Enzo
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Post by Enzo on May 2, 2009 8:36:05 GMT
After a slightly nervy start I thought we were pretty impressive last night. Scored two cracking goals and created a fair few more chances.
Histon actually committed more men forward than I expected and left themselves a touch exposed during the second half. With a touch more composure and vision when playing the killer ball we may have been able to put the game out of reach. I agree with a previous poster that we played a nice mixture of passing and more direct football. Danny is really worrying teams in his current spell in the side - much more so than Dsane. Lets hope this continues as it was great to see him go past players so easily. A left foot would have helped kill them off, but had we had a left foot in this position all season we'd have gone up automatically.
Our second goal was a peach - great ball in from Mansell and Sills nipped in ahead of the defender to thump a header in. I thought Manse was superb again last night - a couple of last ditch tackles and blocks. The guy has had a very good run in. Great also to see Sills on the score sheet. Got little chane for much of the night but was there when it mattered. Wroe and Carlise were other bog positives on the night.
This tie is far from over. At what they do Histon are pretty effective and the defence and Poke certainly knew they had been in a game. Whilst not creating many clear cut chances they forced many, many thrown ins and corners which led to decent half chances. They were clueless in front of goal, but may not be on Monday. I think the fact that they are in the play offs at all demonstrates how poor the overall quality of this league is - but then again I clearly have no experience of non league football...................because I have different view to Merse!
The only worry I have after viewing last night is the continued and persistant hesitation in the centre of our defence. Toddy is not at the races at the moment and, in my opinion, the rest of the defence are bailing him out time and time again. He is getting turned too easily and his clearances and distribution put us on the back foot. Before Mr Sensitive gets.......well....erm sensitive this is not a point about Steve Woods. I'd certainly go for either Hodges or Ellis ahead of Toddy now. On a related point, would anyone consider player five at the back on Monday?
To those who watched it on TV. Early on when it was 0-0 Robbo (I think) hit a slightly short back pass. It then looked like a Histon forwad was checked as he he went for the ball. Had the ref seen it differently, it woud have been a pen and a certain sending off - was there anything in it or did the Histon player take a dive. The histon bench were certainly angry.
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merse
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Post by merse on May 2, 2009 9:26:24 GMT
Danny is really worrying teams in his current spell in the side - much more so than Dsane. Lets hope this continues as it was great to see him go past players so easily. A left foot would have helped kill them off, but had we had a left foot in this position all season we'd have gone up automatically.
****************************************************This tie is far from over. At what they do Histon are pretty effective and the defence and Poke certainly knew they had been in a game. Whilst not creating many clear cut chances they forced many, many thrown ins and corners which led to decent half chances. They were clueless in front of goal, but may not be on Monday. I think the fact that they are in the play offs at all demonstrates how poor the overall quality of this league is - but then again I clearly have no experience of non league football...................because I have different view to Merse!  This thing about the "left foot" only really applies if we're looking for a cross pulled back from the bye line, yet judging by our season long play; I don't really see this as a policy of the manager that holds any priority. Personally I feel that Bucks will use Stevens mainly on the right if we are at home but primarily on the left away from home......................and last night we surprised Histon by playing the first leg at home in our "away mode". Defenders always strive and prefer to show a winger outside because then the defence can set their line to anticipate the only option them open to the winger ~ the cross cut back from the bye line ~ whereas if he gets inside his next move is open to his own choice and thus setting up the defence is open to error. thus, you will see Carlisle and Stevens frequently cutting inside the opponent if they manage to get the upper hand. I made a comment the other week about a "stat" I got from an Arsenal coach about the defending preference of getting the opposition into a one on one situation as the defenders are reckoned to be 1/4 on to come out on top; or to put it another way...........for every four attempts a winger will make to beat a fullback he will only succeed once every four times. That is why we play as we do, I am sure of it. Regarding Todd, I personally worry about his strength levels and his lack of composure in clearing which too often leads to possession being surrendered too cheaply................witness the goal that Burton scored at Plainmoor. To me the obvious first option is Hodges, as he would have been even when Woods was here. I think Ellis is in a genuine one or the other challenge with Robbo to be honest because if the manager goes with a pairing of Ellis AND Robbo he loses the experience and reading ability that he enjoys now from Todd or Hodges. I don't think Histon's ascendancy belies any lack of quality in this league, just look what John Beck achieved with Cambridge United and P.N.E. with a similar approach. All that has happened with him working under Steve Fallon is that the manager's ethical stance has stopped him using the plethora of dirty tricks and gamesmanship we used to see perpetrated by the likes of Paul Raynor, the "wobbly ball" tactic from the ball boys and the general air of discomfort his teams used to prepare for the opposition. Histon and Cambridge for that matter merely represent a different way to playing than ourselves and Stevenage, that's all; and yes I DO have a lot of years of watching football at this level under my hat................even though some cnut nicked it the other day ~ got myself a nice shiny new one though! 
