Leamington

[3spirit]

We were talking at the game last night about the expected posts from fans who didn't attend the match, and got what we expected.

 

3spirit, I work in central London and managed to get to the game and back home just after 11pm thanks to the lift from maidenheadrebel, and then I woke up at before 6 to go back to work.

 

But that's not really the point. Radders' post is spot on and a very accurate reflection, no need to dive in talking about wholesale squad changes or anything. It was a similar story to previous games where we simply conceded poor goals but played well otherwise, particularly second half where we dominated possession and chances. The Leamington fans went home quiet as they had been through most of the second half and their twitter person said that the scoreline was perhaps a bit harsh on us.

One crucial point last night was a scuffed shot from Scott Harris which was so bad it had actually beaten the keeper. Unfortunately it rolled against the post which to me sums up most of our play over the last month or so. We are getting in good positions but unfortunately it's not quite going in. Those of us who saw the second half last night know that those players have everything to get something on the board.

 

It may require a couple of extra players yes, but we still have the core of a very good squad that is low on confidence.

 

You Hero ! What do you want, a medal?

 

I find it ludicrous that fans are having a go at each other, when we all follow the same club.

Seems to me that some believe that they are above others because they go to away games or are part of the inner circle at the club.

Which is pretty narrow minded in my book.

Fair play to any Slough fan that got to Leamington last night but we all have our own free will to do as we please and sometimes things are not convenient or of interest.

 

ARAAS, I've already said that I won't be attending loads of games away from home, as I'm not interested in spending hours on the coach or in the car. I did all that when I was younger but now time is precious.    

Hope you can see the angle I'm coming from.

Edited September 30, 2015 by 3spirit

[A Rebel and a Saint]

I do see 3spirit, but your original reference was to working fans, not that, so that's where my point was aimed at.

[Windsor Rebel]

Oh dear, looks like I have stirred up a hornet's nest with my late night comment. Not everyone can attend home and away games due to work/family/other

commitments, I appreciate that as it applies to me as well. The point I was making was that this was supposed to be a thread about what happened at

Leamington (as Radders reported so well), not a thread for those who were not there to spout on about this that and the other. And also, Twitter

and Rebels Radio (although both a good and welcome service) do not give you a good insight into what happened last night. Try watching

football with your eyes closed and tell me if you get a good overview of the match.

Edited September 30, 2015 by Windsor Rebel

[Mark44]

At the end of the day 19th place lost away to 2nd place.......to me that doesnt ring alarm bells and the fact we played well means we can take that into Saturday where we face 23rd place..........

 

If we lose Saturday I may start panicking

[HorshamRebel]

If you're not at the game you obviously have no right to comment on individual player performances but if you are listening to rebels radio and following twitter etc you have an idea of whats going right or wrong in the game and IMO have every right to comment on the obvious parts of the game like poor defending, missed chances etc. 

 

The only problem with making a personal comment after listening on the radio, and I was one of those listening in, is that you make your "observations" on the back of someone else's views of the game.

 

Ade, and Mick will have their own views which may be different to yours had you been there.

 

You basically add your own view on top of the view you heard, so each person ends up with their own distorted view. 

 

Nothing against Ade or Mick, as they are doing a great job, but that's Chinese Whispers for you

[Bernie Gogan]

Just to say "well said Radders", can you do all terrace based match reports in future!?

 

No comments from me on this player or that player or these tactics or those tactics, I leave all that to the managers, who I'm certain will turn this around once they've been able to acquire the appropriate playing personnel and have Nathan Webb and Ed Smith fit again.

 

Here's to 3 points Saturday, which of course I can't make (I am a season ticket holder before anyone jumops on me for being disloyal!!).

[onegolfer]

Although I do not post many items I do read this forum with interest and after going to the game last night I would say this:

When our midfield put the pressure on their counterparts challenging for the ball, followed by good distribution, in the second half mainly (as a previous post) they were forced into making mistakes and we clearly then had periods of better play. In the first half this was not done. When this happened they looked very average and beatable.

In my opinion width in the midfield both left & right was absent at times which meant they came at us from both these areas. Many times both our fullbacks had two players at them and the law of averages is that it will not work out well and gives the other team momentum.

It was also obvious that all the players had commitment but for me the centre back pairing was not one that I would pick for the next game. I could not hear much communication which is vital in this area and too many high balls were not won confidently.

