Gillingham Game

[Alan W (GNFC)]

We seemed to be relying on the long ball a bit too much in the first half.

 

Second half we settled down and played a lot better going forward, although we didnt create too much other than a headed chance for Liam near the end.

 

Thought the defence was generally reasonably organised and tidy and up front Boothy, and Liam had sound games.

 

We need to learn to react a bit quicker though, and to pass the ball quicker as well - too many times today, players were caught on the ball, and indeed, the second goal came from just such a situation.

 

Think we actually frustrated Gills in the second half, as witnessed by a couple of verbal volleys from their number 6 ( for which the ref should surely have reprimanded him at least as it doesnt set a very good example to youngsters to see that sort of reaction not being dealt with) and from Hessenthaler himself.

 

How is Jimmy Strouts - yet another player carried off in a friendly ?

 

It was no disgrace to lose 3-0, although I think Andy felt disappointed by the performance, based on his brief post match interview on RK.

 

I'm sure Andy will have everyone good and ready after the last 3 pre-season games this week, and we can go down to Yeovil (or Dorchester, anyway) and surprise them, I'm sure.

 

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[David Holden]

The Referee was responsible for the number 6 being substituted while Jimmy was on the ground. I suspect he told him to get himself substituted or he would be leaving anyway.

 

It was about the only thing a very poor referee got right all afternoon.

[FleetFanatic]

Never mind their verbal volleys, what about Hessenthaler's dirty tackle from behind? Was it really needed, in a friendly?

 

I disagree about the defence - as it stands, I think we have problems..... teams seem to be able to split our defence quite easily.

(Happened at Bromley too) - no doubt Andy will get it sorted.

[Alan ( GNFC )]

Interesting to read the comments as I wasnt there today .

Lets not forget Gills are now a Div 1 team , and whoever they fielded , those players are attempting to make the starting eleven at that level .

Back to the tried and tested Booth and Hatch today I see .

Did Che get a run out , or Adolf ?

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[Alan W (GNFC)]

Che didnt, and Adolf only got the last 15 minutes during which he didnt really get an opportunity to show his ability.

 

As for the defence - we certainly miss Francis, and lets not forget that Skinner wasnt around today either.

 

And I think Wilks could be forgiven if he wasnt quite as sharp as he might have been as it was probably the first time he has been called upon to play a central defensive role for some time.

 

And besides - no matter how much possession Gills had in the first half, I can only recall one scramble in the box and one save by Turner other than the two goals, so we cant have been that bad.

 

I know they perhaps took their foot off the pedal in the second half, but I think the goal they scored 5 minutes from time was the first effort on goal in that period. ( apart from a couple of offside efforts)

 

 

[FleetFanatic]

<blockquote><font class="small">Quote Alan W (GNFC):</font><hr />

And besides - no matter how much possession Gills had in the first half, I can only recall one scramble in the box and one save by Turner other than the two goals, so we cant have been that bad.

 

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I didn't say we were bad, just concerned at the odd defensive lapse that could cost us dear.

 

Even a friend at the game (who was there to support the Gills) said we looked good going forward (but he said the forwards needed to be a little bit sharper) but defensively we looked a bit dodgy.

 

Still, I suppose on his diet of first division football he can afford to say that.

 

Gillingham certainly look a better side than they did a year ago, and 3-0 was a fair result to the better side on the day.

[David Holden]

<blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr>

As for the defence - we certainly miss Francis, and lets not forget that Skinner wasnt around today either.

 

 

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More importantly Nick Burton wasn't available, he was getting married to Che (or so the story goes) The defence wasn't good today, but with Francis and Watts injured and Nick Burton on his nuptials <img src="/forums/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" /> it really was a makeshift defence. For what it's worth I thought Jamie Coyle looked good again, but I think that Andy will have to draft someone in to replace Francis.

 

Perhaps he could offer Cory Campbell a short term contract <img src="/forums/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" />