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2009 9:27:54 GMT
I think these "sages" are trying to vainly cling on to a "we're too good to be non league" mentality whereas I would prefer to acknowledge that at it's best the BSP is far more competitive and demanding than League 2 as several of our recent superb games show. I also believe it's a mentality sometimes found in people who have watched a higher level of football elsewhere before moving to South Devon. Fair play to them for attending games - and, of course, there are plenty of people in this category who've become ardent, regular supporters (to our mutual benefit and enrichment - a thread, maybe, to hear some of their stories?) - but frequently there's an expression that it's only lower division/non-league football and it's not as good as I used to watch. Each to their own but, perhaps, last night wasn't the time for such sentiments. In fact it reminds me of someone in Taunton with whom I had discussed football for years. He was a West Ham - and Ajax (well, why not?) - supporter who, I eventually concluded, had only been to a handful of games in his life. After living in the area for years he finally went to a game at Taunton Town - a 4-4 FA Vase semi-final against Tow Law Town - and decided it was so crap he was never going again. It appeared all comparisons were being made with the Champions League which, obviously, made him a rather disappointed Hammer. The reality, of course, is that football should be judged on its own merits relative to the standard at which it is played. Others have passed judgement on the improving standard of play in this league and - picking up on comments made in this thread - Histon are a case in point by evolving into being rather more than a one-dimensional, route one outfit. Indeed, when looking at this league, I'm often reminded of one of the old slogans of the Left (not sure of the actual alphabet soup grouping responsible): Neither Moscow nor Washington but International Socialism. Well, the BSP could claim to be Neither Football League nor Non-League but the Football Conference. It's certainly proved to be an intriguing place - very much at the crossover of two different footballing worlds - and we've come to appreciate that playing, facility, refereeing and administration standards aren't always in synch. For me, it's a balancing act as to when to make allowances and when not to allow sloppy standards. In trying to draw conclusions I've been lucky enough to visit every ground in the BSP over the last two seasons which has proved to one of the most fascinating and illuminating experiences in a lifetime of watching the game. That's not been a case of wallowing in it, but trying to make the most of it. Two seasons in the BSP would represent a pleasant sojourn (and would leave me with a lasting interest in the league) but I remain keenly aware that we may yet sample the delights of Tamworth - I didn't make it in 1969 - and, if that's the case, so be it. However, this morning at least, I remain optimistic about that trip to Morecambe next season. Jon tells me there's a statue to be seen..... |
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nigep
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Post by nigep on May 2, 2009 9:42:15 GMT
I think that Toddy will relish the aerial bombardment we will get on Monday more than Lee Hodges as it will be his type of game. His deficiencies are more evident against clever forwards from teams like Stevenage and Crawley who dropped a couple of yards and turned with the ball. I agree that a central pairing of Robbo and Ellis lacks experience for the next couple of games. However, that is a partnership worth developing next season if Mark Ellis has not moved on.
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Post by aussie on May 2, 2009 10:01:54 GMT
Wayne was awesome, it has helped him immensely with people going up to him and telling him he really is welcome and wanted, putting an arm round him so to speak, he needed it more than people realise. Now if certain individuals could get behind the team instead of getting on Buckle and the players backs it would help OUR cause, and for once there where sod all people slagging off players for a change, how refreshing, made for a better atmosphere and helps towards US being the 12th man! Last night was bloody close to being how it should be, awsesome everyone well done!
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merse
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Post by merse on May 2, 2009 13:28:11 GMT
Nobody loves to watch constructive and expansive passing side any more than I do but I do like to see a purpose of intent from it rather than some sides "possession as long as it's possession" mantra. Here's a great passing exercise I watched my 8 year old son taking part in with no difficulty this morning............................... Four against two, twenty passes at two touch followed by twenty at one touch then twenty incorporating a "Cruyff Turn" before executing the pass. Try knocking off sixty consecutive passes under those restrictions you grown up Sunday League footballers when you're warming up tomorrow morning lads...................you DO warm up don't you? ;D |
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Rob
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Post by Rob on May 2, 2009 21:32:23 GMT
The Mask of Zorro forced me into buying a season ticket for me and the nipper last night! I thoroughly enjoyed being in the away end again. Two more wins to go.
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rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on May 3, 2009 5:43:21 GMT
I also bought some season tickets yesterday. Apparently up to around the 500 mark so well on course for that 650 target. I would expect a rush on particularly if we emerge victorious tomorrow!
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Enzo
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Post by Enzo on May 3, 2009 7:35:33 GMT
Danny is really worrying teams in his current spell in the side - much more so than Dsane. Lets hope this continues as it was great to see him go past players so easily. A left foot would have helped kill them off, but had we had a left foot in this position all season we'd have gone up automatically.
