rjdgull
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Post by rjdgull on Jul 29, 2009 6:51:40 GMT
Good report chips2. I would agree that we are way ahead of last pre season performances and this is no doubt to a confident settled promotion winning side working well together.
I would probably go even further and say that I am now confident of a mid table finish with the potential of something more if we get off to a good start. Chesterfield and Dagenham finished just outside the play offs last year (I think) and our performances will give us a more accurate picture of where we are and whether my confidence is somewhat misplaced or not.
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chelstongull
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Post by chelstongull on Jul 29, 2009 7:29:33 GMT
Anyone who missed last nights PSF against Brighton, IMO missed a treat and all for £10. Certainly the team that went out in the first half should 'hold their own' in League 2 next season - me I'm 100% happy with the current squad (with or without a few minor changes, which may or may not happen  ) Disappointing crowd of 900 odd. Nice to see Rendell fit it with Benyon up front for the first half and a well taken goal it was. Brighton seemed to pass the ball well but lacked the penetration to do any real 'damage'.Second half saw the predictable 'Sven' changes and Brighton seemed to try and get the upper hand and only two 'World Class' saves from Bevs stopped them scoring. Not sure if Rice would have made the saves. Thought that Sills had a quiet 45 minutes and competition for that starting striker has now been upgraded to 'Bring it On'. EDIT: According to the OS Sills has been carrying an injury for a week, that might explain it.The sending off appeared to be for an attempted headbutt, well that's what the ref seemed to indicate. Either that or he was sneezing. Brough had a superb chance near the end to make it 2 nil, but chose power over a simple side footed shot. Wrong person in the right place. Saw the match from start to finish on the half-way line with Dave R who spent most of the match scribbling in his note book, so expect a belter of a match report. Dave was even multi-tasking signing a work colleague up on his 'fancy I Phone'. All seems well with the Forum and Torquay United. |
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tufc01
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Post by tufc01 on Jul 29, 2009 9:23:33 GMT
What a thoroughly enjoyable and impressive performance given by the team last night. As good a first half of football as I have seen in many a year. An absolute joy to watch.
The crowd looked a little disappointing, as has been the case for the PSF’s, but it was definitely their loss, they missed a performance that would have had even the more cynical amongst us gushing.
We lined up 4-4-2 as follows;
Bevan
Mansell Todd Robertson Nicholson
Carlisle Thompson Wroe Stevens
Rendell Benyon
Pre Season it WAS, friendly it was NOT. This was an ideal test for the players and it came at the perfect time.
You got an idea of how competitive it was going to be in the first 5 minutes. At least half a dozen strong challenges, a couple of which were two footed, from both sides. No quarter asked and none given, although the Brighton players did get more whingy as the game progressed. Also inside the first 5 minutes Brighton had a vociferous appeal for a penalty turned down and Danny Stevens had a glorious opportunity to open the scoring. A defence splitting pass from Carlisle left Stevens a yard clear of the defenders and only the goalie to beat but his snatched left foot shot just went wide.
The first half was awesome, we played football the way some say it should be played. It opened up Brighton on a number of occasions and we had a couple of chances to score before the opening goal. One of those chances was when Benyon was played through and harshly adjudged offside by the pop side linesman who very productive in flagging for offside all night.
The goal was absolutely top drawer. It may have ended with a 3 yard tap in but the build up was phenomenal. I’m not sure how it started but from when I can remember Stevens had the ball on the left jinked inside, played it across to Wroe, who in turn laid it across to Carlisle, Benyon made a diagonal run to the right hand edge of the box, Carlisle threaded it through, Benyon controlled it took it towards the by line and knocked it across to the back post where Rendell ghosted it and slotted into the empty net. It was as if the Brighton defence were those plastic defenders that you see on the training ground, such was the way we opened them up.
The start of the second half saw Sills on for Benyon who was my man of the match by a long way.
An early ‘goal’ for them was ruled out for offside by the very ‘consistent’ linesman which incensed some of their players, they were further incensed by the award of a goal kick when they thought it was a corner. It was about now that the referee called the Captain over, one assumes this was to tell him to have a word with his players.
