Weston-super-Mare 1-1 Enfield Town

[No bull Towner]

Gutted to have missed what sounds like a great match. I was at Tonbridge and the performance there was so much better than before and it sounds like we have kept up the same energy and determination which is really positive. Worthing weren't convincing today so we might be in with a squeak there too which will set us up nicely for Boxing Day and New Year's Day...4 points would be a decent return from the next 3 games but if we continue to progress it could even be more....COYT

[Raingod]

Wow .. another great away trip! 3 games against promotion chasers in Dorking, Tonbridge and Weston and we remain unbeaten!! Was worth the 400 mile round trip!

Comments, reports and interviews all posted quickly - showing the buzz!

So Gavin elected to put Joe into the back 3 and keep Mickey in the middle - which I think will be his new role going forward after last 2 games (worried he came off but when he came over to the fans at the end suggested it wasnt serious)- the balance feels right as well - we still have a back 5 to defend when out of possession, but with the ball we have 2 wingers and 3 midfielders so have enough going forward - and the midfield cover for any gaps caused with wingers at wingback.

First 30 was not great - we didn't create much and they dominated play  - their goal was a header from a cross where it looked like we didn't mark properly - want to see that on the video - but for all their possession they didn't have many chances.

Our attacking play was focussed more on the right, and to me Billy was MOM - best game in an Enfield shirt, lots of good attacking runs (Hemel have signed 3 Hendon players with the managerial change this week so we need to make sure we keep him), and we seemed to focus on their left side more.

 

We tried to pass the ball around with some success, moving across the back line to get it wide. Also interesting how Peake and Lennon swapped several times during the game to give a different perspective.

 

Last 15 we were better and showed our potential - Billy's cross hit the top of the cross bar - caught the keeper by surprise, and then the keeper made a great stop from I think Billy in a crowded area. Alfie also had a chance but mishit and it was well wide.

2nd half was a continuation of the last 15 - we came out with more confidence, made some good passes, and created some good chances.

Bailey Brown was excellent again, sometimes looks like he will lose it, but all over the pitch, linking up play, dominant in the air. I assume he was subbed because he'd just done a really clumsy challenge to get booked, so not risk us going down to 10 - or still getting match fitness - certainly wasnt because of his performance.

I didn't remember Annointed from the Wingate games last year but pleased to read all the positive thoughts on him and he didnt disappoint - I brought a friend who lived locally and he commented that within 10 mins of being on he'd acheived more than Jake did in the first hour! Jake was quiet after Tuesday - had a chance to shoot early 2nd half but kept it too long and lost the ball. The system was working so I understand why Gavin did the straight swap. Annointed challenged, put himself about, was a focal point for the attack - and based on yesterday is a fantastic signing.

We did create some good chances in the 2nd half, a clearance off the line being very unlucky. 

Weston looked organised, knew where each other was (the way we would pick Wyllie out with a long pass last season) and were technically gifted - but didn't look like title challengers to me .. they were wasting time and slowing the game with 20+ to go!#

They did get a few chances as we were pushing for an equaliser - few hairy moments, including rounding Rhys - but he had forced them too wide and they missed target.

Nice for us to be on the end of some last minute luck - our height options are so much greater now - and it was calamitous from the keeper - but we deserved it! The fans behind the goal bellowing out "its' all your fault" was beautiful!

Impressed with Joe's commitment to fight for his place at the club - lots of players have come in defensively but he is still here and getting plenty of minutes despite probably not being in our strongest XI. Don't understand why he has stopped the long throws though? We now have the height, and there was a chance in the 2nd half when we lost a short throw and they broke and had a chance ?? Joe also had a chance when their keeper rushed out of goal and cleared it to Joe around the half way line - I hoped he would do what he did against us for Barnet back in 2016 and score from the half way line but the thought didnt come into his head!

So now 5 pts from safety - the only disappoint for me was both Hemel and Welling both winning leaving a 3 pt gap for the bottom 6 - but we only need to do better than 4 other teams 

What a difference a week makes - team feels like it is coming together - Gav continues to recruit, tweak the shape - and I am feeling confident - staying up will be a bigger acheivement than last year's promotion!

