STEVENAGE COMMENTARY

[Andy Y. (G&NFC)]

Agree with Jimmy on this.

 

We look a tired side at the moment and playing McPhee at right back in place of Ricketts makes us look un-balanced. I have to admit to rating Ricketts highly so I cant understand why is isn't a fixture. We certainly looked a better unit when the substitutions were made and started causing problems. George came on and caused them real problems with his pace which gave us the "out ball" from defence which were lacking until then.

 

Macdonald really isn't looking match fit, maybe the injury is still a problem, he was always highly rated at his other clubs so I will reserve judgement, but he was continually allowing the Stevenage forwards the chance to make runs through the defence which is schoolboy defending and I cant remember giving away two softer set piece goals, I'm sure Macka would have covered them.

 

I actually thought Hearn did ok last night and the new lad was on a hiding to nothing when he came on and didn't do a lot wrong so I'm guessing we may start with him on Monday alongside Hawkins?

 

Moore looks a shadow of how he started the season but remember its been a long season and he is still a youngster so we shouldn't be getting on his back just yet.

 

Akinde just looks absolutely out on his feet but the same applies to him and he did take his goal well so there are some pluses, although he needs to start timing his runs better. If he was to anticipate whats going to happen rather than waiting for the ball to be delivered he will score shed-loads as the talent is there for all to see!

 

Stevenage? nice ground, good team and excellent support and easy to get to. So why do I dislike them so much? Maybe the stench of Westley is still in the air! Good luck to them anyway as they deserved the win last night.

 

 

[ahsatan]

we lack organisation when macca doesnt play,there seems to be no co- ordination at the back (sasha apart who always gives his all)

we have conceded 3 goals in the last two games from set pieces which surely highlights our weakness at the back.

We are a bit lightweight up front too, have to agree that playing Mark Ricketts at right back will give us additional options, but I am sure there will be new faces next year as we dont seem to have built on last years league performance.

How many of the current squad wont be there next year, my guess is at least 6

[seaviewred]

We had a good 10 miniute spell in the 2nd half and agree that Purcell made the difference for that period..but as other people have said...why oh why was Mcphee playing Right Back? As an aside, a friend and his young son came along to Support us last night and maybe I'm being naive, but £12.00 for a 8 year old kid is outrageous.

[Bill Kent]

Remember, John Akinde is still a growing lad, and at his stage of body development, (which has been rapid this season) something must give. It would appear that his stamina has been sacrificial to this end. Probably next season will see a vast improvement when he stops growing at the rate he has been.

 

Well done to John and the rest of the team.

 

 

[Hirsty]

Originally Posted By: Bill Kent

Remember, John Akinde is still a growing lad, and at his stage of body development, (which has been rapid this season) something must give. It would appear that his stamina has been sacrificial to this end. Probably next season will see a vast improvement when he stops growing at the rate he has been.

Well done to John and the rest of the team.

Agreed Bill. If John has another good season, and is voted up for sale ( and sold !) let's see who moans a ?

Cheers,

[The Doctor]

I still do not like Stevenage because they still play with Westley/Stimpson and Dino tactics, I think it was Cole last night, that was a disgsuting dive right in front of us. Tend to agree with everyone elses thoughts on the game though, definately looking like a very tired team. You can also easily see the difference in organisation in defence when Macca does not play.

[jc]

Akinde's goal was our first goal at Broadhall Way since Matt Lee's late equalizer in 2003 - so we should really be getting used to disappointing displays there by now.

 

In the three league games MacDonald has started since his return from injury, we've conceded three each time (Rushden, Northwich and last night), and a further two after he came on at Histon. It's only fair to cut him some slack after such a long lay-off, but the fact that the absence of any two of Hawkins, Smith and McCarthy from the centre of defence is sorely felt is indisputable.

 

I'm in total agreement with those above on Ricketts - he's arguably our most consistent performer and should be one of the first names on the team sheet. It's interesting to note the calming influence he provided to the defence last night (and at Aldershot, for that matter) when he came on, helping to ensure that no further goals were shipped.

 

It's important not to get too down after what, after all, were two defeats away to sides above us in the table. But there is a danger that the distraction of Wembley will become all-consuming, to the detriment of league performances. There are still several league games to go, and it's vital we ensure this doesn't happen. Wembley really shouldn't be the be-all and end-all from now on, even if our chances of reaching the top five are somewhat slim now.