Billericay 0 West Ham XI 1

[GazzaBTFC]

Okay, so what do we think?

 

In my opinion, I was very encouraged by our first half performance. Quick down the flanks and on that showing, I don't think there will be many teams that will be able to live with us for pace in the league. I was impressed with the steel in the middle, provided by Jamie Dormer and Leon Hunter (who had a great 90 minutes), without diminishing their other midfield tasks. Leon made one particular covering run back into defence that spoke volumes for his fitness.

 

Pacey down the flanks. We were told a couple of weeks ago and Fergusson is quick!!! As is Dumas. Wareham looked strong although struggled in my opinion with his defensive duties but, it's only the first game. Marron looked strong as well and I would agree with jl (I will let him take the credit for this sugestion, even though he has yet to post it), it could be an idea to give Marron a go as right back...

 

Apart for a few flaps, our defence looked solid (it's nice to get those agricultural tackles out of the way before the season starts, Macca).

 

The surprise of the day for me was Jack West. Again, it was only the first game but if he is the replacement for the style of player that Burbo filled, then his performance was encouraging. He won most, if not all his headers, put some nice touches together to release players and put himself about in the box when we attacked. But for a unintentinal dummy when put into a scoring position by Bradley, a good performance by the lad.

[JoeV93]

Yes i do agree with that although my suprise of the day was definately Harrison Chattin, but we can all be entitled to an opinion.

[Onthesidelines]

I was most impressed by Fergusson and Wareham. I hope the tall no.18 gets a chance to play with both of them in the next match as he got no service in the second half. I felt Dumas never got over the halfway line which was a disappointment given his pace. Still, early days,and plenty of encouraging signs. The odd point was giving Chattin the job of taking the penalty. The goalkeeper did make a good save.

[Adam.S]

I was impressed by the whole of midfield, good pace and hard work was being put in. Bradley and jack west played well upfront. We looked quite strong at the back, nice to see ronnie commanding his area more now.

 

Anyone know where Billy bricknell was?

[Onthesidelines]

And why didn't Matt Game play?

[Rick the Dick]

Our starting 11 looked pretty good to me. Very impressed with the four new signings, specially Steven, and when you consider that didn't include Game, Bricknell, Flack or Heffer it's looking like a strong squad.

 

Interesting to see Shave in the back 4. The WHU lads soon learned his.. err.. "non compromising" style.

 

Can't say that any of the new faces bought on in the second half made much of an impression on me, but it's early days. Marran looked fitter & stronger than I recall from last season and great to see Joe Flack come on for the last 15 mins.

 

Nearly forgot! I thought it was an excelent attendance for a pre-season friendly. Forcasts of a thousand or so were always going to be wide of the mark in my opinion, with no big names on show (other than Joe Flack )

 

 

 

 

 

[Brightside Bloke]

I thought the 1st friendly game of the season would never get here, I even paid a trip to the under 18s selection sessions to get my fix! (what have ye done to me).

 

I thought Jack West had a great game and looked very strong.

Young Mr Chattin looked as good with the 1st team as i had seen him during last season.

Also great to see BWG have a smile on his face again, (Welcome back Bradders)

 

For me the best flash in the game came when Joe Flack turned to shoot right in the goal mouth, shame it was a miss but so glad to see him back.

 

As someone else says on here..... It's looking sunny on our side of the street.

[JoeV93]

Matt Game and Billy Bricknell failed fitness tests prior to the match.

[Miyagi]

thought billericay played pretty well considering the west ham lads have been together for a good number of years and needed to impress. Although thought rob lee's son (forgotten his name) wasn't too good..is he on trial for them or has he been signed? shocking if they've signed him, he gave the ball away too many times.

 

Pleased for harrison, shame about the penalty, but he's always been crap at them! The new signings all look good and will only strengthen the squad!

[jl]

I thought we did pretty well all in all.

 

I agree that the pace of our side will turn out to be a big asset as we move into the regular season, it's unlikely that we'll encounter anything as energetic as the West Ham lads provided yesterday. I thought Jack West did well up front but I'd like to see how he goes when he gets some regulation Ryman lump defenders kneeing him in the back for 90 minutes before getting too carried away.

 

I concur with RTD that the triallists didn't exactly cover themselves in glory but it is difficult when so many changes are being made. Our regulation squad members looked very fit and that must be a big plus for Jason & Grant.

 

Job done for me and looking forward to the next games.

[GazzaBTFC]

I fully agrre with you jl, concerning Mr. West but IMO, on Saturday's showing, he was the stand out for me of the young players that are coming up. We're looking for a player that can link up with either Flackie, Bricknell or Bradley a la Burbs and he did show some spark in that area. As you say, what he does against the regulation Ryman lumps, remains to be seen but the promise is there, so lets keep encouraging.

 

Mr. Chattin showed some promise but I thought faded. With the fact that he is only 16 and has stepped up to win a place in the 1st team squad is a testiment to his potential and if realised, the lad has a great future with the club and beyond.

 

All in all, it's nice to see so many positives so early in the pre season. All the regular players are looking fit and sharper than I can remember after just one game and with the intensity of the games coming up can only help develop this as well as their stamina.

 

My MOM....Leon Hunter.

[The Town Crier]

 

 

It was a god day all round, good crowd, good game, good performances, and they all finished injury free.

 

 

[Keith.P]

An entertaining friendly all in all. Thought first half Wareham and Ferguson pulled the punches and the crossing was of a high standard. I agree that the speed those two have will (hopefully) do a lot of damage this season. On chances created we looked the more threatening but i think Bradders needs to change the green boots ! West looked reasonably comfortable and Dumas/Macca did not need to break too much sweat. Dorms and Hunter pairing worked their usual selfs and the defence were not overly worked (which to me says) the defending was starting from the attack. Not sure if Shave was filling in at centre back or whether it was a test. The West Ham lads are a very fast paced bunch as you would expect and was good to see JJ back at New Lodge.

 

Second half was more of a turnaround and Harrison looks to be developing nicely and only 16. Not too sure of the others that came on, and defo not sure about the keeper.

 

I also thought the gate was very good. I personally thought max 500 would have been there as it was never dressed up as anything but a West Ham youth team, and i agree with Gazz about it is also school hols and it was noticeable in the High Street yesterday the amount of parking spaces. So 806 was very encouraging.

 

Onwards, to Redbridge and then what will be a strong Southend team Thursday.

 

[finisterre]

I've added a photo slideshow to the WHU match report on the site. Can't guarantee to do this for every game, but we'll see how it goes.