 

[Towningaround]

37 minutes ago, Raingod said:

I didn't remember Annointed from the Wingate games last year but pleased to read all the positive thoughts on him and he didnt disappoint - I brought a friend who lived locally and he commented that within 10 mins of being on he'd acheived more than Jake did in the first hour! Jake was quiet after Tuesday

This is the problem. I thought the idea was to sign a forward to play WITH Jake.

Jakes clearly a runner and someone who feeds off second balls and balls into the box. He’s not a target man or a focus point. He’s had to feed off fight balls and lead a line almost single-handedly since he’s been here and is crying out for a strike partner…there were signs that him and Harry were developing that but Harry then got injured and then left and each time Gav has signed another forward he’s played him or brought him on instead of Jake.

He has to play them together. This idea that Young’s is a forward is nonsense and it screams of “I can’t leave certain players out so where can I fit them in”. He makes poor runs….by running everywhere but mainly where he shouldn’t….apart from when he runs from deep…because this is his skill set…he’s an attacking goal scoring midfield player not a forward. 

That aside, I didn’t go yesterday so I can’t comment too deeply so now to the comments of those that did. The twitter accounts gave the impression that they dominated the first half and peppered our goal / goal area. But that was theirs (ours was next to useless with not a single tweet between 13th min and half time!!) but it’s a great point and shows signs of growing belief within the group. 

But play two forwards Gavin. Single points are not enough to close the gap unless we win at least 1 in 3. Worthing next week, will dominate possession if we sit deep and we need to press them and force mistakes or force them to go more direct against their wishes.

Edited December 15 by Towningaround

[djwilf]

Much needed point and better performance.

[ETFC2001]

5 hours ago, Towningaround said:

This is the problem. I thought the idea was to sign a forward to play WITH Jake.

Jakes clearly a runner and someone who feeds off second balls and balls into the box. He’s not a target man or a focus point. He’s had to feed off fight balls and lead a line almost single-handedly since he’s been here and is crying out for a strike partner…there were signs that him and Harry were developing that but Harry then got injured and then left and each time Gav has signed another forward he’s played him or brought him on instead of Jake.

He has to play them together. This idea that Young’s is a forward is nonsense and it screams of “I can’t leave certain players out so where can I fit them in”. He makes poor runs….by running everywhere but mainly where he shouldn’t….apart from when he runs from deep…because this is his skill set…he’s an attacking goal scoring midfield player not a forward. 

That aside, I didn’t go yesterday so I can’t comment too deeply so now to the comments of those that did. The twitter accounts gave the impression that they dominated the first half and peppered our goal / goal area. But that was theirs (ours was next to useless with not a single tweet between 13th min and half time!!) but it’s a great point and shows signs of growing belief within the group. 

But play two forwards Gavin. Single points are not enough to close the gap unless we win at least 1 in 3. Worthing next week, will dominate possession if we sit deep and we need to press them and force mistakes or force them to go more direct against their wishes.

Chukwu has had one training session. I never thought he was going to walk into the team yesterday as it takes time and it’s limited time with only two training sessions per week. I think we’ll gradually see a change.

The problem is, this formation isn’t Youngs best formation if he drops into midfield for Parcell. Unless Tuck moves on, and he takes that role this formation isn’t going to benefit him. And we need him to be in attacking positions.

So if Gavin thinks of Youngs as a second striker, and he thinks  he’ll be paired with Chukwu or Hutch then so be it. We can see what Youngs can do in those positions, and Gavin trusts him. 

The first 25 minutes just looked like the same old Enfield we have grown to know but we really grew into the game. Leonard hit the bar, granted rather lucky but we looked great for the last 60.

I really don’t want anything to change at the minute except Thompson comes back into the team for Payne next week and Chukwu for Hutchinson. The rest you keep and build around for the rest of the season, granted loanees going back to parent clubs. This is clearly our best system that we have had this season.

