Moneyfields (A)

[Red army]

2 away games played conceded 7, nothing learned from opening day thumping and this could have been exactly the same. We need to improve rapidly defensively or we could be getting a few hidings this year.

From the kick off Moneyfields had a game plan to isolate either full back, so must have watched opening day footage because it was a carbon copy of that.
Somehow we managed to take the lead corner flicked on by Louis Rodgers at the near post, Duffy sticks out a foot and guided into the bottom corner. Lasted 10mins United attack broke down on the edge of their box, olorunfermi weak challenge lets the player get away one pass, sets striker away with Nasha trying to make up the ground, striker cuts inside him and slots home. Another corner causing a problem, Sani passes across the box and Ashton fires in an outside of the right foot shot, through the crowd and into the corner. Gained the lead but still played the same way, another attack this time nothing could be done, Monies striker hits a fierce dipping half volley across the keeper in off the far post. Never really looked a threat from open play, in contrast the home side piled forward with width speed and an actual plan to break us down. No pressure on the ball in midfield from United midfield, player picks a pass sets the attacker free 1v1 and scores under the keeper. Watkins saved at least 2 more 1v1 in the first half. Ht 3-2

We had possesion and looked a threat from set pieces but not much else in all fairness. Once again United cross cleared, on our left, Monies winger picks the ball up just outside his own area runs the length of the pitch with United players trailing into the box finishes high into the near post.
Credit to the players dug in but more Moneyfields inability to defend any set piece. Long throw from Davey from the left, only half cleared, Ashton on hand steer his effort through a crowded area. 5 minutes later and we are level, foul on Hinds just outside the box. McKnight goes low and round the wall with keeper on his line, squirms through his outstretched hands.
4-4 still monies created chances striker in on goal, lobs over Aaron Watkins but goes wide. Last chance of the game once again for home side, pass slid inside full back Olonrunfermi, luckily Watkins out quickly to smother at the strikers feet.
FT 4-4

Mom Sam Ashton worked tirelessly rewarded with a brace for his efforts.
Aaron Watkins another with an excellent game between the sticks.

Odell at centre back looked nervous from the first whistle, Bangura over run at full back once again, both hooked at half time. Didn’t really improve us defensively, and seemed to have a limited idea on what we trying to achieve going forward. More like a Stoke City of non league at present, long throws and corners our only threat. Players looked out on their feet by the end, Harrow tomorrow hope they recover in time or could be another tough watch!!

I know it’s early in the season, if the management are serious in saying, it’s a team built for challenging for a title, we can’t continue to ship goals so easily away from home.

COYH

[PSG55]

Thanks for the round-up Red army.

I said on X yesterday after the game that we're clearly going to be one of those sides that scores a lot but also concedes a lot. Given away a lot of goals already which is concerning.

Not sure if it's just early days or not, but I do remember the Q&A video where the management were questioned about losing Keano Robinson, James Richmond and Jude Mason in the same summer. Their answer was very clear that what we replaced them with was better. On current stats, that doesn't look the case. Or is it just a case of needing time to gel?

Hopefully Monday will bring a win and a clean sheet.