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Anyone know how we are getting on?

Kick off was delayed to 3.15pm due to travel issues and I'm told the score is 1-0 :( (though I cannot confirm that and my source isn't the most reliable ;))

Finished 1-1 apparantly

Olly wrote:Finished 1-1 apparantly

Not the best of endings to the PSF schedule. Any ideas who got our goal?

No I don't sorry, all radio cobblers said was it was or had finished 1-1

Sam Smith scored in the 55th minute

http://www.thediamondsfc.com/page/NewsD ... 96,00.html

Thats not a good sign seen as that was arguably our strongest squad :(

Don't look into it too much.

Not a very inspiring way to end our pre-season preparations.

Unless anyone joins between now and next Saturday, I imagine our starting lineup will be the same as that which started the game today, with the possible exception of Miller replacing Corky at right back. Which is worrying.

We dominated possession in the first half, but lacked any spark or creativity in the final third. We almost took the lead in the opening few minutes after their 'keeper fumbled a long range shot, but as Simmonds looked to tap home the rebound the 'keeper redeemed himself by quickly closing him down and getting in a block. Wingate took the lead against the run of play, putting together a good move to hit us on the break, resulting with a great finish which left Dale with no chance. The Wingate frontline did cause Osano and Stuart a few problems, although failed to test Dale again. We had a few half chances, most of which their 'keeper made a complete hash of, but unfortunately for us we weren't able to capitalise on them. Both Simmonds and Charles saw plenty of the ball down the wings, but their final delivery was consistently poor, and although Faz showed some nice touches 30 yards from goal, he failed to make an impact in and around the box. We did have two decent penalty shouts, firstly when Simmonds was caught as he tried to get away from his marker (although the contact was slight, and was the sort of shout that only ever gets given against us, not for us ;) ) but the second was as clear cut as you'll ever see, as Corky was taken clean out as he surged into the box, but the ref inexplicably waved play on.

The second half was a more even affair, although we did create more clear cut chances. Smith had a half chance early on but failed to hit the target, before scoring the equaliser shortly after that, running onto a long ball from Osano, shrugging off a defender (although he won't get away from Conference defenders as easily as that) and then lobbing the 'keeper superbly from a narrow angle. Shariff then replaced Faz, and looked sharper and stronger than he has in most of his first team appearances so far. He nearly gave us the lead with a powerful surge into the box, but after breaking away from two defenders he dragged his shot wide. There were plenty of strong challenges going in from both sides, but Wingate should have been reduced to 10 men midway through the half when Charles skipped past two challenges (one of the rare occasions when he did manage to actually beat his man) but the second player deliberately went in studs showing and caught Charles on the thigh, yet only received a booking. Charles walked off gingerly not long after that, having been on the receiving end of a couple more very strong tackles. The closest we came to getting a winner was when Stuart headed against the post from a very tight angle, and from the rebound Shariff's shot from almost right on the line was brilliantly blocked.

Much improving is required for next week, with particular areas for concern being Osano who just doesn't look comfortable at centre back, and up front where we lack strength and any aerial prowess in the middle, and despite plenty of pace down the wings neither Charles nor Simmonds seem to have any end product. Finishing on a positive note though, Day once again looked very good and now that Tommo has gone, I would say he has been our most impressive pre-season performer. Power was again very assured in the middle and both Spence and Porter showed plenty of energy and got forward very well. Sign Rene Howe and a winger with Tomlin's ability before next Saturday and I'll be very happy with the squad! ;)

I didn't watch the match but the result doesn't look good espicially sincewingate are a few leagues below us. The first game is going to be interesting and the result won't be straight forward.