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Post by sol on Apr 22, 2018 7:16:28 GMT
We have secured either 3rd or 4th in the top division for the 1st time in our history, and are 3 wins away now from the EFL, and in truth we can beat anyone.. Firstly, I have to say that I believe we can come 3rd in the league. Pressure is off us next weekend as we have secured a home game for our first playoff match. There is more pressure on Aldershot as a defeat could mean missing the playoffs. We have actually secured 3rd, 4th or 5th. If Ebbsfleet win both their remaining two matches and Aldershot beat us, then we will come 5th. To be honest, if we don't come 3rd, then I hope we come 5th. Means we avoid Tranmere away in the semi-finals (even though we beat them there in the league game) and I'd rather play Aldershot away in the semi-finals as Aldershot would be third if we came 5th. Of course, that is all an assumption that we would win our home game in the quarter finals. It will be interesting to see what Aldershot will do next Saturday. A draw will ensure they come 4th or 5th, however if they lose, they could miss out on the playoffs altogether. Will they be open and attack minded to try and get the win for 3rd spot or will they close up and be defensive minded to secure a playoff place with a draw? Very good final paragraph spells out the next week. I personally think Gary Waddock (Aldershot manager) will decide on his tactics after Ebbsfleet play on Tuesday night, should EU win then it will force Aldershot to try and beat us ggl as EU will be breathing down their necks and I’m led to believe BW plus Flyde. It would suit us I think if Aldershot play for a point because that is never a great tactic. |
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Post by Del on Apr 22, 2018 8:33:49 GMT
We have secured either 3rd or 4th in the top division for the 1st time in our history, and are 3 wins away now from the EFL, and in truth we can beat anyone.. Firstly, I have to say that I believe we can come 3rd in the league. Pressure is off us next weekend as we have secured a home game for our first playoff match. There is more pressure on Aldershot as a defeat could mean missing the playoffs. We have actually secured 3rd, 4th or 5th. If Ebbsfleet win both their remaining two matches and Aldershot beat us, then we will come 5th. To be honest, if we don't come 3rd, then I hope we come 5th. Means we avoid Tranmere away in the semi-finals (even though we beat them there in the league game) and I'd rather play Aldershot away in the semi-finals as Aldershot would be third if we came 5th. Of course, that is all an assumption that we would win our home game in the quarter finals. It will be interesting to see what Aldershot will do next Saturday. A draw will ensure they come 4th or 5th, however if they lose, they could miss out on the playoffs altogether. Will they be open and attack minded to try and get the win for 3rd spot or will they close up and be defensive minded to secure a playoff place with a draw? If we come 5th we could end up playing at Tranmere. |
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Post by Del on Apr 22, 2018 8:37:32 GMT
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Post by fleetphil on Apr 22, 2018 9:46:20 GMT
We had more than 198 there.. I don't think you could ask for better from the lads today, maybe they huffed a puffed too much for the win, as we were the better side by quite a distance. I don't think Jamie had anything hit at him all afternoon such was our defensive display. Good to see Bailey back to his best and Louis put in a fine shift too. Boli showed us his class again, the ball seemed glued to his foot, and what a finish, pick that one out Ashmore  The referee was a bit of a homer, ignoring every ill by the home side which included attempts at strangulation. And my only other slight quip is our delivery from crosses, it was bloody awful. We have secured either 3rd or 4th in the top division for the 1st time in our history, and are 3 wins away now from the EFL, and in truth we can beat anyone.. Well done Sutton you deserved it, even though I thought your tactics were a bit heavy handed. You did what you had to do. As for the referee, well you see what you want to see, obviously all the grappling that goes on is mainly in the penalty area. Your defenders were constant shirt pulling, and fouling in our box was unreal, and no doubt it was no different in your area. You see what you want to see, the referees have a torrid time with players constantly falling over at the slightest touch. Although we can do nothing about it, the refereeing standard is pretty low I'm afraid, as are the linesman. A lot of us were saying we thought you had between 150-200 supporters, maybe another 50 scattered about, but a pretty dismal turn out for such an important game, and such a short distance away. Again you deserved it, we didn't, no arguments on that front. |
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Post by baboonfish on Apr 22, 2018 12:12:52 GMT
I think the poor turnout was no surprise. I can speak as one of the many who was planning to come to this one but decided against it after dismal display at Maidenhead. We took quite a contingent to that game and few who left York Rd completely dejected (for a 2nd time inside a few weeks) would have seen anything at all to suggest we'd get anything at 'Fleet. The team made us regret that decision so well done to them and it sounds like we put in one of the best displays of the season. Amazing how one result can turn things around. I'm sure the team will be full of confidence on Saturday and its Aldershot, not us, who have it all to do.
The refereeing at this level is absolutely shocking yes I agree. Not helped by a small pool of refs which results in contempt bred by familiarity (both ways I suspect). The general standard of football and players plying their trade in the upper echelons of non league has got better and better, unfortunately the reffing has, at best stayed the same, or possibly declined.
If our tactics were heavy handed its no doubt a response to some of the treatment we've had. Games at Leyton Orient and at home to the likes of Halifax and Barrow we were given zero protection from referees and this league does seem like survival of the 'fittest' when it comes to physicality and gamesmanship as the refs simply do not protect the players in any way. What's the point of developing a creative, attacking, footballing squad full of flair players when you'll simply be run over by well-organised, physical (sometimes downright dirty) teams week in week out? I really feel that has contributed to the conference becoming a rather dour league with a majority of evenly matched, direct and physical sides.
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Post by Del on Apr 22, 2018 12:34:07 GMT
Its strange what you see as i thought that Ebbsfleet were not averse to the push in the back at almost every ariel challenge !
