Only a friendly, yes, but a bit of a reality check for myself and many other supporters last night and final proof that Chris has an awful lot of work to do to get us promoted this year. Squad looks very strong and glimpses last night of how good we could be but at the same time a really poor second half performance with most of our expected starting 11 on the field was a real cause for concern.
First half we played some decent stuff against what I thought was a really impressive Eastbourne side including Cole, Johnno and Pritchard. Moved the ball around nicely on a difficult, rock hard pitch and made plenty of chances but our finishing was absolutely woeful with poor old Daniel having a stinker of an evening. Worked hard, loads of pace, but missed so many chances, but missed badly. Two fluffed shots in the 6 yard box, another volley he barely made contact with and a one on one saved by the keeper. Despite these misses Hastings went in two up thanks to two screamers. Firstly a 25 yarder from Dixon which moved all over the place and then a fine bit of skill from Golding who cut in side and curled one in the top corner.
Expected this to continue second half but for the first time in this pre season, our passing and ball retention was really poor and Eastbourne were clearly the better side second half without causing any major issues and deserved their consolation goal whilst at the other end we huffed and puffed but barely had a shot on goal.
Positives from the night were the always superb Beale, the ever improving Dixon, Golding looked sharp and for me the best player on the pitch again, Adam Lovatt. What a player he is becoming and surely first name on the team sheet for Thamesmead.
On the must do better side, Antonio was really poor and ineffective. Defensively we were so open at times, particularly in the second half when the wing backs were not working back. We clearly look a much different side with Christie in the back three/Five. Defending set pieces, always a nemesis of Hastings sides was very poor, and we are a very small side. It concerns me that the big physical sides will cause us real problems this season. But once again, biggest problem of the night was Daniel upfront. Never looked like he was going to score and he just became more and more frustrated as the night went on. I think he would be the first to admit he was very poor on the night and proved yet again what this team requires to be a serious contender this season. Lets just hope he’s saving all his goals for start of the season as once the serious stuff starts, we cannot afford to be missing five clear cut chances in a dominant first half performance. That really was the story of last season and probably why we still sit in this league.
I didnt go last night ( school night )but did see the Eastbourne Town friendly against Hailsham last week .
Shame Bradley Pritchard was released as he was superb for Town and feel we will miss a trick for a player who was clearly out of the plans and favour . I am biased but think Bradley is something special , alas we will never know
Glad he has signed for Eastbourne as Jonny Lambert is the right thing for him . Big fan of lambert me
Any idea if the trialist striker has come to anything ???
