we should have been behind after he somehow got a hand to a fierce shot, against his momentum when scrambling back crablike across his line, so he was justifiably disappointed at the manner of the goal that gave YM their deserved lead.
Those of the Chatham faithful who were at the last meeting of these two sides, will remember it particularly for that rarity in football, a goal from the halfway line. On that occasion, Steve Hafner took a cheeky free kick, and spotted then YM keeper Craig Meehan off his line to send the fans into raptures. Well, Hafner scored his first competitive goal for Chatham since that game again today, in similar style on 40 minutes - spotting Horsham's keeper off his line, he shot this time from further out, hitting the ball first time after it was rolled back to him, the ball sailing over the hapless keeper to the jubilation of the home support.
He then skied a much easier volley on the stoke of half time, the matchball being lost in the trees at the White Road end, well beyond the reach of the bravest fireman.
Half time came, and the noise from the home dressing room was something to behold. Whilst subs Barnett, Dodsworth and Powell took potshots at Dan Ellis in goal, even they could hear from the penalty area the wrath of Alex O'Brien fall down upon his team. AOB has passion - no doubt about it, and his half time pep talk reminded me of the scene in Sexy Beast where Ben Kingsley's Don Logan character snaps - you know, "Do it, YES YES YES YES C**T
Regardless of the what's and why fors, the defence still looked fragile at times. Jim Lyons, slipped in to the back to partner Ben Payne, with Lee Barnett playing a supporting role to Ascheri and Cass. The midfield started to flow a bit more at this point, but there's part of me that thinks this was more due to the fact that Solly then had more room. He and Lyons are two similar players, and they stifle each other to some extent.
Chatham did look more dangerous in the second half, Cass and Barnett combining well, with Tom Davey an effective threat down the left when Ascheri allowed him space to work the ball. In truth, Justin had a poor game today, his touch apparently left in the dressing room before hand, but his passion shone through - the lad just does not stop chasing every ball, something that both he and Cass do well and is refreshing to see.
I hope that Barnett's place on the bench is fitness related rather than tactical. He was our most potent threat going forward, but had to wait for the ball too many times - it was as if sometimes he couldn't buy a pass.
A lot of positives though - the second half performance just about justified a point,with improved passing and invention. But let's pick this up for Croydon Athletic away.
Chatham: Stroud, Probets, Avery (HT - Barnett), Payne, Potter, Solly, Lyons, Hafner (Dodsworth 70), Green (HT - Davey), Ascheri, Cass.
Unused subs: Powell, Ellis.
Highlights: Hafner's magic trick. Again.
Lowlights: Bickering in the back four, lack of confidence. Why did they all look so nervous for the first half?
The ref: - Did an alright job. Fairly innocuous.
MOTM: Brendon Cass. Missed a sitter with his head, but worked well creating movement at the front as part of the triangle with Barnett and Ascheri. Was let down in service a few times, as was Lee Barnett. If that triangle can get going, it'll bag fifty goals this season.
In conclusion: A fair result, but we need to start playing with a winners' attitude. Where's the confidence guys?
Pointless fact: The matchday programme is down to the sensible price of £1.50 again (went up to random £1.60 last season), and was actually not a bad read. I'd like an audiobook version for AOB's programme notes though... Ben Kingsley could have a serious threat on his hands.
Next up: At home, 29th August - Sussex County League Eastbourne United Association in the FA Cup Preliminary round. We're only 12 games from Wembley, or 10 from equaling our club record quarter final performance back in the days of Victoriana and pea-soupers on the lines...
Away: This tuesday, to league leaders Croydon Athletic. The big spenders were held today by underachieving Met Police 0-0; I am sure that AOB's Kingsley impersonation will do the trick at the Keith Tuckey stadion.
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Money will out.
Croydon Athletic sit top of the Ryman Leauge Division One South after two games, with a 100% record, 12 goals scored and two clean sheets. The Thornton Heath based side have seen a recent turn around in fortunes, that is shrouded by mystery and rumour. Those rumours though (have a look at the kent league forums to see what's being said about them and Holmesdale FC), are probably based on a jealousy of the apparent wealth of new investor Mazhar Majeed, a property developer with a passion for the game. Whatever the truth is, its easy to believe the talk of large amounts of money changing hands up there, and worryingly, the league is beginning to look very much like a one horse race already.
