Dartford v Potters Bar Town Tue 13 Aug 2024

[DA Mikey]

Matt Kerbey 7/10 - Not a great deal to do and not at fault for the goal. Decent distribution and handling.
Sam Odaudu 6/10 - Held his position wide left and caused a few problems for the full back in the second half. Will be frustrated.
Josh Hill 6/10 - Showed determination and good leadership. Gave away possession a couple of times. Probably had too much to do.
George Whitefield 5/10 - Let his man slip for the goal. Couple of aimless hoofs up field.
Callum Jones 6/10 - Gave a good go in the first half but faded in the second.
Denzelle Olopade 5/10 - Capable of so much more, really never got a decent footing in the game.
***Olly Box 7/10*** - Full of vim and vigour as always. Not afraid to take on defenders and get stuck in. Reminiscent of a certain No.8 of the past.
Samuel Okoye 4/10 - No significant contribution despite much of the play being along his side.
Luther Williams 7/10 - Solid.
Tyler Christian-Law 5/10 - Reasonable but unremarkable.
Jeremiah Pinder 5/10 - Quiet performance on the whole, few bits of good footwork but no real threat.
Eddie Dsane 6/10 - Looks promising but came into a game which already felt over.

[DA Mikey]

Do agree that a nippy winger is needed. Carruthers’ return cannot come soon enough to engender some competition for places as he will surely be a lock in the engine room once fully match fit. DOA should also provide some aerial threat which we lack. Potters Bar had a few decisions go their way including the yellow which could have been a red (no.4 IIRC), but considering the way both teams set about the game, deserved the win.

Still willing to accept that the team may not gel as we would want for a few weeks yet. Frustrating as it is, we must be patient.

[Kermo18]

Only making 1 sub when we can now make 5 is questionable.
Pumping long balls into the box when we have a short front like is also questionable.
We had a centre half on the bench who’s at least 6ft4 and would have caused havoc if stuck up top for the last ten mins.
The number 19 was very poor, and also had an average game on Saturday.
Samir coming back will make a huge difference to the midfield.
Very early days, 3 points out of 6 is something to build on.

[rambo]

This is a new squad new league new manager and time is needed for everything to settle
First half was poor , we kept winning the ball and giving it back, the goal came from exactly this . We must have repeated the same mistake 6 times in the first half
Second half much better and probably deserved a draw for the second half performance
Badly need Samir and Duane backl
Ollie played very well as did Sam . Jeremiah was ok but a lot more needed from the others
No idea how good Mert Apat is but maybe he should have come on with 15 left as he may hzvd been a threat from corners , crosses and free kicks
Ollie motm
Pleased with the support from the young lads
Roll on Saturday

[ozymandias]

Very disappointing. First half PB had more urgency and looked quicker. Going a goal to the good, thought we would maybe come out with more vigour but until Desane came on and Box played out on the left did we seem to want to get interested.
Olly and Sam down the left began stretching and running PB ragged and with Desane and Callum looking more dangerous I thought we would rescue a point. But after desperate defending and the woodwork denied us it wasn't to be.
Obviously the quality was missing but given time I was happy with the rally towards the end.
Why is it people feel they need the management to acknowledge the crowd? I should think they were more disappointed than a lot of us.
Good display from PB and their followers, they deserved their win.
Need a better performance on Saturday to get the confidence back after our initial win.

[ozymandias]

Enjoyed your ratings Mickey. Agreed with a lot.
Carry on.

[rick]

Enjoyed your ratings Mikey.

I agree.

[Dave T]

I think most (though clearly not all ) supporters appreciate that this one of the youngest and least experienced Dartford teams for many years and we are not going to run away with this league. Managing expectations could be Ady's biggest challenge this season! The inexperience showed last night, with several examples of a lack of composure at key moments, but this will improve with time and a few more matches.

I think Samir and Duane's experience would have made a big difference, so let's hope they both get fit soon.