With the absence of a forward who has the presence to pull a ball down from a great height and lay it off I would like to see the team play the ball more on the ground to the forwards. Looking back there was more of this in the second half which added to that performance I believe.

[3spirit]

I do see 3spirit, but your original reference was to working fans, not that, so that's where my point was aimed at.

 

ARAAS, sounds like it was cross wires [the written form can be taken the wrong way from what the writer want's you to read it as], as Windsor Rebel has also just explained.

 

I would just like to clear one thing up, and that is that I've haven't quoted about the Leamington game at all yet and am not likely to, as I wasn't at the match it or did I listen to Rebels Radio or follow Twitter.

 

The only comment I can make a about it, is we lost, which is hardly a surprise against a team now top and with our form the way it is.

 

As Graham Cox has said, on Saturday against Bideford we have a great opportunity to turn the tide and get the the team moving upwards. Something all of us fans want.

[Reading Rebel]

Oh dear, looks like I have stirred up a hornet's nest with my late night comment. Not everyone can attend home and away games due to work/family/other

commitments, I appreciate that as it applies to me as well. The point I was making was that this was supposed to be a thread about what happened at

Leamington (as Radders reported so well), not a thread for those who were not there to spout on about this that and the other. And also, Twitter

and Rebels Radio (although both a good and welcome service) do not give you a good insight into what happened last night. Try watching

football with your eyes closed and tell me if you get a good overview of the match.

 

 

I certainly agree with your first point WR about some of the reasons why people cannot attend all games home or away.

 

The thread is obviously to discuss the Leamington game but because of the dip we are in it's only natural that other aspects will be discussed.

 

I don't see why, just because somebody wasn't there last night, that they cannot make a comment on the game. OK it's not as good as being there and seeing it first hand but by listening to rebels radio and twitter you can get a reasonable idea of how the game is panning out, enough IMO to entitle people to comment in general terms on the game and how this reflects our current form etc.

[Reading Rebel]

The only problem with making a personal comment after listening on the radio, and I was one of those listening in, is that you make your "observations" on the back of someone else's views of the game.

 

Ade, and Mick will have their own views which may be different to yours had you been there.

 

You basically add your own view on top of the view you heard, so each person ends up with their own distorted view. 

 

Nothing against Ade or Mick, as they are doing a great job, but that's Chinese Whispers for you

 

 

A bit like being at the game HR  

[staines_rebel_Jr]

I certainly agree with your first point WR about some of the reasons why people cannot attend all games home or away.

 

The thread is obviously to discuss the Leamington game but because of the dip we are in it's only natural that other aspects will be discussed.

 

I don't see why, just because somebody wasn't there last night, that they cannot make a comment on the game. OK it's not as good as being there and seeing it first hand but by listening to rebels radio and twitter you can get a reasonable idea of how the game is panning out, enough IMO to entitle people to comment in general terms on the game and how this reflects our current form etc.

 

 

Having listening to a lot of the radio last year and having actually been on it a few times this year I can tell you it is incredibly difficult to put over exactly how the team are doing and how each individual player is doing. There isn't very much time at all to comment on individual players or performances as you are constantly having to watch either the game, the twitter feed from other clubs to get updated scores or to check the broadcast is still working. Twitter isn't much better at telling you exactly what happened as it doesn't even tell you about each passage of play only the key moments.

 

Basing your analysis of the game solely on twitter or the radio is nothing like basing it on being there for real.

 

This is absolutely not a dig at anyone who doesn't go to every home game or away game as I for one know very well that many people can't or chose not to go to every game. I was in Derby for most part of the last three years without a car so getting to any games was tough.

 

 

If anyone wants to find out how hard it is to put across the match in detail then feel free to join Adrian on the radio. I am probably going to do most of the home matches with him unless anyone wants to do a few themselves. (Most people would rather simply watch the home games) The away games however anyone who is available and willing usually does the commentary with Adrian. You won't have to do too much talking as Adrian is excellent at doing most of the commentary.

Edited September 30, 2015 by staines_rebel_Jr

[3spirit]

Although I do not post many items I do read this forum with interest and after going to the game last night I would say this:

When our midfield put the pressure on their counterparts challenging for the ball, followed by good distribution, in the second half mainly (as a previous post) they were forced into making mistakes and we clearly then had periods of better play. In the first half this was not done. When this happened they looked very average and beatable.

In my opinion width in the midfield both left & right was absent at times which meant they came at us from both these areas. Many times both our fullbacks had two players at them and the law of averages is that it will not work out well and gives the other team momentum.

