How I saw it yesterday...........

[Blind Bigot]

Even though it's April time this was my first Fleet game of this campaign (part-timer or what?). So it's especially good to report that there seems to have been a general improvement in standards and in my view a massive improvement on last season.

 

The defence looks more solid and have dropped the long punt up field (never a favourite tactic of mine) in favour of playing the ball out to feet. Midfield is very industrious and keen to build play, however the greatest disappointment for me is the attacking play.

 

In short, there's hardly any 'movement' up front. What is Sigere doing? Now he might have had 'one of those games' yesterday (in which case I apologise) but he missed an absolute sitter in the first minute, and throughout the game he didn't challenge for the 50/50 balls, had no spatial awareness, that I could see and is seemingly unaware of the 'channel ball'. On the other hand Roy is aware of all these things and at least he 'competes'.

 

I don't like singling out one player, as I say, it could have been 'one of those games' but Sigere desperately needs some coaching. He's a big lad and he could and should be a serious threat to defences.

 

The first-half was almost entirely Fleets. York City seemed a ragged outfit with few attacking ideas. The second half was more even with Wilko pulling off two 1st class saves. (I wish he were so accomplished at judging crosses though).

 

For the first half performance alone Fleet should have secured the points but if you can't finish you get nothing.

 

Once again I thoughly enjoyed myself at the game and feel that the signs are there (if the attack can be sharpened) that Fleet are on the verge of better things. Heres hoping!

 

 

BB <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Hempstead Gaz]

The odd thing, BB, is that since Siggy joined us you could be talking about the wrong forward. Roy has been (for the last 6 months) the epitome of a player basking in a long contract, whilst Siggy has really put himself about, and making chances.

It's a funny old game.

[Jimmy]

Siggy's chance in the second half where he lobbed it wide was the key point in the game. He did all the build up well, good pace to get in behind - strong enough to hold up the frankly awful Steve Davis and then the easiest bit of all he couldn't do. I suppose if he could do all three he'd be elsewhere.

Biggest positive for me was Bunce, best game so far and my (plus the majority of the coach travellers') MOTM.

No doubt all the home "supporters" will still be slagging him off on Saturday though.

[Hempstead Gaz]

I think you are wrong, Jimmy. Buncey looks really strong and commanding nowadays, possibly prone to the odd error, but hey, didn't John Terry make a [****!!****] up last week?

He is the battling sort of player who always gets my respect.

[Blind Bigot]

No I'm not talking about the wrong one Gary!

 

Siggy, in my view is in need of some serious coaching. Okay anyone can miss a scoring chance but his general positional play, inability to create space and go at people is a major concern I feel.

 

Like I say he has the 'build' and 'physical presence' but to me it all lacks that final something. Yesterday at the match, we spoke about Akpo Sodje. He's a similar sort of lad, well know to Fleet fans, whos' been at Huddersfeild on loan and to be honest when he's come on as sub he's looked up for it and capable of upsetting defences. That's what Siggy need to do! At present Roy looks a far better player to me!

 

BB <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Hempstead Gaz]

I'm not convinced that they make a strike "partnership" though, BB. I personally would like to see Drury up front. We all know he has fantastic skill, a good shot good pace and can beat a man.

A lot of that is lost playing wide on the right. When he HAS pushed up (into 4-3-3) he looks devastating.

We will wait with baited breath whether we will be F/T next term. Even if only 6-8 do it, we should reap some benefit.

Best wishes from sunny Gillingham, BB, thanks for your "long distance" support.

[jc]

Quote:

Jimmy said:
Siggy's chance in the second half where he lobbed it wide was the key point in the game. He did all the build up well, good pace to get in behind - strong enough to hold up the frankly awful Steve Davis and then the easiest bit of all he couldn't do. I suppose if he could do all three he'd be elsewhere.

In fairness, it was a bit of a tough chance, given how well the 'keeper had closed him down. That said, it was just like the Forest Green match in that the vast majority of our best chances fell to Siggy, and he couldn't put them away. In particular, the one he fired wide from Roy's cross in the very first minute was an excellent opportunity.

As for Roy, he won some impressive headers for much of the first half, but faded a bit in the second and was the one substituted.

