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Hungerford Town Football Club Forum
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chris gos
IP: 88.106.28.79 Mar 2, 08 - 10:45 AM |
Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
Usually I write about the game as soon as I get home but last night I was so disappointed that I turned to a bottle of Chilean white. That finished I was in no fit state to comment rationally so I went upstairs and stared at the ceiling for a few hours. This morning I type this with a heavy heart because this was a game that Hungerford could have won. Before the match all the conversation concerned the team that Alan Clarke was putting out. No Concannon, scorer of over 30 goals this season. No Powell,with over 200 appearances as a full time professional,and incidentally , according to the Lydney players I talked to,our best player on black tuesday. Alan plumped for youth over experience.Did it work. We lost the game. Did we play badly. No we didnt. We were the equal to Whitely Bay everywhere around the pitch except in the centre of midfield where Ben was a fitch out of water and Toby laboured but to no avail.Also I felt that however hard he tried that Charlie was a boy amongst hard canny men. The goal that won the match was gifted to WB by Jones and Brewer who got in each others way when trying to clear an innocuous ball.The ball ran loose, then was passed into the penalty area and from there into the net. ***** happens as the French and KP would say. In the last 10 minutes, Concannon and Powell came on and it was all Hungerford. The WG Goalkeeper made two flying fingertip saves (the Non League paper named him man of the match, what does that say), another Austin shot was saved on the line,and then the ref blew his whistle. It was just not our day.I now know exactly how the fans of Boston and Greenwich Borough feel. |
footy fan
IP: 86.160.225.54 Mar 2nd, 2008 - 4:13 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
I know it is easy after the event but (barring injuries) how could you leave out Concannon and Powell? - that takes some doing!! With them sounding effective in the last 10 mins surely this must have been a serious error? Good crowd though - even if it was the lowest of all of the 1/4s. |
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Bruce
IP: 62.31.196.30 Mar 2nd, 2008 - 4:37 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
poor game, spoilt by the wind. Whitley were nowhere near their best and the Hungerford fans I spoke with said that they also were below par. Still the rest of the day was good, a lovely place to visit and great hospitality. Good Luck for the rest of the season Howay the Bay!!! |
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Inkpen watcher
IP: 86.21.74.241 Mar 2nd, 2008 - 6:23 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
In a game hungerford edged, "the bay" scoring with their only effort on goal, thought hungerford snuffed out the bay midfield stopping them from flowing. On another day hungerford win the game and the bay couldnt complain, but hey thats football. hungerford pushed the last 15 mins and could of nicked a goal back. Life goes on. |
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Number 10
IP: 192.55.37.193 Mar 3rd, 2008 - 12:20 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
Football is all about opinions and regarding Saturday, mine slightly differ from CG. I thought Charlie Austin was the best Town player from start to finish. Settled into the game far quicker than anyone else, dealt with the physical strength WB offered up - was one of the few that did. Worked tirelessly for the cause and was unlucky not to score. Looked the only player likely to. Felt it harsh to single out Fitch and Clark for their performances. They've had more influencial days true, but they weren't alone. Half a dozen have played better and either had off days, struggled with nerves or couldn't compete with the strength of thier opponnent. It was a really good opportunity to get to Wembley, but make no mistake WB were a good team. They did settle quicker, had several clear cut chances in the 1st half and their back 4 were very useful. They lacked pace but used their presence very well (defenders that is - not the whippet right back who was a fantastic outlet for them). Hungerford's influence came after WB scored. WB seemed to panic a bit and lost their shape/pattern. Also made a couple of questionable subs, especially the big lad who came on in centre mid. Thought he was awful and it was no coincidence Town really took hold after his introduction. Really unlucky not to score near the end from a sublime effort from Clark and the Austin header. Also Powell nearly scored at the far post. Just wasn't to be. Town can be proud to have reached this stage. It would have been an massive achievement to go all the way and a fiting reward for many of the longstanding back room staff who do so much for the club, for so long. |
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Local Hellenic Player
IP: 193.123.228.22 Mar 3rd, 2008 - 12:37 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
