So my first look at the new Hastings today and came away with probably more concerns than positives despite a decent performance.
Have no idea how close that was to Worthing's strongest team but I have no doubt that apart from Pelling, that was as close as possible to our strongest line up.
As for the game, the first half was pretty even with half chances at either end despite neither keeper really having any save of note. Worthing took the lead after a mistake by the keeper who looked edgy throughout before a nasty looking injury ended his day. At the other end Crutts was denied a certain penalty and Dixon, Medlock and Crutts all had shots off target.
Second half was a different story with Hastings pretty much dominating throughout and deservedley equalising through a magnificent goal from the best player on the pitch in Crutts who ran from nearly the half way line beating numerous players before slotting in the corner. Rowe than gave Hastings a deserved lead after the keeper failed to hold a cross and he bundled over the line. Many substitutions then slightly disrupted play before Worthing scored in injury time from a similar goal to Rowe's, not helped with our keeper off on the stretcher.
So a good last run out for the team against higher grade opposition who certainly looked no better than us.
So my honest observations. We played nice, neat football but we lack width and pace. The team looks very small and may struggle against big physical teams and the squad looks very thin.
Firstly, was surprised to see Glynn White on the line shouting instructions. When was that appointment made? Thought Adam and Aggy were in charge.
Defensively we look okay but lack physicality. Pritchard definitely looks better going forward than defending but did okay. Just think we are crying out for a big lump like Razor or Sobers.
In midfield it looks like we are playing a diamond which I'm not crazy on. Carey, who we were told was brought in as a coach who will play when required, looks like he may start. He is neat and tidy but still a little light weight and still doesn't do enough for me, 3 years on from when he was last here. Crutts and Dixon, who could well be two of the best midfielders in the league and the best players on the field did great but would much rather see them along side each other in the middle whilst Johnno was excellent as always.
Up top, Billy was fairly quiet but understandabley so after being ill for the last week and he will be just fine whilst Harris also worked hard but he's not a Frannie and won't bring 30 goals. I hope he proves me wrong.
The subs did okay but again proved the depth of squad is not there and that the academy guys are not ready yet and perhaps a year too early for all of them.
So fairly happy with what I saw but believe we need massive luck with injuries and suspensions this year as squad is so thin in every position. We are certainly lacking a defender and probably another striker and getting Cole back will be a massive bonus. I cannot see this squad will be strong enough for a promotion push but a top 6 or 7 finish could be on and possibly better with some additions.
Only my opinion on just 90 mins of football but will certainly be a lot clearer come the end of the month.
Think John has got it bang on ... not sure how this is going to go this season but they are together , playing and pre preparing like a team which we didn't have last year..
Going to be a exciting ride this season... Pritchard is a good player , I am a fan ... Tom Vickers is our big defender and I am happy when he plays ...
i do have similar worries about stonger teams , a big test first game against Casuals !!
We have potential in a surprise superstar like Roderi or Billy with a 30 goal season but we just don't know yet . How we pan out against bigger teams or experienced players we don't know .
Ollie Black though deserves a meantion ... looking at him, he will surprise bigger players .. he is tough , takes no nonsense and is commited in tackles and headers ...tough lad !! I love these old school type of players
bring it on , Casuals will be a tough start and good test
-- Edited by ChrisVanRock on Sunday 6th of August 2017 06:07:04 AM
My take on yesterday was that we were very poor against a pretty average Worthing side for the first half an hour or so. We lacked energy and directness; the midfield looked weak, the defence seemed edgy and there was no width at all. Sam Cruttwell and Simon Johnson then managed to increase the tempo; and I thought we looked much more promising in the first twenty minutes of the second half before the multiple substitutions began. An excellent goal from Sam in that spell.
I agree with John that the there are real worries about the size and pace of the side. Billy Medlock should not be judged on yesterday's performance as he was recovering from illness, but much in the weeks ahead will rest on the extent to which he can re-capture the form and pace of two years ago. I am particularly concerned about Jack Harris. He had a few headed half chances and frankly didn't get close. He has physical prescence but to be effective he will need to use that much more than he did yesterday. Who can imagine we will get anywhere near 100 goals for the season with the side as it is?
On a positive note, I liked Michael Aziaya. I though him consistent throughout and there were some good cameos from the substitutes. Certainly Chris was right to mention Ollie Black - some pretty gritty challenges from him!
