Slough v Wealdstone

[Stuntman Mark]

Finished 2-2 and another creditable performance against higher opposition. Matt Lench really impressed tonight, putting in some very dangerous balls in the second half. Along with his obvious qualities on the ball he's not afraid to get stuck in and track back. Looks to be a quality signing.

 

Paul Hodges has also impressed when coming on in both friendlies. I'd like to see him get a start on Saturday.

[GlenSTFC]

Wasn't there but another great result and resolve to come back twice. I liked what I saw of Hodges from his appearance on Saturday and sounds like he played well again. Problem is if we sign him we have 5 forwards (I'm including Manny although he can play as an attacking midfielder) which isn't sustainable?

[Reading Rebel]

Another good all round squad performance this time against a top half Connie South team.

 

I actually thought we were the better team on the night and a draw was the very least that we deserved.

 

Some solid performances all round with the pick for me being George Wells who again impressed and always looked a threat going forward and of course Matt Lench who again showed what a class act he is.

 

Agree that the young lad Paul Hodges did well when he came on.  

[Reading Rebel]

Not sure what position Lenchy was playing because he seems to cover every blade of grass  

Edited July 11, 2017 by Reading Rebel

[3spirit]

Really enjoyed last night's match. Amazed how sharp most of our team are,considering it is only our second

friendly.Usually early friendlies are dull affairs but this match was very entertaining.

As Reading Rebel mentioned on this thread Matt Lench and George Wells stood out. I was very impressed by both.

 

I thought Brad Wadkins did a reasonable job when he came on, not by his outstanding skill on the ball but by his nuisance factor to defenders.The Wealdstone number 5 had put in a good steady untroubled performance until Brad came on,whereas then he didn't get it all his own way. This is exactly what we have been needing for awhile. Someone to trouble strong centre backs.

 

Well done to the diminitive lively Paul Hodges.Looks a good find but obviously it's very early days for him with us. What I liked about him, was his desire to impress and his belief in his own ability. He certainly looks like he has ability on the ball. It made a pleasant change to have a triallist wanting to take the initiative, as how many times have we had triallists over the years,who sit back and think they are better than they are, and in turn fail to make the grade?

 

Roll on Saturday......   

[3spirit]

Not sure what position Lenchy was playing because he seems to cover every blade of grass  

 

That would be hard on a plastic pitch ! ha ha !

 

Seriously though, you are right he seemed everywhere. It made me roar with laughter when I overheard a supporter behind me say to his friends, that Matt Lench seemed a lazy sort of player ! ! !

If ever there wasn't a lazy player, it was him last night !

 

Never ceases to amaze me how some fans get it so wrong.

[Reading Rebel]

That would be hard on a plastic pitch ! ha ha !

 

Seriously though, you are right he seemed everywhere. It made me roar with laughter when I overheard a supporter behind me say to his friends, that Matt Lench seemed a lazy sort of player ! ! !

If ever there wasn't a lazy player, it was him last night !

 

Never ceases to amaze me how some fans get it so wrong.

 

 

Whoever said that wants certifying!

[HorshamRebel]

Match Photos

 

Be careful, they may still be a bit wet

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/horshamrebel/albums/72157686066598216

[SloughFlyer]

Agree with everything said so far about last nights game. Another credible performance against higher ranked opposition and especially in the second half we looked good.

 

I would say however that the formation populated with the first half personnel i think didnt work. We seemed a bit confused as to who should be where and the lack of width made it fairly easy for Wealdstone in the first half. What i like is Neil and Jon are trying out different things this pre-season which is 100% the place to do it and see what works.

 

Looking forward to Saturday already.

[Sir Rebel1965]

245 attendance - better than a lot get in league games.

 

4 goals

 

Practice playing on wet pitch

 

Most players get a run out

 

What friendlies are for.

[PaxtonLee]

Decent game last night and agree with most that has been said here.

 

Impressed with Hodges who was positive and looking to make things happen from the moment he came on. Liked Lench a lot, can tell he has something about him. One really good save from the new keeper too, looks solid.

 

I wasn't overly keen on Wells though although on here can see he impressed a few, so I'm happy to stay open minded. I thought he had a neat touch but defensively I have question marks. Got done with a ball on the inside too easily and didn't get near the winger the very few times he took him on. Thought he also played safe with balls backwards when in promising positions (the cut inside and shot apart). I quite liked Stonehouse so maybe making an early unfair comparison.

[3spirit]

Decent game last night and agree with most that has been said here.

 

Impressed with Hodges who was positive and looking to make things happen from the moment he came on. Liked Lench a lot, can tell he has something about him. One really good save from the new keeper too, looks solid.