Firstly, wanted to say am dissappointed Hungerford didnt make it through. Was hoping they would get through and this is a horrible stage to go out of a big competition. I didnt see the game so cannot comment on performances on the day, however i have come down to see several games this season. Generally, am very impressed with how hungerford have played this year, i do hear players are on alot of money but even so play some great football. I obviously play a league below but after reading the forum wanted to make a few comments from an outsiders perspective. The posts have been very critical to some players and management. It must be frustrating and dissappointing but am unsure how all the negative and critical comments will help?? Football is a fantastic sport but very fickle! Players tend to follow the money and sometimes the questions has to be asked whether they play for the love of the club or the pay packets?? Might be wrong about the money spent, am going on rumours but maybe money doesnt always buy success!! For me, the games I have seen I can tell that Jamie Gosling is a very skillful player and have seen some snippets of absolute quality which can easily win you games. However, the games I have seen i have to say that Charlie Austin has been an excellent signing for you. He is also a local lad and when i went to watch the boston game was the best player on the day and was obviously popular with the supporters. I also bet he is collecting far less money that some of the bigger named players. Overall, i bet he has been hungerfords value for money this year!! I may be completely wrong and only seen about 6/7 games but felt i wanted to put a neutral and hopefully valid point across. |
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Martyn
IP: 172.31.192.151 Mar 3rd, 2008 - 12:49 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
I've just posted my match report, I always feel it's better to wait and reflect on the match before doing so. It was a big disapointment especially as Whitley were really there for the taking I felt. Indeed Greenwich & Boston caused us more defensive worries! Some of us have actually waited 19 years for this match so it was a double downer. I've never been a wing back fan (ask Harry!) it's a neagtive system that allows teams with a good 442 to double up on the wingback who is stuck between a rock and a hard place in whether to attack or defend, but no doubt black Tuesday at lydney meant that 442 was out the window. My MOTM was Charlie Austin too he worked his socks off and as a footnote is now officially my Mothers second favourite all time Hungerford player, after a certain Andrew James Philpott! |
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chris gos
IP: 88.106.100.249 Mar 3rd, 2008 - 1:25 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
I am sorry if my postseemed negative I just wrote about the game as I saw it. Obviously others saw the performances of certain players differently from me and that is as it should be. English fans love energy and enthusiasm above evrything and English football reflects that. Italianand Spanish fans love skill and expertise and you see that intheir game. England havent won a world cup since 1966 and have never reached the final of a European Nations Cup.If I have hurt the feelings of Charlie andToby I apologise; I have great respect for both of them.I just thinkConners and Powell should have started |
kp
 IP: 89.248.138.2 Mar 3rd, 2008 - 2:04 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
interesting debate this one, which i guess is all too easy to do after the event. I was gobsmacked to say the least when i managed to raise myself from my death bed at the last minute just in time to hear the substitutes names being announced ! I like Charlies work ethic, and indeed as always he worked very very hard, but he is never going to be a 20-30 goal per season striker. He won a lot of ball in the air, and provided a good aerial threat, but 9 times out of 10 there was no outlet for him when he won the ball. All to often we were running away from him as he was jumping for the ball, or even worse not running to get anywhere near him in the first place ! Its all very well having a fit, fast, battling young lad up front but you cant expect him to win ball after ball thats lofted into him, control it, turn, beat 3 defenders and score ! Personally i think we need to seriously look at the whole midfield setup. I know people have said maybe we shouldnt name names but it seems we are carrying a few passengers at the moment, and yet they can do no wrong. In fact it appears unless they are injured they will start regardless of their contributions. You have to question why it is that certain players have to be instructed through a whole game from the bench at this level ? And that is week in week out ! On the other hand we have players of proven quality in Connors & Powell, sitting on the bench in the clubs biggest game for years ! Martyns assessment of wingbacks is spot on, and to take it a step further we havent found anyone that can do it reliably in England yet, so what on earth makes anyone think they can find some good ones at this level. Id go back to the 4-4-2, you cant just do it once, with a much changed team, decide it doesnt work, and then switch back, with different personnel ! Not completely sure who id put in the back 4 at the minute, but for the rest: RM: Austen CM: Brewer CM: Clarke CM: Powell and play Gos slightly behind an advanced Connors. We have seen how sweet a ball Powell can swing in from the left, and how good Charlie is in the air, so a perfect combination on opposite flanks. Also get Charlie running at the oppostion down the right, as hes shown in recent weeks he can knock a decent ball in himself ! I think the time has come we have to stop hitting long balls onto Charlies head, and start playing footballl with our feet again ! |
