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Post by mca on Nov 28, 2018 6:23:43 GMT
There was a three-minute spell in the second half in which Braintree went 2-0 up, Dos was shown a red card, and Cloughie headed a goal back. That ushered in probably our best spell of the game, the new forwards posing more of a threat, and JC levelling things up from the spot. We have a pretty dismal record at Cressing Road, so to salvage a point, even against the bottom club, was ultimately quite satisfying. The match itself wasn't exactly a classic, played initially in persistent rain reminiscent of Slough a week ago. Both Braintree goals stemmed from quick breaks down our left, the resulting crosses being tapped in at the far post. We had chances in the first half, JC heading against the bar and, later, none of our players quite managing a telling touch in a goalnouth scramble. The point keeps us 8th. As soon as we put Clough up front it left a gaping hole on our back four. We conceded our second on the counter attack and by reckoning it was 3 forwards against one defender. Sending Clough up front is not the answer. If Dundo cannot last 90 minutes we need another target man. The two new signings cannot play that role. I got a mild rebuke last week for suggesting that moving clough up front weakens the defence, as it's an insult to other defenders! For me, he's probably player of the season, at CB. Can't be a long term fix to keep chucking him up front. If the style is to be high balls and headers, i agree , we need a big forward. Hopefully the new lads come good and we use their strengths |
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oohaah
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Post by oohaah on Nov 28, 2018 8:36:04 GMT
With Cloughie at the back we conceded 1 and scored none. With Cloughie up top we conceded 1 and scored 2. of course it's not a permanent fix, but the Maths (not Math, Americans!) say it worked.
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Post by Andy K on Nov 28, 2018 9:04:29 GMT
I thought Brandon looked lively last night!
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Post by halftimet on Nov 28, 2018 9:53:05 GMT
With Cloughie at the back we conceded 1 and scored none. With Cloughie up top we conceded 1 and scored 2. of course it's not a permanent fix, but the Maths (not Math, Americans!) say it worked. if we play Dundas as a target man fair enough but we need a plan B when he goes off. Early days I appreciate but McQueen hardly touched the ball. Asante has already settled in. We tried without a target man for around 20 minutes but it did not work. Is the plan to put Clough up when Craig goes off? If so we need Beckwith on the bench. |
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Post by SG on Nov 28, 2018 9:55:54 GMT
With Cloughie at the back we conceded 1 and scored none. With Cloughie up top we conceded 1 and scored 2. of course it's not a permanent fix, but the Maths (not Math, Americans!) say it worked. I'm not sure they're necessarily cause-and-effect links, to be honest. I do agree that at the point of sending Cloughie up front, we suddenly looked light at the back and their second goal on the break saw them seem to have at least two extra players in our final third than we did. He obviously had an impact at the other end as well, but I don't think it's a solution to us not having a target man who can play 90 minutes. Sending Jonah out on loan seems a really strange move, but obviously we don't know what's gone on behind the scenes. Drinan just didn't work out. We've been a bit of a striker's graveyard over the years, but something needs to change there, otherwise we're going to really struggle to score goals, especially with Tommy Wright out until at least the summer (perhaps longer considering how long it took for him to actually *have* the operation), so we either recruit another target man, or we change the system. The latter seems unlikely at the moment, especially as we're heading into the period where away pitches are going to be pretty sticky, to be as polite as possible, so the idea of getting the ball down and playing with plenty of width and pace - as the two new lads should allow us to do, from what I've seen, thought they were both good last night - might not be a realistic aim on the road. Home games shouldn't be an issue, of course, but I think we're lacking a bit of confidence at the moment, so as a result the default approach is just to get the ball as far away from our own goal as possible, as quickly as possible. For all the stick we (rightly) gave Chesterfield for their approach under Martin Allen, we've not really been much better in the period since. |
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Post by Amber Aleman on Nov 28, 2018 11:32:30 GMT
We do still have the option of playing Beckwith at the back alongside the skipper as and when there's a need to throw Cloughie up front. But I agree that this can only be a short-term or occasional solution. Dundo, for all his qualities, is not an archetypal target man. We really need someone in the Lafayette mould to provide a focal point to our attack. I've little doubt that our management team are well aware of this, but suitable players are not readily available. We may have to be patient a little longer.
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markf
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Post by markf on Nov 28, 2018 12:40:09 GMT
Two down against the bottom club, U's stormed back to take what was at the least (IMO) a deserved point. On a slippery surface and the inclement first half weather both sides fashioned presentable chances with home 'keeper, Legg, producing three fine saves and skip hitting the bar. For the home team Barrington was denied twice after Cloughie miscalculated the bounce of the ball but he did get back to block the second attempt.
The main threat was down the right though and having already broken through to miss the target, Amaluzar broke after a U's free-kick was cleared and raced from deep inside his own half to fire across Jamie B for Barrington to net. Aswad, already on a warning for dismissal really had a handful with the speed of this guy, possibly the quickest seen this season (on this evidence).
U's should have equalised when another Legg save saw the ball heading to Dundo about three yards out but as he went to make contact an a certain goal, the ball bounced rugby style to evade his swinging left foot.
