Post-Match Thread and Ratings Brentwood Town 3-5 Southend United F.A Trophy Rnd 3

[Blues4LifeDan]

Bridge wasn’t at his best but still set up the equaliser, both penalties, and what would have been the assist for the assist had Wind’s goal been given.

It’s probably coincidence but both of his missed penalties have been on 4G pitches.

Most of my posts this season have always been in defense of Jack. I, like you, have always pointed to the stats and how great he's been. Other variants have impacted on his own output this season which he can't be blamed for.

My opinion and observations are less about what I think should happen with Jack, but more about what I think the manager may do. Until that left number 8 slot is sorted, we won't see the best of Jack and that's a fact. If Maher doesn't address that number 8 spot, we may see less of Jack in the starting 11.

That penalty miss wasn't helped by the indecision of who was taking it to be fair. I've always been of the opinion that it doesn't matter the opposition or circumstance (Bim on a hatrick), the penalty taker takes it, end of. There now could be doubt in Bridge's mind when he gets his next one as a result of that miss. That wasn't necessary at all.

 

[rigsby]

Despite the weather (it was bad, but not as bad as I feared) it was an enjoyable day out. I thought the setup that Brentwood offered was actually decent and I don't actually think any segregation was really needed.

Onto the game. It's hard to fully unpick the game baring in mind the opposition and conditions. However, conceding 3 goals will really annoy Kev, especially how sloppy the goals were.

The positives were Pepple looking class and Appiah playing with intent. Morton still looked ahead of Miley even with only being on the field for a little while. At ground level, you could really see how good Ralph is. We'd be lost without him imo. He got Crowther out of jail a fair few times.

I thought Wind got done a few times in the first half and it was his foul that led to the first goal. If we are playing a game on the front foot, Gus is streets ahead of him. He looks a real prospect for sure, but he is not on Gus' level yet. That's no criticism as Gus is a top player at this level. Husin is so far away from where he was last season, I really don't know what's happened. I do wonder and fear where Bridge fits in with the current squad. With no Wes replacement, Bridge is looking so lost. Crowther is improving, but there is a difference from him to Kensdale. I think Kev will look to improve that area.

Overall, a good day out and good to be into the next round. I do think our starting 11 is starting to become more apparent the more we see the rest of the squad play. Roll on Saturday in the hope to make it 5 unbeaten.

Miley was the only player that looked 3 leagues above them in the first 30 mins…… I really don’t get how he is the latest target on the Zone.
Wind never gave a foul away the player conned the ref. Even if he did so what. We conceded because yet again we can’t win a header from a ball in the box and not for the first time this season Husin was weak.

Plus a few of us didn’t find the locals to friendly. They were upset we were in the home end. One was even mouthing off about us killing a Cambridge fan. By the end though one did approach us and say they had heard all about our ‘reputation’ (LOL)….But we were all right and invited us down their pub….Turned down the offer and went to the spoons.

 

[shrimperjon]

I agree his way short of his best he can still do the basics right and showed for the ball linking up attacks. The guys which managed lower scores struggled to control the ball and pass. Crowther was second best against a striker levels below and I don't think he won 1 ball which went in our box.

yep fair enough i just saw it differently. Wind is a great example, he had it tough first half but played a brilliant ball through for KAF who should have scored and then had a header against the crossbar that depending where you were stood was either over the line or not and then assisted Pepple for the first two goals. for those four reasons alone Wind had a decent game in difficult conditions. Agreed Bridge set up the equaliser although the ball should have been cleared better but otherwise struggled against opponents he should be roasting. But as i said all about opinions

 

[shrimperjon]

Bridge wasn’t at his best but still set up the equaliser, both penalties, and what would have been the assist for the assist had Wind’s goal been given.

It’s probably coincidence but both of his missed penalties have been on 4G pitches.

