Long Melford 3 Town 2

[Pavagrotti]

There were many heads hung low today - but compared to the Cheshunt game I saw many good things out of today. I was proud of Jim, Peter and Phil for sticking to the task and continuing to check out players to rebuild the squad. It may be late in the pre-season friendlies but all the players that wanted to try-out for the town have been given a chance. Well done and it has in my opinion started to pay off.

 

The game was played in almost 100 degree heat and the lads had to take-on water regularly. There were those that coped with the heat well and those that didn’t. Regrettably for Long Melford their firdst team keeper didn’t cope well in the heat and let town do well in the first half and go in at half-time comfortably 2 – 0 up. One of the Acquah Mineralle twins scoring a tap home goal and setting up “The Nighthawk” to break his daylight goalscoring virginity for the town.

 

Second-half there was wholesale changes in defence, midfield and attack and it was a different story. Alan Fenn decided to sit down and do up his shoe laces just as Long Melford attacked. Still not sure why, seems like an amateur mistake? 2 – 1. Then Graeme decided to pass across his goal just when the defence was having a mothers meeting 2 – 2. Then in came a nice cross at the point the defence decided to play statues. 3 – 2 to Long Melford. Neither team deserved particularly to win. Have to say I thought the Long Melford reserve keeper was the difference in the second half though.

 

A big thank you again to the “Two Brewers” pub team for providing our two new strikers. Hope they are not expected to play Saturdays and Sundays or they will get exhausted.

 

Long Melford planned for a big crowd – not. After a handful of people went to the refreshments they were almost sold out but they regrouped and really got it together with style. Well done ladies. A lovely club and I hope we can play them again next year.

 

 

 

[The KIWI 1]

Your possible rivals for the league title had a good win away at Tilbury.4-2 victory for Romford and the bench was full of talent.

[Pavagrotti]

Since we've joined the ESL we have been surprised by the quality of the football. Every team we play will put on a top performance and Romford have always been a good side.

 

Town is less predictable at the moment. They tell me we are stronger and with the odd exception we are. Are we a team or just a group of tallented individuals with not much passion?

 

Romford, Basildon, Ilford, Sawbo, Waltham Abbey, Concord Rangers are all good quality teams. We will win if we get our act together, but there is still a lot to do and not much time to be ready with our new seasons team. Less predictable and hopefully more skillful. The new town!

[lovely stuff]

There's no way we are stronger than last year,at present.

 

Also WHAT is it with Alan Fenn.. Leyton's captain last year,good in the air,good motivator,'Hard man',and from what i,ve heard,had Cheshunt 'in his pocket' in thier 3 encounters last season.

 

BUT since he's been playing for us,we have been leaking goals like never before...In the games i've seen him play,he seems to get dragged over to the right-back position to often,and he seems to lack pace.'How can THREE centre-backs leave so much space down the middle,as we have in pre-season...Our second-half 'defencive performances' recently,have been a joke.

 

I still think Fenn should be given a chance to prove himself in 'Competitive' games....but if our defensive displays don't improve quickly,i feel it may be worth reverting to last seasons back-three.....Greame Hall seems a shadow of himself in pre-season also,although probabaly down to fitness levels.

 

Good to see dave Mcdonald has sighed,but where the hell is he going to play,we seem to be overloaded with defenders,at the moment...Has Dave Allen put pen to paper yet???

[lovely stuff]

Changing the subject......My digital thermometer on my window ledge ,is reading 46c 114f.

[Pavagrotti]

"Has Dave Allen put pen to paper yet???"

 

Now there's a question? He'd like to be a striker, but he is far better in my book in defence, but only if his heart is in it.

 

 

[Bananabob]

I was there on Saturday and was pleased with the boys attitude and application in the first half. Rids played well sitting in front of the back 3. Personally I would have liked to have seen the same side play for a a good hour so they can get to know eachother a bit more. However I do understand that becuase of the weather this wasn't possible.

Re the second half performance.....

In my opinoon the first goal wasn't down to the fact that Alan Fenn was tying his boot laces but the right wing back "dazza" should never have played it there without looking. WE took the kick off, therefore we should have kept possesion !

The second goal was because Stuart was arguing with their centre forward and again we (Grahame) played a pass before looking up.

The third was ridiculous as well....How can their player score a header in our six yard box. Where was Chopper and the defenders...?

 

In all honesty I am very concerned. We seem to be leaking goals all over the place but apart from Stortford the opposition dont seem to be creating chances....more our mistakes are making chances for them....

 

Lovely stuff's comments about Fenn were right....he is spending more time as a right back....but did anyone else see why......?

Dave Allen failed to track his runner on more than one occasion........thats why......

Also Grahame Hall does look a shadow of himself from last season.....and I think you are right saying its down to fitness.....

I think.....give the back three two or three games together ...if things dont improve......revert back to last years three...

 

cheers <img src="/images/graemlins/affig.gif" alt="" />