Wealdstone Vs Dartford Sat 5th Jan

[Ozymandias]

Didn't go, so can't comment. But, having given us a right bashing at PP earlier in the season, I for one would have been well chuffed with a draw. Whether we were lucky or they weren't the side we played back then, to go a goal up was rather surprising. Especially looking at the starting 11.
Someone says the defence looked dodgy (not his words) but it's the defence that has kept us in a lot of matches.
Like I say, would have taken a draw so I am happy. But can't comment on individual performances.
Up the Darts.
PS. Someone said we don't look a play-off team but a bottom half side. So? It's been said by a few on here, including me. But at the moment do we want to make the play-offs? It will only extend our season, which is good for the club. But to even entertain the idea of promotion would have Flanagan and Allen having to work very hard to get a win under our belt in the Conference. And maybe back to back suicides.

[BrianL]

A spirited performance given that we missed Lee in midfield and Mark at the back and with yet another front four set-up.

Ronnie and Tom had to be very strong at the back and must have been shattered to have held firm for 91 minutes, then see a fairly soft shot elude Bailey. Many of their attacks came down the left where Jordan was having a difficult time while Daniel seemed more assured on the left. Little seen of Ben in deeper midfield, so Elliott had a lot to do. Ryan did what we expect in the first half with good crosses and also tracking back more to cover midfield. Phil was fast and direct with a couple of strong shots, one of which was spilt, but scrambled away; faded in the second half. Andre was fast and tricky, but tended to overdo it and go for glory, while Jamie never gave up running and causing problems.

We were well on top in the first 20 mins when we ought to have gone ahead. Wealdstone became better organised and had umpteen corners and hit the woodwork about three times and we did well to hold out to half time. Second half we were lively without giving their keeper much to do until Bradders forced a header in from a corner. 3 points would rewarded a battling performance, but can't be too unhappy to escape with a draw. Encouraging.

Bit pricey at £9 concession and £3 for a programme, but a good read (voted best in our league last season) with several articles of interest not just to the home fans.

[Kentc]

Didn't go, so can't comment. But, having given us a right bashing at PP earlier in the season, I for one would have been well chuffed with a draw. Whether we were lucky or they weren't the side we played back then, to go a goal up was rather surprising. Especially looking at the starting 11.
Someone says the defence looked dodgy (not his words) but it's the defence that has kept us in a lot of matches.
Like I say, would have taken a draw so I am happy. But can't comment on individual performances.
Up the Darts.
PS. Someone said we don't look a play-off team but a bottom half side. So? It's been said by a few on here, including me. But at the moment do we want to make the play-offs? It will only extend our season, which is good for the club. But to even entertain the idea of promotion would have Flanagan and Allen having to work very hard to get a win under our belt in the Conference. And maybe back to back suicides.

It’s all about opinions of course but I’m stunned if anyone doesn’t want to make the playoffs.
Where the hell have we got to.
If we went up the two bosses would have to earn their corn but that’s what they’re paid to do and I can’t believe the club don’t have this ambition.
If we went up I’d love the ride in the prem and what an achievement it would be to stay up.
Surely there has to be ambition and if it’s a stretch too far just enjoy the journey and go again.
Long way to go obviously.

[harry_gerrard]

Looking at the starting XI, I was worried that we'd get another pounding from Wealdstone, who embarrassed us at Princes Park back in August. However, we started brightly and should have probably gone ahead in the first 20 minutes. Roberts looked sharp, Hayes got his head up and put in some good crosses, and Philpot's workrate put pressure on the Wealdstone defence who always looked to play out from the back. Wealdstone worked their way back into the game towards the end of the first half, and hit the bar twice in quick succession. The second half was certainly Wealdstone's; we struggled to get out of our half at times, and Wealdstone seemed to have countless corners and chances to score. Elliot's header from a corner looked like giving us an unlikely win, but it wasn't meant to be.

Performance and effort wise, it was better than many games this season, but the underlying problem still remains; scoring goals. Too often we get into good positions, and then there's a poor ball into the box, or a shot goes over the bar, or someone makes the wrong decision. We don't make opposition keepers work enough. Our only goal threat comes from set pieces, and if we aren't forcing corners or free kicks in the opposition's half we simply do not look like scoring. Hopefully Roberts might be the answer here; from yesterday's evidence he wants the ball at his feet and looks to get a shot away whenever possible- here's hoping he starts making a difference now he's getting some minutes in.

[Kentc]

Never easy playing Wealdstone and an away point, no qualms with that and thank you woodwork!

"Their support genuinely pathetic. They bottle it every time coming to the Vale". That's a quote from one of their head hunters, what's that all about?

Someone tell this idiot we go to watch our football team and support them. I think he’s stuck in the 70s / 80s and clearly a complete pr*ck

[M1 South]

I think DA might be right?
Do they want some or what??

[Kentc]

I think DA might be right?
Do they want some or what??

Spurs hooligans kicking off again

[Jonty]

Never easy playing Wealdstone and an away point, no qualms with that and thank you woodwork!

"Their support genuinely pathetic. They bottle it every time coming to the Vale". That's a quote from one of their head hunters, what's that all about?

Some of their supporters always make me laugh. Despite having a larger budget than us, a much smaller fanbase they like to give it the big un and always keep banging on "how great their support is". In truth, they are little more than one man and his dog.

As for the game, I didn't make this so cannot comment but will add that it makes a change for us to be outplayed and still pick up a point. I have lost count the amount of times we have outplayed this lot and still managed to end up on the losing side.

[Ozymandias]

Not saying I don't want us to make the play-off's Kentc, just saying that at the moment we are not good enough. It would only extend our season. Or maybe we could do a Braintree.
Having not had any cup runs this year we will be trying to survive on a smaller budget.
And as BrianL says £9 concession, a bit pricey. At least we only pay £2.50 for our programme for what little there is in there.

[silverado]

£9 concession? That's what we charge!!! - Up from £7 last season!!!!!!!!!!!! I should know, I'm an OAP.