ricay v hitchin

[Keith.P]

What pleased me the most was the way the 10 players approached the second half. I was thinking we would play deeper and try and catch Hitchin but we actually went at them - Well done lads. This was (imo) and from the games i have seen the best battling performance of the season. Everyone stepped up and that is all anyone can ask.

Could not see properly what Macca went for - But if it was a late challenge then i guess we just have to swallow that. Was concerned when Walks was down for a period, so that was a relief to see him ok. I still feel though that there was also a serious (potential) foul allowed to go un-noticed toward the end when a Hitchin player went in with what looked like a studs up 2 footer, but another day, maybe we will get that decision our way.

I too was mystified at first why Baker was not subbed earlier, he had put in a top effort and he was totally knackered up there on his own. But i did not realise Billy was returning from flu. Harrison (imo) has got a great chance of starting a game soon as he looks very comfortable. But, it was a notable team effort and one that should be applauded.

 

However, one performance is not going to change our season...Come on lads...You know you can do it - So lets do it on a more regular basis now.

 

Well done to All.

[Barry_T]

I think that comments re dirty play of both sides have over-shadowed what was an excellent second half performance.

Every player played for the team, and worked so hard that I believe they only had one effort while we were down to 10.

Yet again Baker showed why Statham has stuck with him and, while I also would have liked to see Billy or Luka come on earlier as he was clearly fading, I take the point that we didn't want to change the formation.

 

As for the dirtiness, I think both teams started out to play hard but fair.

For the first 20 mins there were a lot of tough tackles and the ref was doing well to let the game flow.

I believe it changed midway through the half when their 11 shamelessly stamped on Slatter.

The ref must have seen something as he stopped the game, but obviously didn't have the vantage point that I did.

For a few minutes after you could see Slatter and their 11 exchanging pleasantries, and then about 5 mins later the inevitable happened and Slatter "got him".

A terrible challenge, obviously pre-meditated, and worthy of at least the yellow it got.

I think the ref then lost it as retaliations were going on all over the pitch.

It then culminated with a nasty challenge from Macca - no real defence of the challenge, and it didn't surprise me to see a red.

This was, imo, when the 5 decided he was going to play the ref for the rest of the game, and was an embarassment to non league football.

 

I felt Hitchin were sensing an easy second half due to our league position and the player advantage, but we never gave up and were possibly the more likely to snatch it.

 

I'm hoping to get away from work on time tomorrow as I reckon it should be a good game.

Good numbers and noise from Hitchin, so it will be nice to see an away game with a decent crowd for a change.

 

Can't see either team going much further after this round, so maybe worth another start for Frankis, Chatting or even Marsh for a bit of experience for them?

[C'MON YOU BLUES!]

Can't see either team going much further after this round, so maybe worth another start for Frankis, Chatting or even Marsh for a bit of experience for them?

 

You just never know! However I echo the comment above to some degree. The team showed some guts on saturday,,man down etc, neverthless Hitchin should be beaten on tuesday, and there is no reason why Rushden should be a step too far. The most important thing is our league position, bearing in mind progress in cups is good for morale, but league status is all. Billericay, with our status in mind we would be best advised to keep our priorities focussed on the league programme to keep Ryman Premier status for an assault on promotion next season..so...keep the first team fresh and send a few new boys to play Hitchin. After all they will have no previous from saturday and may well disrupt Hitchin's play.

So..agreed..give Harry, Luka and Marshy a go..should be worth a couple of goals at least which should be enough.

Don't suppose anyone will take any notice..but still it's my opinion.

C'mon you blues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GazzaBTFC]

Should? So it's a given? Nothing is a given in football.

 

And it was the starting eleven that laid the foundation to win a replay. Is it wise to change the formation (true Harrison did come on with 15 remaining)? So, Luka instead of Billy, who will be fit tonight? To get through any cup tie, should we not play our strongest eleven?

 

Just some thoughts on the above posts...

 

Once again, if we show as much spirit as we did on Saturday, then it'll be a good game but there has been so much inconsistency surrounding our performances this season that I would echo my sentiments last week and and go to give the lads support and enjoy the game and not expect anything from the game. We do have to factor in the likelyhood of their play acting mugging the referee to a greater extent as they are at home.

 

Sorry this sounds so defeatist, it isn't meant to be. Lets get to Hitchin tonight and get behind the lads and support them.