What I will say, Peake has to be getting more touches of the ball when possible. I would go as far to say Peake is a step 1 player at his best with his individual skill and class. Brown and Hawkins was amazing once again, Brown is an absolute workhorse and will be key to keep a hold of those two plus others for the season. 

A couple more great signings/bench pieces and I have us down as staying up. Granted if the season started today, I would have us midtable? around 14th or 15th based off the last two performances.

 

[Towningaround]

20 minutes ago, ETFC2001 said:

The problem is, this formation isn’t Youngs best formation if he drops into midfield for Parcell. Unless Tuck moves on, and he takes that role this formation isn’t going to benefit him. And we need him to be in attacking positions.

 

Nonsense.

This formation suits him down to the ground. Correct he needs to be in attacking positions but not so high up the pitch that he becomes a forward who is playing back to goal or easy to mark.

His best work is arriving into the box late and unmarked. His worst work is running around aimlessly dragging defenders into areas we don’t want them to be because it closes down space….like he did v Sittingbourne where he was more a hindrance than a help.

The formation is set up for Tuck and Brown to play centre mid with Youngs advanced of them joining the attacks late.

Chuckwu would be the focal point and Hutchinson would be making movement off of him and into spaces left by him.

Its not even hard to understand that.

 

[Towningaround]

27 minutes ago, ETFC2001 said:

I really don’t want anything to change at the minute except Thompson comes back into the team for Payne next week and Chukwu for Hutchinson

You’re really challenging my patience and ability to not be rude….but we’ve just spent 6 weeks trying to find a partner for a striker we put on contract, who has a proven goal record in this league and the one above….who we signed on the back of limited playing time, to then get him somewhere approaching up to speed fitness wise, whereby he scores 4 goals in 5 starts and confidence starts to return…and you want to immediately replace him with a striker who’s scored once since October and put that player into the same position of being isolated and up front without a partner?

Mind you I seem to remember you thinking Shakpoke was the remedy to all the goal problems after one appearance and he was quickly found out and exposed as useless and ushered into obscurity within 2 appearances….so I can’t take your judgments too seriously. 

[The Crowing Cockerel]

3 minutes ago, Towningaround said:

….but we’ve just spent 6 weeks trying to find a partner for a striker we put on contract

We gave him a contract??! Sweet Jesus.

As his agent are you on a % or flat fee? Either way, well done you!

[ETFC2001]

9 minutes ago, Towningaround said:

Nonsense.

This formation suits him down to the ground. Correct he needs to be in attacking positions but not so high up the pitch that he becomes a forward who is playing back to goal or easy to mark.

His best work is arriving into the box late and unmarked. His worst work is running around aimlessly dragging defenders into areas we don’t want them to be because it closes down space….like he did v Sittingbourne where he was more a hindrance than a help.

The formation is set up for Tuck and Brown to play centre mid with Youngs advanced of them joining the attacks late.

Chuckwu would be the focal point and Hutchinson would be making movement off of him and into spaces left by him.

Its not even hard to understand that.

 

I said if he takes the Parcell role of this formation because that’s who you would drop him for so he can go in midfield, that’s not where it would not suit him. But no, the formation is not set up for that, or that’s not what Gavin wants to do. Sittingbourne is a poor example as no one and I mean not a single player on a slanted pitch with winds up to 60MPH where the ball is flying around played good. 

I agree with the fact that Chukwu and Hutchinson should play together upfront - but he has been here for less then a week. Didn’t train on Tuesday, had one training session on Thursday and this was after the fact we just won 1-3 at Tonbridge just 2 days ago. I wasn't expecting Gavin to bring him in straight away yesterday and he was amazing when he came on. He showed flashes of brilliance and if Gavin wants them to play upfront together, he would so in the coming weeks. 

[Towningaround]

14 minutes ago, The Crowing Cockerel said:

We gave him a contract??! Sweet Jesus.

As his agent are you on a % or flat fee? Either way, well done you!

