ETFC v Dulwich Hamlet

[MTHead]

Let's not get silly. We were never in it realistically. Their no.10 was excellent but DH were better in all areas yesterday. I am very pleased to see the attitude of the players in the second half, but the first half performance lacked effort and energy. We didn't trouble their GK in the first half at all. Whatever Hammett x 2 said at the break seemed to galvanise the team and we closed them down faster and higher up the pitch. This needs to be repeated and against less strong opponents we will pick up points in the future. Good signs for the future manager who will have something to work with.

[andyetfc]

Good post MT. We defended too close to our box enabling DH to play the ball around and create the numerous chances they had. However, as I said before, something positive was said at HT and things changed for the better.

[Plumstead Blue]

A couple of observations on yesterday's match from a neutrals perspective. 

 

Firstly, I said before the match that the Dulwich #10 Oztumer is the best player I've seen in this league (I also think Andre McCollin of Kingstonian is a cut above this level) and what a fine performance he put in. The skill and composure he showed in winning the penalty kick was worth the admission money alone. The penalty itself was also unstoppable. 

 

The coloured lad who played right-back looks a decent acquisition as I thought that your right-back slot has been a weakness. Kirby in defence rather than midfield is the right option. Leaving Wild out is also correct. It's little surprise that Billericay got relegated last year with him in defence. I'm not a fan of his. 

 

The clubhouse was cosy and those old-fashioned radiators don't half give off a decent blast of hot air. Yesterday was freezing and it's time to look out the winter clobber. 

 

Much encouragement can be taken from yesterday, on another day against inferior opponents, you'd have bagged something from the match.

 

Leiston isn't going to be easy, but they're on a poor run themselves. 

[Tom S]

 Mark should NOT blame himself (he did what he had to do as the last man standing). 

 

Not blaming him as such - you don't have time to think in those situations - but I'd say he did the wrong thing.

 

In the old days it would have been the right thing as there was the chance of a penalty save but with the automatic red card we'd have been better conceding the goal and keeping the one man advantage. Which is more likely? Noel saving the penalty and us holding on for the draw (or claiming a win) at 10-v-10 or coming back from 3-2 with an extra man?

[Barney]

I agree with you Tom, but as you say, you've got no time to think, it's just instinctive. Assume it means a 1 game ban as well, which isn't what we need...

 

Plenty of positives to take from the game, as others have already said - let's hope that we can maintain that level of commitment and intensity over the next few week, and pick up some much needed points.