Billericay 1 Hitchin 3

[GazzaBTFC]

Um....well.....what can I say?

 

First half. Hitchin were the better side. We looked nervous, we panicked and couldn't settle. Hitchin's goal came from a cross which the keeper spilled into their No. 3's path. We had a couple of chances, Danny Hockton one on one with the keeper and Gary Ansell shot cleared of the line. But overall, Hitchin came at us and we got "mugged". I would question the ref on some (some!!!! most more like) of his decisions. I thought that some of their play around the box was certainly deserving of a couple of bookings but that is the way of it with ref's.

 

Second half. We shaded it. Their second came outta the blue. can't fault anyone for that. A shot which would've beaten the best in the league. But overall, we took control, played our game and had them on the back foot for most of it. Shame about some of their spoiling tactics but wouldn't we have done the same? Then we scored. A good goal, a header by.... (someone please help me here). And then they scored a third near the final whistle which killed the game (and the less said about that...)

 

Okay. Now before we all get upset and worried lets look at the game. Hitchin came at us from the start. Fine. That's the way of it but we have quite a young team and they will get better. We still insist on playing to feet whenever possible (which is nice) but maybe want a bit more time on the ball than teams like Hitchin would give. This will happen but individualy I think they are all good players and given time, will come good. Maybe we do need an older head in the team. I asked Andy Jones when he will be training again and he said this Thursday. Maybe he will be fit for Saturday's game, who knows. But if so, I would drop Gary Ansell into a midfield role. I know Simon would disagree with me here but I think with his apllication and running he would support the boys in the middle just fine. I'm not gonna knock our keeper Chris Howard but JJ does command the area and if fit on Saturday, would, in my mind sort our defence out. Russ is a true Billericay player, plays with commitment and effort and will grow in the captains role but whilst he is doing so, JJ is the perfect "foil" to keep our defence on their toes with his chat and instruction.

 

Overall, I was disapointed BUT not with the effort and the commitment. They guys need time to settle and people can point to the pre season games but it is different when it matters 'cos the opponent is playing for the same stakes...those three points.

 

To conclude. A couple of mistakes and missed chances cost us the game. 3 - 1 was a harsh result in the light of the full 90 minutes and I am confident, it will get better.

 

Up The Blues. Lets get behind the lads on Saturday.

[paulc27]

thats all good a well Gazza but how long do you give a team to gel? its ok to say that we have good invidual players but we desparately need to stop this sudden influx of goals conceeded. Scarbough is not showing his preseason form, and henty again last night looked off the pace. You could argue that had the keeper not gifted them two goals we were good value for a 1-1 draw. We need an old wise head in the back for, someone who will take charge of the back line, someone who isnt pretty to watch but is effective.

[GazzaBTFC]

I still think that when JJ returns we'll be different at the back. Give the lads a chance. We're pnly two games into the league season and these things take time to settle down. I think things will be better this weekend

[paulc27]

gazza, dont get me wrong the lads look good in most areas of the pitch and we will score more goals than we did last season, im just saying that as the team is still gelling it would be good to get a tall strong centre half to play along side Russ. Im not too worried about the long term of this season as there are more positives in both games than negatives so far.

[GazzaBTFC]

I agree with you concerning the "older" head and Simon made the point on his thread. Maybe Justin will dust down his boots but does it send out the correct message to Scarborough.