We probably just about shaded it yesterday if anyone, with Jukebox curling a free-kick just over at the end and the aforementioned chances for Siggy. But equally, Merris put just wide from 10 yards with only Wilko to beat and Yalcin had a shot well saved by Wilko in the first half, amongst other opportunities for them. Also, the stats in the NLP say we didn't have any shots on target yesterday, and while these stats are often unreliable, I can't think of any particular examples. Overall, a draw was probably fair.

All in all, a nice day out at a classic old-style ground with compact housing around it, and at least yesterday's result mathematically ensures Conference football for next season for us.

[Bill Kent]

Quote:

No doubt all the home "supporters" will still be slagging him off on Saturday though.

 

I haven't heard ALL! the fans slagging off Buncie from where I view the home games midway Stonebridge Rd side. Where are you coming from Jimmy

 

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

[Jimmy]

Maybe not all, but the usual suspects have been their usual helpful, vocal selves. Shouts of "Get him Off" and "Bring back Moore" will do wonders for him.

[Guest]

I agree with BBs assessment of the game. This could very well be a coaching issue. We have only had defenders in coaching positions ie Andy and Adrian and now Liam and Alan. Our only other coach is Ron who is a goalkeeping specialist. Perhaps we should draft someone in to specifically coach the forwards? Andy has revealed that this is what happens at Stevenage and I suspect it is common at other clubs too. Finally, on a personal note, it was good to speak to you at halftime during the match. I hope that you got back to Leeds in time for your evening out. Thaks for your continuing interest in our club. kmj.

[Harry J Allstars]

A good team is always built on a good defence. I say this as a Chelsea fan whose team have only conceaded 11 goals. But then again everyone knows what a leaky defence last seasons unbeaten Arsenal had.

[Robbo]

I don't think you can say we was a defensive team in the past few seasons though. Didn't we get described as a team that attacks like Brazil but defends like the dog and duck not long ago? And earlier in the season I think we was one of the top scoring teams for a while, before the losing streak set in.

[Harry J Allstars]

Perhaps daish is trying to change things.

[Blind Bigot]

Hey I'm no coaching expert but the lads up front really need some time spending with them.

 

In the last two season I've watched 4th and 3rd Division football (sorry I still call em that) and for me the main difference between teams is who has a the canniest forwards.

 

Defending gets better as you go up the leagues obviously but forwards make the real difference! If you don't score you don't win games - simple!

 

BB <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Harry J Allstars]

Alright so the forwards need coaching but earlier on in the season were we or were we not calling out for a 20 goal a season man?

[Blind Bigot]

In The Championship and The Premiership (obviously) having a solid defence is paramount, which is what most side gear up to do. But while it's a sign of an organised team, I firmly believe that in the lower leagues well co-ordinated attacking play equal in importance.

 

I'm not saying defending isn't important but give me a forward with skill and guile than a lumbering yet efficient defender, especially in the lower leagues.

 

I realise I’ve altered my argument slightly but what I’ve said here colours how I view most games. There is a massive difference between top class players and those lower down the leagues and that affects how the game is played.

 

If that make any sense!

 

BB

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Harry J Allstars]

Actually BB I beg to differ. I would say it is the reverse, in the lower leagues it is more physical as teams try to knock each other off the ball. Obviously if we had an Alan Shearer type player who was big, strong and able to deal with it then it would be all well and good, but we have nimble forwards who look rather thin and not quite able to look after themselves, if that makes sense.

[FleetFanatic]

I think that in the lower leagues, including ours, the defenders are more thuggish - something along the lines of body mass over footballing ability.

[Student Scum]

Very true... thinking back to the old Beazer Homes/Ryman days, there was always an obligatory hefty number 5 who had to (by law almost) resemble Warren Patmore*!

 

Cue the halfway line, " Der-der-der-der click click "

 

* Yeah, yeah I know - good player and a prolific forward and all that but he does look like a village idiot (IMO)

[chilled out entertainer]

The teams we have played that look so much better than us, even when we have managed to scrape a draw or something all have quality forwards. a few names spring to mind, guinan, brown, clare, grazioli. All good forwards. and al the teams they play for are consistently good. Even though for example barnet had danny bleeding maddix playing for them!!! who remembers the oops its gone under my foot moment! genius.