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Post by thekraken on Aug 13, 2016 17:43:13 GMT
A workmanlike performance after a slow start. We got on top after about 30 minutes and went on from there with a couple of scares towards the end. We were fitter and stronger than them which will make a difference at this level. Two shots on goal both of which went in but only a few more attempts. I thought the selection suited the game but there was a bit too much long ball for my liking but also some good precise moves which lead to both goals.
The defence played well and Howard had only one save to make and that from a free kick though Moxey nearly gifted them an equaliser near the death. Howard's kicking was terrible. Twice he put it into touch from goal kicks and once the length of the field. No rolling the ball out the idea being to get the two big strikers into play as quickly as possible. He perservered with them for the full 90 with Davies going off for Clough after an hour. I think playing both Proctor and Madine against the weaker teams will be a good tactic.
Midfield did OK but was more defensive than attack minded. But all those who played Vela, Spearing, Davies and Trotter are good enough always to have an out ball and worked well together. Trotter, sad to say, is now probably technically our most gifted player.
So we came from behind and ground out a result away from home. Can't argue with that. The players looked confident and kept working away. Early days but I can see a top half finish on that form with the options of Clough and Clayton coming in to give us more attacking flair and hopefully another striker to come in before the deadline.
i enjoyed standing but I was ready for a sit down after 90 minutes ducking and diving to watch the action...
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Post by andyl on Aug 13, 2016 17:44:11 GMT
It was a pretty awful game with next to no football on view,lots of punts,clearances, headers and generally unappetising yuk.
For all that we won the scrappy game on a small pitch and against a giant forward.
Defensively we were static as they ran through us for too simple a goal but as the game wore on the determination of our central defenders and the battling qualities of especially Spearing and a tireless Proctor probably meant that we deserved our win?
Our new keeper was calmness personified and he made two really good saves. Theirs made a complete horlicks of a tame shot from Madine after an outside of right foot cross from Mark Davies.
I think we must all readjust expectations. If there was any skill on offer it came after Clough was introduced and in his link ups with Trotter and Spearing. We even had a passing move after about 70 minutes
That said Davies and Vela were anonymous and Trotter very sluggish. His goal was a tap in after good play by Madine Proctor and Clough who inadvertently dummies their keeper at the near post.
A poor game but a win! No great standards on view
Howard7 Buxton 6 Wheater 7 Beevers7 Moxey 4 Davies3 Vela 3 Trotter 5 Madine 6 Proctor 7 Spearing 7 Clough (8) - made a difference. Taylor C (did not)
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Post by andyl on Aug 13, 2016 17:57:23 GMT
One obvious improvement under the new manager is our renewed aerial strength. Generally too we were fit enough to last the game.
That said Mark Davies was not fit. He cannot be looking after himself properly. There was nothing in his tank. Moxey too was a real weak link constantly out of position
Madine though may have a bit more to offer
The whole team has a chronic lack of pace. We need more turnover .
But a win an ugly win yet a win
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2016 21:17:30 GMT
What a long day 09.30 till 20.15 to watch a very scrappy game giving the ball away, midfield not very competitive, defence very good apart from Moxey attack well what can you say about Madine very frustrating for such a big lad he gives the ball away a lot and can't shoot for toffee. Yes he scored but I believe it was scuffed cause I could not see it from where I stood Proctor judgement still out but will give him time. Still a win is a win.
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Post by greydad on Aug 13, 2016 22:37:23 GMT
A well appointed little ground, and pre-match it was very pleasant to be leaning comfortably on a barrier , basking in the sunshine...come 3.10, and it was a case of stretching all available sinews to see the left corner we attacked in the first half, and as the afternoon heat continued the novelty of standing began to wear a little thin. Perhaps a pensioners paddock might be the answer, but at least I was just about able to see Davies clip the ball in for Madine to score the equaliser. The view for the winner was much better, and it was interesting that both goals came from moves where the ball was played on the ground. Although the overall experience confirmed my preference for being seated it was great to witness an away win. I agree with the general perceptions of the match, and pleased to see Clough make a difference, looking very sharp and confident. To paraphrase an old, very old sitcom title, Never Mind The Quality, Feel The Wins!
