Horndean (A)

[Red army]

A point on the road after 3 successive defeats.
Another performance that just seems to be lacking in any fluidity in the final third. There something missing in our displays be it either tactics or personnel. I’m hoping with a new squad and a far from ideal pre season that the season could be a slow burner.

Young fast and hungry Horndean side will wonder how they were behind at the interval. Carved out some real good chances in the first half, only the formidable Juliusz Pazio in the Hayes goal keeping it reasonable. Pushed a close range effort onto the post and cleared by Cole Brown, smart save diving away to his right from fierce effort from the edge of the box. Can’t remember too many chances for Hayes in the first half, couple times worked a nice position on our right only for Wranyel Hercules unable to pick out a Hayes forward in the box.
Goal came against the run of play, corner hit to the near post with Jude Mason getting a flick across the box and bundled home by Kaylen Hinds at the far post. 0-1

Lead didn’t last to long in the second half, long clearance had James Richmond running towards his own goal near the half way line, under pressure from the centre forward failed to deal with it, falling or pulled to the floor I’m not sure but the centre forward reacted quickest laying a square pass to a team mate with no other Hayes player in sight, into the penalty area and scoring through Juliusz legs for the equaliser. Game was end to end for the last 20minutes, ball in the area controlled by Clifton, laid to his left and Hercules form 10yds hits the right hand post and falls to Alves who’s shot snuffed out by a last ditched block near the penalty spot
Horndean also hit the woodwork with a superb free kick that cannoned off the outside of the far post from 25yds. Few half chances followed for both sides Perrie Iandolo (not landolo sorry Kev) snap shot wide from range. Then a Juliusz goal kick hits the back of Will Salmon only for the forward to fire high and wide.

Undefeated away a positive but struggled with the quick young legs of Horndean at times, well coached from the sidelines by their manager throughout the game, and poor control or heavy touch in midfield was seized upon. We tried to play out from the back but eventually after 10/20 passes not really going anywhere, we hit massive diagonal passes to the wingers which were either cut out or landed out of play.
Hani Berchiche in midfield played well and was competitive around the pitch, find it strange that Gaby not started in last 2 games over Adam Martin just that he’s more mobile and gets round the pitch. I guess the manager feels with Martins experience his discipline in front of the back 4 warrants his selection. James Richmond struggled 2nd half and maybe still working his way to full fitness. Definitely need to find a way to get more opportunities for Clifton, Alves, Hinds( loan ends Wednesday I was told) and Hippolyte in the final third.

Mom Juliusz Pazio by some distance good saves in the first half, dominant at crosses or set plays.

Moneyfields in the cup Tuesday. I’d like to see Rocky Williams given 90 minutes, some positive things when introduced off the bench.

COYH

[Churchroadtilidie]

The best that you can say about the performance at Horndean is that it was ok. Very hard to pick a Man of the Match with the exception of the goalkeeper and a distinct lack of creativity limiting our ability to score more than a goal a game. Adrian Clifton (hopefully not injured) won every flick on but often there was little in the way of support. Hippolyte returning is obviously a major plus but I cannot believe we are not looking to bring in some new faces given the general malaise of the last 5 winless games.

Looking forward to Moneyfields tonight it would be sensible to make a few changes. Jack and Rocky Williams (not related) should both surely start alongside Shawn Joseph, Gabby and Hippolyte. A win would be good for confidence almost as much as a coherent performance where we pass to one another rather than seemingly aiming every ball at head height a la Michael Holding in his prime.

My other concern is that many of the regular supporters are losing interest. Even the more vocal amongst the travelling support were quiet on Saturday as there was very little to shout about. Two good home wins over the next few days will set us up for some tougher looking fixtures ahead.