Just repeating what I heard a fan say at Sittingbourne but let’s be honest, the kids 22, scored goals in the national league and spent 5 years in pro football. He like many young players seems to have hit a tough spell but if he finds his way again it wouldn’t be the worst decision in the world given that hes 3 years younger than Wyllie was and has scored at two levels up from what Wyllie had when we lost him….

Edited December 15 by Towningaround

[Towningaround]

3 minutes ago, ETFC2001 said:

I said if he takes the Parcell role of this formation because that’s who you would drop him for so he can go in midfield, that’s not where it would not suit him

That’s because you haven’t shown any understanding at all. Chukwu would replace Parcell and in this formation, Tuck and Brown would play deeper with Youngs dropping into his rightful position of attacking midfield where he could make runs from deep and join the attack unmarked and without the physicality that playing up front involves. 

Chukwu would then partner Hutchinson up front. 

This isnt the time for old pals acts and playing your mates or those that have been loyal. This is about playing the best players in their best positions. If the formation allows for two forward and 3 CMs then the best three CMs should play and the what 2 forwards should play. Squeezing players in to fit them in shouldn’t be a thing. 

[ETFC2001]

1 minute ago, Towningaround said:

That’s because you haven’t shown any understanding at all. Chukwu would replace Parcell and in this formation, Tuck and Brown would play deeper with Youngs dropping into his rightful position of attacking midfield where he could make runs from deep and join the attack unmarked and without the physicality that playing up front involves. 

Chukwu would then partner Hutchinson up front. 

This isnt the time for old pals acts and playing your mates or those that have been loyal. This is about playing the best players in their best positions. If the formation allows for two forward and 3 CMs then the best three CMs should play and the what 2 forwards should play. Squeezing players in to fit them in shouldn’t be a thing. 

I understand what you mean now.

Honestly, I’ll back whatever the manager thinks because he’s shown he can change things if needed. Performances have looked positive since change and we’re on the right path. He clearly knows more about the squad then either of us do so whatever the manager decides seems fit for me. Granted, I’ve questioned things this season from him but he’s shown me to be an idiot recently.

26 minutes ago, Towningaround said:

You’re really challenging my patience and ability to not be rude….but we’ve just spent 6 weeks trying to find a partner for a striker we put on contract, who has a proven goal record in this league and the one above….who we signed on the back of limited playing time, to then get him somewhere approaching up to speed fitness wise, whereby he scores 4 goals in 5 starts and confidence starts to return…and you want to immediately replace him with a striker who’s scored once since October and put that player into the same position of being isolated and up front without a partner?

Mind you I seem to remember you thinking Shakpoke was the remedy to all the goal problems after one appearance and he was quickly found out and exposed as useless and ushered into obscurity within 2 appearances….so I can’t take your judgments too seriously. 

I don’t understand why you feel like you have to be rude to get your point across? If you disagree with me, then feel free but what is the point in being rude in the light of such good performances as of recent? Or put down a new signing? It sounds to me something isn’t alright at home or there’s other reasons like related to Hutchinson or an agent of sort 🤣

Nevertheless - I got it wrong with Shakpoke, like others did. He showed some flashes against Hornchurch in the FA Trophy, but obviously he feels he has bad attitude problems, or he’s just not good enough. If you can’t take my judgements seriously, as I’m sure others do, it certainly won’t keep me awake ‘Towningaround’! 

To be honest, Hutchinson played poor for 60 minutes yesterday. I understand the goals, and I’m really glad and happy he has stepped it up recently, but I just think Chukwu offers more. No agendas, just my opinion. If you disagree or who else does, that’s fine. No need to be rude about it though IMO.

[Towningaround]

16 minutes ago, ETFC2001 said:

He clearly knows more about the squad then either of us do so whatever the manager decides seems fit for me. Granted, I’ve questioned things this season from him but he’s shown me to be an idiot recently.

My worry is Gavs loyalty to players like Parcell and Payne who whilst they may be good squad players and useful to fulfill a variety of roles to cover injuries and unavailability they dont possess the athleticism, speed or technical ability to play regularly at this level and for us to then compete regularly. 