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Post by fleetphil on Apr 22, 2018 14:43:28 GMT
Its strange what you see as i thought that Ebbsfleet were not averse to the push in the back at almost every ariel challenge ! Your dead right, and I said as much. You see what goes on when you are behind the goal, if the ref had wanted to he could have given us two pens for blatant shirt pulling and holding. No doubt the same could be said at the other end, it just seems part of the game these days. I've not seen anything different from any team, including ours. As I said well done for getting to the play offs, you've deserved it over the course of the season. |
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Post by localboy86 on Apr 22, 2018 15:16:52 GMT
Still buzzing - what an afternoon yesterday in Kent!! That was much more like it from us in what was a deserved win. Agree with prior posts about our improved defending, it was also great seeing Bailey back in his familiar centre-mid position screening the back four, Eastmond was an absolute colossus all game and Josh Taylor put in a very promising performance too (his first start for some time) - lots of positives for Sutton.
That goal though from Tom - need to see a replay of that one! Unbelievable stuff 👏🏼👏🏼.
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Post by bailo on Apr 22, 2018 15:33:54 GMT
Was a tense listen at the end with a particularly nervous moment in added time when a ball was played into the box...and the commentators went silent!
Thoroughly looking forward to being at GGL on the 28th. Very much hoping I leave without the need to book a midweek trip back over.
Fingers crossed for a bumper crowd. Would be interesting to know how many tickets have been sold so far.
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markf
Top Performer
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Post by markf on Apr 22, 2018 16:12:28 GMT
An historic afternoon for U's in front of EU's biggest crowd of the season with a good turnout from Sutton (cant't believe the 198 figure considering what 332 looked liked at Maidenhead, still that appears to be what was recorded).
Sutton's first ever win at Stonebridge Road - the war-time (WWII not Boer, Dos) meet with Gravesend United was played at another venue - and the victory means the club finishes the season in their highest ever position in the Football Pyramid. U's first visit there was in September 1962 for an FA Cup tie.
And how deserved was that victory? Playing into the breeze in the first half, Sutton tested 'Fleets POY far more than the home side manage to disturb Jammie B's afternoon. TW hit the post and Tom B just couldn't quite make enough of arguably the pass of the match from Jamie B, a low skimmer that evaded all and set Tom B away. Ashmore pulled off a couple of other smart stops while the home sides best effort was a curling free-kick that just passed over.
Second half and EU started well, forcing a few corners but again failing to test Jamie B. U's looked more than capable on the break though and one instance W got goal side from a long ball and was grabbed, pinned and hauled down. A blatant penalty but the ref & lino (more of later) ignored it. For all the apparent shenanigans when U's were defending set-pieces that incident was the most obvious.
Then Tom B collected the ball on the left, took the ball past three defenders with skill and pace and beat Ashmore with a superb rising drive. Fantastic goal. Harry B went close with Ashmore stranded and the home 'keeper did well to rescue the situation when Ross L had got into the box and temporarily left him well out of his goal.
A fine team performance and while the players will quite rightly take the plaudits, the management should also be heavily praised for the team selection and for getting them back on track after Maidenhead. There were fine contributions from all 13 players used and Ebbsfleet's fine unbeaten run was ended. (Probably messed up a few fixed-odds slips too, eh KBB?)
As for the ref, well, whatever our friend from 'Fleet may think, he was an absolute homer. No problems with Craig E's yellow for an ill-advised challenge but Nick B's was a bit harsh and he also showed a yellow to Tom B for his goal celebration. Meanwhile, home players were allowed to hold back advancing Sutton players, Tom B was illegally barged off the ball when away in the first half but not even a chat was warranted. Then there was that hauling down of TW in the second half, the lino on the old stand side didn't come out of that too well either. Fortunately, it didn't matter but yet another official sent down to the "smoke" from the Liverpool area - what are the FA trying to achieve at this level? You could see the Sutton players getting annoyed with the apparent lack of consistency and skip was in his ear more than I have seen him do in any match this season.
After all the trials and tribulations of our recent form, a point next week will ensure third place. Be warned though, like Sutton at G&N/EU, Aldershot Town has never won at GGL and this will be third time the clubs have met at GGL with more than points up for grabs. It will be very tough, I have no doubt, but a performance like yesterdays may help the cause.
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Post by surreyu on Apr 22, 2018 19:47:05 GMT
Well done to all involved yesterday, some wonderful performances as this club made yet more history. Josh Taylor was phenomenal especially when you consider how little football he's played in recent months.
Am I right in thinking Tom Bolarinwa was booked for placing his shirt over his head in celebration? I thought cards were only given for the removal of the shirt?
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Post by ryooon1999 on Apr 22, 2018 19:50:18 GMT
Better get a result against ATFC otherwise i can’t go to the quarter final play off as I’ll be in Croatia on a college trip.
Great away game, finally won and scored at Stonebridge Road, definitely in my top 10 away games!
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Post by johnnie1 on Apr 23, 2018 11:05:24 GMT
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oohaah
Top Performer
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Post by oohaah on Apr 24, 2018 10:01:06 GMT
Well done to all involved yesterday, some wonderful performances as this club made yet more history. Josh Taylor was phenomenal especially when you consider how little football he's played in recent months. Am I right in thinking Tom Bolarinwa was booked for placing his shirt over his head in celebration? I thought cards were only given for the removal of the shirt? I was also surprised when I read about Tom's booking - Is this a new regulation? |
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oohaah
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Post by oohaah on Apr 26, 2018 7:21:33 GMT
Anyone???
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