Post-Match Thread and Ratings Southend United 4-0 Ebbsfleet

[AlfaShrimper]

Braintree could be a good test after a great win for them yesterday at daggers

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

You’re wrong. The occurrence people are picking up on is directly after the second goal. It was because multiple fans in the East Greens bemoaned us passing all the way to the defence when we were in a good position to shoot, and then the ball went forward to Pepple and he scored.

Kev was mimicking those fans, and went on an angry rant. Even Currie was watching him thinking he’d lost it! Then he stormed down the tunnel for half time. He looked pretty angry every time we scored actually, as if each time he felt he’d proved the same point. Hopefully yesterday will have relived a bit of pressure, as watching him on the touchline recently he’s looked like he’s about to explode most of the time.

I've said this a few times that he has looked and sounded really tetchy of late. He took real exception to the interviewers comments a few weeks back after the Altrincham game when he questioned the players lack of fire in the belly. In commencing interviews Kev kept referencing it like he'd taken it really personally. The fact is, the fire in their bellies was abysmal.

On the whole, Kev hasn't taken criticism well at all. Of course, he will probably feel that it's ridiculous to receive it after everything he's done and been through. However, football is a cut throat business and he of all people should know that. Entertainment and results are what he is employed to do. That stat of 3 Saturday wins in 20 odd games is not acceptable, especially when COSU want more season ticket holders.

I'm really hoping for a bit of a run of good games and results with a few additions and everything will simmer down and go back to how it was at Roots Hall for the remainder of the season.

 

[* ORM *]

I suspect we might need to see him versus better opposition to really get a decent judgement of his capabilities

With you on this. Don’t get me wrong he was assured at the back but there was more than one occasion where the much smaller forward won flick on headers.

I still don’t understand the moaning on here. Why didn’t he play the newbies sooner? Really? This isn’t Fifa 24 where a transferred player goes straight into the next game.

Also moaning at the North experiment. FFS what exactly have COSU done wrong since they took over the club? Speakers need fixing, logistics of the Burger Van need fixing but only afew months ago such issues were just a pipe dream. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of analysis from the club on pros and cons.

I was wary about only having a ticket for the North but the views were more than adequate, the seat was adequate, the toilets were spotless. Atmosphere? Tell me the last home Boxing Day game with a full game atmosphere?. It just doesn’t happen, it was great until we went 2-0 up then flat after that.

Honestly we could have won that game 6-0 and some would have found fault. Yes there was some tippy tappy football played but there was also plenty of quick drive, forward momentum and pressing.

 

[Ricey]

With you on this. Don’t get me wrong he was assured at the back but there was more than one occasion where the much smaller forward won flick on headers.

I still don’t understand the moaning on here. Why didn’t he play the newbies sooner? Really? This isn’t Fifa 24 where a transferred player goes straight into the next game.

Also moaning at the North experiment. FFS what exactly have COSU done wrong since they took over the club? Speakers need fixing, logistics of the Burger Van need fixing but only afew months ago such issues were just a pipe dream. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of analysis from the club on pros and cons.

I was wary about only having a ticket for the North but the views were more than adequate, the seat was adequate, the toilets were spotless. Atmosphere? Tell me the last home Boxing Day game with a full game atmosphere?. It just doesn’t happen, it was great until we went 2-0 up then flat after that.

Honestly we could have won that game 6-0 and some would have found fault. Yes there was some tippy tappy football played but there was also plenty of quick drive, forward momentum and pressing.

Woking signed Effiong, he started the first game he was available. It’s not uncommon for new signings to go straight into the line up.

I don’t understand your constant moaning about people moaning, it is tiresome!

 

[shrimperjon]

The performance of James Goulding made Maher look rather foolish (by not playing him sooner)

And not even on the bench last week. Could have made a huge difference against York with him in the side but we won’t know now

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

I still don’t understand the moaning on here. Why didn’t he play the newbies sooner? Really? This isn’t Fifa 24 where a transferred player goes straight into the next game.

Honestly we could have won that game 6-0 and some would have found fault. Yes there was some tippy tappy football played but there was also plenty of quick drive, forward momentum and pressing.

If a team is playing well, yes I'd agree with your first point but Crowther was looking out of his depth, particularly at York where Golding may have made a difference. If a player is fit and ready to go why not chuck them in.

