v Tooting & Mitchum

[3spirit]

Certainly a 'game of two halves' for me. Time seemed to drag a bit watching the first to be honest, however after the changes at half time a much better passing game with goals resulting.

For me the standout from the first half was that B Wadkins showed he could fulfil a midfield slot if required.

On the second half performance I have a slight concern that on more than one occasion M Lench put himself well out of position leaving so much space on the left that any decent team at this level would take advantage of it (even Dodson did this on one occasion). While he is obviously keen to run and

run, to me, he needs to be aware of his positional responsibilities. Something which I'm sure he could work on (I hope!).

 

Brad Wadkins hasn't played since January because of injury but I thought it was a good decision to give him 45 minutes in centre midfield, as it is a demanding position, and he is behind others in the fitness stakes.

Come half time I thought Brad was blowing out of his arse [pardon my French !] but he had acquitted himself there fairly well,considering.

 

Matt Lench looks a class act and I wouldn't be worried about his positional play in these early friendlies.He looks like he will be some player for us and one of the first names on the teamsheet.

 

On the day, Tooting and Mitcham looked disjointed, they had their moments but in the main Slough were the better team and deservedly won.

First half was a bit dull but second half with the changes we upped the tempo and started to play a good passing game and got the measure of Tooting.

 

Shame we haven't a game on Tuesday, as enjoying what the team is giving us at the moment, which bodes well for the league season.

[David Carpenter]

Share your sentiments 3spirit. Don't like to judge too much into pre-season but things are certainly looking good. COYR!!

[Curtis]

I noticed two unusual things at the match yesterday...... 1. an obvious Wycombe Wanderers car in our reserved car park & 2. no Kev, and an alternate physio

 

Were these two things connected?

[Reading Rebel]

Experimental team first half which on the day didn't work but if you don't try these things you'll never know. No shots on target and but for a bad miss and a couple of excellent saves from Jack Turner Tooting would have gone into the break in front.

 

Second half was a completely different story. We started to play the sort of football that we've become accustomed to at AP, high tempo attacking football with plenty of chances created.

 

My only concern is that whilst we looked very good going forward playing some exciting attacking football we still seem vulnerable to the quick counter attack with gaps appearing in the center of midfield and but for Jack Turner pulling off another tremendous save we wouldn't have kept a clean sheet.

 

Not sure what the answer is because we all love to see the sort of attacking football that our players can serve up.

Edited July 16, 2017 by Reading Rebel

[Reading Rebel]

I noticed two unusual things at the match yesterday...... 1. an obvious Wycombe Wanderers car in our reserved car park & 2. no Kev, and an alternate physio

 

Were these two things connected?

 

 

I think Wycombe stewards do help out.

[Neil Baker]

I noticed two unusual things at the match yesterday...... 1. an obvious Wycombe Wanderers car in our reserved car park & 2. no Kev, and an alternate physio

Were these two things connected?

No idea about the Wycombe car, Kev was on a course yesterday and today which he needed to do to keep his qualifications up to date, so Chris Applegarth helped us out who has done similar for Fleet and Hampton.

[Curtis]

That's interesting then, because it wasn't a subtle Wycombe Wanderers car, the entire painting of the car was in the Wycombe colours, name and logo. The type of vehicle that would be provided to a full time employee.

 

Hopefully not somebody scouting any of our players after some good performances against them last week.

[Matt]

That's interesting then, because it wasn't a subtle Wycombe Wanderers car, the entire painting of the car was in the Wycombe colours, name and logo. The type of vehicle that would be provided to a full time employee.

 

Hopefully not somebody scouting any of our players after some good performances against them last week.

It'll be because we use some of Wycombe's stewards.

[GlenSTFC]

Blimey company car for being a Wycombe steward... may have to re-think my career!

[3spirit]

I noticed two unusual things at the match yesterday...... 1. an obvious Wycombe Wanderers car in our reserved car park & 2. no Kev, and an alternate physio

 

Were these two things connected?

There was a third, Unders was absent.

[HorshamRebel]

Glen, but would you want to be driving a car plastered with something like that all over it ?

[Reading Rebel]

Certainly a 'game of two halves' for me. Time seemed to drag a bit watching the first to be honest, however after the changes at half time a much better passing game with goals resulting.

For me the standout from the first half was that B Wadkins showed he could fulfil a midfield slot if required.

On the second half performance I have a slight concern that on more than one occasion M Lench put himself well out of position leaving so much space on the left that any decent team at this level would take advantage of it (even Dodson did this on one occasion). While he is obviously keen to run and

run, to me, he needs to be aware of his positional responsibilities. Something which I'm sure he could work on (I hope!).

 

 

Brad Wadkins has played in midfield before and once fit I'm sure he could do a job in our mid-field if required. 

 

Personally I think he will be more useful to us as a striker as something different to Floody and James.  

[Reading Rebel]

I know we are only 3 games into preseason but Matt lench is standing out to me I hope he continues to play like this! Nathan Webb has upped his game, new keeper is making a impact already and George wells is a great addition very happy so far

 

 

It's early days but as you say HR all the new signings have been excellent with Lenchy, Jack Turner and George Wells all proving to be outstanding additions to our squad!

[Reading Rebel]

There was a third, Unders was absent.

 

 

Probably taking a well earned rest.  

[Neil Baker]

I decided that Unders just wasn't pulling his weight ?!

 

(He is on holiday with his family and will be back for the Uxbridge game)

[Dolphin rebel]

I for one am very happy with the squad of players we have assembled. 

[Reading Rebel]

I thought Manny was class.... and Lench & Webb put in very good performances.

 

Hodges performance playing upfront in the first half wasn't up to my expectations.... his previous good performances appeared to be when playing from deeper.

 

 

Not sure we should read too much into players performances in the first half especially the young lad Paul Hodges.

 

It looked like he was trying too hard to impress covering in midfield and upfront when I think he should have stayed up front and concentrated on being a striker.

[3spirit]

Nice to see the forum is getting more forumites. Welcome to all the newbee's. 

[3spirit]

Not sure we should read too much into players performances in the first half especially the young lad Paul Hodges.

 

It looked like he was trying too hard to impress covering in midfield and upfront when I think he should have stayed up front and concentrated on being a striker.

 

While I agree that friendlies mean very little RR. I don't agree with your assessment about Paul Hodges staying up front. For me he would benefit from being groomed more to play the high line from midfield.

 

I don't know what position he played for Abbey Rangers but from the two games I've seen him in, I think he would be better suited to a midfield position although I can see the merits of him in a three man forward line,as his ability to drive forward and his impetuosity to shoot at any given time could catch a side napping.

 

In reality,though he's going to have an almighty job on his hands, just to get on the subs bench.

As much as I like what he has done so far, playing in three open spaced summer friendlies is a world away from proper league football.

Still, from every acorn.......?

[PaxtonLee]

Thought 1st half our forwards we coming short too much which meant the game was congested and Hodges didn't get as much space or allowed to stretch the game. Would have liked to have seen how he would have played with the 2nd half forward line.

 

What were the thoughts on Dobbo's half at left back? Just to give him more game time / Wells a rest, or seeing if it is actually an option to have in the back pocket?