Now we know what we are up against!

[Phil Old Boy]

Apart from all the mayhem last night, at least we have learned what a good side Gravesend are. They got their goal, then restricted us to very few chances in the first half. With no Gregory, the high balls were being dealt with easily by their defenders. In the second half, we decided to pass the ball more and had a number of chances, but they remained very dangerous on the break and Ash was called into service a number of times. To be honest, it was mainly Duffy who looked like he was going to make something happen. They got their second and the rest was an uncomfortable evening for most with several options what to do for the best. The reality is Gravesend are on a par with us. They only got beat by Huddersfield in the 90th minute and they are a very good side. On last night’s performance, you cannot see their challenge faultering. The game was too soon after Saturday and was a game we could have done without. As well as getting back on track with winning league games, last night suggested that we need some of those, who were unavailable, back for the return game. We will need that bit of extra quality against them. What may be a saving grace is if we don’t have to play them on Feb 2nd which hopefully will enable some injured/suspended to be available later. Oh, and by the way. What was Stimmo doing? What was Cobb doing just standing there when the ball was not passed directly to his feet? Why was Vaughan not playing again, even a sub did not come on?

[Matt H]

That really bugged me that no subs came on, I would have definatly replaced Cobb with Vaughan, just like it should have been at Burnley. I also think Parms should have come on too, perhaps for Stimmo (he wouldn't have got sent off then!) or maybe Spencer Knight. Benno should have just took his shirt off and gone home the way he played.<p>Still we've learned from Tuesday and hopefully we can counter the problem when we play them again.

[The Great Eckscape]

At the Purfleet game Micky Bennett was getting a load of stick. Now we all know that he isn't the best plyer in the world to say the least, but it is not his fault if he is picked. He can only play as well as he is able to, and if that is not good enough (which it isn't) then it is the managements job not to pick him. Surely there are plenty of defenders who would come to us, such as the transfer listed Stephen Broad from Southend or Chewins from Aldershot.