Another battling win for Hastings this afternoon despite being miles from our best for the fourth game in a row. VCD can once again count themselves unlucky not to get a point as Hastings made hard work of keeping possession throughout and only the brilliance of Ben Pope (and a bit of Rogers) saved the day. Thought he was immense today and deservedly took MOM.
Looked a tired performance again today and a big worry with the two games we have coming up. Lanre is bang out of form at the minute and not sure how he warrants a start, not helped by the new lad at right back who is great going forward but leaves us so open at the back. Is Elliot fit? Think we really miss him at the minute. And we struggled middle of the park again today. Sam was decent, Dixon was quiet for once and James Pool really struggled to have any influence on the game today. His passing was very poor at times but hopefully Adam‘s return is now close.
All that said, what great character shown again. We are not playing well, that’s plain to see, but still unbeaten in last four. Now we go into the season defining week with high hopes. Just hope we can get Elliot, Lovett and Worrall back in the team.
-- Edited by johnw on Saturday 1st of February 2020 05:17:46 PM
-- Edited by johnw on Saturday 1st of February 2020 05:19:15 PM
-- Edited by johnw on Saturday 1st of February 2020 07:11:40 PM
Certainly looked a bit tired today.Not sure if it is a bit of mid season blues ,as certainly not looking the team we were a few weeks ago ,or whether the heavier pitches are not helping. Too many players out of sorts today.
Certainly a massive few games coming up.
Very pleased with our character and fighting spirit and thought we didn't overdo the passing in our own penalty area. However, we did nearly gift them 2 goals in the first half with back and sideways passing.
I felt this was the most entertaining game I have seen for a good few weeks and felt things looked a lot better offensively than in a number of recent games. Good on VCD for going all out for a victory having got back to 2-2. Games where both teams go all out to win in the latter stages are always the most entertaining.
Agree with John that Ben was excellent today and had called him as MOTM even before his winner. Slightly alarmingly we seem to be conceding more goals than we are accustomed to and it could have been worse today without Louis who is now really earning his money.
At times the second half nerves on the pitch were being picked up and amplified in the crowd. Can’t help feeling we are in for a stressful three months.
Two massive games coming up. A win and a draw in any order will still leave us in the box seat. Let’s REALLY get behind the team next Saturday. I’m sure Ashford will bring plenty and I think we can expect a crowd of 1000+.
These are exciting times....let’s enjoy it !
I'm following from afar and compare United's progress with Cray last season. They - like title winning sides at any level - went through runs of indifferent form but kept the winning habit going. It's still early days, we are only just over half way through the season but have so far done a fantastic job. What does slightly concern me is the settled side factor isnt quite what it was. But having said that, they didn't let losing a 2-0 lead upset them yesterday and - like Sevenoaks (the Youtube interview with the Sevenoaks boss is well worth a view) - they kept going and won the game. Well done all of you.
This coming week is the equivalent of 2001 - 2002 when we played Dorchester and Grantham - our two main rivals, on consecutive weekends - away from home. Drew both (similar time of the season) and only lost 2 more all season.
Right, time to get a new refresh button for my phone.......
PS - I see Kamara, the Ashford 6 - first class player - was sent off yesterday. Not available next weekend?
Well it all kicked off for me in the 80th minute when Ben Pope scored our winning goal as someone came charging out of the Elphinstone Road stand and jumped on my back waving his fists in the air, I then lost my balance and fell over on my 84 year old dad who also fell over on the ground onto his already bad leg. Also a couple of other elderly Gentlemen fell over as a result of the way this individual decided to celebrate the goal. He then continued along the line still celebrating regardless of anyone else.
I myself have a bad back and this Person jumping out on top of me from nowhere has made it considerably worse.
I was so upset that I asked him to tell me his name, he said it was "Robbie" so I reported him to the Health & Safety Officer Dave Russell who went and had a word with him, he told him that he thought I was someone else and that he was sorry. Even so whoever he had jumped on, me or someone that he knew, the same level of carnage would have ensued.
