Leatherhead (H)

[Red army]

Very much a point gained rather than 2 lost.
Weather was abysmal so maybe partly to blame, but we were way off the level needed second half. Can’t remember testing their keeper once. Passing was Sunday league standard at times. Leatherhead always looked like the more likely to score and could have easily had a third.

Possession once again dominated by the opposition, they created fair few chances first half header into the arms of Juliusz Pazio, another shot whistled past the post, juliusz tipping over a long range effort from the midfielder cutting inside of the Hayes right. We scored against the run of play, pint up field by juliusz held up in the wind, a loose pass in the middle of the pitch, seized upon by Herson Alves his pass inside the full back, Kaylen Hinds onto it touch into the area and low into the near post past the onrushing keeper. Leatherhead goal disallowed soon after, viscous long range shot palmed into the air by juliusz Leatherhead striker nodding home the rebound but flag went up. Then the equaliser, long point up field carried on the wind, Will Salmon misread flight of the ball, facing his own goal tried to nod the ball back to the keeper little short of power Juliusz was rooted to his line. Striker nicked the ball first which deflected of the keepers knee as the striker went down, penalty the decision. Calm penalty sending the keeper the wrong way. Chance each juliusz palming away low drive from outside the box, Clifton turning his man and sliding a pass into Hippolyte his afford smothered by the away keeper. Hippolyte turn and driving down the Hayes left cuts inside a reverse pass into the run of Clifton, his low cross only half dealt with and Kaylen Hinds touch and finish put us ahead at the break. 2-1

Second half wasn’t a great spectacle. In control for 20 minutes but only really looked like a goal would come from a set piece. James Richmond and George Sippetts heading over from corners. Adrian Clifton shot from edge of the box deflected over. Leatherhead looked more threatening as the game came to a close, Juliusz Pazio save from to his right eventually cleared, second ball picked up midway into the Hayes half, forward run followed by a pass to the Hayes right, winger once again driving at Keano, low cross cleared to the edge of the box, opposition strike through a crowd, saved by the foot of the unsighted Juliusz, but fell straight to the Leatherhead winger who bundled home from a James Richmond attempted block. Hayes defended the last 10 minutes nervously few corners cleared and a couple efforts off target.

Mom Kaylen Hinds eye for a goal, probably the best player since his arrival.

Watched this game from the stand rather than behind the goal. Keano Robinson time and time again exposed at right full back, Kaylen Hinds playin in front of him giving little protection.
With a 4 man defence I can’t see how Cole Brown is not the automatic choice at right back??
Centre of midfield was poor in possession and timid of the ball. The forwards feed on scraps from long balls and hoping Adrian Clifton physical presence upsets the defence. George Sippetts hoping for flick ons or balls into the channels to chase.
The midfield I think is key Adam Martin does a job when picked but never going to dictate a game, Herson done reasonably well but seems a pick because the other options (Hani, Gaby) are not deemed good enough.
We’ve only conceded 20 in 15 league games which is a solid platform. Scored 31 which is a reasonable return, and on par with all teams in top half bar Farnham & Kingstonian.
With Sippetts, Clifton and Hinds think there more goals to be had.
If the managers can find a way to dominate the game more and for longer periods think we could produce some decent results through December.

Another test Saturday with 7th placed Raynes Park Vale the visitors.

COYH

[Churchroadtilidie]

I never saw the match due to work commitments (don't mention the last 2 Tuesdays when I was free and matches were postponed).

It sounds as though it was a decent point considering the conditions.

Surely it doesn't take a coaching genius to recognise that Keano Robinson is most effective in one of three position (I've put them in descending order).

Centre back in a back four

Centre back in a back three

Right back in a back four

Now if you have selected Keano as a right back in a back four then you must do one simple thing. You must put a pacy right midfielder in front of him to provide support and protection. Cole Brown and Wraynel Hercules fit this description. Both of them were on the bench. The very definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Let's hope for less insanity against Raynes Park Vale on Saturday.