 

I wasn't overly keen on Wells though although on here can see he impressed a few, so I'm happy to stay open minded. I thought he had a neat touch but defensively I have question marks. Got done with a ball on the inside too easily and didn't get near the winger the very few times he took him on. Thought he also played safe with balls backwards when in promising positions (the cut inside and shot apart). I quite liked Stonehouse so maybe making an early unfair comparison.

 

Welcome to the forum, PaxtonLee. Nice to get a new poster.

 

On George Wells, the jury is still out. Judging any signed player in friendly games is a false premise. On Tuesday night, Slough were trying out several ideas in shape and player positions,so I think it's harsh to criticise.

I can understand that you thought George Wells looked better offensively than defensively,as that was noticeable but I wouldn't have any hang ups about that, just yet.

 

My perspective is that he is quicker and fitter than Paul Stonehouse and still young enough to keep improving.

I like that he's taller than Stoney, in fact he reminded me of a younger version of my favourite left back in Slough colours, Alan Pluckrose. Not as strong as him but by his general gait.

If he can get anywhere close to what Alan was, I'll be a happy man ! 

[David Carpenter]

Rose tinted glasses 3 spirit! Only joking. I agree Alan Pluckrose was a fine player. Regarding Tuesday I agree that it's early days to be making judgements but nevertheless I am really looking forward to the new season.

[PaxtonLee]

Welcome to the forum, PaxtonLee. Nice to get a new poster.

 

On George Wells, the jury is still out. Judging any signed player in friendly games is a false premise. On Tuesday night, Slough were trying out several ideas in shape and player positions,so I think it's harsh to criticise.

I can understand that you thought George Wells looked better offensively than defensively,as that was noticeable but I wouldn't have any hang ups about that, just yet.

 

My perspective is that he is quicker and fitter than Paul Stonehouse and still young enough to keep improving.

I like that he's taller than Stoney, in fact he reminded me of a younger version of my favourite left back in Slough colours, Alan Pluckrose. Not as strong as him but by his general gait.

If he can get anywhere close to what Alan was, I'll be a happy man !

 

Fair points and thanks for the welcome.

[Reading Rebel]

Wasn't there but another great result and resolve to come back twice. I liked what I saw of Hodges from his appearance on Saturday and sounds like he played well again. Problem is if we sign him we have 5 forwards (I'm including Manny although he can play as an attacking midfielder) which isn't sustainable?

 

 

Good point Glen.

 

In the past we've normally been happy with 3 strikers but now we're facing the possibility of at least 4, not including Manny Williams, if we sign Paul Hodges plus the possibility of Pete Skapetis if he's still around and impresses. Spoilt for choice and a good position to be in but as you say not sustainable. 

[GlenSTFC]

Of course we need to see more of Paul and friendlies aren't the strongest indicator but he'd certainly be a decent option to have. Bear in mind Manny is coming towards the end of his career, maybe a dual ref might be an option with Paul? Certainly nice headaches to have!

[Reading Rebel]

Welcome to the forum, PaxtonLee. Nice to get a new poster.

 

On George Wells, the jury is still out. Judging any signed player in friendly games is a false premise. On Tuesday night, Slough were trying out several ideas in shape and player positions,so I think it's harsh to criticise.

I can understand that you thought George Wells looked better offensively than defensively,as that was noticeable but I wouldn't have any hang ups about that, just yet.

 

My perspective is that he is quicker and fitter than Paul Stonehouse and still young enough to keep improving.

I like that he's taller than Stoney, in fact he reminded me of a younger version of my favourite left back in Slough colours, Alan Pluckrose. Not as strong as him but by his general gait.

If he can get anywhere close to what Alan was, I'll be a happy man ! 

 

 

3spirit, not sure I agree totally with your statement 'Judging any signed player in friendly games is a false premise'

 

That's what supporters but more importantly managers do in pre-season. Forget about trying different formations etc. managers can tell not only if a player is any good but also are they a suitable fit for the squad and their plans for the season.

[Reading Rebel]

Of course we need to see more of Paul and friendlies aren't the strongest indicator but he'd certainly be a decent option to have. Bear in mind Manny is coming towards the end of his career, maybe a dual ref might be an option with Paul? Certainly nice headaches to have!

 

 

Don't like the idea of this 'dual ref' ones enough  

Edited July 13, 2017 by Reading Rebel

[redwine rebel]

Glennie can You please leave Manny alone X

[Reading Rebel]

Glennie can You please leave Manny alone X

 

 

Sue, I think Glennie has just pensioned poor Manny off