The rest of the side, including recent additions is starting to give us an athletic highly mobile side that’s able to compete with sides at this level who are undoubtedly fitter and more athletic than anything we came up against last season.

Id now focus all my selections of pace, power, athletic ability to run and run and a system that makes life as difficult and as uncomfortable as we possibly can for opponents particularly the more glamorous ones. 

Edited December 15 by Towningaround

[Towningaround]

53 minutes ago, ETFC2001 said:

I don’t understand why you feel like you have to be rude to get your point across?

Because you consistently fail to show any understanding and repeatedly make the same mistake of jumping to the conclusion that someone’s either the answer to all the problems or the reason for them, after really short periods of time and it’s incredibly frustrating when football literally requires patience and consistency. It just makes my sh!t itch.

 

53 minutes ago, ETFC2001 said:

what is the point in being rude in the light of such good performances as of recent? Or put down a new signing?

I’ve said several times that it was a good point and that recent performances have shown signs of a corner being turned. 

And this is why you annoy me….show me where I put a new signing down? I simply put forward a case for why he should be starting alongside our other forward.

I said midweek that he impressed me when we played Welling and I’ve also said that he would imo compliment Hutchinson as a partnership. I dont see Chuk as a goalscorer. I see him as a tagret and a pain to mark and someone who will distract defenders with his physical attributes. I dont see Hutchinson as a targrt man or someone who will occupy defenders physically but i do see him as someone with intelligent movement and an ability to finish. We need both. If pushed id take a goalscorer all day long and jakes a goalscorer. But as i say i think Chuk will compliment him well if played together rather than one or the other.

53 minutes ago, ETFC2001 said:

It sounds to me something isn’t alright at home or there’s other reasons like related to Hutchinson or an agent of sort 🤣

Things are fine at home thanks. Looking forward to a family Xmas with my young children. 

I’ve addressed this point more than once and don’t need to keep repeating myself.

 

53 minutes ago, ETFC2001 said:

Nevertheless - I got it wrong with Shakpoke, like others did. He showed some flashes against Hornchurch in the FA Trophy

No he just wasn’t very good and wasn’t very interested. My bet is Gavin had never seen him play and wasn’t very wowed by the fact he’d played u23s for Aston Villa without having any understanding of that level compared to National South. 

 

53 minutes ago, ETFC2001 said:

To be honest, Hutchinson played poor for 60 minutes yesterday. I understand the goals, and I’m really glad and happy he has stepped it up recently, but I just think Chukwu offers more. No agendas, just my opinion. If you disagree or who else does, that’s fine

As I said, I wasn’t there yesterday so you may be right. It may have been a difficult game for a goalscorer and may have been a more suitable game for a target man….maybe Gavin got that spot on. 

Chukwu doesn’t offer more he offers different. If that’s more apparent to the naked eye of the average football fan that’s ok. But as I say they offer different and spotting someone’s movement or game intelligence isn’t as easy as noticing someone winning a header or knocking a centre back about a bit….however both are required.

53 minutes ago, ETFC2001 said:

No agendas, just my opinion

Ditto. Stop suggesting it’s anything more than that. 

Edited December 15 by Towningaround

[The Crowing Cockerel]

3 minutes ago, Towningaround said:

It just makes my sh!t itch.

I really think you should go see someone about that.

[Barney]

17 hours ago, Towningaround said:

My worry is Gavs loyalty to players like Parcell and Payne who whilst they may be good squad players and useful to fulfill a variety of roles to cover injuries and unavailability they dont possess the athleticism, speed or technical ability to play regularly at this level and for us to then compete regularly. 

The rest of the side, including recent additions is starting to give us an athletic highly mobile side that’s able to compete with sides at this level who are undoubtedly fitter and more athletic than anything we came up against last season.

Id now focus all my selections of pace, power, athletic ability to run and run and a system that makes life as difficult and as uncomfortable as we possibly can for opponents particularly the more glamorous ones. 