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Post by davidm on Aug 14, 2016 9:55:50 GMT
As stated above, a win is a win and must be applauded.
I really enjoyed the ground – took me back to division 4 visits many years ago. No trouble parking (free), 5 minute walk to the ground. No major crowd hassle. I’m tall so standing is no issue for me. Really enjoyed it. Like chiphill, a long journey - 9:30 till 9:00pm.
Good to meet AndyL and greydad at the ground.
As to the match, I was totally wrong in my prediction re shape. A standard-ish 4-4-2. No wingers but 2 strikers.
We started averagely and let Wimbledon come at us. We were static defensively for their goal. Everyone appealed for offside but I thought he was on and he took it well. No chance for Howard.
It took a while but we bucked up but it was all hoofball football. We have a decent looking midfield but they just don’t pass the ball they lump it.
The equaliser came from one of Mark Davies’ few decent pieces of involvement when he played the ball into Madine who, cleverly, made space and shot poorly. How the ball got under(?) the goalie, I don’t know but we were level and confidence definitely grew. 1-1 at half time was fair.
We had our usual slowish start to the second but we gained control and dominated for a while. Amazingly we brought Clough on and played 4-3-3. So much for my criticism that the manager is defensive! Clough did well – he scared them but there was still too much high ball. Incidentally Wimbledon played endless high ball to No 9 Elliott who won the ball many times in the air. He scared me until he ran out of steam and was subbed.
We eventually played some football on the ground, Madine and Proctor combined on the right. Proctor played a lovely ball in which Clough completely missed but it left Trotter totally on his own to tap in.
Then we sat back. I don’t think it was a case of Wimbledon upping their game; we definitely went defensive with both Taylors coming on.
It was panic stations then until the end. There were a couple of terrible mistakes at the back (Moxey I think) which should have been punished but we held on.
Kraken’s comments re fitness are true. Wimbledon’s back line were out on their feet at the end.
I think I need to re-assess my expectations for this season. I thought we had enough skill in this team to play fine attacking football against average opposition but, it seems, we will play long ball unattractive football but a win is a win and after the last few years I shouldn’t grumble. Maybe when the results continue to flow in, the quality will improve.
A really enjoyable day. A deserved win overall.
Howard - 7 Played well. Good save at 0-0 and some very good catching for the endless high balls that Wimbledon put in. Kicking awful – either straight out of play or straight through to the opposition goalie.
Buxton - 6 A couple of bad passes early on but improved.
Beevers - 8 Good. Up against giant opposition but did well. No nonsense defender.
Wheater - 7 Also good. Had difficulty being out jumped by their striker but defended well.
Moxey - 5 Nearly cost us a point late on with some strange defending.
Trotter - 6 Steady but got up for the goal. He is really sluggish in his play and got knocked off the ball too often. He is a big lad so should be more physical.
Spearing - 6 Worked hard. He has lost most of the passing style he had a few years back. Now it is big clogs but he certainly worked hard.
Davies - 5 Oh dear. He should dominate in games like this. One good pass for Madine’s goal but little else. Subbed early on in second half.
Vela - 5 A struggle. Played wide – initially on the left. He looks lost and, like the other midfielders, his passing quality has gone to pot.
Proctor - 7 Good game. Worked really hard and put in a cracking centre for the winner.
Madine - 6 Mishit his shot for the goal but give him credit he worked well throughout.
Clough - 7 Short run out and he looks class. Need to get him in the team permanently and NOT sell him.
C Taylor No impact at all. I am seriously worried about him.
A Taylor Short time on. Looked OK. Will challenge Moxey.
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Post by Pedro on Aug 14, 2016 18:28:06 GMT
A win is a win and we have won 2 out of 2 and are second in the table . I have always been of the opinion that there is little difference between the Chumpionship and League 1. Our lack of skills, poor shooting on target stats and lack of pace will make it very hard to stay at the top but it is the best start for ever so long and long may it continue
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