****************************************************This tie is far from over. At what they do Histon are pretty effective and the defence and Poke certainly knew they had been in a game. Whilst not creating many clear cut chances they forced many, many thrown ins and corners which led to decent half chances. They were clueless in front of goal, but may not be on Monday. I think the fact that they are in the play offs at all demonstrates how poor the overall quality of this league is - but then again I clearly have no experience of non league football...................because I have different view to Merse! This thing about the "left foot" only really applies if we're looking for a cross pulled back from the bye line, yet judging by our season long play; I don't really see this as a policy of the manager that holds any priority. Personally I feel that Bucks will use Stevens mainly on the right if we are at home but primarily on the left away from home......................and last night we surprised Histon by playing the first leg at home in our "away mode". Defenders always strive and prefer to show a winger outside because then the defence can set their line to anticipate the only option them open to the winger ~ the cross cut back from the bye line ~ whereas if he gets inside his next move is open to his own choice and thus setting up the defence is open to error. thus, you will see Carlisle and Stevens frequently cutting inside the opponent if they manage to get the upper hand. I made a comment the other week about a "stat" I got from an Arsenal coach about the defending preference of getting the opposition into a one on one situation as the defenders are reckoned to be 1/4 on to come out on top; or to put it another way...........for every four attempts a winger will make to beat a fullback he will only succeed once every four times. That is why we play as we do, I am sure of it. Regarding Todd, I personally worry about his strength levels and his lack of composure in clearing which too often leads to possession being surrendered too cheaply................witness the goal that Burton scored at Plainmoor. To me the obvious first option is Hodges, as he would have been even when Woods was here. I think Ellis is in a genuine one or the other challenge with Robbo to be honest because if the manager goes with a pairing of Ellis AND Robbo he loses the experience and reading ability that he enjoys now from Todd or Hodges. I don't think Histon's ascendancy belies any lack of quality in this league, just look what John Beck achieved with Cambridge United and P.N.E. with a similar approach. All that has happened with him working under Steve Fallon is that the manager's ethical stance has stopped him using the plethora of dirty tricks and gamesmanship we used to see perpetrated by the likes of Paul Raynor, the "wobbly ball" tactic from the ball boys and the general air of discomfort his teams used to prepare for the opposition. Histon and Cambridge for that matter merely represent a different way to playing than ourselves and Stevenage, that's all; and yes I DO have a lot of years of watching football at this level under my hat................even though some cnut nicked it the other day ~ got myself a nice shiny new one though! Congratuations. Lets hope Calvin is left footed.......or both footed for that matter. You are of course correct in your interpretation that having a winger that is able to beat his man and deliver a cross from the by line is not a priority for Bucks - the use of Dsane, Green, Stevens in this position clearly demonstrates he'd rather play a player out of position than have one option in the squad who looks natural there. I think with the size of squad that Buckle has been afforded there should be at least an option - clearly he'd rather have strikers and midfielders sat in the stands. It worked with Zebroski, but Zebs was a special player for this level at that time. I'm not sure analysis of team selection this season would back up your thoughts on how Buckle intends to use Stevens. He's not wanted to play him on the right much this season and I don't think anyone will budge Carlisle. Also, having a player with the ability to get a cross in does not necessarily mean that they cannot cut inside as well. You speak as if it is an either / or scenario. If I understand yor thoughts correctly, I agree Hodges should come in for Todd. Re the overall quality of the league. We'll just have to disagree. Much of the off the field match day experience of the BSP has been very enjoyable - the towns, social clubs and other fans. To me the on field stuff ie general quality of play and refereeing has been far worse than League two level. Of course you have six to ten teams who could make the jump, but about half of the BSP is poor. You don't get that in league 2 - at most you will get one side who is adrift - normally us! I'm not saying that we will always beat these lower teams or that we are too big for the league - we don't and we are here and still here because we have not been good enough to get out. |
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Post by Budleigh on May 3, 2009 8:56:04 GMT
Enzo... do you not mean... '... we have NOT been good enough to get out'?
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Enzo
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Post by Enzo on May 3, 2009 9:37:53 GMT
Enzo... do you not mean... '... we have NOT been good enough to get out'? Yes. Thanks. Post edited. |
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Post by Budleigh on May 3, 2009 9:47:50 GMT
Not that I agree with you of course!!!  |
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Post by jmgull on May 3, 2009 14:44:26 GMT
...Still cant decide whether to go or take the Setanta option tomorrow.....may well go.
Can anyone confirm whether you can get in at the gate or is it pre bought ticket only for away fans?
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Post by mattpuma on May 3, 2009 15:00:00 GMT
Yes all ticket for away fans. I have a spare away ticket as somehow managed to buy two! Its yours for a tenner if you want it.
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Enzo
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Post by Enzo on May 3, 2009 15:04:53 GMT
...Still cant decide whether to go or take the Setanta option tomorrow.....may well go. Can anyone confirm whether you can get in at the gate or is it pre bought ticket only for away fans? I think it is ticket only, but Histon would be foolish to turn away money on the night. I did hear that at Histon's request TUFC were not able to offer telephone sales and distribute the tickets at an agreed collection point in Histon which has frustrated one or two. There should be plenty of room in the away end - by kick off on Friday I am told that around 500 tickets had been sold. |
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