On the second point yes, we are capable of forward momentum and pressing (which Kendall helped with immensely) - the frustration is we don't see enough of it. We see it in glimpses. Was happy with the 4-0 but effectively killing the game with the subs .. it was frustrating in a way.

 

[Jai]

Good result against a team that looked the NL South level they will be next season. Improved performances from several, namely Husin and Bridge, also Gus who chips in with another goal, more intent and moved the ball quicker. Miley better but still looks a little out of sorts. Pepple has been a great loan signing, leads from the front with his workrate and quality in front of goal. Kendall looks a good partner, desperate for Bonne to get off the mark. Golding also looks a promising addition. More composed and a physical threat in both boxes, strange he went from not in the squad last week to starting today. Also better discipline and even the officials weren’t bad! Roll on Braintree!

Golding probably wasn't on the bench vs York because we don't need two defenders on the bench and having Gubbins there enables us to cover two positions (ie moving Ralph to LWB).

 

[Finney on the wing]

Woking signed Effiong, he started the first game he was available. It’s not uncommon for new signings to go straight into the line up.

I don’t understand your constant moaning about people moaning, it is tiresome!

Are you not moaning then ?

 

[Swiss Tony]

Are you not moaning then ?

Not constantly no.

 

[Jai]

Ebbsfleet were the worst team I have seen at Roots Hall for years!
Only thing that the pre match thread got wrong was that Miley was superb all game.
Maher also lost it again with the East Green crowd, not sure why? Think they had the audacity to shout shoot…he needs to calm down before he has a Connery?

Probably because the guy has literally saved the club over the past two years and he has to sit and listen to a load of ungrateful idiots shouting stuff at him every week. The most vocal supporters are rarely bastions of football knowledge.

 

[Chris Powell's mate]

On one occasion Bonne did really well to win and control a header, moved into the box at a great position on the corner of the 6 yard box and Gus played his cross 2 years behind him.

Like 'two years behind,' lol!
I think Bonne and co were all in straight line with no-one gambling on a slightly behind ball.

 

[Westcliff Shrimper]

Just beautiful hearing "We're the North Bank of Roots Hall", it's been far too many years.

This.

 

[Massimo Giovanni]

You’re wrong. The occurrence people are picking up on is directly after the second goal. It was because multiple fans in the East Greens bemoaned us passing all the way to the defence when we were in a good position to shoot, and then the ball went forward to Pepple and he scored.

Kev was mimicking those fans, and went on an angry rant. Even Currie was watching him thinking he’d lost it! Then he stormed down the tunnel for half time. He looked pretty angry every time we scored actually, as if each time he felt he’d proved the same point. Hopefully yesterday will have relived a bit of pressure, as watching him on the touchline recently he’s looked like he’s about to explode most of the time.

No.
It might suit an agenda but is not correct.
And yes he did "lose it" and yes it was a very over the top reaction, and yes DC was bemused by it.
If Kev is angry it may be because the players needed telling and telling again to step forward and this shows in how we were better down our right in the first half and then better in the 2nd half ( notably JB and Noor) in the 2nd on our left when the almost David Webb growling from the sidelines got those sides of the team focused.

 

[kentblues]

Woking signed Effiong, he started the first game he was available. It’s not uncommon for new signings to go straight into the line up.

I don’t understand your constant moaning about people moaning, it is tiresome!

The Victors and Victorias will never change whether on here or at the ground, so it’s a fools errand to go on about it. Will only prolong the exchanges and therefore the suffering..

I can understand Kev’s frustration when someone who once helped sir paint the white lines at primary school considers themselves a footballing expert, and feels the need to shout negative stuff constantly at the players and manager. And is unable to understand why sometimes the ball does go backwards, often due to lack of alternative options, and keeping possession being the better course. Sadly engaging with them won’t reduce their output, even if it makes him feel better.

There again who is more thin skinned, Kev or people clutching their pearls because he has the audacity to give a little back? But, but, I paid for a ticket, I’m entitled etc.

It does all remind me of the school playground….regrettably….

 

[rigsby]

If your an attention seeker who likes to abuse the home bench every week then don't whinge when Kev gives it back......Then again you only shout that stuff from the safety of your seat because you think it s free hit.

