Slough Town 2-0 Tooting & Mitcham

[Chris]

Two goals late on by Ian Hodge and midfielder Glen Harris gave Slough victory over Tooting & Mitcham.

 

It was a very close game and I thought a point was probably aboutt right as both teams tried to cnacel each other out, but delighted to get the tree points.

 

I think the double substitution with Alex and Veli coming on changed the game as we never got out of first gear in the second-half.

 

Nice victory over a team challenging for that top-six position.

[Dominic]

Very pleased with the win today, Foster haD a fantastic match making at least 5 top class saves. I agree Chris, Veli and Haddows introduction into the game did give us a boost - HOW GREAT WAS VELI!!!

 

 

[Matt]

And the change of ref seemed to do us some good as well, we scored twice after the linesman took over ! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[Dominic]

Im surprised he gave us anything after all the stick we gave him! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Barry Scott]

Fozzy - man of the match

[Nathan]

How did the referee ever injury himself in the first place? (not that I should care, but it might be interesting to know)

 

Foster defenitaly MOTM, without him we might have been 3 or 4 down at half time. The introduction of Veli HAkki and Alex Haddow certainly changed the game, I wasn't impressed with Danny Steer (Of, he trys hard, but he just isen't up to it) and I though Ryan Williams was just a total waste of space, why Hakki didn't make the starting 11 I'll never know.

[Guest]

Nothing to do with the change of ref.

We were on our way before the enforced intermission.

The intro of Veli sparked the game - you could almost 'feel' it. He was superb and the first goal was a direct result of his play.

Can't see why we took Williams back as he made copious errors today which could have cost us a goal.

[Martin]

I actually thought it was a very good match with both sides having several good chances. The first half was particularly open. I thought we were much the better side in the second and were on our way to winning before the ref hobbled off. Hakki is great, a class above. I can't see the crab getting too many more starts if Hakki hangs around. Hakki and Wilko what a centre midfield partnership that could be. I am genuinely excited and I think this could see us really pushing into the top six. Bring on the casuals.

 

Does anyone know if we have signed Veli on a contract?

[Chris Mullen]

Pleased with the result, once the ref had gone off we looked certain winners!!

 

T&M should feel very disappointed for not getting anything out of this game, a point was the minimum they deserved. However, you have to take your chances and Foster was our saviour on at least 4 occasions.

 

How good is it to have Hakki back? His box to box work was terrific, he adds another dimension to our team. Fact is with him on the park you always feel something is likely to be created. The substitutions, which brought on Haddow & Hakki, turned the game in our favour for sure.

 

Come on you Rebels, let's get that top 6 spot!!

[Matt]

Which begs the question, why didn't Haddow and Hakki start? Maybe it was just a fitness thing with Veli (although I do know he played for the reserves midweek). When those two get in the first team, and Gyoury, Moller and Spencer return, we will definitely have a strong enough squad to make a huge push for the top 6.

 

Today, with Miller, Hakki, Deaner, and Haddow on the bench, we actually had strength in depth - viable options to replace players on the pitch, something which is very pleasing, and has been sadly lacking in previous weeks when players like Bakishan and Bartley were there, it seems, just to make up the numbers.

[Barry Scott]

have to say that the addition of Hakki has given us a lot more options in the middle. Who says (R-L) Harris, Spencer (or Wilko), Hakki, Steer or Haddow? Finally some optomism. I think Bakishan should be given a run-out to see if he can cut it though

[Dominic]

Quote:

rebelboy45 said:
I think Bakishan should be given a run-out to see if he can cut it though

I hardly think we can afford to risk playing Elias at this stage in the season when we have so many other capible players.

[St Leonard]

Bakishan can't cut it. He has tried over 3 years for the Club, including a handful of first team apperances. With Spencer and Harris on the Right of Midfield we dont need the guy. I would easily pick those two ahead of him anyday. Any one that thinks otherwise should go to the Reserve game on Wednesday Night.....that will prove my point!

 

Williams and Wilkinson were rubbish today. Steer and Harris had quieter games but were both pretty decent. Back 4 looked good too. Foster had a little better game, i dont think these 'fantastic' saves were fantastic, important indeed, but surely most keepers have to look at pulling these off? And 2 of these 'fantastic' saves occured from him creating the chance through spillage and fumbles.

 

Hakki just proved how bad Williams is, Hakki just looked like a footballer and knew what he was doing from the second he came on, but i would like to see Hakki and Haddow in the middle? Wilko and Williams were off the boil today.

[Ian]

Quote:

MattSTFC said:
Which begs the question, why didn't Haddow and Hakki start?

It would have been hugely unfair on the eleven who played so well at Maidenhead to change the team today, even though that meant Haddow and Hakki staying on the bench. Having those two come on gave us something special and with Wilko and Harris we finally have a decent looking midfield.

Just as well really as Foster had another cr*p game <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Dominic]

He would have had no chance saving your penalty Ian <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Radders]

A few posts to reply to:

 

Nathan, how can you say Steer can't cut it? He roasted the defence of a team a division above Tuesday night and for me should start every match.

 

Liam, you can't say Spencer (or Wilko) that's just not right

 

Matt (Alcove Man), I think even you have to admit that some of Foster's stops were superb today. Like yourself, I'm not a fan, but despite the usual couple of handling/positional errors, I felt his shot stopping kept us in the game in the first half.

 

Should be at the Reserves match Wednesday, hope to see some of you there.

[GarySTFC]

Matt, take the blinkers off and watch the game... Foster had a good game today and whilst Wilko wasn't at his best, he did the job he is in the team for, breaking up attacks and then giving the ball to a player who is more likely to use it better.

 

It was an encouraging performance today against a half decent Tooting side who we appear to be a bogey side for. I really do hope we can secure Hakki on contract as he would appear to be the catalyst for us securing that top six place. If Williams starts ahead of him on Saturday, I'll not be best pleased. Was also a bit guted for Freddie to be left out of the sixteen as I'd rather have him on the bench than Williams, but obviously Ryan is doing something right in the eyes of the management.

[Barry Scott]

sorry but wouldn't play spencer on the right where the vision would be lost. Spencer must play in the middle with Hakki with harris and haddow / steer on the wings. Now thats a midfield

[GarySTFC]

With Spencer and Hakki in the middle you potentially have an awesome attacking partnership but no back tracking and aerial ball winner. I think when Spencer comes back it would be better to have 5 in midfield (Steer/Barrowcliff/Haddow-Hakki-Wilko-Spencer-Harris)

[St Leonard]

What, the 3-5-2 you have been slagging off all season?

 

I didn't say Foster had a bad game, im just saying the saves made must sureley be saves any keeper must look pull off? If you had read the post, i said the saves were important and that he had played better....but still not comfortable with him in goal.

 

As for Steer, Radders is right, and why was he taken off ahead of Wilkinson and Harris? both had poor games whilst Steer was constantly running at the Tooting defence.