Back to the football

[Alan W (GNFC)]

Very few comments on here about the game and those that have been posted are caught up with the debates/ complaints about the ground segregation issues.

 

Lets forget the segregation issues for now & instead focus on a very enjoyable game, in which we probably had the better chances, or at least more chances, than Aldershot.

 

I dont recall Lance actually having a save to make in the second half, other than picking the ball out of the net twice when our defence seemed to go AWOL.

 

Aldershot did have a couple of near misses in the first half, but then so did we & we had several clear cut opportunities in the second as well before Chris McPhee's excellent finish for the second goal. Full marks (no pun intended!) to Ricko for battling hard to win the ball on the right after a slightly weak pass to him, and for an excellent ball in to McPhee. I thought it difficult picking any one individual tonight for MOM, but it was good that it was Ricko making the goal immediately after he was named (for second match running) MOM.

 

I think the squad we have is basically good enough to challenge for the top spots next season, although a consistent goalscorer is still needed. Things have conspired against us these last few weeks due to the mass of games we have needed to fit in and injuries at the wrong time. To top it off, we threw in our worst home performance against Rushden, and then lost the next two away games which effectively killed off our Play Off hopes - the five games since then, however, have seen 2 wins, 2 draws and just 1 loss against an in form Kiddy - Performances such as tonight, though, show what the squad is capable of (and it shouldnt be forgotten that over 4 games this season, we have been the equals of Aldershot (P4 W1 D 2 L1 F6 A6)which isnt too bad given that they will be clear champions this season).

 

We have a decent looking run in and we really should be capable of getting a decent points tally, even though several of the games are against sides still fighting to stay up.

 

We need a minimum of 4 wins & 2 draws to better last seasons points tally - lets hope the team can achieve this as I suspect most of us would be well satisfied with that alongside a Trophy Final and (one would hope) a KSC win.

 

Forget the boycots of games over poor communication/ lack of advanced planning by the club - just get down to Stonebridge Road and give the lads the support and appreciation they deserve for giving us another fantastic season - lets face it, 2 seasons back, we were all being somewhat negative about our management and players & yet they have given us 2 of the best seasons this club has had for many a year.

 

 

 

 

[The Doctor]

here here. It was a great game tonight, end to end stuff with good football being played. ALthough according to someone on their board, it was crap and we are typically just a bunch of hoofers.

Still, I am happy to let teams think this of us as always. I won't miss Aldershot and their arrogance, didn't like them back in our Ryman days either. Also they moan about our ground and question how it got its grading, at least we provide toilets and our hot drinks do not run out 45 minutes before kick off. Really enjoyed spoiling their party tonight. Although, good luck to them in the league, I do admire how they refused to die.

[Jeff]

We don't try to beat them up at the train station either.

[Ray ellingham]

So glad I stayed onto watch the game best

[Lord Horn]

Have to say that since becoming fully 'aware' of the Fleet back in November, the whole experience has been exciting, entertaining and enjoyable. Only been able to get to a couple of games so far but have listened to nearly all the ones I've missed (including the KSC) courtesy of Lord Chas and friends (and once via Radio Derby). I know there's lots of disagreement/arguments/banter about the role of MyFC but one thing they have achieved is to bring the Fleet to the attention of a much wider audience. Even if MyFC disappeared off the radar, I would still get to some games and follow the fortunes of a bunch of players who deserve respect for their efforts and credit for their style of play (even my brother-in-law was surprised at the standard of play from both sides at York, particularly given the atrocious conditions). Anyway, I agree that the team has a great basis for hope for next season - add some strength in depth, get contracts tied up and the play-offs (at least) are a possibility.

 

Well done Liam and the boys! Keep it going for Wembley!

 

[GNFC1946]

Bunch of hoofers????!!!! Were they watching the same game? ok Granted we do hoof it out of defense sometimes but we did get the ball down and try to play Football. There was a sublime move out of our Area, about 3/ 4 passed and we were only denied a sure fire goal by the linesman's flag....

[gaspode]

OK, here is something for us all to mull over whilst we are in a 'talking about football' mode;

 

Given that we only know of a couple of players that have committed to next season, who do you think we should retain and who should be let go at the end of the season.

 

Here's my tuppence worth

 

Goalkeepers

 

Lance - already signed and I am sure we are all glad about that

 

Sam Mott & Rob French - not seen enough to know, but LIam obviously rates them and they are young and probably inexpensive, so they will be worth persevering with

 

Defenders

 

James Smith - already signed

 

Sacha, Ricketts, Hawkins - should be retained

 

Darius - if at all possible he should be signed

 

Macca - would provide sterling cover if he does not decide to retire after a final hurrah at Wemberlee

 

Ronnie Bull & Gary MacDonald - from what I have seen they may not be up to the standard we want if we are to push up the league may be ones to let go

 

This would mean that we are maybe one short as far as defensive cover is concerned - hopefully a PACE boy will be pushing for a squad place

 

Midfield

 

Stacy - signed

 

McPhee, Bostwick, Barrett - all have played very well this year and form a formidable midfield

 

Danny Slatter - if he regains his fitness will vie with the above for a place in the starting line-up

