[ Tue 15th Oct ] v Peterboro NS, K0 7.45pm UCLP HOME

[Bobos]

My thoughts on the game, for what they are worth.

The whole team looked float, maybe a knock on from Saturday?
The crowd was flat, but does the team feed off the crowd or does the crowd feed of the team?

We lost to a team that wanted it more than we did, it happens, I'm sure that there will be more defeats along the way. We are a UCL Premier team, not a Division 2 team, we have to earn our wins, not just expect them.

Tonight may have given Starms food for thought about his side, another wake up call 8-)

[therushden]

I'd like someone who can cross a ball with their left foot, playing on the left wing. We give too much possession away in that area. They worked us out and punished our weakest areas, fair play to their manager. He done a job on us.
Leagues aren't won or lost in October, I won't be panicing yet.

[Diamond_ Wolf]

My thoughts on the game, for what they are worth.

The whole team looked float, maybe a knock on from Saturday?
The crowd was flat, but does the team feed off the crowd or does the crowd feed of the team?

We lost to a team that wanted it more than we did, it happens, I'm sure that there will be more defeats along the way. We are a UCL Premier team, not a Division 2 team, we have to earn our wins, not just expect them.

Tonight may have given Starms food for thought about his side, another wake up call 8-)

Can't really argue with that assessment. The crowd was always going to be a bit flat after the the occasion on Saturday and Tuesday night games are never quite the same IMO. Unfortunately we always look like conceding even against weaker sides. Spalding have conceded 1 in 9 which is some going, if anyone stops them from winning the league i will be shocked.

[Three Nips]

The crux of the problem is that our defence is by far the weakest part of our team and a simple scout of any one of our games would tell the opposition that. It's not rocket science!

I wouldn't trust Jamal to clear his plate let alone the ball without panicking and our full backs are just bang average. The rest of the squad has been strengthened to compete at the top but the defence, although better than Div 1 standard, are not really good enough to progress any further than mid-table in the Prem.

[Olly]

And was just thinking tonight how I'm still yet to see Faz play as well as he did at Stamford in preseason. After that game, like others I wondered why on earth he hadn't played at a higher level than the SL cause he was superb in that friendly, but I can see why now, a lack of consistency unfortunately.

He was brilliant against Sileby (although they were awful) and is almost solely responsible for us getting a draw away at Dunstable, but I agree on the whole. He's stopped attempting to take his man on and is instead opting for the sideways/backward pass. Not sure if he's lacking a bit of confidence.

Ah yes, forgot about the Sileby game, wasn't at either of those games unfortunately. Its not that he's playing particularly badly, he still provides a good threat, but we just know he's capable of being so much more deadly going forward than he currently is.

[Pigman]

Bit of an FA Cup hangover??

I arrived late, but thought PNS were good value for the win to be honest, they worked hard, closed us down and gave little space and took their chances - we looked a little lacklustre and jaded. Personally I think Merrill should have come on along with Gearing to liven up the right hand side, Gilly offered us little, plus their number 5 played Dunks really well.

One to put behind us and look forward to the Vase, an important game for us, lose that and its just the league to focus on. Onwards and upwards !!

[Trek]

Bit of an FA Cup hangover??

Spot on, Pigman.

However, PNS were by far the best side we've played in the league in my opinion, looked far stronger than Deeping Rangers, although they've strengthen their team since we faced them in the first match of the season. PNS, set their formation up nicely to counteract some of our strengths particularly with their midfield and Billy Smith their number 11 looks a really good prospect and caused us problems all night. They are a very hard working and determined outfit who play with a good spirit and I feel that a few more of the lesser lights in the UCL might endeavour to produce that type of display against us in future matches. We might have secured a draw in the end which our overall play, frankly, didn't deserve. Our defence is our weak point at present, as others have pointed out, and I think it's time for Starms to re-introduce Deakins into the centre of defence and I would do that for the Woodford Vase match. We've also missed his aerial threat at set ball attacking plays. Mattie Gearing also needs a full 90 minutes as well to continue to sharpen up as he looked very lively when he was introduced. Lance Allen should also be given a start in place of Dunkley who thoroughly deserves a rest as well after his exertions over the last month or so.

I was generally pleased with the attendance of 321 after all the forum debate of the clash of this fixture with the televised England match.

Onwards and upwards. ;)

[Three of Diamonds]

I agree with your changes for Saturday Paul it's time to rest some players. I thought we did ok and had the disallowed goal stood we could have won the game. This season is a big learning curve let's use it to assess our requirements then try get in the players we need, like Smith.

[sandringhamdiamond]

I did expect a bit of a cup hang over so I thought Stams would of made more changes, should of started McBride to give use some energy, Also Gearing and Deakin who are more than capable and would be nice and fresh. Glad he started with Wizz but he should of been taken off at ht, he was slipping over left right and centre last night. Lance should of been brought on much earlier. bringing on in injury time is too late although he did almost score

Also when we get a long throw its a bit predicable that we are going for the near post flick, yes it has worked before but we need a bit more variation.

Anyway on to the Vase lets get a clean sheet and some goals and put this one behind us.

[Turveyman]

Although it is early in the season, I think we can say goodbye to winning the league. In order to make up ground we will need to take close to maximum points of our rivals such as Spalding. Consequently, perhaps we should concentrate on trying to win the Vase.

Regarding last night, I agree with all the comments about jaded players. Jamal looks rather suspect in defence but our attacking style of play doesn't provide much protection so a good quality defensive mid fielder may help.