I think we will see a lot of goalless draws at the moment.
Ben Pope needs a strike partner,that was clearly evident.
We were very flat today and lacked any spark or creativity.
The first half was dreadful and I thought we would improve in the second half but it did not happen.
Great attendance today but will struggle to maintain those figures with a performance like that.
Sorry for the negativity but left the ground a bit worried
Watching on from the main stand, I think Dave Martin took his goal very well and had a positive game likewise Sam Hasler. Credit also to Herne Bay who I think gave us a very good game and probably could have won it after their superb goal. Great atmosphere from both sets of supporters which also contributed significantly. Rather surprised why Kenny was not bought on when Ben came off. Hopefully Ryan's injury is not as bad as it is, as I'm worried we may be short of a back up to fill in and need to get some more experience. Defiantly shows from today that whilst there is still a long way to go in the season that a lot more work is needed into getting wins under the belt.
Can't disagree with anything you say, Conquest1.
Based on what we saw today, we do rather look like a side that will have to grind out 1-0 wins rather than blow teams away.
To be fair though, I think Herne Bay were good.....and at times in the first half they were very good when they seemed to be in complete control and we won't meet too many as good as that this season.
However these are very, VERY early days and we absolutely KNOW with the quality that we have in this squad we can play far better than that, can dominate some teams and make a hatful of chances.
I guess we all came away disappointed after all the pre-season hype. It all seemed a bit of an anti-climax with so little to get excited about in terms of how we played and the number of chances created.
But, to coin a phrase, this is a marathon not a sprint and we have only just left the starting line.
On a more positive note, what a great strike from Dave to open the scoring ! Clearly he can deliver a great cross too but I don't feel he will provide an injection of pace that we seem to be lacking up front.
Finally what a fantastic attendance for the first game. I just wish there was a whole lot more to get excited about.
Any news on Ryan's injury ?
Disappointed with the result but great to be back at the Pilot Field for a competitive match. We had a dream start being presented with a goal but then Herne Bay took control for long periods in the first half. When they had a free kick a two man wall invited Herne Bay to have a shot at goal which they skillfully took.
Louis needed to be at his best to stop Herne Bay from taking the lead so in the end a 1-1 draw is not a disaster against what looks to be a top 6 side.
Pleased to see Hastings trying to get the ball forward even if we did have difficulty retaining it.
Herne Bay had the better of us in midfield with nos 8 and 10 playing well and their no 11 was a threat on the left wing. Game petered out in the second half but Herne Bay did seem to have better options on the bench.
Bad luck for Ryan who appears to have a serious injury. Ben and Gary were two others who were struggling a bit for witness.
Assuming Ryan is out for a long time could the versatile and invaluable Craig Stone move up to midfield with Ryan Huckle taking his place in defence?
There is no point in defending that performance it was awful, we didn’t create 1 chance, passes going astray, no cohesion, no point in pre season if players don’t play together. Herne Bay had a carefully thought out plan on how to play us, and we weren’t able to adapt, 949 people there and 900 went home disappointed.
A very good point against a good team i felt, we are a team carrying a few knocks and thought we showed good resilience as this is a game a lesser team could have lost heavily, this was a tough team to get first game but we got through it with a point 🙏 was nice chatting with the Herne Bay fans after the game...nice bunch of chaps, hope Ryan isn't out too long as he's a very creative player for us (joy to watch imo)
Only seen the Carshalton friendly and yesterday's game. Neither have inspired or excited me. Hard to really judge friendlies but having seen yesterday's game the worrying factor from both games was our lack of ability to keep the ball and we look a bit short on ideas. Herne Bay were decent, well organised and knew how to play us and will feel a bit disappointed not to take all 3 points. Thankfully Louis pulled off 2 good saves. Definitely a point saved for us.
Positives though the attendance although with admission prices as high as they are now I'm not sure how many will pay that week in week out and Dave's goal was decent. Long season ahead and hopefully we can gel in the next few games to get exciting football back like we had 2 or 3 seasons ago.