Around the hour mark there were about 7 or 8 changes for each side and the game lost a lot of its impetus. It’s a good job they don’t do the 30 seconds per sub rule as we would have been there until midnight.
Highlights of the second half were two fantastic saves from Bevan, an off the ball incident that I, and those around me, missed which saw a Red Card for one of their players and a Yellow for Ellis.
Its easier to give my appraisal of each of the players than try to recall everything I saw.
Bevan: Awesome, 2 great saves, the second of which beggared belief. Also a MASSIVE presence and exudes confidence. Also make me feel confident when I see him there.
Todd/Robertson: They had a very good game against a pair of tricky forwards. Dominated in the air and the physical side, just got tapped for pace a couple of times.
Mansell: Another who had an impressive game, everything you expect from him, overlaps, attacking football and some great challenges.
Nicholson: Defended well and put some cracking balls into the wings for Benyon to run onto.
Stevens: Some good runs and with a bit more composure would have scored in the first 5 minutes. Only minor criticism is his defending, but its only a minor one.
Carlisle: he is getting better with every game I see. Several quality balls into the box, beat his man on several occasions and isn’t scared to get stuck into a tackle. Now has a great understanding with Mansell and also with Benyon.
Wroe: Marshalled the midfield, quality passes, same as he usually is.
Thompson: Another who impressed me, another who is getting better each time I see him. I would think it’s highly unlikely that Hargreaves will start at Chesterfield, two weeks ago I would have been concerned, now I am confident that Thompson can fill in more than adequately. Him and Wroe are starting to form a good partnership and are starting to understand one another.
Benyon: Outstanding game, my Man of the Match. Strong in the challenge, worked his socks off, great first touch, great running and positional awareness. His contribution for the goal was first class, a great diagonal run into space, picking the ball up on the run taking it past his man and knocking a killer pass across the box straight into the path of Rendell. He has come on in leaps and bounds in the last 2 years and could feel rightly aggrieved if he is not in the starting line up come August 7th. The fact that other clubs were apparently interested in him close season speaks volumes for where he has got to.
Rendell: Solid display, am going to write about him on the thread about him. But very pleased that we have signed him.
I was also impressed with the teamwork and understanding the players now have with each other. It would be good if we can keep these guys together throughout the season.
It was difficult to assess the players that came on as they didn’t really have the time to do much and the game changed as well. One thing you can say is that we also now have the players in the squad that you feel could come in and do the job. Adams again looked capable, we already know what Sills is capable of, Halpin is one for the future. I know these are only Pre Season friendlies and it is doubtful what you can read into them, but I am beginning to get a warm fuzzy feeling about this season.
Two things I will say; First is that I hope we can continue to play the way we have over these last few games, however if we try and its not successful in the first 20 minutes of the first game, I hope that the fickle fans do not get on the backs of the team, or Bucks.
Second is that I really do hope we have a big crowd up at Plainmoor for the first game of the season. It’s a bit hypocritical of me as I am away on holiday, but I think the team deserve a big support at the beginning of the season and then who knows they may be impressed enough to come back again, and again.
Anyway I am off down the bookies to take a slice of the 25/1 that’s on offer at the moment. I don’t think for one minute that we are going to win the league, but I’m hopeful for a good run for my money.
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Post by dazgull on Jul 29, 2009 10:14:26 GMT
It was indeed very enjoyable watching that first half with us passing at pace, we are so more effective passing it quickly rather than tippy tappying it around slowly and getting no where.
Rendell had a very good half and was constantly on the move and asking for the ball, he and Benyon looked like they had played together before. He is far more mobile than Sills and should be a good signing. Sturrock also played well when he came on in the second half linking up well with Hodges at left back, no problem with him there if nico is out.
After all the substitutions it was a bit flat for a while but we ended the game really well and Adams certainly impressed, we all know he can pass a ball but it was the runs he was making forward that I hadnt seen him do before, looks like he lost a few pounds.
Didnt see the sending off incident but it wasnt as if Ellis went down or was cut so a stern word could have done.
I think a trip to the bookies is a good idea, certainly a good each way bet. If we start well then the odds will halve so get on now if you are going to have a bet.
