Yet another frustrating afternoon following Hastings and the team have to start learning from these same mistakes. First 10 minutes, once again, we were a shambles defensively. We then dominated possession, once again, for the next 80 minutes but just had no cutting edge up top against a very very average team.
A few of us were really surprised and worried to see the starting line up today with Ollie Rowe, our best player over the past two months out at right back and Crutts alongside the inexperienced Climpson and they looked all over the place first ten. Ansu twice lost possession cheaply on the half way line allowing Sittingbourne to break quickly and scythe through huge gaps in the middle to score two simple goals and leave us with a mountain to climb for the next 84mins. For the rest of the half we dominated possession without ever really forcing the keeper into any serious action, allowing Sittingbourne just the odd foray into our half.
Secound half, Ansu was rightly hauled off after a really poor half and replaced by Dixon who definitely gave the team more energy and drive and for the next 45 minutes we completely dominated Sittingbourne with our opponents barely getting in our half but we never really looked like we would ever score. Climpson missed a free header at the far post and a shot destined for the back of the net hit his own player. Rodari, Golding and Davies all had shots blocked or comfortably saved but for all that possession we really didn’t have any clear cut chances and when Rodari missed an injury time penalty you just new it wasn’t our day.
So some questions from today. Why split Rowe and Climpson? Would Dixon not have been better at right back and push Crutts in for Lovatt who was neat and tidy but that was it. And dare I say Rhys Whybourn. Crutts is wasted there and still no idea why we are releasing players in the position with least cover.
I have watched Hastings for many years and seen many a performance from Sammy Adams. I’ve asked it before and I’ll ask again. I have never seen Sam miss a penalty over all these years so why has an 18 year old taken this responsibility from Sam? Davide by the way was much improved today, one of our better players, and none of the silly antics from last week although could have got a red in a skirmish at the end.
And finally, are the first team practicing set pieces? Just dreadful again today from all.
Positives today were decent passing and ball retention and no lack of effort once again. Apart from the first 10 we completely dominated albeit against a very poor opponen. We do look attractive when in possession and I like that style of play that Chris has brought to the club but we do lack a cutting edge and natural goal scorer. Thought Golding was superb today as was Sammy and Ollie Rowe but we have to be beating teams like Sittingbourne and starting games better. I think this was probably our last chance today to have any opportunity to push for play off positions so really is all about building for next year now but we really must get a defender and striker in to move us to the next level.
Nothing really to add but that Zak is lightning quick isn’t he ... blimey what acceleration .... only seen him at Guernsey away before .. but he can move
Thought Davide for all my moaning again played brilliantly yesterday ... nice touches and good runs .... he is becoming better and better . Maybe expectations were too high at the start with all the Milan youth talk
Even Shearer would of missed that penalty yesterday , it was just one of those days I am afraid