May be academic now but an interesting comparison yesterday between Ryan (potentially our most creative player) and Herne Bay's no 10, Adam Ramadan. He caused us a lot of problems with his passing,running and dribbling operating in the attacking half of the pitch. Difficult to see how Ryan can influence a game in a creative manner when he is operating just in front of our defence. At best his play becomes just neat and tidy sideways passing. Anyway best w.ishes to Ryan and hope he recovers quickly
May be academic now but an interesting comparison yesterday between Ryan (potentially our most creative player) and Herne Bay's no 10, Adam Ramadan. He caused us a lot of problems with his passing,running and dribbling operating in the attacking half of the pitch. Difficult to see how Ryan can influence a game in a creative manner when he is operating just in front of our defence. At best his play becomes just neat and tidy sideways passing. Anyway best w.ishes to Ryan and hope he recovers quickly
clearly in this game Ryan was playing a different role being asked to play deeper but moaners got to moan so Tims going to compare two people playing two different roles in the same game. Ryan doesn't always play that deep i think we've all seen that and enjoyed his play from previous seasons.
I agree with Tim, if you play 90 mins without creating a chance and your creative midfield player is playing the holding role, then why shouldn’t the fans question the tactics.
I tend to agree with Tim @ ChrisB on this matter as I feel that Ryan would be better utilised further up the park in a more creative midfield position where he has a lot more influence on the game.
I thought that the whole idea of a forum was for us loyal paying supporters to air our honest views and invite constructive discussion and not be labelled as "Moaners" which is totally unfair!
were talking a one off game that we've clearly had to put him there because we were struggling squad fitness wise he doesnt normally play there and we all know that so its a unfair comparison to suit what he was saying that was my point ...I love discussion equally ill call out moaning if i see it as can all of you to say im biased or rose tinted spec wearing ....its all fair game
I really think it's bang out of order calling people moaners that don't hold the same view point as oneself. Football is a game of opinions none are necessarily right or wrong. Why label anyone as moaners or biased or wearing rose tinted specs. Just be grown up and accept that supporters can have different views. Personally most views on here appear consistent and have raised the same concerns. I'd be surprised if the manager wasn't disappointed with Saturday with what we created. If he isn't then that would be a bigger concern!
Everyone who posts o this page are United by their love of the club and are entitled to their different views. The diversity of opinion should be respected. They are not moaners
absolutely there should be diversity of opinion i have no issue with that what so ever, its a forum of opinions thats been my one we are big boys and girls here arent we ?
I think we are all agreed that this is a long established and mature forum for (generally) serious debate on all things HUFC and so long as we are all respectful to each other there is no reason for this not to continue.
I have been a moderator on this forum for as long as I can remember and can count on the fingers of one hand the number of 'interventions' I have ever considered necessary. That doesn't mean I haven't banned numerous overseas 'guests' promoting various betting syndicates and the like !
I think we were all disappointed by the entertainment level on Saturday even if a point against a very decent Herne Bay side was far from a disaster.
However it really does seem to be a fact that whenever we get a bumper turnout at the Pilot Field we ALWAYS put in a substandard performance. This has been going on as long as I can remember. Saturday's performance and the 3-0 defeat to Ashford 18 months ago immediately spring to mind.
I guess anyone who takes the trouble to write on here won't be put off by the complete lack of excitement on Saturday .......but sadly others will.
Why does this ALWAYS seem to happen ?
Just pleased to see the forum being used again and reading the different opinions. And to add fuel to the fire, can remember a few years ago Jack Dixon's runs from midfield often getting ahead of our strikers-which made him such a dangerous midfielder. Hope he starts doing this again soon. Probably still missing Adam Lovatt from our midfield-he occupied that space in front of our defence. FA cup coming up- Beckenham will be dangerous opponents so need a good performance to avoid a financially awkward defeat.