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chelstongull
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Post by chelstongull on Jul 29, 2009 10:27:41 GMT
Two things I will say; First is that I hope we can continue to play the way we have over these last few games, however if we try and its not successful in the first 20 minutes of the first game, I hope that the fickle fans do not get on the backs of the team, or Bucks. The moaning brigade I'm sure will be out in full force and I would give them 2 minutes before they are having a go at Carlisle, Rendell or Paul Buckle. |
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Post by aussie on Jul 29, 2009 14:38:30 GMT
Two minutes my arse, they`ll start before kick off mate, most of `em have already made their minds up and no-one will change them, I have no idea why they even bother to go, I used to think they turned up just so they could moan and have a go at the manager and players but now I just can`t understand it at all!
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chelstongull
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Post by chelstongull on Jul 29, 2009 16:00:55 GMT
Me, I still buzzin after last nights first 45 minutes and Bevs two class saves.
Play like that in the League and we will do 'very nicely'.
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Dave
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Post by Dave on Jul 29, 2009 19:37:26 GMT
Sorry for delay in putting this up, internet has been down again, roll on next Tuesday.
The report is different from the one I wrote last night and lost, then everything was fresh in my mind. Also I can make even less sense of the notes I wrote down, well to be honest I’m struggling to read what I wrote.
As the team has already been put up, I’ll get straight into the report, most of the report will concentrate on the first half of the game. The first half we played football that has never been seem at Plainmoor since Leroy had his promotion winning team, treating us to football the way its meant to be played.
What was most impressive were the runs made by our players, often from the half way line right up to Brighton’s box, followed by shots or good balls played to Torquay players. It would be unfair to single out anyone player; they all played at the top of their game.
We did find ourselves having to defend a free kick as early as two minutes, we failed to deal with the ball into the box, and it went toward the far post and was hooked back across by a Brighton player. The ball ended up being headed over the bar and after that we took control all over the pitch.
On four minutes we saw a good move by TUFC, Carlisle out wide played the ball across too Stevens who shot wide. Both Benyon and Rendell were making good runs up front and Randall was showing some great touches. Often just cleverly laying off a ball played up to him. He did play one pass into the box for Benyon a bit too hard, but his look of disappointment showed me he cared and I like to see that in a player.
Bevan made two great saves in the second half, but did have one little incident, that saw a ball he had caught, go up in the air and he had to catch it again. He also had to race out of his box to bury the ball in the stand, Carlisle had tracked back and stole the ball on the halfway line from a Brighton player, his back pass was far to short, but Bevan got there before the Brighton forward.
Stevens was in top form out on the left wing, he cleverly beat his man on the halfway line and sent the ball over to Wroe. Wroe then went on a run to the edge of the box and got a shot away, it got defected into the keeper’s arms.
What did tufc01 say about the linesman, well he sure had the popside going made on the 20 minute mark, a great ball by Todd saw Benyon getting past the defender and to the ball, only to be flagged off side, he was clearly on when Todd played the ball.
Mansell was also on top form and he played a great ball to benyon, who’s shot across the keeper lacked any real power and was easily saved.
Benyon full of running cut into the box from the right hand side put a low ball into the mix, it came back to the edge of the box and Thompson fluffed his shot badly.
On 35 minutes Stevens had another great run and squared the Ball to Carlisle on the edge of the box, he hit it well, but it swerved wide of the left hand post. I said in the week playing this sort of football and the forwards doing their bit, would see us scoring goals. That happened on the 37 minute mark, a goal so simple but so brilliant in its execution. A great run down the middle of the pitch and a ball passed out to Benyon, he placed it into the box and Rendall stepped up and side footed it into the net from about three yards out.
A great enjoyable first half and only two changes to start the second half saw Sills and Ellis on. Mark was up to the challenge and was soon getting stuck in as Mark does. As Rendall and Sills were only on for a short while together, it’s impossible to say how well they will play together.
In was the 50th minute that Bevan pulled off what Chelstongull said was a world class save. I do have to agree with him, he dived across his goal and make a wonderful one handed save, he made another one later in the game, but the first one was by the best in my view.
We then saw Bucks bring on the rest of the subs, Adams, Joyce Brough, lanky legs, any more? We lost our way for a while with all the changes and Brighton had their best spell of the game. Soon the team started to find their passing again and we looked a lot better.