 

[in the know]

Thought collins distribution was good overall. Only the one misunderstanding with ralph. Even his accurate kicks drew kevs rants, but I think he's pretty used to that now.
Goulding started out as a centre mid before transforming into a centre back, and I think this showed in his ability to pick a pass and bring the ball out. I liked his calmness on the ball and he draws a bigger defender to mark him at set pieces which gives more freedom to our strikers. I m not sure he's seen as generally that much better than crowther but yesterday was an easy day for him and he certainly made the most of it.
I think moncurs loan here is for the season and his Os deal ends then too, so I doubt there's any incentive from any side to him going back there early.
I get the subs (fresh legs etc) but on this occasion I think people pushing himself and getting 90 mins under his belt would have been a good idea (personal view only obvs).
Hugely impressed by Kendals workrate and ability to hold up the ball for his size. I also like his speed, something which we've been missing.
Yeah it was only ebbsfleet, truly awful, but we beat them well and played well and saw a glimpse of attacking confident football for a lot of the game.
same again at Braintree I hope and let them worry about us.

 

[OldBlueLady]

As good a performance from us as you're likely to see this season. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Also enjoyed the singing between the North and West Stands, good work, guys.

I do think we need to assess our GK situation in the New Year, there were a couple of times yesterday that I thought Collin still looked to be making wrong decisions - not sure if that is confidence or poor decision making. Couple of wayward kicks still too.

Delighted to see Goulding given the start in defence and boy, did he show composure and stature. Reminded me a lot of someone in his style, but can't quite put my finger on who....John Egan, possibly. Taylor and Ralph alongside moved the ball about between them all comfortably and all got forwards at times. Switching to a back 4 late on also worked and it's good to have that in our armoury to use. Gus looked much better than of late and chipped in with a long awaited goal to end his barren patch.

I thought our midfield trio were collectively excellent, with Cav back to his best, and made a massive difference with them all looking and playing as if they were fully fit. Their understanding and commitment to each other was plain to see, and backed up by a resurgent Jack Bridge, allowed to play his forward thrusting style of play, knowing that Noor was there to back him up. Good on young Oli for showing midfield CAN stick one in the net!

Up front Kendall and Pepple were a joy to watch, I was just really disappointed to see Bim go off and then Kendall go off too, as I'd have liked to see Bonne given a chance alongside Kendall. I don't know why Walker is being preferred to Waldron at the moment, doesn't do a lot for me.

Nice to see some of the subs getting a run out, KAF needs some minutes and his running at tired and defeated defences is a really useful tool.

Collin - 6.5
Gus - 7.5
Taylor - 7.5
Goulding - 8
Ralph - 7.5
Bridge - 7.5
Miley - 8
Husin - 7
Coker - 7.5
Kendall - 8
Bim - 8.5, MOTM

Subs:
Bonne for Pepple - 7
Walker for Kendall - 6
Gubbins for Bridge - 7
KAF for Husin - 7
Morton for Miley - n/a

Ebbsfleet were as poor a side as we're likely to see, destined for the drop. Some big names in their side but, unfortunately, at the wrong end of their playing career. I remembered Cosgrave being a lot better when we played them last season, but I don't think they got the ball through to him at all. I loved Tyler Cordner when he was here, and thought we should have gone for him when York let him go, but he didn't look bothered. Luke O'Neill was good when he was here but that's a long time back - 2016, probably one of only a couple of their players to emerge with any credit, the other being Callum Harriott, who we remembered well from being at Charlton when we used to watch them when Kev's cousin played there. Fonguck wasn't even in the squad?! Injured?

 

[in the know]

From what I was told yesterday they're forwards were have only been notching up 7 km ish in games instead of 10 to 12 that would be expected. With no movement it's no wonder they can't score many.
Thought they're best player was our ex Tyler cordner who himself admits is quite out of shape for a talented 24 yr old. His experience and ball control was excellent. He could well get promoted to the league with a team (york) I don't think he's actually played for yet!

 

[Westcliff Shrimper]

From what I was told yesterday they're forwards were have only been notching up 7 km ish in games instead of 10 to 12 that would be expected. With no movement it's no wonder they can't score many.
Thought they're best player was our ex Tyler cordner who himself admits is quite out of shape for a talented 24 yr old. His experience and ball control was excellent. He could well get promoted to the league with a team (york) I don't think he's actually played for yet!

According to Wikipedia (that bastion of accuracy) Cordner is 26 so should be reaching his prime. I always rated him and I thought he played really well yesterday in a very poor team. If he could get fit, I certainly think he could do a job back here for us. Won everything in the air; maybe one for the whiteboard?

 

[CaptainSmudger]