This time we were lucky but It could have been a whole lot worse.
I just hope that he realizes the consequences of his actions and that it never happens again to us or anyone else.
I'm following from afar and compare United's progress with Cray last season. They - like title winning sides at any level - went through runs of indifferent form but kept the winning habit going.
Yes, exactly. Unless some kind of miracle occurs, or you've got the finances for a massive squad, it's almost inevitable that there's going to be a spell like this, when injuries and/or suspensions bite, legs get tired, the form of some players dips, the pitches get less amenable, and so on. It's how you react that matters. The reaction over the last few games has been very, very good, I think.
We've become a lot more resilient this season. We were hardly ever a threat at set pieces last time around, and the lack of those goals really cost us in these kind of games; we scored two of them yesterday, against a big, physical side, and it won us some potentially vital points. Sometimes even the prettiest teams need to score ugly goals. Similarly, having Ben Pope up there, trying to wring everything he can out of whatever service we send his way, makes a huge difference in games like this. He really dragged us over the line yesterday.
FWIW, I thought James Pool had a better game than johnw did. For me, Ryan Worrell was poor on Tuesday, really not feeding our attacks enough with the possession he had. James Pool was trying to be positive, even when it didn't work out, and that's the way forward for a young midfielder.
I think many of the major points arisising from yesterday's game have been covered - and well covered - in the above posts. I won't repeat those. But just to pick up on one point John makes in the opening post - I felt more positive about our new right back, Jerald Aboagye, particularly in the second half. Jerald has real strength on the ball can tackle well and has surprising speed for a sturdy player. I felt he was getting more aware as the game progressed. I feel very hopeful that he will prove a long term asset for the club in this season and beyond. We have long needed a 'strength' player and hopefully we have secured one.
That is not to say that I disagree with John about Jake Elliot. I think he is a fine player and I would like to see him continue as a regular in the side. Perhaps - fitness issues aside - both Jake and Jerald can be accomodated?
I thought our other new player, Warren Mfula, showed in the short time he was on the pitch that he can be very useful not just as an alternative to Ben Pope (who as we all agree put in a heroic shift yesterday), but as a compliment to him.
Yes we are going through a sticky patch, but Chris has done absolutely the right thing in bringing in two players to help us get through that.
Disgusting scenes Adrian, it looked awful seeing elderly people laying on the floor. My wife ended up having strong words with him. Unfortunately not the first time this has happened and comments also made on the Herne Bay thread but certain people around the club seem to think these fans are incredible.
Ben Pope outstanding yesterday - ran his heart out!
How many chances did we give them with out tactic of passing across the back?! Even the keeper was guility of trying to beat a man in the area.
Have to agree with the sentiment of most that we are grinding out results while the overall performance levels are way down from last year, but that's not going to cut the mustard on tuesday and saturday.
Still looked light in central midfield with Jack pushing up so far and puts a lot on Sammy.
I think Jerald played really well and got up the line to add a bit of muscle to our attacks and was unlucky not to have scored.
Lanre and Daniel both gone a bit off the boil at the moment, but I'm sure they will both be back banging in goals before long.
Hard to asses Warren on initial performance but would like to see more of him up alongside Ben.
Sorry to hear about Davide's injury and wish him a speedy recovery.
Thought yesterday the team showed character and belief to come back from conceding 2 goals. A couple of draws in the next 2 games not a disaster. Regarding certain individuals (Supporters) the last 3 games have been a disgrace. We are all for letting our emotions out but there is a limit to abuse and swearing. When we as a family go to the games we expect a bit of swearing, but the c word is not appropriate, (woman and children go to the matches.). The abuse the Sevenoaks and Herne bay keepers received in recent games is bang out of order. I am surprised how the keepers keep their cool. Do you think the abusers would give out such abuse if they were face to face with them, not hiding behind a barrier. The person in question from previous post ran down the stand on Tues hurling abuse at the Herne Bay keeper. Once again I agree emotions run high. But we are gonna get a bad reputation. The stewards cannot be blamed for the behaviour , it is down to a few mindless individuals.