He missed away at Borehamwood, thats on grass. Whether plastic or grass a miss is a miss. What was odd on Saturday was that i dont think ive ever seen him try and smash into the top corner which is what it looked like on saturday. For all the criticism of his play this season his penalties have been good. he just looks like a player very low in confidence

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

Miley was the only player that looked 3 leagues above them in the first 30 mins…… I really don’t get how he is the latest target on the Zone.
Wind never gave a foul away the player conned the ref. Even if he did so what. We conceded because yet again we can’t win a header from a ball in the box and not for the first time this season Husin was weak.

Plus a few of us didn’t find the locals to friendly. They were upset we were in the home end. One was even mouthing off about us killing a Cambridge fan. By the end though one did approach us and say they had heard all about our ‘reputation’ (LOL)….But we were all right and invited us down their pub….Turned down the offer and went to the spoons.

I can only speak for myself and my own opinions, but we have to get out of this headspace that when a player is constructively critiqued, they aren't always being 'targeted'. I'm certainly not doing that. Just like I have with Bridge, I've constantly stated that Miley being absent had been huge for us and Kev. My posts have echoed those sentiments continuously, so I am in no way 'targeting' him.

However, he isn't playing as good as Morton at the moment. Again, I've said this lots of times, Morton and Miley both play the number 6 role. They are both vying for that spot. At the moment, Morton is slightly edging it. That doesn't mean I suddenly dislike Miley and want him sold. It's just about playing players in form. Let's laud the fact we have two good players for that position.

 

[Massimo Giovanni]

He missed away at Borehamwood, thats on grass. Whether plastic or grass a miss is a miss. What was odd on Saturday was that i dont think ive ever seen him try and smash into the top corner which is what it looked like on saturday. For all the criticism of his play this season his penalties have been good. he just looks like a player very low in confidence

IIRC Borehamwood is a hybrid surface, plastic and grass mix.
How that works with mowing etc I can only guess but must be down to cutting hieght.

 

[Barling Magna]

Quack quack.

Don't duck the question Rattus.

 

[rigsby]

I can only speak for myself and my own opinions, but we have to get out of this headspace that when a player is constructively critiqued, they aren't always being 'targeted'. I'm certainly not doing that. Just like I have with Bridge, I've constantly stated that Miley being absent had been huge for us and Kev. My posts have echoed those sentiments continuously, so I am in no way 'targeting' him.

However, he isn't playing as good as Morton at the moment. Again, I've said this lots of times, Morton and Miley both play the number 6 role. They are both vying for that spot. At the moment, Morton is slightly edging it. That doesn't mean I suddenly dislike Miley and want him sold. It's just about playing players in form. Let's laud the fact we have two good players for that.

Yes that's fair reply. I should have made it clear that it wasn't aimed at you when I said Miley has been the latest target. It was ramped up after his sending off when the ref made two bad decisions.

Speaking for myself I thought we got game management badly wrong first 15/20. It was a their big day, noisy stadium and cow bell ringing. Strong wind and them looking to make an early mark as individuals. Then pump the ball down their throats for 15......Kev ball can wait until you have seen out the first 2 rounds whilst the underdog is swinging.

Instead we wanted to pass it from the word go and they nipped in and were cheered every time they won the ball. KAF gave it away several times under pressure. They used the wings well in that period and the highlights don't show how much h time the ball spent in out half early doors. I was always confident we could score 3 or 4 but allowing them into the game and to go 1-0 up.......Not good and had people around me mentioning Aylesbury away in the cup

At that stage, Miley was the only one putting his foot on the ball and making sure he kept possession. Whilst sending out a message that I'm the boss in the middle. He has been slagged on here for slowing things down. That may well be relevant at certain times but that's eactly what was needed at 13:10hrs last Saturday.

I have been fan of Morton since his debut. Plus I don't think it has to be one or the other. Bridge and Husin have not done enough this season to make the argument that you can't have M&M together.

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

Yes that's fair reply. I should have made it clear that it wasn't aimed at you when I said Miley has been the latest target. It was ramped up after his sending off when the ref made two bad decisions.

Speaking for myself I thought we got game management badly wrong first 15/20. It was a their big day, noisy stadium and cow bell ringing. Strong wind and them looking to make an early mark as individuals. Then pump the ball down their throats for 15......Kev ball can wait until you have seen out the first 2 rounds whilst the underdog is swinging.