Some good discussion here, although I'd encourage everyone to keep it friendly (we're all pulling in the same direction, even if our opinions differ).

My thoughts on everything that's been said here since Saturday, not just on the post I'm quoting - firstly I wouldn't (in my view) put Payne and Parcell in the same bracket, the former is a squad player who to his credit has stuck around despite relatively few starts, and can cover left centre back, left back (if we ever play a formation that requires a left back), or at a push left wing back. I thought he had a solid game on Saturday - he's not going to set the world on fire, but was reliable enough defensively, kept the ball reasonably well and is certainly committed to the cause. I too was wondering why we weren't employing the long throw, I wondered whether some sort of injury might be preventing him from doing it, but surely it's a worthwhile idea to try it a couple of times just to mix things up when we win throws in the attacking third. This current side plays much more football than anything I've seen since Quinton was in charge, and long may that continue (the dull days of long balls and constant long throws under Leese aren't something I'd like to revisit), but when you have a bit of height in the team, as we do now, surely it's worth trying to put them under pressure by being more direct with some of our throws when Payne is playing?

Parcell I thought had a decent game in CM on Saturday, he has got the ability on the ball (maybe not the ability of Tuck, but he makes decent decisions, competes and generally retains the ball) and there's no questioning his commitment to the cause. Whether he gets in there when everyone is fit and available is up for debate, but I think based on Saturday he's not being picked out of loyalty or that he's captain, his performance justified his place in the side. I do worry a little about whether he has the legs to play there regularly, especially in winter on heavy pitches - the point about being as physical as we can, running as hard as possible and shutting down space and making things hard for sides to play around us is spot on. If we are going to get anything out of the games against the better sides in the league, our workrate and commitment has to be spot on for 90 minutes of every game, and I love the fact that Brown brings us that extra athletic ability and presence that maybe we've been lacking. He's perhaps not the most finessed player, but he does look like he will make things happen, is willing to try things and is certainly disruptive and energetic when we're out of possession.

That brings me onto the Youngs conundrum, I don't think anyone can question his technical ability, goalscoring record from midfield, or his contribution to the club, but after 300+ performances I'm still not 100% sure what his best position is or which formation suits him best. Last season he was playing deeper as part of a 2, and still getting into advanced enough positions to score 30 odd goals, admittedly in a weaker and less competitive league. This season he's probably better used as part of a 3 (which gives us a bit more in the way of legs and ability to break up play), but still allows him to arrive late into the box and sniff out chances. He's a player that should be starting every game, as he brings so much to the side, but it's about finding the right system to use him in the most effective way. No doubt that he's not a forward and shouldn't be playing with his back to goal, but I wouldn't say he's an out and out CM (or a wide midfielder) either. It also, in my view, makes it tricky to play him, Hutchinson and Chukwu as part of a side that also has Peake and Leonard as wing backs / wide midfielders against the better sides, as it could leave us too exposed and open through the middle when leaving the extra (defensively minded) midfielder out. I'd love to see a formation that allows us to play all 3, and I do rate Hutchinson as a player - he works hard (often for zero reward), makes decent runs and has started to take chances, but if we are just playing one up, the Chukwu is probably better suited to playing that lone striker role with his physicality and presence. Maybe we play the two genuine forwards against the weaker sides, and one up top against the better sides, but again, that's not affording any opportunity for them to forge a partnership, when I think a consistent run in the side would do them both the world of good.

Appreciate I'm going round in circles with this, but I really don't know what the answer is (this is why I could never be in management, I'd constantly be filling out teamsheets with 12 players on 🤦‍♂️). Based on the positive response to the Sittingbourne game (I had us getting zero, maybe 1 point from Tonbridge, Weston and Worthing - so we're already +3 in my eyes), and the fact that we have seemingly started to bring in players that are strengthening us, I'd be keen to see Gav and the management team get everyone's backing on here and trust them with their decision making (there will no doubt be further setbacks). I still think things are stacked against us, and we're in a massively precarious position, but whereas a few weeks ago, I was struggling to see where we could get points from, now I'm looking at those games against the bottom 8 or so teams thinking that we are at least as good as them, and maybe we can find a way to win that mini league at the bottom of the table, and get ourselves out of trouble. It's still a long shot, but if we do, it would be *much* more of an achievement than anything we did last season. Looking forward to hearing thoughts and opinions on the next few games, as I'm not going to see us play now until at least the St Albans game.