The changes at the Keith Tuckey stadium appear to have come to fruit around the turn of the year. Since Christmas, the Rams have lost just twice in the league. They have an impressive squad http://croydonathletic.net/web/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=284&Itemid=107
and a management duo with plenty of experience higher up the pyramid in the form of former Grays manager Tim O'Shea and his assistant Neil Smith. Its hard to believe they come cheap, and some of the players are certainly not in the £40 a game category.
Given that their attendance seem to average at the 150 mark, I worry for Croydon Athletic. There's no sour grapes in that at all either - I'd worry if we were seemingly overstretching ourselves by that amount. We're clubs of a similar size and stature, both of whom have much larger neighbours up the road (Gillingham in our case, Palace in their's), impacting on the ability to increase crowds and profile. We've seen too many clubs boom and bust over recent years, Fisher, Hornchurch, Telford, Canvey Island. Do we need another one? With commercial property developers undeniably at risk during the economic slowdown, how safe are they?
I hope it all works out well for Croydon. I've visited them twice with Chatham, and we recieved a friendly enough welcome. They're a tidy club much like ours, providing those who don't neccessarily want, or can't afford to enjoy, professional football with the fix that comes from such community based clubs.
More "pitchside", I'm dreading the away fixture next week. Something makes me think they're going to make us look very ordinary. Last time we went there, we were beaten 6-2; a similar scoreline this early in the season would not do wonders for our confidence...
The changes at the Keith Tuckey stadium appear to have come to fruit around the turn of the year. Since Christmas, the Rams have lost just twice in the league. They have an impressive squad http://croydonathletic.net/web/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=284&Itemid=107
and a management duo with plenty of experience higher up the pyramid in the form of former Grays manager Tim O'Shea and his assistant Neil Smith. Its hard to believe they come cheap, and some of the players are certainly not in the £40 a game category.
Given that their attendance seem to average at the 150 mark, I worry for Croydon Athletic. There's no sour grapes in that at all either - I'd worry if we were seemingly overstretching ourselves by that amount. We're clubs of a similar size and stature, both of whom have much larger neighbours up the road (Gillingham in our case, Palace in their's), impacting on the ability to increase crowds and profile. We've seen too many clubs boom and bust over recent years, Fisher, Hornchurch, Telford, Canvey Island. Do we need another one? With commercial property developers undeniably at risk during the economic slowdown, how safe are they?
I hope it all works out well for Croydon. I've visited them twice with Chatham, and we recieved a friendly enough welcome. They're a tidy club much like ours, providing those who don't neccessarily want, or can't afford to enjoy, professional football with the fix that comes from such community based clubs.
More "pitchside", I'm dreading the away fixture next week. Something makes me think they're going to make us look very ordinary. Last time we went there, we were beaten 6-2; a similar scoreline this early in the season would not do wonders for our confidence...
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Chatham Town 3 - 2 Burgess Hill Town
Didn't make the game (yes, shameful, absolutely shameful) but we won 3-2, with the last kick of the game. I went to bed last night with that knowledge imagining a tap in - last kicks usually are, generally coming from set pieces, but no, the Kentishfootball report by Mike Green informs us it was a 30 yard chip from Justin Ascheri. I have to admit, in the past I've not been overly impressed by Ascheri, but he seems to be coming into himself. He is terrier like up front, and never stops running - and it seems his persistence was paid off with a brace last night.
The other goal was by man-god Brendon Cass. He's now scored every time he's played at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy since his return (although last night was the first competitive game).
I do have a couple of concerns though. I'll have to do some digging, but I assume Barnett isn't fully fit and neither is Cass, Barnett coming on for Cassie in the 65th minute last night. Also, no place on the bench for either Denness, Binks or Ruddy last night. Hope they haven't left the club (particularly Ruddy, but, if Stroud is staying his options could be limited). You never know, they're all injured... not nice to wish ill on people in most circumstances, but I think it would be a travesty if both Rob and Tommy were to be sidelined permanently, they probably bleed red the amount of time they've been at the club (hang on, I think I've missed something there...).
Anyway, AOB wanted a performance - he's worried about our near capitulation in the second half, and says we were over run at times. We're possibly missing the Steve Best figure in midfield, and with OB himself now taking a backseat playing wise, I'd like to see Dodsworth in the mix. For a player who used to model himself on Beckham according to my sources from his junior days, he was certainly more in the Roy Keane mode at the end of last year. Lyons may have more creativity going forward, but we need a hard tackling midfielder to back up Matt Solly.
Additionally, when both Cass and Barnett are fit, how will we fit them in with the ever improving, and lets face it darned inconsiderate form of Ascheri? Barnett could fit in well behind the two of them, but that'll mean losing space on the wings. Interesting challenges for AOB await...
