Will be interesting to see the make up of the Crawley team,apparently they do not have a reserve side. Hope game is not interrupted by the predicted fog
I thought we did ok, especially in the second half!
Certainly didn't disgrace ourselves. I think we have the makings of a decent young side with a bit of tweaking here and there.
Lost 2-0 to a side 4 leagues higher, and full time professionals. Gave a good account of ourselves and not disgraced. Some of the younger players no doubt learned a lot.
Agree mostly with the above, but cannot help thinking that we did not do as good as we could have, lots of stray passes , I really think we were a wee bit frightened at first, and by the time we settled in, it was too late, the second half we were much better, such a pity we did not start that way.
-- Edited by rev59 on Monday 18th of December 2017 10:16:21 PM
Important to keep in mind that Crawley were just light years ahead of anything else we have seen at the Pilot Field this year. Geat movement off the ball, slick one touch passing, pace all over the pitch and two super centre backs who were great on the ball. Understand all the subs from Saturday’s Div 2 game started so a very strong team and i thought we did okay.
It was men against boys most of the first half but we never gave up and second half gave as good as we got and made a few chances. Against these kind of teams you just have to keep possession otherwise you are long time without it but some of the youngsters struggled with that tonight but what a learning experience for them.
On the player front thought Ollie Rowe was absolutely magnificent against their pacey front line. Tom and Sam also defended really well and young Bradley just gets better every game. Charlie proved he is actually human by flapping at a couple of crosses and some poor clearances but also made some super saves. Midfield huffed and puffed and worked hard ably led by skipper Sam but very difficult in there against such a strong opponent who played with so much width and passed it so well at times. Golding worked hard but had little impact whilst Rodari was Rodari. One excellent piece of work followed by four miscontrols and loss of possession. He certainly had a much better game last night but still continues to be a fair way behind the other youngsters and now has Sam Cole breathing down his neck. Callum Davies worked tirelessly up top but again was very isolated at times and when Sam Adams was eventually thrown on he was put back into left midfield and Sam left up on his own which seemed a strange decision when two down with twenty remaining.
A really decent effort last night particularly second half, and the lads should be really proud of their efforts. The bench is now starting to look strong, players returning from injury, and competition for places is hotting up. There are improvements taking place all over the pitch but still think we lack fire power up top. Not too bothered about being knock out last night as Ramsgate on Saturday is the more important game as the league is very tight and teams above us continue to lose games.
Agree with all of the above, but really do think our tactics are wrong sometimes. It has been said before, but we continue to pass back to our defense only for us to get into trouble and loose the ball or hoof the ball up the pitch and loose possession. This tactic was really exposed last night with the quality of the Crawley team.
And poor Callum needs help up front, he can not do it on his own. I thought he was going to get some when Sammy came on, but no he was pushed to left midfield. He is definitely NOT a midfield player.
