Staines match comments

[Chris1]

Our poor run continues. We had more possession but just didn’t get enough shots in.

 

Charlie was favoured over SCS, perhaps because of last week’s error, but I think the strong end-to-end wind might have something to do with it. Scott would definitely have struggled with his kicking in the second half. As it happens there was a bit of SCS chanting when one of Charlie’s goal kicks went for a throw, but he is still the better kicker of the two.

 

We played the regular back four, with Skins returning on the left. Jay took right midfield with Macca and Proths in the centre.

 

We started with the wind and sun behind us. Charlie brought off a good save after 3 mins, but was saved by the post a few minutes later after leaving one.

 

Staines had the best chances of the half, although we went close when Danny put it over. Charlie’s kicks down the middle were too long, very often going straight to the keeper.

 

Steve was injured near the start, and had to go off before the break. Jay went central with Proths (no arguments, but they didn’t seem to be speaking to each other), while Nick Bagley was preferred to Abbo as sub on the right.

 

The goal was very soft. A Trott error led to the attack, we failed to clear and the ball went in off the left post. It looked suspiciously like a Margate boot too, Pat Sapp I thought, although given to the forward.

 

Our best chance of the second half was Hockton’s shot, well saved by the goalie.

 

For the last 20 minutes we went 3-5-2 with Skins moving to left wing and Jacko playing more central. Skins went off injured, replaced by Smith, also playing high.

 

We created well during this period, but just didn’t manage any clear cut chances. Baggers made some good runs and had a couple of shots blocked. Jay failed to get enough power on his headed efforts and a couple of other chances went wide or high.

 

At the other end Staines should have done better with their counter attacks. Chaaban in particular was guilty of taking too long to set up his shot, although it has to be said he tortured Oates and Sappleton much of the afternoon.

 

My MOM for Margate would be between Protheroe, very skilful passing on a nice surface, and Bagley, who really impressed in the second half.

 

The pitch was in beautiful condition considering the weather and the amount it is used (1st team, reserves, and hired out as a practice pitch to senior sides).

 

Good support from the lads.

 

Also, the ref was superb today, and how often can you say that? In control from the start, fair, explained all his decisions, and no cards. Luckily for us he missed Charlie picking up a back pass in the second half. (Mr Forrester of Luton, car reg. P16 REF, very flash!)

 

Bad: more points dropped. Can we even make the playoffs?

Good: Nick Bagley with another good performance. He deserves a regular place. Could be a real gem.

 

[michael]

Thanks for the report Chris.

 

never easy to report on a defeat.

[Boney Crisp]

We conceded a very poor goal against the run of play i thought we deserved at least a point from the game, but that is not a good enough excuse. Some of the lads today did not look as if they wanted to be there and in the first half we were probably the worst passing team i have seen this season. We improved in the second-half, but we are going to have to improve even more to win games. Now i don't know about you lot but i am losing patients with this, so for God sake sort this out.

[Rob_Butler]

"I am losing patients"

 

Who to? The NHS?

[michael]

Who took the captains armband when SM went off ?

 

Was it DH ?

 

 

[margateshot]

A meeting Thursday, players looking like they don't want to be there, the physio going. I hope we're not back to three years ago. Are the players being paid?

[Chris1]

Apologies Michael, did not notice who took the armband. Perhaps someone can put us both right. Players shouting encouragement their team-mates throughout the match were:

 

1. Oates

2. Sappleton

3. Trott

 

By the way I don't agree about players slacking or not being up for it. They all tried their best in my opinion, and I think results will come when the team is settled. Hopefully starting Tuesday.

 

I am the first to criticise players when I don't think they are trying (and there have been several over the last few years), but I wouldn't say that about any of the present squad.

 

I don't know how long young Alex has been watching the Gate, but if his patients are walking out over this little blip, what would they have been doing during the dark days at Ashford? Topping themselves probably.

 

Look at it this way: you can't enjoy the highs if you haven't experienced the lows.

 

So have patience Alex mate!

[seasidesteve]

little blip eh.

[michael]

Understand your valid point Chris,and yes we have been suffering and things are better.

We were never entitled to expect much from the team over the last 3 seasons though.

 

However, you have to offset that against a team that is currently seriously under performing;and as SSS says above,its been quite a long blip now.

 

Many saw the need to refresh the squad in january, but for whatever reason,RT was unable to do that; and we are now paying the price of that mid -term complacency.

 

 

[Chris1]

Compared with the entire 1980s or 2003-2006, yes.

[Chris1]

I was answering sss there by the way.

[Boney Crisp]

Leave my patients out of this, lol.

 

It is just very frustrating at the moment with out current form when we should be challenging for the title, but at the moment it looks as if we are challenging for mid-table. However even though we are on equal points with Ramsgate and 8 points behind Chelmsford we have 7 home games to play and we have 3 away games, which we should win 2 of them. So that is 27 or maybe points we could well pick up and we have a good chance of doing so.

 

That will do me and that will certainly be enough to win the league, but the annoying this is we have to win them. BRING IT ON!!!!!

[Andy .]

best to have our blip now and get it out the way then we can canter in over the finishing line as winners while Chelmo , Bromley , H&R , RICKY all have a blip in 2-3 weeks time its that easy , all the teams up there will have a few nerves its just us having them first. UP THE GATE .

[Tony_T]

Thought DH looked better today and agree that Lee Protheroe had a good match. So did JJ and Nick Bagley although Nick, if you read this, stop shaking your head when you or someone does something wrong - not a good sign mate!! You played well and deserve more starts - give DH a run for his money!

 

btw Danny took the armband when Steve went off!