Hampton 2-3 Saints

[GHA EFM]

A win is, in theory, a win. 3 points are 3 points. At the end of the day, we've got 3 more points than we had yesterday. We scored three goals. We beat someone. We ended our poor run of form.

 

Alright. That's enough. For me personally, the aforementioned are the only plus points from today. Maybe I'm too pessimistic, fatalistic, whatever. But. We went 2-0 after 10 minutes. Both times, the number 6 smashed the ball home from a couple of yards out after a scramble. The first goal came from a corner that went over Barry White's head and landed near the far post. The second goal came from a shot that hit the post. Both times, there were no City defenders near the 6.

 

It did get better. We got back into it, as we should have done. We are a better side than Hampton. They've only won twice in the league this season, for crying out loud. Simon Martin fed Deacs, who cut in well and crossed low for Craig Mackail-Smith to stroke the ball home. That's right, Craig. The only disappointment is no-one put him as the first goal scorer, as usual. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

 

The second goal, a high ball played into Simon Martin, who did well to turn past his man and strike the ball home from around 10 yards. Deacon's second assist of the afternoon. Half-time, 2-2.

 

Second half, we are still the better of the two sides, and spend most (but not all) of the time in their half. About midway through the half, a cross is played in from the left. Craig is shoved to the floor, but no penalty. Gledhill picks up the ball (not literally), and sends in a cross for the unmarked Deacon to head home from 10 yards out, in off the post. Bless 'im. His Doris will be pleased. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

 

We have more chances but don't score. We don't really make their keeper work. He should have been send off after obstructing Simon outside the area, but the ref bottled it. The ref wasn't great.

 

We are clearly a much better side than Hampton. We should have scored 4 or 5. They shouldn't have scored any. It was one of those matches (Braintree amongst others) where one could see them sneaking a goal right at the death. Everyone would have moaned then, but as we won, everyone's happy. Apart from me. It's not good enough. Yes it's a win, but we could've won by so much more.

 

Bring on Basingstoke. Have they got any boys?

 

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

 

Here's where the story ends...

 

The Grand High Aviator Of Cool

[GHA EFM]

p.s. It's bigger than hip hop hip hop hip hop hip....

[Woody]

Deacon makes 2 goals and scores the other. Why has he been on the bench for half the season? The bloke was a revelation. Great to see Craig opening his account as well, perhaps it might help silence some of the short sighted sceptics. The work these two got through put the rest of the side to shame - Gledhill, Challinor and Crawshaw excepted. Maybe, just maybe, someone will be brave enough to give Dean Stannard a start against Basingstoke next week.

 

There is a genuine goldmine of talent, so I am told, about to come through from the reserves and youth over the next couple of years or so. Just needs nurturing a bit, so I am told.

 

The start of a new era? I'd like to think so.

 

We'll see.

[Claire!]

If you didn't already know, I have always thought that Craig is an asset to the club as well as Greg. Both young and full of energy to quicken up the pace.

 

Congratulations Craig on scoring your goal! I always new you would get it! I think that you are a great player and you are not selfish either. I think that we should provide more compliments than being doubting that you are a good player or not.

 

Some people say that how would I know who a good player is, “You never watch the football,” and some are very negative to the way he plays? Well, I do watch the football. My eyes aren’t always watching the game 100% but I do notice how the players are doing. I have seen Craig come on and put in at least 100% on the pitch and yes, he may not always be scoring goals, but he is always trying to and he has so much pace! At least he goes for the ball and always tries and get possession of it.

 

Why be so negative as to whether he is a good player or not? He is a good player and he needs more encouragement from us.

 

Greg is also a great player, and I think he proved this on Saturday! Feeding the first two goals and then scoring the third!

 

[Colin Zeal EFM]

Quote:

Congratulations Craig on scoring your goal! I always new you would get it! I think that you are a great player and you are not selfish either. I think that we should provide more compliments than being doubting that you are a good player or not.

Err... does he read this board??

[Rob_the_Saint]

I'd like to see Chris Seeby given a go on Saturday for at least a part of the game, got to be worth a try especially as we are short of centre backs at the mo.

[The Caretaker]

Woody. I'm afraid it might be a case of too little too late.

 

After speaking to Terry, following last weeks semi final win over Chesham, I was amazed to be told that not one of the management team has ever been to watch the youth team play, despite it being the only part of the club to win any trophies in the last two seasons ( three to date with a final to come next week ).

 

It does appear that the lack of opportunity presented to former youth players and the apparent lack of interest in the current youth squad has created a feeling that their future careers in football lie away from St Albans City.

 

What a waste !!

[ESG]

caretaker, you talk a lot of sense but thats st albans for you

[The Caretaker]

Thanks ESG, but acceptance of this situation is a little sad.

 

Other clubs seem to get it right.

[Colin Zeal EFM]

Criticising the club will get you into trouble.

 

Much better is to simply nod your head, and tell the powers-that-be what a good job they're doing. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

 

 

 

[Rob_the_Saint]

Some sort of official response to this would be appreciated, but I won't be holding my breath...

 

I thought a few Youth team players HAD made it through to the Reserves this season and a few of the Reserves have featured in the first team so it can't be as black as it's painted.

[The Caretaker]

Colin, thanks for the tip. You obviously have experience of such matters.

 

[Colin Zeal EFM]

How did you guess!?? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

 

 

[AFF]

Terry who?

[Rob_the_Saint]

Venables?

[The Caretaker]

Rob, I think most of the reserves are former and current youth players and that is great for the future of the reserves, and the managers should be congratulated on their success with this young side.

 

Greg Deacon is the only reserve player to really progress to the first team squad and his chances have been limited (Craig had already been elevated to that position at the start of the season). Others have been called up to travel / sit on the bench for one game at best, mostly without being used.

 

I am not trying to paint a black picture, purely stating my opinion that I think it will be a shame if this talent is lost to the club through lack of opportunity.

[The Caretaker]

Sorry AFF, don't know ... but he has been at every home game I've been to, sells programmes for first team, collects gate money for youth team ... any ideas ?

[Colin Zeal EFM]

Terry Edwards.

 

 

[Rob_the_Saint]

Fair comment Caretaker, maybe some of the Reserves could have had a bit more of a run-out for the first team if we hadn't been challenging for promotion most of the season (cue derision).

 

It also surprises me how often we've played with only three or fours subs, one of whom is Cookie; could we at least not give one of the youngsters a bit of experience travelling with the first team, even if he has to sit on the bench for ninety minutes.

[The Caretaker]

My point exactly .... but what do we know ?