It was also obvious that all the players had commitment but for me the centre back pairing was not one that I would pick for the next game. I could not hear much communication which is vital in this area and too many high balls were not won confidently.

With the absence of a forward who has the presence to pull a ball down from a great height and lay it off I would like to see the team play the ball more on the ground to the forwards. Looking back there was more of this in the second half which added to that performance I believe.

 

Interesting point you raise about the Hollis/Hicks combination not being very communicative. Ironically that's why Hollis and Yorke's combination was split up.

 

It was Guy Hollis and  Dan Hicks first game together as the centre half pair, so there is bound to be teething problems.

 

I'd expect them to play again together against Bideford, who are one of the poorer sides.Although we may opt to tinker at the back by playing Macca and Hicks together and put Guy to right back and stick Sean on the right wing or put him on the bench or such like. Just to change it up a bit.

There's so many connotations but that's what the managers need to find out fast, who plays well with who.

 

Unfortunately, this is a problem in defence, midfield and attack currently, so Bakes and Unders have their work cut out, at the moment.

Edited September 30, 2015 by 3spirit

[HorshamRebel]

A bit like being at the game HR  

 

No

 

If you were at the game you make up your own mind 1st Hand and not 2nd Hand 

[Reading Rebel]

Interesting point you raise about the Hollis/Hicks combination not being very communicative. Ironically that's why Hollis and Yorke's combination was split up.

 

It was Guy Hollis and  Dan Hicks first game together as the centre half pair, so there is bound to be teething problems.

 

I'd expect them to play again together against Bideford, who are one of the poorer sides.Although we may opt to tinker at the back by playing Macca and Hicks together and put Guy to right back and stick Sean on the right wing or put him on the bench or such like. Just to change it up a bit.

There's so many connotations but that's what the managers need to find out fast, who plays well with who.

 

Unfortunately, this is a problem in defence, midfield and attack currently, so Bakes and Unders have their work cut out, at the moment.

 

 

Must admit when I saw that Gary MacDonald was on the bench my first thoughts were not only about the communication between the new pairing but did we have a natural ball winner in the air.

 

I think it would be wrong to assume that just because Bideford are towards the bottom of the table (as are we) that the game will be that much easier. With Bideford scrapping for their lives, combined with our current run of form, this game IMO will be no easier than any other game.

[Irishadrian]

The problem is that people who were actually at games frequently disagree with others who were at the same game  everything is a personal perception  I do agree with those who say that we just need a good win with most things going to plan what is missing more than anything is confidence.  Players at the moment dont have confidence in themselves or in their teammates and one good win could turn that round  Look at Bedworth  a different side since they beat us   beat Kings Lynn 3-0 last night

[redwine rebel]

If you think for one minute Stuart that I think I am above others or are part of the inner circle ( What ever that is) just because I go to away games, you have really pissed me off big time.

 

My comment was because working is not always I believe is a gold enough reason.

 

In fact I'm so angry I will speak to you Saturday.

Edited September 30, 2015 by redwine rebel

[3spirit]

If you think for one minute Stuart that I think I am above others or are part of the inner circle ( What ever that is) just because I go to away games, you have really pissed me off big time.

 

My comment was because working is not always I believe is a gold enough reason.

 

In fact I'm so angry I will speak to you Saturday.

 

I'm coming in disguise ! Gulp!  ............run for the hills........................ha ha !

[onegolfer]

Agree confidence is a big factor and any win will boost that. Not sure that I would play players out of position in our situation but obviously thats a view. The managers felt that the new centre back pairing was needed although it surprised me I must admit.

For me its about players maintaining awareness and competitive levels for the full game and not drifting in & out. Easy to say as I'm only watching and seeing different things to others watching the same game (or not).

 

It will be another tough match to win on Saturday as is every match but I'm sure we will.

[Neil Baker]

I will give you my views on the game, some may agree some won't that is the beauty of football:

 

Personally I felt we were very unlucky last night, and I would not say we have been "unlucky" in last few games, On Saturday at 3-2 we threw away an excellent chance of getting something from the game by not playing with any real desire or pace for the last 15 minutes, and in fact it became quite easy for Basingstoke, and for that we were really annoyed and frustrated.

