13-2 slump
Having seen Leamington thrashed 9-1 at Colchester, I had hopes that the Addicks might get something at Blackburn, the home side's 2-1 half-time lead seeming to be far from irreversible, but it ended up with a 4-1 hammering.
Erith Addick Paul May was supposed to provide a report, but has ended up drowning his sorrows. From what I saw on television, good saves by Freidel to deny Hreidarsson and Bothroyd meant that the final scoreline could have been more respectable, although Blackburn were also denied a penalty appeal against the Herminator.
It seemed to me that we lost our shape at times. Spector also seemed to be found wanting once again. There is no doubt that he has potential, but it is far from fully realised and surely Chris Powell could be tried again after his excellent performance at Chelsea.
The usual suspects are calling for Curbs to get on the next plane to Edinburgh. I think there has to be some adjustment of expectations, but a Uefa cup place is still a realistic possibility. We do, however, need another striker - if we can find one - in the January transfer window. Also, we need ideas (now that Bowyer is ruled out for his off pitch conduct) about a midfielder who would give the team a bit of edge and bite.
Brakes burn out
Colchester is a curious mix of prosperous commuter town, shopping centre, university town, garrison town and chavtastic paradise. However, the home fans were very welcoming to the 1,000 townsmen who had made the journey from the Midlands. The stadium is somewhat ramshackle to say the least and a prominent banner called for a new one.
The team had enjoyed specially made suits, a night in a hotel and a meal in an Italian restaurant. The excellent programme gave generous coverage to the Brakes, including a special feature on student and player of the 3rd qualifying round, Alex Rodman. It was noted that Brakes had won 148 matches since their re-formation with only 19 defeats.
The Midland Alliance side managed to hold out for 38 minutes and if it had been 2-0 at half time, it might have been a different story. Darren Tank, meanwhile, had been regaled with chants of 'You fat bastard' by the home supporters, while the away supporters have kept up chants of 'Leamington Spa, ooh-ah' and 'Warwickshire'. However, a goal from a free kick, followed by a second, put paid to those hopes. The home side then scored a third just after the break, starting the rout. The only consolation was a superb 25 yard strike by Richard Adams for the Brakes which will cost me £1 as that is the payment I make for each goal he scores. This was followed by the second pitch invasion of the match which ended up with a tailor's dummy in the Colchester goal.
The gap between League 1 and Step 5 of the non-league showed in every department: getting to the ball, tackling, passing, shooting, and, above all, fitness. Now Brakes have to pick themselves up to face Solihull Borough in the Birmingham Senior Cup on Tuesday and Biddulph Victoria away in the Vase.
Erith Addick Paul May was supposed to provide a report, but has ended up drowning his sorrows. From what I saw on television, good saves by Freidel to deny Hreidarsson and Bothroyd meant that the final scoreline could have been more respectable, although Blackburn were also denied a penalty appeal against the Herminator.
It seemed to me that we lost our shape at times. Spector also seemed to be found wanting once again. There is no doubt that he has potential, but it is far from fully realised and surely Chris Powell could be tried again after his excellent performance at Chelsea.
The usual suspects are calling for Curbs to get on the next plane to Edinburgh. I think there has to be some adjustment of expectations, but a Uefa cup place is still a realistic possibility. We do, however, need another striker - if we can find one - in the January transfer window. Also, we need ideas (now that Bowyer is ruled out for his off pitch conduct) about a midfielder who would give the team a bit of edge and bite.
Brakes burn out
Colchester is a curious mix of prosperous commuter town, shopping centre, university town, garrison town and chavtastic paradise. However, the home fans were very welcoming to the 1,000 townsmen who had made the journey from the Midlands. The stadium is somewhat ramshackle to say the least and a prominent banner called for a new one.
The team had enjoyed specially made suits, a night in a hotel and a meal in an Italian restaurant. The excellent programme gave generous coverage to the Brakes, including a special feature on student and player of the 3rd qualifying round, Alex Rodman. It was noted that Brakes had won 148 matches since their re-formation with only 19 defeats.
The Midland Alliance side managed to hold out for 38 minutes and if it had been 2-0 at half time, it might have been a different story. Darren Tank, meanwhile, had been regaled with chants of 'You fat bastard' by the home supporters, while the away supporters have kept up chants of 'Leamington Spa, ooh-ah' and 'Warwickshire'. However, a goal from a free kick, followed by a second, put paid to those hopes. The home side then scored a third just after the break, starting the rout. The only consolation was a superb 25 yard strike by Richard Adams for the Brakes which will cost me £1 as that is the payment I make for each goal he scores. This was followed by the second pitch invasion of the match which ended up with a tailor's dummy in the Colchester goal.
The gap between League 1 and Step 5 of the non-league showed in every department: getting to the ball, tackling, passing, shooting, and, above all, fitness. Now Brakes have to pick themselves up to face Solihull Borough in the Birmingham Senior Cup on Tuesday and Biddulph Victoria away in the Vase.
posted by Wyn Grant at 9:29 AM
1 Comments:
A bad weekend all round Wyn.
Doesn't sound like Layer Rd has improved much since our Cup game years ago.
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