Canvey v Margate

[Merv]

Really enjoyed today's game and, for once, I thought everyone gave 110%. 2 - nil was a fair result; it could have been more with Jason Hallet heading one against the post and having another ruled off-side. Gabby had a dead cert that he only had to nod over the line but, instead, he managed to hit it with the small of his back and it sailed over the bar. I don't think Margate had a shot on goal all afternoon.

 

The big difference today was that for almost all the first half and then the last 1/4 hour, we played the ball on the deck. Lovely short, triangular passes that had the visitors mesmerised. That's how we came to score the two goals. But for much of the second half, for some reason, we reverted to the long, high ball and, one again, it was blatently clear to everyone (possibly with the exception of Mr Batch) that we were rubbish at it.

 

During the spell of 'lob it and chase' Margate started to look like a useful outfit, even though they were lacking any form of finishing power. Then, as we approached the last 15 minutes we once again started to push the ball to feet and we looked good, coming close on several occasions.

 

Math officials were poor today and on a couple of occasions it looked as if things might get out of hand. Jason Hallett was elbowed in the face and although the ref wouldn't have seen it, the assistant should have done. Then there was an altercation between the Margate giant of a goalkeeper and JH that went unnoticed and, more importantly, unpunished.

 

Dobbo was deservedly man of the match.

[Matt H]

A good all round performance today without really finding the need to try. We had good momentum going forward, but I always got the feeling we weren't giving it our all, which probably says how poor Margate were. Their Goalkeeper and backline were awful and both of their centre-halves could count themselves lucky to still be on the pitch the whole game.

 

Whether it be a change in formation and/or Southall's team-talk at half-time, Margate started to give a bit of pressure in the second-half but through solid defending and woeful finishing many of their efforts ended up hitting the seawall.

 

As Merv says, once it was on the floor, controlled and the short passing style was adopted we were back to breaking through their lines. We seemed to be 'stronger' physically today. Hallett and Curran chased and closed down everything. Gabby and Cohen were getting stuck in on the wings. Dobbo and Kingy ruled the midfield, our back four were resolute and James Russell never looked troubled. Also we continued to use the width a lot today, something we seem to have lacked focus on during the past, but seeing the ball be passed between the feet of all four midfielders as it switched flanks was so pleasing to witness.

 

The officials were poor and the Referee seemed to lack the confidence in the decisions he was making. The penalty, although definately a handball seemed to be given because he missed the foul on Hallett earlier, not for obstructing a goal-scoring opportunity.

 

We are fortunate that the Aveley game has been postponed and we have the whole week till our next First XI fixture. With that, James Rowe looks like he will come in to replace Curran as he starts his suspension.

 

Third in the League now too!

[pabird]

Could not get to game so thanks for the comments (footballing comments) Lads

[YELLOW]

Thought it was a good professional performance on Saturday. Margate were dissapointing and never really tested us but we were solid in defence and the midfield especially Dobbo got stuck in straight from the start.

 

Could have won by a larger margin with both Jay and Jason hitting the woodwork and Gabs missing a sitter. Very impressed with Dobbo who was a worthy recipient of the man of the match award and thought Greg Cohen had a strong game.

[Matt H]

Greg did have a good game. Just goes to show that like Gabby and Leon before him, having a game or two on the sidelines does work wonders.