As l see it, it's already miles better than last season, mainly because Ady has built a group of players who want to wear the shirt and want to work for each other.

The old adage is don't look at the league table until ten games are played, but it's already interesting than only two teams have won their first two matches.

Like most of us, l was disappointed with the result last night, but not at all downhearted.

Well done also to the young fans who really got behind the team last night

[Lars Resort]

Thought we'd get something from it second half but still came out with no urgency. Not until Eddie came on did we liven up.
Box and Oduado two stand outs with Josh and the number 17 close behind.
Olly Box all day for me.
They other two academy lads put in a good shift without being stand out.
A lot to learn from last night.

[KentC]

A disappointing result to say the least.
However I have faith in AP, a decent guy and good experience.
He’s had a different kind of challenge after relegation but he does give me confidence with his recruitment and positive attitude.

[Taunton Dart]

I know that as I'm getting old my memory is getting worse, (but not as bad as the predictive text on my phone!). I seem to remember that in 2009-10, when we were last in the (Ryman) Isthmian Prem that we had a mixed record at home, even though we marched to the title in style.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that at home we won 10, drew 6 and lost 5 - hardly fortress PP - but then, as now, PP was the best away ground for all the other clubs and therefore their cup final that they raised their game for. Our AWAY record that season was (I think) 18 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats

Also up front we had Lee Burns as a makeshift striker (with about 30 goals) and Rob Haworth . Not to mention all the other stars, Lee Noble, Billy Burgess et al

I feel that we will have no easy home matches this season - but our away record will be more indicative of the strength and development of our new team.

[Tony H]

Now that the dust has settled (just!) it’s safe to say that many were disappointed with last nights result, as I was. Positives? Callum Jones looks the part up top (great movement and work rate) but lacked support (until D’Sane came on). Sam marauding down the left flank and getting decent crosses in and our defence looked solid (my opinion).

Not bothered that Ady didn’t come and clap the fans - he wanted to get in, collect his thoughts to address the players before they got back in- simple! He’s first to praise the part the fans play normally.

Early days, not a time to be despondent. We have some great talent in this squad, though some are young and raw! Give it time, and as many have said, a couple of months.

MoM for me - Sam.

[Lars Resort]

Of course not Tony. Early days, as you say. When you see Chatham's league position and they are supposedly big spenders/favourites. What's the worry?
Give the lads 10 games before we start bleating.
We are virtually a new side. I must say I was pleased at the way we finished the game last night. A bit of passion there.
I'm sure Ade will let the lads know to learn from this defeat.

[Lars Resort]

Let's not take anything away from Potters Bar. After an 8-0 walloping I think they deserved it.

[Tony H]

Let's not take anything away from Potters Bar. After an 8-0 walloping I think they deserved it.

Agree with that! Their keeper played a blinder and the rest of the team were well organised. The manager needed a response from them and they got one, so fair play.

[rick]

I know that as I'm getting old my memory is getting worse, (but not as bad as the predictive text on my phone!). I seem to remember that in 2009-10, when we were last in the (Ryman) Isthmian Prem that we had a mixed record at home, even though we marched to the title in style. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that at home we won 10, drew 6 and lost 5

You can count yourself: https://www.thedarts.eu/archive0910.html

[Park Life]

[Tall Dart]

Looks like we were worth a draw from the highlights. Plenty of chances, some we were unlucky not to score.

[Lars Resort]

Yes, exceptional keeping and defending. We were closer to salvaging a share of the points than a few thought.
No reasons for despondency.

[ozymandias]

Nice to see my Kit sponsorship lad Jeremiah Pinder for the first time in action. Thought he had a quiet game and reminded me somewhat of Andre Coker with those long gangly legs. Although he did keep his arms under control.
Will be interesting to see if the lad retains his place for Saturday and it's good that he is well thought of by the management.
But talking of the academy kids, Olly Box seems to go from strength to strength and oozes confidence with each game.
Carry on Lads