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Still on a high from Saturday we slumped to defeat against Combined Counties Knaphill, and we didn't really deserve anything else. We started brightly enough and had 3 or 4 chances in the box which probably should have been put away, and Cunningham missed a penalty. But after that I thought that we lost our concentration and were going for the Hollywood too often or trying to do it all on our own. Knaphill defended with a bank of 4 and a bank of 5, so obviously it was tight in there, but we should have been more patient.
And when players like O'Neill are having an off night, getting disposessed time after time, its up to someone else to step up and take the game by the scruff of the neck. Unfortunately nobody did. And Cunningham up front on his own was ineffective. And later on in the game, we just weren't getting numbers into the box, which has been a feature of our play this season.
But Knaphill didn't just defend, they did break with pace and got plenty of support up there when they could. But by and large our defence looked OK. Their goal came just after half time when a corner ended up at the feet of an unmarked striker at the back of the box. But our response was disappointing
Last night was a classic "After the Lord Mayors Show" game So much expectation but little if anything positive out of it, especially the second half.It did look like after the goal that everyone just gave up and decided to concede the game to concentrate on the league – which I have no problem with.
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Not too sorry I missed it now. I was at a works do at the highly acclaimed Indian restaurant in Bond Road, it's called 'Chak 89' which up until last night I thought was a Punjabi tribute band to Sham 69. Still, you live and learn.
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Why did Mike Dixon not get on? (according to website)
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Personally , and I am not trying to be wise after the event, but after the shift the lads put in on Saturday, and lets face it another game on the Tuesday is probably the last thing they needed, I am not surprised at the result and neither should the team be. Let us not forget we are talking about part timers who also have a job to do during the day, so I think we can allow a hiccup like last night.
The most important thing to focus on is winning the league, and now having played and beaten most of the top teams around us the lads should feel confident that this is a distinct possibility, whereas before Christmas most were probably thinking, like ourselves, a playoff spot would be acceptable, but not now!
So look out Herne Bay.
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You may have read in a previous posting that Mike has been carrying an ankle injury for most of the season. And 'that tackle' gave it a serious jolting.
Don't think the plan was ever to bring him on last night. Hence Sol coming on as a midfielder/winger, perhaps looking to replicate his dribble through 4/5/6 derfenders from earlier in the season.
(Alledgedly described by Gary Walker as 'The best dribble I did not see this season')
Those at the game last night may have seen him doing some specific work on it with a physio along the touch line.
Last edited by Bondy (01/2/2017 5:51 pm)