Instead we wanted to pass it from the word go and they nipped in and were cheered every time they won the ball. KAF gave it away several times under pressure. They used the wings well in that period and the highlights don't show how much h time the ball spent in out half early doors. I was always confident we could score 3 or 4 but allowing them into the game and to go 1-0 up.......Not good and had people around me mentioning Aylesbury away in the cup

At that stage, Miley was the only one putting his foot on the ball and making sure he kept possession. Whilst sending out a message that I'm the boss in the middle. He has been slagged on here for slowing things down. That may well be relevant at certain times but that's eactly what was needed at 13:10hrs last Saturday.

I have been fan of Morton since his debut. Plus I don't think it has to be one or the other. Bridge and Husin have not done enough this season to make the argument that you can't have M&M together.

You make a valid point in regards to game management. Dad and I said the same when it was happening. We were saying that sometimes you have to 'rough it'. We didn't do that early doors and let them get their tails up. We needed to get the ball forwards early and use the channels more. I always feel that Kev is reluctant to do that as it isn't pleasing on the eye. When we've got the ball into channels this season, we've looked dangerous.

 

[rigsby]

You make sure a valid point in regards to game management. Dad and I said the same when it was happening. We were saying that sometimes you have to 'rough it'. We didn't do that early doors and let them get their tails up. We needed to get the ball forwards early and use the channels more. I always feel that Kev is reluctant to do that as it isn't pleasing on the eye. When we've got the ball into channels this season, we've looked dangerous.

A good example would be the Tamworth game. Bonne and Bim split their defence for a 2 v 2 and Morton supplied lovely long ball with his left foot. Bim chested it round the defender because the early ball bought time and space for a lovely goal......I found that very pleasing on the eye.

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

A good example would be the Tamworth game. Bonne and Bim split their defence for a 2 v 2 and Morton supplied lovely long ball with his left foot. Bim chested it round the defender because the early ball bought time and space for a lovely goal......I found that very pleasing on the eye.

I agree. That's kind of my point regarding Morton. He never played that kind of pass in the 8 role because he was on the half turn. He just played it sideways. In the 6, he is looking forward and plays fantastic, incisive passes like the one you mentioned. He also did that on Saturday, a lovely ball out to Ralph on the run.

 

[Rattus Norvegicus]

When we've got the ball into channels this season, we've looked dangerous.

As per our first goal against Halifax. Pumped it from defence down the right wing, we lost possession, worked to get the ball back pronto pronto & then scored from there.

 

[Evening Echo]

JOSH Walker wants to keep making his touches count for Southend United - after achieving an unusual feat at Brentwood Town.

Read more on this story


Help with Echo links

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

On target - Shrimpers striker Josh Walker scored with his only touch of the game at Brentwood Town (Image: Daniel Hambury)


By Chris Phillips@cjphillips1982Chief sports reporter

Josh Walker wants to keep making his touches count for Southend United - after achieving an unusual feat at Brentwood Town.

Walker came off the bench late on before scoring with his only touch of the game in Saturday's 5-3 win in the FA Trophy.

But the Shrimpers striker is now keen to keep on hitting the back of the net.

"As a striker you want to score in every game so I was happy to get the goal on Saturday," said Walker.

"It wasn't just my first touch, I'm pretty sure it was my only touch actually but I feel like I’m getting up to speed now and so is the team which helps.”

Blues are now unbeaten in their last four games.

And Walker was pleased with how the Shrimpers fought back from a goal down to beat Brentwood and secure a place in the fourth round.

“It was a good game and we controlled it really, like you would expect,” said the striker.

“Going 1-0 down was tough but the boys reacted well and we could’ve scored more.

“We also could’ve defended better but it’s a positive we were in the hat for the next round.”

Walker sealed Blues’ win with their fifth goal of the afternoon.

And he now wants the victory to be the sign of things to come.

“The season has been up and down so far but we’re getting that consistency now which we need to keep,” said Walker.

