A personal view of the season

[Barney]

I've not seen enough of Smith to pass comment, but I was also very impressed with Laird when we played them at their ground - clever player, who linked up well with his teammates, and didn't waste possession.

[Tom S]

Smith missed three sitters in three minutes at 2-1. Missing those allowed Brentwood the chance to equalise. All three Finchley goals came from defensive [****!!****]-ups.

[Enfield United]

In case anyone has not heard Wingate beat Brentwood 3-2(aet) to win promotion to the Ryman Prem. Good luck to them. However what was the key?? They have a real talent upfront in Leon Smith by far the most technically gifted striker I've seen at this level, for the record he scored 13 goals in the last 8 games netting in 7 of them.

 

He must have been injured when Wingate had a dip of form as he is a top goalscorer/forward.

 

You can never disguise class

 

Enfield United, while you are right in the sense that Leon Smith is a top forward at this level, however to state he is the most technically gifted at this level i would have to doubt! Smith is a player who plays on the shoulder of defences with good pace and strength and although he does score goals, he seems to miss a fair few as well as i wouldnt say he is a natural finisher (i know that seems a weird statement given his recent form! but i've seen Wingate play a few times in the last couple of seasons) I personally do not think he is technically a particuarly good player and if he was he would be playing alot higher as with his other attributes (mentioned above) he would be unplayable.

 

Dont think this is me saying he is not a good forward at this level as he is but for me the technical forward in Wingate's team is Laird. Without him holding the ball up, bringing people into play and technically being a clever player, Smith would not have the space to play in. I think it is about getting a balance. As for ETFC, i think we have this, we have pace up front and we also have players who can hold the ball up and create space etc... It is this blend we will need next season, whether it be 2 or 3 up front that we play along with strong midfield running support (which i think we are lacking at present) for us to be successful

 

 

Interesting points, I do find it fascinating reading good views albeit different to mine.

 

Maybe I built Leon up a bit with regards to his technique. Off the shoulder of a defender, absolutely. Also back to goal he spins/turns on a sixpence.

 

The problem why he is not higher is Wingate have him contracted.

 

I agree with your assessment of Laird.

 

I also agree we are not far away as being champs in our division and yes the midfield needs a more dynamic look about it, I think they are all one paced, albeit still good players. AW and LO are sound forwards without having a like for like back up, I do think we need a quality CF who is strong/quick and can fill in the hole between a forward and midfield when needed.

 

The season can't come about quick enough.