Maidstone United 7th November (H)

[Irishadrian]

Jon

I said originally that I was looking at a Slough victory so yes I was expecting better than a loss  a draw would've been better

Maidstone were a much fancied and well resourced team last season and that didn't go well.

A lot of comment has been made at their lost points due to their inability to convert penalties but  at the final whistle the result is what it is their failures cost them points

You seem to be saying that success at our level has to be bought and that only a handful of monied teams have a chance of   success and the rest must grub around for the crumbs  I hope that's not correct

I do find the tendancy to talk up the strength of opposition teams a little disrespectful to our excellent squad   

Anyway  onwards and upwards to the next game COYR.

[Jon Underwood]

I agree a draw would have been better than a defeat and we came very close to getting that. 

I’m not suggesting success has to be bought. Of course teams can punch above their weight (as we did last season) but my comment was that we cannot simply “expect” to beat teams such as this. Maybe we have set expectations high so I should take that as a compliment ?

I believe fully in our team and actually felt we could win today, and told our players that in the changing room before the game, but we do have to respect quality opposition and we’ll win some of these games and lose on other occasions. 

Important thing now is to try to bounce back on Tuesday.

 

[Irishadrian]

Jon Thanks for that prompt reply and the clarification of your position is most welcome its seems we both at kick off believed the Rebels could win and are disappointed with the outcome   As you say let's hope for a quick bounce back Tuesday

[Reading Rebel]

Reading some of the comments from fans on their forum, they are all saying that this is the best Maidstone side they've had for quite a few seasons.

Listening to the commentary yesterday, Ade said a few times that he was surprised at the tough challenges/physicality of the game because as far as he's aware there's been no previous animosity between the two teams. 

Not sure I was as surprised as Ade.

Apart from having players with the skill and ability to win the league teams will also need players who can mix it in the physical department and on yesterdays evidence Maidstone certainly have the players to do just that.

[Bernie Gogan]

Thought Maidstone were relentless in shutting us down even in our half. The left footed guy on the right of midfield was particularly difficult to shift off the ball and gave Louis Lomas a strong examination all game. When Scott Rendell went off I was hoping for some relief but they've obviously a very strong squad and the replacements were equally challenging, not least with their speed. Still thought we were worth a point though!

We were in essence playing a National League side this time, which will not be the case on many other occasions.

[Reading Rebel]

There's no doubt that we are not a side with a physical presence but what I've seen so far is that we do have players, in particular in midfield, with skill and ability.

Bernie is right that Maidstone were in our faces from the word go and put in some really physical challenges.

Not sure if they'd done their homework on us or it's just the way they like to play.

 

[Irishadrian]

I've been reading the Maidstone forum for their post match comments  They're  pleased of course but no sense that they found it easy but what struck me most is the number of posts praising the quality of the streaming and the excellent commentator !

[sdelaney]

Must also be said what a great job the lads have done with the colourful clear layouts on the official website the new supporterstrust site and the teamsheets on twitter so professional. On the game hard luck on the boys in not getting a draw and another great save by Jack in the 2nd half when one on one.

COYREBELS