 

However last night was very different, firstly we felt we were on the wrong end of a decision regarding the new offside rule (which could be said for Saturday also) a long ball was played in the vicinity of Sean and their lad who was behind Sean who made a movement to the ball (then realising he was offside) put his hands up as to say he was not going to play it, however he was close enough to the action for Sean to almost stop and appeal and therefore creating problems as I think we then had 2 players out the game due to the full back gambling.. last year this would not have been offside, this season it is meant to be, however this rule has caused confusion amongst players and officials... being picky we should not have stopped, however easier said than done when you are convinced someone is in an offside position.

 

They have put a ball in the box but by which point we are exposed defensively and the lad has scored with what looks like a free header, however this does not happen if the decision is given.

 

The second goal you have to say is a fantastic 60 yard ball over Jhai's head, which meant the right winger was in on the right hand side byline cutting in looking to play the ball across the goal for the onrushing striker, and with Guy Hollis and Ryan Hope breaking their necks to get back in line, and block the danger (the goal) Ben Mackey has checked his run leaving him space on the edge of the box, we did talk about this at half time and could one of the defenders also checked their run, however again this all happens very quickly and both had in their minds to cut off the danger of the goal, and for me you have to say it is an intelligent ball , but also clever play and finish from Mackey.

 

Now this was incredibly frustrating as at that time we had been chasing balls down, and keeping it well, we had a few chances, and visited their box on numerous occasions., and by no shape looked to be 2 goals worse than Leamington.

 

The third comes from a well worked corner, where lad gets a free header in the box, now with regards to the "free header" Leamington have got a block on Adam Martin and Dan Hicks (to the extent the block on Adam resulted in a fat lip, and a potential free kick against him) now again you have to say that this is decent play from Leamington, and is no different to what we try for some of our corners, and on numerous occasions have ended up with free headers (however we have not punished teams by scoring) , The free header is not from someone not marking etc, it is a block which results in the space, that even when you know it might happen is very difficult to stop... obviously if the ball is right, then more often than not a player who they will be aiming for will get a free header at goal if executed well, and also if ref does not see the block and give a free kick. Frustrating that we have conceded, but nowhere near as bad as you think, this happens week in week out from the premiership down to sunday football, we have scored so many times from this in the exact way in the past (granted not this season)

 

So we find ourselves 3-0 down at half time, away at 2nd placed Leamington, and for me totally undeserved with the way the half transpired.... obviously it is easy to say we were rubbish because we were 3 down, however for us we were not (and we have said numerous times this season when we have been poor)

 

Contrary to what people may have thought, we did not go in and shout at the lads, as they had done very little wrong in the game, and we felt the scoreline was unjust (backed up by their manager also).. we were very positive, but also with the knowledge that they needed to show up and be counted and not throw the towel in second half, which when a team has little confidence could quite easily happen.

 

However their was positive vibes in the changing room, and I felt that we more than equipped ourselves second half against a good side, and if for a little bit of luck could quite easily got ourselves back in the game, yes they had a few chances, but felt we dictated the game, and even their manager spoke to us after the game, saying he felt the scoreline was flattering, and that our midfield had stopped them from playing (something they are used to doing) from our high intensity.

 

I thought our overall passing at times second half was as good as any game we have played this season, and for me I do not think it was because Leamington dropped off the pace, as I felt we had done similar for good periods first half also.

 

Now the criticism is we are not taking the chances we are getting at present, and as we all know goals change games, we have created numerous amounts in the last 4 games but have only scored 3 (one of which a penalty), if we were not creating then yes that would be huge problems, but we are... so whilst everything is not great (as football is a results business) it is not all doom and gloom.

 

We have made a conscious effort to change one or two things over the coming weeks, but this will not bear fruit straight away (however it is frustrating for us as managers because we felt we would be strong enough with what we had)

 

We may have to tinker with a few things over the coming weeks, but in reality 3 points will make a huge difference to us, and will hopefully see confidence flooding back, as that is hugely what football is about.

 

We expect to have a new signing amongst our ranks for the weekend, who has excellent pedigree, and we will be working ever so hard to try and change our luck and get a positive result against Bideford....

 

Thanks for taking the time to read my long winded thoughts.. COYR

[staines_rebel_Jr]

Neil can you remind the players of the very first rule they would have learnt as kids; KEEP PLAYING TILL THE REF BLOWS THE WHISTLE !!!

 

The last couple of games we have been guilty of assuming the ref will make the right call so we have stopped playing, however, as we all know the refs at this level often make mistakes.

 

 

If we play with confidence and keep it simple on Saturday then there is no reason why we can come away with a good result.