If people are against swearing or over celebrating take it up with Billy or any other director.. End of the day everyone was nervous but when that goal went in everyone went mad.. Well celebrated like we had won the league.. I can understand that people hate the c words as I do but just talk to the individuals who say it as I'm sure they will take it on board and try and carlm down.. It was a proper emotional game being 2-0 up cursing. Then to go 2-2 the emotions what running high.. You may hear me say f sake or for f sake you know but that to no one as it me venting my emotions to my self.. With what happened when we scored the 3rd goal i can't comment on the situation that happened..I stand with the singers and they are a good bunch of lads so get to know them.. we aint no bad boys just love to give the support for the lads and push them to the final whistle..
Sorry Wayne. Known you a long time and Your definitely one of the good guys but disagree with what your saying. Why should a mother or father with their young children visiting the Pilot Field or an OAP who’s supported the club for 40 years have to go up to fans to ask if they will kindly stop using the C word or to stop shouting for a goal keeper to die? What are the stewards there for? Is that not their job with pre match direction from the directors? We had serious trouble at VCD and Ashford last year, I saw incidents at Cray and Sittingbourne, statements from the directors, and messages on the club website about supporters behaviour. Of course we will have more incidents because most teams struggle to muster a 100 fans and we more than double most home attendances, but things have been unsavoury at times. To see 4 of our older supporters laying on the floor at the Pilot Field is something I have not witnessed in 40 years of supporting the club or indeed any football at any level. Don’t think for a minute it was intentional but totally reckless and we cannot use nerves or high emotions as an excuse for what happened.
I was on about my self that the emotions got to me.. And i know what your saying but I have no problem speaking up to people who are acting like a mugs.. I have sad to people come on really there's no need for that.. Like I said I didn't see what happened as I was celebrating the goal.. All that I see was dave come over and talk the person and he was very apologetic so I can't really comment on that situation.. Obviously stuff like that shouldn't happen at all but I will stand my ground if someone gose over the top.. Like I said maybe people need to have a meeting with Billy or the other directors and tell them exactly what's going on and can nip it in a bud.. I will be going to whitehawk so I will keep a look out for the individuals and tell them to grow up..
No ones saying the lads are'nt good guys, but families and supporters should not have to put up with the abusive language. the crowds are increasing and more kids are going, which is great for the club now and for the future. Obviously we are being unreasonable. We have only missed 4 games home and away all season and the supporters singing is fantastic. Probably worth an extra 6 points through the season. But there is no need for what is going on. The last 3 games has got significantly worse. If we are not careful we are going to turn supporters away. Is that a good thing. maybe the directors should begin to act before the league does
Spot on John and Tim, no need for some of this language. All in favour of a bit of banter and Micky taking of the opposition keeper , but let’s keep it witty and funny.
By no means am I saying swearing is right at all especially the c word.. This is why I suggested maybe the people who has been effected by it the tell the directors as they can ban people or give them warning oor what ever.. Because if they don't know then they won't act on the situation
Phil, I assure you a lot of the comments are neither witty or funny. Yes, the stewards need to get involved. One warning and then ejection from the ground and a ban. The behaviour of a small number of individuals was certainly not good at Sevenoaks. Apart from the appalling abuse, we were barged into when Pope equalised, so what happened on Saturday was not an isolated incident. A few people need to grow up and learn what is and isn't acceptable behaviour at football matches.
-- Edited by Mick on Monday 3rd of February 2020 06:25:14 AM
There is passion, excitement, loud support, banter, humour - all great.
Then there is offensiveness, abusiveness, and recklessness - and sometimes there is a fine line between the two. That line has been crossed lately. (Perhaps an overindulgence in the bar ?).
I’m first to admit that I’m no angel, but knocking older people to the floor is just not acceptable.