[ETFC2001]

55 minutes ago, Barney said:

Some good discussion here, although I'd encourage everyone to keep it friendly (we're all pulling in the same direction, even if our opinions differ).

My thoughts on everything that's been said here since Saturday, not just on the post I'm quoting - firstly I wouldn't (in my view) put Payne and Parcell in the same bracket, the former is a squad player who to his credit has stuck around despite relatively few starts, and can cover left centre back, left back (if we ever play a formation that requires a left back), or at a push left wing back. I thought he had a solid game on Saturday - he's not going to set the world on fire, but was reliable enough defensively, kept the ball reasonably well and is certainly committed to the cause. I too was wondering why we weren't employing the long throw, I wondered whether some sort of injury might be preventing him from doing it, but surely it's a worthwhile idea to try it a couple of times just to mix things up when we win throws in the attacking third. This current side plays much more football than anything I've seen since Quinton was in charge, and long may that continue (the dull days of long balls and constant long throws under Leese aren't something I'd like to revisit), but when you have a bit of height in the team, as we do now, surely it's worth trying to put them under pressure by being more direct with some of our throws when Payne is playing?

Parcell I thought had a decent game in CM on Saturday, he has got the ability on the ball (maybe not the ability of Tuck, but he makes decent decisions, competes and generally retains the ball) and there's no questioning his commitment to the cause. Whether he gets in there when everyone is fit and available is up for debate, but I think based on Saturday he's not being picked out of loyalty or that he's captain, his performance justified his place in the side. I do worry a little about whether he has the legs to play there regularly, especially in winter on heavy pitches - the point about being as physical as we can, running as hard as possible and shutting down space and making things hard for sides to play around us is spot on. If we are going to get anything out of the games against the better sides in the league, our workrate and commitment has to be spot on for 90 minutes of every game, and I love the fact that Brown brings us that extra athletic ability and presence that maybe we've been lacking. He's perhaps not the most finessed player, but he does look like he will make things happen, is willing to try things and is certainly disruptive and energetic when we're out of possession.

That brings me onto the Youngs conundrum, I don't think anyone can question his technical ability, goalscoring record from midfield, or his contribution to the club, but after 300+ performances I'm still not 100% sure what his best position is or which formation suits him best. Last season he was playing deeper as part of a 2, and still getting into advanced enough positions to score 30 odd goals, admittedly in a weaker and less competitive league. This season he's probably better used as part of a 3 (which gives us a bit more in the way of legs and ability to break up play), but still allows him to arrive late into the box and sniff out chances. He's a player that should be starting every game, as he brings so much to the side, but it's about finding the right system to use him in the most effective way. No doubt that he's not a forward and shouldn't be playing with his back to goal, but I wouldn't say he's an out and out CM (or a wide midfielder) either. It also, in my view, makes it tricky to play him, Hutchinson and Chukwu as part of a side that also has Peake and Leonard as wing backs / wide midfielders against the better sides, as it could leave us too exposed and open through the middle when leaving the extra (defensively minded) midfielder out. I'd love to see a formation that allows us to play all 3, and I do rate Hutchinson as a player - he works hard (often for zero reward), makes decent runs and has started to take chances, but if we are just playing one up, the Chukwu is probably better suited to playing that lone striker role with his physicality and presence. Maybe we play the two genuine forwards against the weaker sides, and one up top against the better sides, but again, that's not affording any opportunity for them to forge a partnership, when I think a consistent run in the side would do them both the world of good.