Adams sent in a good ball to Sills in the Brighton box, but his header was saved and I think it was Adams who found himself in the clear on the edge of the box with only the keeper to beat, but he put his shot wide of the post.
Then we saw the second great save by Bevan, this was followed by a header that I think lanky legs got his head on. It beat the keeper but was cleared off the line at the far post by a Brighton defender.
I know this was PSF, but it was played like it was a proper match, as tufc01 said players were getting stuck in all over the park. What the red card was for was unclear, did anyone see what happened?. I know Ellis was involved in a tackle, next Todd was being called over; I thought he was going to get booked, but could not understand why.
Then the ref led two Brighton players away and showed one the red card, then went and gave Ellis a yellow. I did see a Brighton player asking the ref what it was for, the ref moved his head as if to indicate the Brighton player had used his head, maybe it was a head butt, if so could only think it was on Ellis.
We have played great football in the last three games against teams that were in higher leagues, will we be able to play that way in league two? I see no reason why we can’t to be honest, Leroy’s team played this sort of football in this division and won promotion, not that I’m going to get carried away and think that’s going to happen this season.
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Post by aussie on Jul 29, 2009 20:03:22 GMT
Have you read the thread on the O.S. mate our new boy Scott is on about the direction of the club and how we are meant to be going for back to back promotions and how the club is geared up for it! And lanky legs has got a name but I`ll be fecked if I can spell it!
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Dave
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Post by Dave on Jul 29, 2009 20:12:09 GMT
Have you read the thread on the O.S. mate our new boy Scott is on about the direction of the club and how we are meant to be going for back to back promotions and how the club is geared up for it! And lanky legs has got a name but I`ll be fecked if I can spell it! Have not read it aussie, but will take a look soon, I'll be happy for mid table in our first season mate, we all know what happens when TUFC fans get their expectations far to high. I should add what a great night we had with the stewards last night, so pleased how the relationship between them and the fans is greatly improving. We got treated to a whole load of jokes from Steve 004 and I had some great banter with him, mind you he should leave the joke telling to a god old pro |
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Post by aussie on Jul 29, 2009 20:34:14 GMT
Yeah we should just leave him to just winning the 50/50 draw then eh, lucky bugger! ;D
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Post by stuartB on Jul 29, 2009 20:35:30 GMT
Have you read the thread on the O.S. mate our new boy Scott is on about the direction of the club and how we are meant to be going for back to back promotions and how the club is geared up for it! And lanky legs has got a name but I`ll be fecked if I can spell it! Have not read it aussie, but will take a look soon, I'll be happy for mid table in our first season mate, we all know what happens when TUFC fans get their expectations far to high. I should add what a great night we had with the stewards last night, so pleased how the relationship between them and the fans is greatly improving. We got treated to a whole load of jokes from Steve 004 and I had some great banter with him, mind you he should leave the joke telling to a[glow=red,2,300] god[/glow] old pro I know your pretty good mate but not as good as the man himself |
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Dave
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Post by Dave on Jul 29, 2009 20:40:12 GMT
Is that so Stuart it never came off in the end, but I was asked to go to his club, have all the makeup and come out as him. He was then going to come on and call me an impostor etc. Shame it never happened. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2009 20:59:16 GMT
Dave R We got treated to a whole load of jokes from Steve 004 and I had some great banter with him, mind you he should leave the joke telling to a god old pro
Rendells joke about back to back promotions will take some topping. I reckon that one will be re-told on the Pop side plenty of times long before Christmas.
I'd be pleasantly surprised if we achieve a mid table finish.
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Post by aussie on Jul 29, 2009 21:06:12 GMT
Dave R We got treated to a whole load of jokes from Steve 004 and I had some great banter with him, mind you he should leave the joke telling to a god old pro Rendells joke about back to back promotions will take some topping. I reckon that one will be re-told on the Pop side plenty of times long before Christmas. I'd be pleasantly surprised if we achieve a mid table finish. Have you not seen us play recently mate? Look at the new format of playing style and player positions and then add them to a couple of more signings, the pieces are coming together nicely from where I`m stood! Cup half full not half empty! |
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