Dartford v Bowers & Pitsea Sat 21 Sep 2024

[Sleightly Deceptive]

Poor display first half but second I thought we showed a bit better desire in second half but have to agree we give the ball away to easily at times ,

The crowd were also flat first half and was told so by a very loud gentleman, which i understand but I feel the players need to give the crowd something to shout about and the second half they did this,

I know I’m going to be in the minority here the said person above having a go at the crowd, also shouted at Eddie even though he didn’t know his name just called him number 21, I don’t think Eddie was to pleased by what was said and I know this man has links with the club by his son playing for us but does he have to be so loud, As I say I’m going to get crucified for it but I find it embarrassing to stand around him shouting like he does I’m sure it does not help the players I’m now having second thoughts attending games because of this.

You have a valid point I’m afraid. He does my head in. It was funny at first but now it’s just pointless angry shouting throughout. I’m having to change where I normally stand. But one can’t criticise his passion for the club.

[BrianL]

Easy to say not having been there, but at least other results were fairly kind, so we've only dropped one place I think.
F A Trophy draw tomorrow to take our minds off yesterday's frustration, and a very difficult match at Worthing coming up.

[ozymandias]

Wasn't there yesterday so I can't comment on what has been said. Disappointed by the result, having been down at Dover I felt confident at getting back to winning ways as I felt Dover would be a one off.
Up to that game I felt we were playing well as a team and that a couple of players added to bolster certain positions was needed.
So tell me, I've felt we needed a big guy at the back alongside Josh and having seen Apat play just once I didn't think it was him. For a big guy he looks unsure, slow and weak. Was there any improvement in his game?Am I justified in thinking that?
Come on Ade, just a couple of tweaks to bolster an ordinary looking side that seems to stuck in second gear.

[Tony H]

That horrible B word has appeared again. Nobody on here, including myself, knows what the clubs playing budget (s**t, I’ve said it!) is. We don’t know what we can and can’t afford, that’s the Board’s business. Also, we don’t know what objectives the management team have been set. All we can see, and observe, is that IF the Board have set the management the objective of promotion back to the NLS this season, then somehow, we need to strengthen this squad.

[Taunton Dart]

As a supporter from afar I am confused by some posts. We have people saying that the players need to have competition for places and things need to be changed around to keep players on their toes - but then people hark back, with extremely fond memories, of the days of Bradbrook, Noble, Burns, Harris and Hayes. That side was a very settled team with most changes brought about by injuries and suspensions - why can't Ade, or any manager, still stick to trying to get a settled side? Go back to Peter Taylor's days and the squad was probably only about 16 players, if that. Get a fit and hungry side and the results will come. Remember this side has only been playing together this season so they are still gelling and we have been without our midfield maestro for most of that time.

[Tony H]

As a supporter from afar I am confused by some posts. We have people saying that the players need to have competition for places and things need to be changed around to keep players on their toes - but then people hark back, with extremely fond memories, of the days of Bradbrook, Noble, Burns, Harris and Hayes. That side was a very settled team with most changes brought about by injuries and suspensions - why can't Ade, or any manager, still stick to trying to get a settled side? Go back to Peter Taylor's days and the squad was probably only about 16 players, if that. Get a fit and hungry side and the results will come. Remember this side has only been playing together this season so they are still gelling and we have been without our midfield maestro for most of that time.

Fair point TD, but we’re 2 months into the season, have lost in the league to 2 of the teams in the bottom half ( when we played them) and battered by Dover. For those that watch regularly, no disrespect to your good self, we can see that the team is lacking in certain areas. For me we lack experience.

[Tony H]

….personally, with the squad we have, I believe we can still finish top half, despite yesterdays performance. Getting back to objectives, is that good enough for the Club this season? A season of consolidation I mean.

[Mark Sweet]

I know I’m going to be in the minority here the said person above having a go at the crowd, also shouted at Eddie even though he didn’t know his name just called him number 21, I don’t think Eddie was to pleased by what was said and I know this man has links with the club by his son playing for us but does he have to be so loud, As I say I’m going to get crucified for it but I find it embarrassing to stand around him shouting like he does I’m sure it does not help the players I’m now having second thoughts attending games because of this.

He does my absolute head in. I don't care who he is, he needs to tone it down, or someone needs to tell him. First half he had a go at the youth for not banging the drum, and 2nd half ended up hurling abuse towards Eddie. The fact he doesn't know his name says how much he actually cares about the players. I didn't think Eddie did much wrong in terms of work rate yesterday, which seemed to be the issue the drunk idiot raised.

It can't help the players hearing that drunk clown shouting incoherent rubbish every 2 minutes.

….personally, with the squad we have, I believe we can still finish top half, despite yesterdays performance. Getting back to objectives, is that good enough for the Club this season? A season of consolidation I mean.

I'm sorry that's ridiculous, why should we be happy with top half? The past however many seasons we've been fighting in the playoffs to get out of the NLS and all of a sudden after one bad season we should be happy with top half in the Isthmian? Anything other than promotion is a massive failure. Yes it will be tough, and we haven't made it any easier by throwing away silly points but I cannot accept anything else.