Appreciate I'm going round in circles with this, but I really don't know what the answer is (this is why I could never be in management, I'd constantly be filling out teamsheets with 12 players on 🤦‍♂️). Based on the positive response to the Sittingbourne game (I had us getting zero, maybe 1 point from Tonbridge, Weston and Worthing - so we're already +3 in my eyes), and the fact that we have seemingly started to bring in players that are strengthening us, I'd be keen to see Gav and the management team get everyone's backing on here and trust them with their decision making (there will no doubt be further setbacks). I still think things are stacked against us, and we're in a massively precarious position, but whereas a few weeks ago, I was struggling to see where we could get points from, now I'm looking at those games against the bottom 8 or so teams thinking that we are at least as good as them, and maybe we can find a way to win that mini league at the bottom of the table, and get ourselves out of trouble. It's still a long shot, but if we do, it would be *much* more of an achievement than anything we did last season. Looking forward to hearing thoughts and opinions on the next few games, as I'm not going to see us play now until at least the St Albans game.

Great post Barney.

If he continues to play Youngs upfront, I’d rather see Chukwu with him. I’m not against a Hutchinson/Chukwu partnership, but you certainly can’t drop Youngs in my opinion. Call me friendly etc but he has shown time and time again he can produce. Honestly, I didn’t feel like he played great yesterday and he still had a goal cleared off the line. That’s what he does.

I thought Parcell had a poor first half but a great second half. Same with Payne/Benjamin. We really clicked in the second half and if the season started today, with the squad/system we have now I would have us around midtable or 14th or 15th. Unfortunately, poor recruitment/not enough budget/not being ready for the jump etc any reason you can think of lead us to having a poor first 15 games of the season but It’s looking up. 25 games left and we will need around 30 points more I think to stay up. 

I’ll reiterate, I’m not on here to argue with people, I’m here to share opinions and talk about the game/signings. I was starting to get negative off the back of Sittingbourne, and rightly so but Gavin has made me look like a fool for not continuing to believe in him. He’s shown he is willing to change whichever if needed whether that’s a formation or a different system. At this point, you just give him the season and pray we can stay up from the position we are now.

It’s not going to get easier with Worthing (A), Borehamwood (H) then St Albans (A) but I’ll still be at every game, like a lot of people backing every single player and management team.

Edit: It’s now key we can hold onto key players like Brown, Hawkins, Thompson, Tuck for as long as we can etc.

Edited Monday at 11:04 by ETFC2001

[The Crowing Cockerel]

5 hours ago, Barney said:

Looking forward to hearing thoughts and opinions on the next few games, as I'm not going to see us play now until at least the St Albans game.

I'm very very much hoping that we've turned some kind of corner and the only way is up. The fact remains though that if that is indeed the case, it has taken Gavin 20 games into a 46-game season to solve the equation. Why wasn't he able to recruit the right players in the summer? What's changed? Did we just need to wait for other clubs to blow their budgets in the first part of the season? Despite those questions, I'm feeling more positive!

[No bull Towner]

Highlights are on Weston's x

[ETFC2001]

7 hours ago, The Crowing Cockerel said:

I'm very very much hoping that we've turned some kind of corner and the only way is up. The fact remains though that if that is indeed the case, it has taken Gavin 20 games into a 46-game season to solve the equation. Why wasn't he able to recruit the right players in the summer? What's changed? Did we just need to wait for other clubs to blow their budgets in the first part of the season? Despite those questions, I'm feeling more positive!

A combination of a few things? Budget/Players not being available/Out of range of how much we have? I think we’re putting it all together now with a new formation. Two games, two positive results, if we lost against Worthing it was still 4 points more then I was expecting from these 3 away games.

Got to start winning our home games though. Chelmsford, Bath and Borehamwood coming up are all points to be had at home. New Year’s Day will be a good one too. Reckon we could easily get 9/18 if we play how we have been with this new system.

Barring injuries, we do have quite a good team at the minute I think. Obviously depth is going to take a hit when Cox and Tuck have to go, but at the minute there is definitely 4 teams worse then us.