City 2 Hampton & Richmond 0
Aug 29, 2022 20:33:24 GMT
Post by Rijs on Aug 29, 2022 20:33:24 GMT
A very satisfying performance and result today. Hampton offered more resistance than Concord had; they defended well and made it difficult, so it was never going to be another goal-fest, but City were worth their win after a fine second-half performance. The first half was, frankly, forgettable-- some tired legs out there and a very warm afternoon -- but it ended with another cool penalty from Klaidi Lolos. That apart, there was only one clear-cut chance but the ball came across the box a little too quickly for the sprightly Gerald Muchechetere to make a clean contact in front of goal.
City were strong in defence themselves and seem very reluctant to have their growing clean-sheet run ended - over 400 minutes now. Well done to Ben and those boys in front of him. Both teams hit the woodwork in the second half but Mark Smith was the busier of the two keepers and had to pull off several smart saves from Coyle, Ashby and Williams-Bushell, whose next shot on target could not be kept out.
The team are a credit to Ross and Andy. After losing so many players in the close season, including some excellent ones such as Zico Asare and George Harmon, and the promising Ewan Clark, it could all have gone pear-shaped, but this group is playing every bit as well as we have for most of the past three seasons, when we have stayed in the top five. The skill level is as high as we have ever had but there is also resilience and determination right through the team at the moment. We have a relatively small squad which may need boosting with a loanee or two at some point, but they seem to be united and there is a good vibe around the club.
My only gripe is a minor one, but I do find it frustrating how often we use free kicks negatively. Several times again today, we passed backwards from promising positions in the opposition half, even going all the way back to Dudzinski. I would prefer to see the ball going into the box with players like Canice Carroll and Tom Harrrison attacking it.
That said, there was so much to admire all over the pitch. Carroll was commanding, Harrison determined, Fleet coolly imperious, Ashby so hard-working and well-positioned, MacEachran such a delight to watch with his close control and running with the ball. Williams-Bushell came to life in the last quarter of the match and it was great to see him getting on the score sheet. Fischer comes off the bench and fits in instantly - he is another good signing and you feel he will not let us down. Lewis Coyle is as energetic as ever and is having a good season thus far - he is a clever player, too. Everyone played well today, but if I had to choose a MoM it would be Klaidi Lolos. What a find he was, and why on earth did Torquay let him go? Five goals in as many games, and he hit the bar today. He looks a constant threat. The Hampton no.2 had his hands full, literally, as he spent much of the match just holding Klaidi or trying to intimidate or provoke him with some rough play and repeated fouls. To his great credit, Klaidi kept his cool, didn't let it get to him, and continued to play well. He got some justice when his tricky footwork left his marker floundering on the ground and resulted in the move which ended with that fine second goal.
The no.2 was lucky not to get booked. He was even foul-mouthed to spectators, telling several City fans to f*** off. There is no need for that at a family game with children listening.
City were strong in defence themselves and seem very reluctant to have their growing clean-sheet run ended - over 400 minutes now. Well done to Ben and those boys in front of him. Both teams hit the woodwork in the second half but Mark Smith was the busier of the two keepers and had to pull off several smart saves from Coyle, Ashby and Williams-Bushell, whose next shot on target could not be kept out.
The team are a credit to Ross and Andy. After losing so many players in the close season, including some excellent ones such as Zico Asare and George Harmon, and the promising Ewan Clark, it could all have gone pear-shaped, but this group is playing every bit as well as we have for most of the past three seasons, when we have stayed in the top five. The skill level is as high as we have ever had but there is also resilience and determination right through the team at the moment. We have a relatively small squad which may need boosting with a loanee or two at some point, but they seem to be united and there is a good vibe around the club.
My only gripe is a minor one, but I do find it frustrating how often we use free kicks negatively. Several times again today, we passed backwards from promising positions in the opposition half, even going all the way back to Dudzinski. I would prefer to see the ball going into the box with players like Canice Carroll and Tom Harrrison attacking it.
That said, there was so much to admire all over the pitch. Carroll was commanding, Harrison determined, Fleet coolly imperious, Ashby so hard-working and well-positioned, MacEachran such a delight to watch with his close control and running with the ball. Williams-Bushell came to life in the last quarter of the match and it was great to see him getting on the score sheet. Fischer comes off the bench and fits in instantly - he is another good signing and you feel he will not let us down. Lewis Coyle is as energetic as ever and is having a good season thus far - he is a clever player, too. Everyone played well today, but if I had to choose a MoM it would be Klaidi Lolos. What a find he was, and why on earth did Torquay let him go? Five goals in as many games, and he hit the bar today. He looks a constant threat. The Hampton no.2 had his hands full, literally, as he spent much of the match just holding Klaidi or trying to intimidate or provoke him with some rough play and repeated fouls. To his great credit, Klaidi kept his cool, didn't let it get to him, and continued to play well. He got some justice when his tricky footwork left his marker floundering on the ground and resulted in the move which ended with that fine second goal.
The no.2 was lucky not to get booked. He was even foul-mouthed to spectators, telling several City fans to f*** off. There is no need for that at a family game with children listening.