 

Luke Moore & George Purcell - whether they are used as wide men or attackers, they have both shown enough to get another go. At times they are brilliant (thought Luke had a good game last night) at others they fade out of the game. I think that they need to add consistency next season and will be pushing for places in the starting 11 if they do so. If not then they may become superfluous. A big season for both of them next year

 

Charlie Hearn - I have not seen enough of him to know. What I have seen tends to suggest that he would be cover for the starting midfield at best. For me, the jury is still out

 

Maskell & Stubbs - regular bench warmers. Given that we are playing quite a few times over the next weeks, it may be time to give either or both of these a game or two to assess how far they have progressed. Again, given that they will probably not be on huge wages, may be ones to keep as cover

 

Liam Coleman - even before his injuries, he was rarely inthe starting line-up. May not be one to keep in what looks like a very strong midfield

 

Forwards

 

Big John - already signed and hopefully can continue to improve

 

Chukki - occassional good games, too often disappears. I feel that he should only be retained if we cannot find anything better

 

Nade - I'm not a big fan of his, can't see him being here next year

 

We really do need to unearth a couple of gems, preferably with some experience to help John progress

 

That's my opinion - anyone else?

 

 

 

[BustaGut]

I believe you may find Smith has agreed terms but not signed, according to Lord Chas

[Special K]

Originally Posted By: Jeff

We don't try to beat them up at the train station either.

So there was trouble at the station then?

If so looks like it was wise of me to ge the train from Greenhithe back home.

[PatMan]

Originally Posted By: BustaGut

I believe you may find Smith has agreed terms but not signed, according to Lord Chas

But according the the offish site he HAS signed!

[Jeff]

Special K, I was meaning the station at Aldershot after the away leg of the FA Trophy semi final, not Northfleet station.

[Stonebridge Red]

What a fantastic game of football, end to end, plenty of chances, plenty of goals and some very good football to be seen from both teams. This was one of the most entertaining games of Football that I have seen this season.

[Special K]

Oh I see I thought something went down last night. Pretty much avoided the train station due to knowing that some of the Aldersh*t fans are known for being a little on the violent side. Just hoping Millwall go down next year and The Sh*ts supporters try to start something with them. They will be slaughtered^^

 

Oh well last night I thought it was a good game. Was even better that The Fleet spoiled their party.

[Hempstead Gaz]

I actually rate Charlie Hearn. He slots into an exceptional midfield seamlessly - no mean feat. From what little we have seen he has good control, good vision and the ability to lay off intelligent, telling passes to forwards.

Next year we do not just want a best XI with 5 subs - we need 18-20 players to perm 11 from, all of whom would not weaken the side.

[Bill Kent]

I did say I would not be attending the match last night as a protest, But I couldn't stand not going, boy was I glad I did go.

Great game. The lads did well. Peter Hawkings seemed to be limping a little, but seemed to shake it off, I love the way Sacha goes up to the fans at the end of the match. A great guy. Well done Sach.

 

Alderhot fans behaved very well I thought. Lots of good natured banter. Mind you I did miss my comfort zone close to the halfway line. It was like having my favorite armchair taken away from me.

 

 

 

[doheochai]

Originally Posted By: Hempstead Gaz

Next year we do not just want a best XI with 5 subs - we need 18-20 players to perm 11 from, all of whom would not weaken the side.

I agree - we need to be looking to bring in players that are capable of being first eleven. Given that we only have 5 players contracted next year - we are lilkely to lose a few of the current squad (for a variety of reasons).

[gaspode]

Originally Posted By: Hempstead Gaz

I actually rate Charlie Hearn. He slots into an exceptional midfield seamlessly - no mean feat. From what little we have seen he has good control, good vision and the ability to lay off intelligent, telling passes to forwards.
Next year we do not just want a best XI with 5 subs - we need 18-20 players to perm 11 from, all of whom would not weaken the side.

No arguments there, we already have the quality, all that is missing is the depth.

As to Charlie Hearn, I hope that you are right. He does look to have a good footballing brain and when added to the current starting midfield 4 and the return of a fit and eager Danny Slatter we should have the required depth in midfield

[Hirsty]

Originally Posted By: doheochai

Originally Posted By: Hempstead Gaz

Next year we do not just want a best XI with 5 subs - we need 18-20 players to perm 11 from, all of whom would not weaken the side.

I agree - we need to be looking to bring in players that are capable of being first eleven. Given that we only have 5 players contracted next year - we are lilkely to lose a few of the current squad (for a variety of reasons).

It would be nice to have a bigger squad for next season. However, that poses the question of how do you keep the fringe players match fit with no reserve side ? Now we seem to be awash with cash, would it not be beneficial to re instate reserve team football ?

[Hempstead Gaz]

Spot on, Hirsty. A reserve side is much needed.

[doheochai]

Originally Posted By: Hempstead Gaz

Spot on, Hirsty. A reserve side is much needed.

Certainly something that needs to be considered. Has come up for discussion on MyFC too and I think it will be a hot topic once the season is over. We would need to work out the budget and logistics for it.

Question for the 'old-timers' - last time we had a reserve side - what league did they play in?