Gate v ETU

[Chris1]

To start the ball rolling, here are a few personal thoughts about today’s game.

 

I have been away for a while and missed the last few matches. Please forgive if anything I say has already been covered on the forum.

 

Gate looked miles better than last I saw them, particularly going forward. Brayley showed some sublime skills, not least when he set up Yiga’s goal. Hockton also impressed. A bit surprised to see Brayley up front with Yiga behind. Perhaps that is the result of player power, as apparently Brayley and Hockton have worked together before.

 

The midfield got bypassed today quite a bit. Gradley still didn’t look quite up to speed. Hilaire did well playing out of position. What happened to Sesay? Moved on? Injured? Suspended? As I say, I have missed a few weeks’ news.

 

Defensively we are not quite the ticket, however I was well impressed with new boy Trott – solid, good in the air, does a lot of talking. He reminded me of Graeme Porter (does anyone agree?).

 

As usual we gave the opposition a golden chance within the first 5 minutes by slack marking. However later in the first half when we cleared off the line from the corner, there was a player on each post and one in the centre. That was good organised defending.

 

Presumably CK is still looking to strengthen the defence because it was Keystone Cops when we conceded the goal, and we gave them another couple of goes towards the end by not clearing properly.

 

Standen had an excellent game I thought, back in the position he played when he used to draw a lot of criticism. A couple of his long balls went astray, and as always he got himself in a fracas in front of the home bench, but in general he played well. I see there is another thread dedicated to him on the forum. I hope it is not full of mindless criticism, because he could be a good asset to the club.

 

The keeper looked sound and made a good one on one stop. Is he the same one that got injured with no cover? And how many games have we played without a keeper on the bench?

 

My MOM would be Trott, mainly because Brayley gets it too often.

 

I noticed we warmed up before the kickoff in front of the home crowd, as previously suggested on here. Has any comment been made about that?

 

Good support by the Margate gang.

 

A lot of bad language on the pitch, especially by the oppo. Haven’t they read the notice banning swearing?

[mikefleet]

With my side Gravesend not playing i came down to Hartsdown for the 1st time ever and i got to say what a great setup.

 

I felt the club is still in a changing mode what with what has happened, but i thought the setup for supporters e.g the bar, shop etc was better than some conference clubs and i will be back down for the Windsor & Eton game.

 

The ground i thought was nice and the pitch for this time of year was excellent. There will be a review and some pictures on my Fleet website in the next day or 2 if you want to look. The address is www.thefleetonline.co.uk

 

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

[Gate Watcher]

Thanks Mike, your comments are appreciated and I hope you enjoyed your day.

[Gate Watcher]

Good summing up there Chris as always. I thought everyone had strong games in the first half with more passion than I have seen in ages - please keep this up! Second half we clearly set out to defend and I dont blame CK for this one bit as its one of the things he is best known for and successful for. A good job done and impressed with everyone really today, we need to keep the energy up and we look good.

[michael]

I think Chris' summing up is much as i saw it.

 

Have to say, that on a different day, we could have been beaten as they had more shots at goal, some of which should have been taken.

 

All played ok imo with no-one outstanding.

Standen narrowly my mom.

 

It seemed that Greg Oates was enjoying his football again, which was a positive.

 

Impressed by the confidence of Bechet, and yes ,Trott does make a difference.

 

I did think Trott stood too far too rear of box when we were defending corners, and should have been more central, as without him, we are weak in the centre.

 

Again, as per Chris, excepting Gradley, we are weak in midfield.Hillaire does ok, but Yiga is not quite the finished article.

We did not control midfield which is why we did not look so good today imo

 

We will miss the Kember 'non-signing' quite badly.

Although he was out of form, i think JK should play in midfield to add some steel in abscence of anyone else.

We have of course Hasim and its a bit of a toss up if he is better in midfield or defence.

Should Hasim be in midfield, with Donovan in defence(thought Donovan played well when he came on; and will definately benefit from playing alongside Trott.

I think Wimbledon have a guy called Gell in midfield who is a bit special, so we need to be alot stronger there.

 

Maybee Bertie needs to play deeper at Wombles match

 

Overall, thought we were a shade lucky to get all 3 points today.We have played better and lost !!

[mikefleet]

who was number 18 on the bench? and what was the name of gate's keeper please

[michael]

Bechet in goal, and Daniel Damoah.

 

(i've been away for a couple of days-is Egan upset, injured, or did CK just decide not to have a sub keeper today

[Gate Watcher]

MM it said in the paper that CK said Egan had a back problem but I dont think its serious.

[phil d]

Slipped disc

[BlueGate Alan]

Chris your report was spot on as usual. we warmed up in front of home crowd as several fans asked Chris at meeting why this isnt being done, & he said something to do with opposition running past their dressing room, but he would try & get up the home end this week which, of course, he did. Also agree with michael, Standen my MOM as linked well with Hilaire with some nice one touch football & also some teling crosses. Hilaire & Deen also played very well, with Brayley & Hockton non stop with their chasing & running. Once again loan goalie Bechton played well, looking very assured. Indeed all the team put in a good performance.

[Broadstairs Dave]

Egan was at the game today but not very mobile yet.

[Cookie]

I asked chris about this "coming up to the club end" some 3 or 4 months ago and was told the same. I did say that the cross over is done at half time anyway so wy not the start of the game, but nothing came of it. Glad to see someone managed to sway him.It should, and I am sure it does, give us the opportunity of getting behind the players(literally) before kick off.It gives them a better reception to begin with and gets them(or it should) into a better frame of mind.Hopefully this will now become a regular occurrence again, just like it used to be.Well done to that person/persons who managed to persuade him to do this today.

[BlueGate Alan]

I believe Phild should get the praise for bringing that one up Cookie, if memory serves me

[Harry J Allstars]

I went to Brentford v Walsall today Sam Sodje scored but knew very little about it as it rebounded and hit him in the face. He seemed to enjoy it though.

 

They love him up there even addapting the "Top of the league, we're having a laugh" song to sing his name.