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kp
IP: 89.248.138.2 Mar 3rd, 2008 - 2:07 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
Of course you will have notice my obvious error: LM: Powell |
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chris gos
IP: 88.106.53.162 Mar 3rd, 2008 - 3:08 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
At last, some sense. It might interest the disciples of socks being worn off above all else that i n the 17 games that Conners has played when Charlie has been either on the bench or injured he has scored 24 of his goals this season. That is in no way disrespectful to Charlie, just a fact that I find meaningful; in other words when Conners hasthe complete run of the penalty area hescores a lot more goals. Charlie Austin is one of my favourite players. Infact one of the best moments for methis season was when he gave me a hug behind the goal when the o.g. went in against Boston. There, Ive admitted it. |
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kp
IP: 89.248.138.2 Mar 3rd, 2008 - 3:42 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
No you are quite right Chris, but i dont belive it is as a direct effect of Charlies contribution. With Charlie playing up front, Jamie plays much deeper, not seen too much of him dancing through penalty boxes lately, and this seemingly necessitates us hitting long balls into the forwards. I want to see Charlie getting in behind defences, and that i think he could do most effectively from out on the right. Get rid of the wing backs, ditch le fitch, and try Charlie in the right midfield role. He would be a real handful, and we know how he can work tirelessly back and forth. |
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chris gos
IP: 88.106.53.162 Mar 3rd, 2008 - 4:09 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
OK. But whichoneof us is going to tell the manager. I think you should because you run your own company and I am just a retired bus pass carrier. |
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Inkpen watcher
IP: 86.21.74.241 Mar 3rd, 2008 - 4:31 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
Whats the thinking behind playing your best centre forward right midfield? dont get that 1. Mr concannon has hit the net 30 odd times this season but only once this year. As for the formation, I prefer a side to play 442 but its down to the players, if you havent got comfortable full backs who are prepared to get forward, you may be better off with the extra man in midfield. Anyway wasnt it like for like saturday didnt the bay play 352 or shall I clean my contacts? 
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kp
IP: 89.248.138.2 Mar 3rd, 2008 - 5:06 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
Sorry Inkpen, but i am not really understanding how or on what you base your comment about Charlie being the best striker. I have watched all but 4 or 5 of Hungerfords games this season, and we look livelier with Connors upfront, and Jamie in behind, fact ! Count the goals with this formation ! The whole point of me putting Charlie out to the right is that i think he has something to offer,is too good to be on the bench, and is a much better option than we currently use on the right. I think he has pace, can take a man on, get behind defenders, get into the box,cross balls and most importantly when attacks are built down the other flank he will get into the box. Of course you could always be right, and i stand to be corrected, but its just not really in the last 10 or so weeks for us, is that a coincidence ? Even when we have been winning, they have been quite fortunate victories in the main. The main point is, with Charlie up front we just keep bangin glong balls upto him, and that is not what this team with the quality of players we have should be about ! |
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kp
IP: 89.248.138.2 Mar 3rd, 2008 - 5:15 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
Sorry one more point. Yes connors has hit the net only once this year ! How many minutes has he played compared to Charlie ? And interestingly if you breakdown the facts Both of them have scored just 1 league goal each this year !, and both have missed quite a few golden chances ! I am not intending to belittle Charlie, i think he has great potential but you cannot seriously compare him to one of the all time legends at this level in the area ! Like i said i think the way our team is shaping up, i think he could a job at right midfield which would actually allow him to show more of his true talent. |
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Inkpen watcher
IP: 86.21.74.241 Mar 3rd, 2008 - 5:33 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
I do agree that Charlie wont get as many goals as concannon but seeing as they have 2 between them this year whose contribution without the goals is more valuble? Anyhow have we got natural full backs to play 442 du think..
