Exiled Shrimper
Manager
An ugly win in the end, but I felt we were in control in the first half and we were made to suffer somewhat for not taking the opportunities we created before the break. Nonetheless, it’s back-to-back league wins, just one defeat in eight and we’ve not conceded from open play in the league for 467 minutes now (or since 23rd November, if you prefer).
The partnership between Kendall and Pepple is really promising. Of course, Pepple netted again with another virtuoso effort and that was all so crucial in the final reckoning, but Kendall occupies defenders and it’s crucial that he works his way onto the scoresheet soon as reward for his performances. He set up another good chance for Pepple that was dragged narrowly wide shortly after the opener.
Husin drew a save from the goalkeeper and Coker and Pepple also went close during the first half, and if we’d managed to get a couple of goals clear, it could’ve been another comfortable evening similar to Boxing Day.
We didn’t get the second goal and Braintree improved in the second half. Pepple got some attention in the first period, but that was ramped up after the interval, and then it appeared he was harshly cautioned after closing down the goalkeeper.
It’s very tough to judge the double substitution of Bonne and Walker for Pepple and Kendall, I feel, given there was 12 minutes between the pair coming on and Walker going off, and half of that was probably taken up by his treatment. Many have asked Maher to be more proactive; here he was, and had Bonne and Walker had more time to get up to speed with the game, it may have paid more dividends. Instead, Bonne was left to plough a lone furrow, with Bridge and Appiah-Forson for nominal support. I do quite like the principle of having two forward partnerships developing understanding and posing different problems for teams, though.
Despite losing control of possession and territory in the second half, and an eventual eleven minutes of stoppage time, Andeng Ndi was rarely called upon and the back three stood firm. Gubbins for Walker was probably a wise call as Braintree were always likely to throw more direct balls into the penalty area. Taylor - one misjudged back-heel in the first half apart - and Ralph were rock solid, and Golding is the replacement for Kensdale in possession we’ve been craving. He’s comfortable on the ball, driving us forward, and links the defence and midfield, which is crucial to moving us up the pitch.
In midfield, Miley looked fit and closer to the high standards we all expect, which is great to see. I also thought Husin’s general play was pretty good, and Coker continues to be a vital presence in this area of the pitch. Although I’m desperate for us to progress in The FA Trophy, I wonder if Maher will be tempted with a youthful central midfield of Morton, Appiah-Forson and Coker to give the former two minutes, in a way that he would be more wary of in a league game. At least we can approach that fixture with plenty of confidence after a six-point festive period.
The partnership between Kendall and Pepple is really promising. Of course, Pepple netted again with another virtuoso effort and that was all so crucial in the final reckoning, but Kendall occupies defenders and it’s crucial that he works his way onto the scoresheet soon as reward for his performances. He set up another good chance for Pepple that was dragged narrowly wide shortly after the opener.
Husin drew a save from the goalkeeper and Coker and Pepple also went close during the first half, and if we’d managed to get a couple of goals clear, it could’ve been another comfortable evening similar to Boxing Day.
We didn’t get the second goal and Braintree improved in the second half. Pepple got some attention in the first period, but that was ramped up after the interval, and then it appeared he was harshly cautioned after closing down the goalkeeper.
It’s very tough to judge the double substitution of Bonne and Walker for Pepple and Kendall, I feel, given there was 12 minutes between the pair coming on and Walker going off, and half of that was probably taken up by his treatment. Many have asked Maher to be more proactive; here he was, and had Bonne and Walker had more time to get up to speed with the game, it may have paid more dividends. Instead, Bonne was left to plough a lone furrow, with Bridge and Appiah-Forson for nominal support. I do quite like the principle of having two forward partnerships developing understanding and posing different problems for teams, though.
Despite losing control of possession and territory in the second half, and an eventual eleven minutes of stoppage time, Andeng Ndi was rarely called upon and the back three stood firm. Gubbins for Walker was probably a wise call as Braintree were always likely to throw more direct balls into the penalty area. Taylor - one misjudged back-heel in the first half apart - and Ralph were rock solid, and Golding is the replacement for Kensdale in possession we’ve been craving. He’s comfortable on the ball, driving us forward, and links the defence and midfield, which is crucial to moving us up the pitch.
In midfield, Miley looked fit and closer to the high standards we all expect, which is great to see. I also thought Husin’s general play was pretty good, and Coker continues to be a vital presence in this area of the pitch. Although I’m desperate for us to progress in The FA Trophy, I wonder if Maher will be tempted with a youthful central midfield of Morton, Appiah-Forson and Coker to give the former two minutes, in a way that he would be more wary of in a league game. At least we can approach that fixture with plenty of confidence after a six-point festive period.