Saturday sees the visit of YMCA, followed the next week by the visit in the FA Cup of Sussex League champions Eastbourne Association. YMCA leapfrogged back to this level courtesy of the seaside club's non application for promotion, so two tough games that we must not underestimate coming up. How lovely would a cup run be eh?
The other goal was by man-god Brendon Cass. He's now scored every time he's played at the Theatre of Slapstick Comedy since his return (although last night was the first competitive game).
I do have a couple of concerns though. I'll have to do some digging, but I assume Barnett isn't fully fit and neither is Cass, Barnett coming on for Cassie in the 65th minute last night. Also, no place on the bench for either Denness, Binks or Ruddy last night. Hope they haven't left the club (particularly Ruddy, but, if Stroud is staying his options could be limited). You never know, they're all injured... not nice to wish ill on people in most circumstances, but I think it would be a travesty if both Rob and Tommy were to be sidelined permanently, they probably bleed red the amount of time they've been at the club (hang on, I think I've missed something there...).
Anyway, AOB wanted a performance - he's worried about our near capitulation in the second half, and says we were over run at times. We're possibly missing the Steve Best figure in midfield, and with OB himself now taking a backseat playing wise, I'd like to see Dodsworth in the mix. For a player who used to model himself on Beckham according to my sources from his junior days, he was certainly more in the Roy Keane mode at the end of last year. Lyons may have more creativity going forward, but we need a hard tackling midfielder to back up Matt Solly.
Additionally, when both Cass and Barnett are fit, how will we fit them in with the ever improving, and lets face it darned inconsiderate form of Ascheri? Barnett could fit in well behind the two of them, but that'll mean losing space on the wings. Interesting challenges for AOB await...
Saturday sees the visit of YMCA, followed the next week by the visit in the FA Cup of Sussex League champions Eastbourne Association. YMCA leapfrogged back to this level courtesy of the seaside club's non application for promotion, so two tough games that we must not underestimate coming up. How lovely would a cup run be eh?
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Where are they now? (Brad King)
A new feature that occurred to me - where are those players from yesteryear (well, the last few seasons at least), and what are they up to now? Any ideas on anyone, let me know...
First installment : Bradley King...
Who could forget little Brad eh? I remember coming home from an away match at Sittingbourne by train, to see Brad stood at the station - making his way home to Sheppey by himself. Regularly berated with the intelligent shout of "boy" by opposition fans, Brad was a tidy full back who looked good going forward, so it was no surprise that after his perhaps dishonourable discharge from Chatham Town FC that he spent large parts of last season playing as a striker for Ashford Town's reserves. Back in first team football, he's playing at the back again, still in Medway, for Kent League Lordswood.
Brad came up through the youth system at Chatham, and was seen by some as an inspiration to the other young players. Since usurped in that role by Michael Scott, Bradley was a fan's favourite, but seemed to fall foul of then first team manager Phil Miles one time too many. Dropped for the opening game of the season in 2007-2008 because of his attitude (anyone remember the official team photo that year - all he could muster was a Reeves and Mortimer style gurn for the lens), he didn't seem to learn his lesson... He came back briefly under the returning Steve Binks, but seemed to fall out of love with the club. Perhaps a case of talent unfulfilled, lets hope he can resurrect his career -he had a lot of promise. Good luck at Lordswood, Bradley.
First installment : Bradley King...
Who could forget little Brad eh? I remember coming home from an away match at Sittingbourne by train, to see Brad stood at the station - making his way home to Sheppey by himself. Regularly berated with the intelligent shout of "boy" by opposition fans, Brad was a tidy full back who looked good going forward, so it was no surprise that after his perhaps dishonourable discharge from Chatham Town FC that he spent large parts of last season playing as a striker for Ashford Town's reserves. Back in first team football, he's playing at the back again, still in Medway, for Kent League Lordswood.
Brad came up through the youth system at Chatham, and was seen by some as an inspiration to the other young players. Since usurped in that role by Michael Scott, Bradley was a fan's favourite, but seemed to fall foul of then first team manager Phil Miles one time too many. Dropped for the opening game of the season in 2007-2008 because of his attitude (anyone remember the official team photo that year - all he could muster was a Reeves and Mortimer style gurn for the lens), he didn't seem to learn his lesson... He came back briefly under the returning Steve Binks, but seemed to fall out of love with the club. Perhaps a case of talent unfulfilled, lets hope he can resurrect his career -he had a lot of promise. Good luck at Lordswood, Bradley.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)