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kp
IP: 86.138.43.195 Mar 3rd, 2008 - 8:50 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
Firstly watcher it has been most refreshing to see a new contributor on here, who is able to discuss opinions without slandering anyone ! Secondly i think you have just about talked yourself into my argument for the 4-4-2. Which do you leave out Connors or Charlie ?.......Neither ! How do you accomodate them both by putting Charlie out on the right ! Now how did i arrive at this conclusion, well think of it a little like a skills matrix that you would find in a workplace. For the sake of this experiment we will take 3 subjects, Concannon, Austen, & Fitch (because he has been the most regular RM), and examine the core skills for the areas these subjects play in.(in marks out of 10 - for the season) Conn Char Fitch Speed 6 9 8 Agility 7 8 7 Fitness 7 9 7 Crossing 7 7 6 Control 7 7 6 Tackling 4 7 6 Reaction 9 8 7 Position 9 8 7 Shooting 9 7 6 Ok so now we have some core skills, (of course the list can be adapted to suit pretty much any skills you want). Instantly you start to see the strengths and weaknesses of individual players, and you can compare them. Like i said i have used these three as they are relevant in this case. Arguably the most clinical finisher is Conners, who is certainly less mobile than Charlie. However he has an uncanny knack of being in the right place to tuck those goals away. Im not going to go on and on , look for yourself at the pros and cons. Some of the Pros for Charlie, are his fitness,speed, ability to tackle, and his heading, thus pipping Fitch to the RM slot. In fact when i looked up at the list and realised how many areas Charlie was ahead of Fitch, i immediately put him in my Fantasy Team ! 
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chris gos
IP: 88.106.53.162 Mar 3rd, 2008 - 10:41 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
I have just returned from an evening at the Chepstow Bridge Club ( I live a social life that other men can only dream of ) and I have just read KP's last post. Thoughtful yet hilarious. Life isnt so bad after all. |
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footy fan
IP: 86.160.225.54 Mar 4th, 2008 - 10:27 AM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
Chris - Which Bridge do you like the best - the new one or the old one? 
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chris gos
IP: 88.106.53.162 Mar 4th, 2008 - 11:14 AM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
FF thats a very important question. I suppose I prefer the old one because it takes me straight to Chepstow which is where I live. On the other hand the struts on the new bridge are probably the more attractive. |
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Johnny B - the outsider
IP: 62.232.32.250 Mar 10th, 2008 - 1:57 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
Sounds like i've been away from the forum for too long. Firstly, i want to talk about the vas 1/4 final. I felt it could of gone either way. Clarkey has done a great job and i had 100% faith in his selection. However, when it came to it, he lacked a little bit of tactical nouse. Connors should of come on earlier and Alan should of swollowed his proud and bought off his lad. Toby is a nice tidy player, but WB just wasn't his game! secondly, i want to talk about Gosser. Chris is he going to be at Hungerford next season? |
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chris gos
IP: 88.106.46.17 Mar 10th, 2008 - 5:39 PM |
Re: Hungerford 0 Whitely Bay 1
JB, nice that you are back. I thought all that darkness had swallowed you up and you had moved on to that better world where Hungerford never losea quarter final match. As for J,you should ask him yourself. He is not arrogant as so many seem to believe; in fact you will find himeven nicer than me. Almost impossible to believe, but true. |
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