“Hopefully I can get some more goals and help the team get up the table.”

Blues are currently 14th in the table ahead of this weekend’s clash at home to Hartlepool United this weekend.

And Walker is eager to make it back to back league victories for the first time this season.

“It’s going to be tough but we’ll go in just thinking about us first and foremost” said Walker.

“If we’re at it we can beat anyone in this league on our day.

 

[Zeuss]

On target - Shrimpers striker Josh Walker scored with his only touch of the game at Brentwood Town (Image: Daniel Hambury)


By Chris Phillips@cjphillips1982Chief sports reporter

Josh Walker wants to keep making his touches count for Southend United - after achieving an unusual feat at Brentwood Town.

Walker came off the bench late on before scoring with his only touch of the game in Saturday's 5-3 win in the FA Trophy.

But the Shrimpers striker is now keen to keep on hitting the back of the net.

"As a striker you want to score in every game so I was happy to get the goal on Saturday," said Walker.

"It wasn't just my first touch, I'm pretty sure it was my only touch actually but I feel like I’m getting up to speed now and so is the team which helps.”

Blues are now unbeaten in their last four games.

And Walker was pleased with how the Shrimpers fought back from a goal down to beat Brentwood and secure a place in the fourth round.

“It was a good game and we controlled it really, like you would expect,” said the striker.

“Going 1-0 down was tough but the boys reacted well and we could’ve scored more.

“We also could’ve defended better but it’s a positive we were in the hat for the next round.”

Walker sealed Blues’ win with their fifth goal of the afternoon.

And he now wants the victory to be the sign of things to come.

“The season has been up and down so far but we’re getting that consistency now which we need to keep,” said Walker.

“Hopefully I can get some more goals and help the team get up the table.”

Blues are currently 14th in the table ahead of this weekend’s clash at home to Hartlepool United this weekend.

And Walker is eager to make it back to back league victories for the first time this season.

“It’s going to be tough but we’ll go in just thinking about us first and foremost” said Walker.

“If we’re at it we can beat anyone in this league on our day.

Yes and good luck to Walker, but if only Maher hadn’t taken Bonne off with 3 minutes remaining…….and we don’t need any comedians suggesting he might have missed that tap-in !

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

Yes and good luck to Walker, but if only Maher hadn’t taken Bonne off with 3 minutes remaining…….and we don’t need any comedians suggesting he might have missed that tap-in !

It's not about missing it, it's about being in that position in the first place. Walker was in that position at Rochdale, against Charlton and again against Brentwood. Bonne wasn't in that position once during the game against Brentwood. As others have said, that's not the role he is playing. He is coming deep a lot and providing space for Bim to exploit. Bonne never looked like scoring in that match and only had one long range effort (decent shot too) during the whole match.

Fair play to Walker, he has been involved in a quite a few goal contributions now. I still think there is more to come from him too.

 

[BoyWonder2]

It's not about missing it, it's about being in that position in the first place. Walker was in that position at Rochdale, against Charlton and again against Brentwood. Bonne wasn't in that position once during the game against Brentwood. As others have said, that's not the role he is playing. He is coming deep a lot and providing space for Bim to exploit. Bonne never liked like scoring in that match and only had one long range effort (decent shot too) during the whole match.

Fair play to Walker, he has been involved in a quite a few goal contributions now. I still think there is more to come from him too.

And Wealdstone…

 

[Hawkwell Blue]

Don’t suppose anyone has a programme from last Saturday they’re willing to sell. I did buy one but it turned into paper mache due to the rain! A fiver well spent Thank you.

 

[Stuart W]

Don’t suppose anyone has a programme from last Saturday they’re willing to sell. I did buy one but it turned into paper mache due to the rain! A fiver well spent Thank you.

If you PM me HB, I can give you a programme.

 

[Rattus Norvegicus]

I used to buy a programme at every game .... but then just stopped one day.

Anyway, the point is I used to take a clear document bag with a "zip lock" to the games to keep my the programme dry & in good nick.

Although looking through them recently many are worn as I would use them as a sun shield for games in the East stand.