Second half, U's were the more dominant side to start with T-A a constant threat but it was Braintree who were to score next. Cloughie pushed up had little to do with the goal as Amaluzar once again broke clear to race away and another cross shot was turned in by Crook almost on the goal line. From the other end he looked like he had to be offside. Dos thought so and his protest ended in a long walk for him.
U's responded immediately. NB's cross met by a towering Clough header. JB made a brilliant and brave stop to keep U's in the match before Cloughie flicked on for T-A who was unceremoniously charged off the ball by Ellul. Skip fired his penalty into the top corner - I'd say that it was arguably the best of his penalties in terms of execution.
T-A could have won it deep in the 7 minutes of time added but having got away again, he was thwarted by the advancing Legg, whose personal performance on the night meant he probably deserved not to concede a third.
Some would say celebrating a point at the bottom club is pushing things a tad but in the circumstances it was a brilliant fight back and as I say, a defeat would have been deeply frustrating.
So to Mr Quelch. Yes, he could have dismissed Aswad but then he could have evened that up by having sent Ellul off well before he most definitely should have gone for the foul on T-A. The Sutton forward was bearing down on goal, mid centre and no attempt was made for the ball. Already on a yellow for a fourth foul (two were blatant challenges from behind), Quelch should have at least shown a yellow although for me it was a straight red card. Instead he booked their 'keeper for kicking the ball away. So, the only red was for Dos demonstrating that the officials appeared more concerned about what goes on off the pitch than on it. Still, I expect he got a nice pat on the back from the assessor afterwards as he trousered his match fee.
With regards to the discussion on Cloughie. Yes, we conceded as he was pushed up but I am not sure his presence would have prevented that goal, so quick was the break away. He did score and set up the chance that led to the penalty though. I'd say that was 2-1 in favour.
One other observation was the steward who had a go at me the last time for something said by somebody else. That was just before h-t and once again he had mind to call out another U's fan at about the same time. Bored or just wanting something to talk about as he sloped off for a h-t cuppa? Still, at least the other two in the second-half were ok.
Well done to the travelling, U's fans - probably numbered 30 or so on a foul night to be out and a problematical journey by car with Dartford crossing and M11 in particular slow-going.
Onto a very tough away match at Fylde.
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Post by baboonfish on Nov 28, 2018 13:20:55 GMT
Hopefully this comeback will see a bit of that confidence return, but I think the team needs a full week in between games more than anything, these 2 game weeks are taking a toll for sure.
Its a conundrum for sure.
Yes we need a target man for heavier pitches and when the situation requires it, so the question is is Craig up to the role, or is Clough the best option available. If the latter we probably need to commit to that and bring in another CB. I have been one of Beckwith's bigger critics but he has done well when called on this season. However, I assume he's been unavailable with injury this past two games and there is no doubt in my mind that he is not able to play week in week out and sending clough up without a CB on the bench is desperation and will cost us as often as it gains us.
i assume the two strikers we have bought signals an intention to play it on the ground, at least at home, and I think once we get going we will be able to win games at home without a target man. But on the road its a necessity more often than not, so we need to either bring in one or a CB.
As others have said, Ayunga going out is an odd one but there must be something behind the scenes. No he isnt a target man but he does have a physical presence, and without a presence we've really struggled so far to create much at all. It may require a period of adjustment but regaining some form in December is starting to look vital if this season isnt going to peter out. Tough decisions for Dos and I dont envy him at the moment!
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Post by sol on Nov 28, 2018 15:01:21 GMT
With Cloughie at the back we conceded 1 and scored none. With Cloughie up top we conceded 1 and scored 2. of course it's not a permanent fix, but the Maths (not Math, Americans!) say it worked. I only liked the comment because of the AMERICAN rebuke...(not a big fan of TRUMP - I know politics is not football, but hey ho I do occasionally listen to other stuff on the dial)..... |
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Post by Del on Nov 28, 2018 18:26:11 GMT
With Cloughie at the back we conceded 1 and scored none. With Cloughie up top we conceded 1 and scored 2. of course it's not a permanent fix, but the Maths (not Math, Americans!) say it worked. I only liked the comment because of the AMERICAN rebuke...(not a big fan of TRUMP - I know politics is not football, but hey ho I do occasionally listen to other stuff on the dial)..... Did Tony find you in the end. His phone was running out on the commentary ? |
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Post by sol on Nov 28, 2018 19:19:06 GMT
I only liked the comment because of the AMERICAN rebuke...(not a big fan of TRUMP - I know politics is not football, but hey ho I do occasionally listen to other stuff on the dial)..... Did Tony find you in the end. His phone was running out on the commentary ? No DELBOY. I ended up having the evening off from commentating and I throughly enjoyed watching behind the dugout. If we scored the third when Brandon was one on one with their GK (slight angle) I was about to run onto the pitch to celebrate!!!!!!! |
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Post by brisfitboy on Nov 28, 2018 21:14:27 GMT
With Cloughie at the back we conceded 1 and scored none. With Cloughie up top we conceded 1 and scored 2. of course it's not a permanent fix, but the Maths (not Math, Americans!) say it worked. I only liked the comment because of the AMERICAN rebuke...(not a big fan of TRUMP - I know politics is not football, but hey ho I do occasionally listen to other stuff on the dial).....It is when they keep moving the goalposts! |
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