Bognor game comments

[Chris1]

Thanks for your kind words folks, on the other forum. Sorry I didn't answer everything: you don't really get a chance to read all the posts.

 

As Michael suggested, Keister dropped back to central defence alongside Groombridge, flanked by Lacy and Robinson. Duncan was the rearmost midfielder, with Wilson and Stubbs ahead, and the fella we now know as Gonnella in the Healy position behind the front pairing of Blackman and Joseph. The system looks good, although I would say we badly need Young or somebody else at centre back (or centre half if you want to be trendy), to allow Keister to play at the back of the diamond, where he is great. Having said that, your man Duncan looked good (have we seen him before?), and he certainly didn't mind getting forward, as you can see from the scoresheet.

 

We looked very classy for most of the first half, and spurned a few chances and half-chances. From about the half-hour mark Bognor started getting back into it, and pressed hard for a little while. We made some silly mistakes in giving the ball away in defence, but managed to keep them out. When we broke, we continued to look good, however it was a glaring howler that allowed Duncan a free header from about six yards for the opener. Mistake or not, he was in the right place, and scored.

 

The home side must have had a rocket up their arses at half time, probably about not putting in enough effort, because they came out second half well fired up. But still our formation looked good and we held them off, while putting together some good attacks of our own.

 

Then it was our turn to stand around looking at each other while their forward scooted through and rounded the keeper for the leveller.

 

What happened next had an inevitability about it. You just knew, absolutely knew, that we would panic, forget the system and play like schoolboys until we let in another goal. And so it was.

 

Mr Butler was tearing his hair out on the touchline (oh, sorry I forgot, what hair?). Anyhow, next thing you know a very dodgy penalty is awarded against Groombridge (who had a good game overall), 3-1 with a few minutes left, and it was game over. Or was it?

 

Within seconds we had mounted an attack which saw Blackman doing very well to score from close range. How annoying it must be to score a great goal, and hear the tannoy announcer award it to someone else. At least Wellsie has the grace to say he didn't see who scored.

 

After that we pressurised them again, and when the ref indicated 4 minutes of stoppage time you felt a little spark of hope. The new boy had been taken off and we were 4-3-3 when Clarke got the ball on the edge of the area, beat his man, and calmly slotted home past the goalie. So, final whistle 3-3.

 

Make no mistake though, the system is great (at least at this level), we have a good forward line in Blackman and Joseph, while Clarke (who looked good in his short appearance) offers another option. Our central midfield and defence has to be good if we are going to progress, and I feel we haven't quite got there yet. It's more of a confidence thing: if they could only see how good and professional they looked for long periods of the game, I am sure they would feel better about themselves. It's when we have a dodgy moment or concede a goal that it all goes wrong. Suddenly they go all headless chickens when they should just keep playing the way they were and trust in their own ability. Well, that's my take on it anyway, but I am not the manager (thank fck).

 

Man of the match for me was Anthony Joseph: hard working and skilful. I am hoping between him and Blackman (or even Clarke) we might have a decent strike partnership for just about the first time since the days of Braithwaite and Collins.

 

And yes, Peter, they do still have the illuminated scoreboard: it's brighter than the floodlights I think, and can probably be seen from outer space. A nice friendly little ground, and terrific clubhouse. Hope we play them next year. Er... I mean in this division.

[geoff pay]

Thanks Chris. Great report.

[Coffin Ender]

To concede three goals in that game was a disgrace. First half we dominated possession, Bognor really struggled to get out of their own half - however, the key thing is we didn't create much ourselves. But we scored just before the interval, happy days.

 

Second half, Bognor had obviously been bollo cked but we still looked comfortable until giving away a stupid equaliser. Then it all went mammaries aloft and, bizarrely, within 15 minutes or so we were 3-1 down. The key was pulling one back so quickly (Blackman not happy with one fan behind the goal), and the third seemed to take a couple of deflections. Had we played another five minutes we could well have won it. Very similar type of game to last week. Lots of good play let down by [****!!****] defending.

[margateshot]

Still shipping goals in the latter part of the game!! How many scored against us in the last 20 minutes?

[geoff pay]

Is this the same fan who booed him at Waltham. How can you go all that way and have a go at your own player. He is the captain(maybe not the best player or centr f we;ve had ) but gives his all. Who is this guy??

[I am Spartacus]

Is this the same fan who booed him at Waltham. How can you go all that way and have a go at your own player. He is the captain(maybe not the best player or centr f we;ve had ) but gives his all. Who is this guy??

 

 

Do not know Geoff as was not at Waltham but it was someone who was behind me he was looking at.

 

 

[geoff pay]

just seems weird to me. All that way for a barrack. Lloyd picks it up too. so he is quite loud.

[Iris's Tea Hut]

Asked on the other forum - what would they be booing him for?

[geoff pay]

He thinks he is obviously poor but why have a go at your own player. Lloyd is not our best cf in years but by gollie he tries hard and has a fair amount of goals to his credit.

[Wellsie]

9 goals in 16 games ceratinly isn't too bad.

[Iris's Tea Hut]

He thinks he is obviously poor but why have a go at your own player. Lloyd is not our best cf in years but by gollie he tries hard and has a fair amount of goals to his credit.

He's certainly not the worst! I'm not sure if anyone has ever tried to bracket him as a prolific out and out goal scorer - if so then you could have a gripe I guess, but I don't think this is the case, or realistic. He is no Hockton etc so is not comparable.

 

Nowt so queer as an old git with a voice and no idea how to use it for the better.

[Dutch_Mike]

First half quite even: could have gone either way. Certainly couldn't have complained if we had gone in 1down at half time yet, conversely, you wouldn't say we were lucky to go in leading.

 

However, as others have suggested, once they equalised, you could see it coming. Defensively, we were awful, could have easily conceded 5 or 6. Going forward, we could have easily scored 7 or 8. Personally think we still need to change the system. In the current system, the full-backs feel obliged to push forward (due to our lack of width) and, far too often, they find themselves up the pitch and out of position. At any level, you just want your defenders to defend first and foremost. However, I do appreciate that with the current crop of players, we probably don't have the personnel to play a traditional 4-4-2, but I really think we should strive to revert to that system.

 

Nevertheless, probably have to say it was a point earned, snatching it so dramatically as we did. Plenty of positives to take in that AJ was superb again, and Blackman ran and ran, although I do wish he would stay on his feet more often. Clarke took his goal superbly as well, such composure with a neat finish when he could have easily fired it over. Duncan did well, although still think we should endeavour to get JK in that role. Other new lad - Gonella? - showed some lovely touches as well, and refused to be bustled off the ball despite his relatively small frame.

 

Also, noted how dangerous we looked from almost every set piece - when the deliveries were good - which is very promising IMO. Good teams always seem to score a number of goals from set-pieces, and we appear more dangerous from Lacy's throw-ins than we ever have done. Still have to feel for the attackers in that they score three and we still don't get the three points. Obviously, we really have to sort out the defence.

 

On another note, lovely new clubhouse and a friendly atmosphere. Would like to see them stay up so we can visit that ground again next year.