Results today - Newport win...

[Ian]

Quote:

Most of us at Windsor expected you to struggle so how come you lot didn't?

Because it is a truly dire league several quality steps (albeit one official level) below the Ryman premier. We didn't expect to win it but we didn't expect to be this poor in such a poor league either.

[A Rebel and a Saint]

It would be nice if someone actually spoke about the match somewhere on here!

Firstly well done to the Rebels fans who travelled in decent numbers despite the our poor away form.

As for the game I thought we played quite well, helped by the fact that Didcot couldn't shoot. We applied quite a bit of pressure on them but were caught cold by Didcot's first real attack on 17mins.

Why the ref allowed them to take that free kick so quickly for their second I have no idea, and I honestly believe we might've pinched a draw if it wasn't for some of the rubbish decisions by the ref which meant all of our players lost their heads and picked up lots of bookings, followed by the quick free kick and later more bookings. I was quite surprised when he didnt send off any of our players.

To be fair to our players they didnt let their heads drop after the second they did keep trying but there was a lot of frustration brewing amongst the lads. We seem to be applying more pressure on teams without actually scoring and then getting caught out at the back. The attack is improving but the defence is still poor and that is what is costing us the odd draw here and there.

Heads up for Tuesday, a must win game indeed.

[HorshamRebel]

For the free kick, the players told me this after the game.

 

Didcot asked for the wall to be moved back 10 yards, the referee agreed, and told everyone to play to the whistle. As we were then preparing the wall, another Didcot player then asked if he could take it quickly. The ref also agreed to that and the shot was taken.

 

Two things...

 

1. Once the ref has publically told all the players what is happening, can he change his mind without telling most of the players (only the people in hearshot would know he is now allowing a quick free kick).

 

2. I hate having to do it as it can (and should) lead to yellow cards, but should we put a player by the ball to slow the free kick down.

 

 

As for the performance, the major downer was that we didn't shoot at goal at all. That kind of makes it impossible to score goals ! (Stating the blinding obvious)

 

On the plus side, after the goals went in, yes the heads went down, but they carried on playing football, and not resorting to hoof ball down the pitch.

 

Again, with Woody going down the left, we looked dangerous. What we need to do is harness that, and get players in the box for the crosses, and just out of the box for possible second balls.

 

 

 

 

[Staines-upon-Thames Rebel]

Woody at least that is one more cup than us and you have stayed in others longer.

 

In terms of the leauge, we "should" be able to hold our own, however with an inexperianced manager (I am being polite) who fails to recognise the shortcomings of the team and then does nothing to change the defence who are leaking goals like a seive we are going down the pan big time.

 

I can even see Windsor picking up 6 points off us this year if Wilkinson remains in charge - it is that bad.

[Roger Rebel]

Brian i dont know who is putting you up to this, but if they want to get rid of Wilkinson let them do their own dirty work.

[Staines-upon-Thames Rebel]

I agree with you Roger the management committee will say one thing to your face, but when they have to actually do anything they bottle it, otherwise why have they not got rid of wilkinson - are they afraid of him?

[A Rebel and a Saint]

I'm all for Darron's management at the club, but seeing that Derby are sacking their manager today (with a worse record than us in the league although we have played 2 more games) it does make you think.

I think that he is really trying his hardest with what he has, but its tough because he has no experience in this area. If you are going to put the blame on people the blame should be spread across the 3 members of our coaching team, not just Wilko, but Betts and Roddis as well, because they are meant to be the experience on the bench.

[Guest Langleyreb2]

It is an important game next week, but while we have been getting a settled side we have been playing the better sides, but unfortunately not getting any results. There are plenty of games with teams in the bottom half of the table and I think we should see how we go against these teams before we start looking for scapegoats. I don't expect us to rocket up the table, but a few wins would get us to relative safety, which won't be that bad considering the start to the season.