Given Hastings an awful lot deserved praise this season for the way they have played but today was for me the worst we have been all season. Darren talked earlier in the season about the pitch being too dry and once it had a bit of wet on it we would only improve our passing game, well quite the contrary. Today, our passing was shocking and our defending at times calamitous although I have to say there were some heroic last ditch blocks and Lenny Pidgley was outstanding. His double save from the penalty was world class!. South Park looked dangerous all match and you can see why they have the best away record in the league and they must be scratching their heads as to how they did not win. In fact apart from injury time, I thought they looked even better with 10 men. But the biggest thing that came out of today's game was the depth of our squad once again. I keep hearing and keep reading about new players on their way but nothing is materialising. With no right back, no left back, a 70% fit Steve Watt (is that fair?) and one striker throughout the whole club now Harris looks done for, we are in the s**t. Johnno hobbled off again and its too much to ask of our excellent youngsters. I think we will win on Wednesday, as South Park are hopeless at home but please, please, lets get some players in quick. If we don't I don't think we have a hope in hell of climbing that table.
I agree with John; indeed, as Phil and Steve have already endorsed, he is absolutely right. The lesson to be learned from this disappointing game is that the depth of our present squad is utterly inadequate.
South Park are clearly a decent team and looked dangerous even when we were dominating possession and playing some great passing football in the early stages. After 20 minutes it could easily have been 4 - 2 !
The second quarter was our worst quarter of the match and we were very fortunate to go in one up as the visitors had taken control of midfield.
For long periods in the second half we were again creating very little but then had by far the better chances to win at the end as South Park tired with ten men. All in all though a fair result and plenty of entertainment for a very disappointing crowd. I get the feeling I must have enjoyed it more than others.
However, looking beyond today's match.......Clearly the depth of our squad is a massive worry. As has been stated, there was absolutely no-one to take over from an injured Jack. Having to push the creative Sam Crutwell back to left back and Richard Davies out of the middle to cover right back before kick off can't be an ideal position for Darren. We so desperately need some quality cover in a number of key positions.
I'm sure Darren is looking for players. The capacity of the squad diminishes too easily and we need another centre half and a left back. Sam Cole and Cruts fill in at LB but are totally wasted there. Having said that - we are more than adequate in midfield but probably need another forward. Hopefully Jack will be back soon as he has looked superb once fit. I suppose having yet another league game moved (Hythe away Tuesday) isn't such a bad thing given Johnno and Jack departing early yesterday.
Draw was a fair result - South Park deserve another crack but I don't think either side deserved to win with plenty of penalty box ping pong both ends. We definitely went off the boil after 20 minutes though. You're not going to get Aylesburian performances game in and game out!
Gutted but No surprise at the late goals when you look at the quality and experience of the subs coming on. Another away defeat, more goals conceded and 5 games without a win. Let's hope no more injuries. Where are those signings, the fans saw this coming a month ago??
Lead this tie on 3 occasions,lead Carshalton by 2 goals,lead Margate in both ties.Why can't we close games out? Is it a lack of experience,a lack of determination or poor quality.Very worrying signs now
Also led at Faversham deep into injury time and in the Walton Casuals defeat as well so holding leads is definitely an issue. Lets see what comes out signing wise in tomorrow's Observer as they appear to hear of these things before anything is released on the main site.
Yes John, we on this forum are seldom unanimous in our opinions but on the matter of the inadequate depth of the present squad you will not find any of us in disagreement. If we fail to sign the players we need soon we will have next to no chance of reaching the play-offs. So, indeed, let's hope there is something positive by way of news in the paper tomorrow.