[Sleightly Deceptive]

Hmmm Mark. Methinks you’re gonna have to manage your expectations bud. Next season perhaps, but not this. I was expecting mid table this season. But we gonna have to massively improve our form to make that happen. Next season, I expect promotion. By whatever means.

[The Duke]

I believe we are actually quite a good team based on the level of experience in the line up, the big problems are that in a 5-3-2 set up neither Okeye or Acardo are good enough [ yet to be a maurauding wing backs and their crosses into the box have a very low rate of threat , we badly need an experienced winger as an outlet to stretch the play and get decent crosses into the box , B &P [and Leytonstone] had one , so they are about , time to concentrate Ady , they wont cost a bomb !!!! Midfield has 2 youngsters [ both done well so far ] but attitude and bite is missing , Ben Allen has a nasty streak [and good stats ] and should get a start and also Ady should be deciding whether T C Law is the answer IF NOT then replace

I reckon we might scrape a play of spot but thats ok with me IF Ady acts positively ??????????

[DA Mikey]

I’m with Mark Sweet. Obviously we have a new squad, but any relegated team should be looking to bounce back immediately and I would say our situation transcends ‘mere’ relegation since we have come down two levels and consistently finished in playoff places in between those relegations. Dartford is a massive club at this level and plenty of personnel - be it players, visitors, reporters, etc. have commented that we shouldn’t be as low as the Isthmian.
What we are in danger of is sacking a manager who led us to two successive playoffs; then another who took us to one playoff, in favour of a relegation and stuttering start to the level below. This is not a dig at Pennock and there are valid reasons for the dismissal of King & Dowson, but the hard facts are there and the warning signs absolutely must be heeded.

We made a game of the last 20 minutes yesterday. Things need to be more proactive than reactive or it will be another crap season.

[Tony H]

….personally, with the squad we have, I believe we can still finish top half, despite yesterdays performance. Getting back to objectives, is that good enough for the Club this season? A season of consolidation I mean.

I'm sorry that's ridiculous, why should we be happy with top half? The past however many seasons we've been fighting in the playoffs to get out of the NLS and all of a sudden after one bad season we should be happy with top half in the Isthmian? Anything other than promotion is a massive failure. Yes it will be tough, and we haven't made it any easier by throwing away silly points but I cannot accept anything else.
[/quote]

Read my posts previous to that Mark, not that one in isolation. I’m not for one minute saying a top half finish is good enough. I’m posing the question as to what the Board have set the management team as expectations for the season and whether funds are available to strengthen this squad IF expectations are for a play-off, or even promotion, campaign.

[KentC]

Hmmm Mark. Methinks you’re gonna have to manage your expectations bud. Next season perhaps, but not this. I was expecting mid table this season. But we gonna have to massively improve our form to make that happen. Next season, I expect promotion. By whatever means.

Why in earth would we not set our target as challenging for promotion.
Anything else is allowing our already on the pitch failing owners to avoid accountability.
This club should be targeting promotion and nothing less.
I’d be shocked if most people don’t feel the same.

[Park Life]

[Sleightly Deceptive]

Hmmm Mark. Methinks you’re gonna have to manage your expectations bud. Next season perhaps, but not this. I was expecting mid table this season. But we gonna have to massively improve our form to make that happen. Next season, I expect promotion. By whatever means.

Why in earth would we not set our target as challenging for promotion.
Anything else is allowing our already on the pitch failing owners to avoid accountability.
This club should be targeting promotion and nothing less.
I’d be shocked if most people don’t feel the same.

Am just being realistic mate. I’m not saying I don’t want it.

[Lars Resort]

Now I understand Rick's problem with Duke. Reading his post I thought we had half the Food distribution service on the pitch.

[rambo]

I like Ade , he is saying and doing the right things. He is the total opposite of the mug previously in charge.
I believe that we will continue to play a bad game every 4/5 games while the young players are gaining experience. For me the minimum expectation is play offs.
Obviously Ade is doing his best to get the most out of the young players.
It is clear that we need something in the squad to make us better and to my mind it is a speedy winger and a midfield general. I have watched the clubs local to me this season and I am hugely impressed with two players that fit the above. I understand Ade is aware of both players and I hope he has organised someone at the club to look at them and decide if they are up to the standard he desires.
I have not lost hope for the season because I can see how hard the players are working
Next week will be a toughie but back to league matches soon.

[rick]

Now I understand Rick's problem with Duke. Reading his post I thought we had half the Food distribution service on the pitch.

It's another name to add to the translation list. Get there one day.

[Babylon]

Long way to go and this team needs to gel.
So far I don't see automatic promotion
Possibly a play off spot .
But I ain't putting any money on it.

[Paulcanary]

Long way to go and this team needs to gel.
So far I don't see automatic promotion
Possibly a play off spot .
But I ain't putting any money on it.

Still early days but I fully agree with this

Side at the moment is a shadow of the great team we had when we were last at this level in 2010.- now that was a team and went onto greater things too- The 5 legends plus Rob Haworth Danny Dafter and crew

Kindgstonian away to win league and we did it in style 6-2 unforgettable