We're learning the hard way
 

Well, aren't we?

Tonight was a series of individual errors and missed chances. Ok, so the game was better than the Chester defeat, but there are a number of changes necessary.

Firstly I'd drop Cav and replace him with Edwards. Edwards reads the game better and gets in better positions, which means that the defence is never as stretched.

Secondly, I'd make changes to the midfield. Craney just hasn't got going and with Proctor suspended, we're going to struggle. Perhaps a new signing is necessary, but we're too lightweight in that area and we struggle to compete.

Ideally a new striker is required. Someone with League experience, who is strong and can outwit the better defenders we now have to deal with. In the short term, however, I'd replace Boco with Brown. For me Brown is the best finisher we have and after a good preseason, he deserves a chance.

I don't know if there is any money in the pot for a couple of new players (experienced league players), but if there is it needs spending. If there isn't, then fair enough, but we're going to struggle. Tonight we were outwitted by experience as much as we were outplayed. That's my opinion anyway. ;)

Tonights match
 

Well it is quite obvious that the "good" folk of Accrington are not bothered about a football team as only 2600 and odd managed to turn up and 700 or so were from Darlington. First home match in the league and we can only muster a crowd of 2600 its disgusting. Footie wasn't bad, but defending for the goals was woeful if a trifle unlucky for the second. Bit of a fussy ref but did not see the incident involving Proccie for him to be red carded like that - apparently an elbow according to Radio Lancs.The way I see it, we are going to have to stop ball watching, play simple football (even if it is not attractive) and start scoring some goals and toughen up the defence. Hopefully we will do better on Saturday against Barnet - it cannot get any worse. Though Proccie played well until the red card as did Cav - all over the park and some vital interceptions. Darlington are nobodies fools and will not roll over easily this season. I foresee a long hard slog unless things improve very quickly.
:( :( :( :(

Re: We're learning the hard way
 

for us poor ies here in blackpool please what was the score tonight?

Re: We're learning the hard way
 

Same as yours 0-2

Re: We're learning the hard way
 

thanks O O was trying to get it on radio but couldnt hope they can do better on sat.. good luck guys

Re: We're learning the hard way
 

Quote by Tin Monkey "I'd replace Boco with Brown. For me Brown is the best finisher we have and after a good preseason, he deserves a chance."

Sorry TM But you're getting as daft as Coley. Don't Know what he was thinking about taking Boco off and putting Mangan on. As for brown, he shouldn't be mentioned in the same thread as Boco.

Re: We're learning the hard way
 

Calm down calm down!

Now the big 'occasions' are over, maybe we can start playing our best football.
We were all over Darlington - the favourites to win the league - until we lost our bottle after they got that soft goal against the run of play.
It was a strange night all round. Craney hasn't kicked off his season yet which is why Proc is rushing around the midfield like a blue arsed fly & making those 2 silly mistakes in an otherwise great performance.
Obviously I'm not a manager but I would like to see Boco start in midfield instead of Craney against Barnet with Mangan partnering Mullers upfront. Things can only get better.
Keep The Faith.

Re: We're learning the hard way
 

cannot believe tonights crowd-what more do people want? Coley just been on sky sports and was far from happy with turn-out.

Re: We're learning the hard way
 

Seemed to be happy with everything else. 10 mins to go, 2-0 down. Stood there grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

Re: We're learning the hard way
 

[quote=shakermaker]Calm down calm down!

Now the big 'occasions' are over, maybe we can start playing our best football.
We were all over Darlington - the favourites to win the league - until we lost our bottle after they got that soft goal against the run of play.
It was a strange night all round. Craney hasn't kicked off his season yet which is why Proc is rushing around the midfield like a blue arsed fly & making those 2 silly mistakes in an otherwise great performance.


At least last night we showed we can play football, which must build the confidence. Given the poor display against Chester, that is a positive, & once the early season nerves are over (& we score a goal!)I'm sure things will come together.

Re: We're learning the hard way
 

I dont think anybody thought that life in league 2 was going to be easy, but there are a few early indications that its going to be harder than we thought, our defence in both games as looked very dodgy and we are being bossed in midfield far too easily, Craney as mentioned doesnt look like his old self at all at the moment, but hopefully this will right itself sooner rather than later, its funny how differant people view players performance in the same game, as i thought Cav in both games as been woefull with Williams not much better either, Dunbavin also looks a bit iffy, he made a couple of good saves last night but seems to have poor judgement with regards wether or not to come for a ball or not, i know hes young and its early doors so theres time yet for him to improve, but i`ll feel happier when Elliot is back in the pegs, i also thought that Boco was one of the better players last night, he was all over the place and was surprised to see him subbed.

Lets not be to hard on the lads yet though as its only 2 games in and theres a long way to go yet, and who knows we could have already played 2 of the best teams in the league, see you all on Saturday and hopefully loads more besides as the crowd last night was pretty poor considering the occassion.

Re: We're learning the hard way
 

I Think Your Bein A Little Harsh On Dunbavin......he Made 7 Or 8 Class Saves. Without That We Would Have Been Out The Game Before Half Time. Did Nobody Else Thing The Grass Was Too Long To Play Good Quick Football On???? There Was About 2 Or 3 Blubs Out Floodlights... Not Good 4 1st Home Game.

Re: We're learning the hard way
 

I wouldn`t say that what i wrote was harsh as i wasnt critising his shot stopping ability as i said he made some good saves but just looks iffy at coming for balls, and would prefer to see Elliot in the nets (mainly because he commands his area very well and i`m sure he instills confidence in the defence) i also said hes young and theres time for him to improve, compared to what some of the crowd were saying about him last night, my comments were very mild and in my opinion quite fair, dont get me wrong i hope the lad does very well as we are going to need someone when Elliots loan spell is up at the end of the season.

Re: We're learning the hard way
 

The problem is that Cav shouldn't be all over the park, he has a position to hold and if he is all over the park there is a gap where he should be. Last Saturday at Chester he went racing down the left wing, he was playing at right back for goodness sake. Too many times he is caught out of position. As for the attendance - I too was disappointed with the gate, but it's still the holiday season and who wants to stand on an open terrace getting p****d wet through.

Re: We're learning the hard way
 

The defence we had last season, which kept 14 clean sheets, didn't have Cav in it. I personally would prefer Edwards in that position.

But, hey. It's all about opinions. ;)