***having probs uploading photos
‘Do you make a carafe snake?’
It’s amazing what can happen when Luca Connell isn’t anchoring our midfield (‘anchoring’ as in ‘holding it back’? Making sure it goes nowhere?). 2 wins in 2 games, 6 goals scored. Numerous attacks. Camped in their half. Yeah, yeah, there’s a limited statistical spread to come to conclusions, but why spoil my fun? Satdy was tip-top. We bossed it from start to finish. Orient were reliant on the odd counter attack and giving the ball to Corey O’Keeffe (more later).
New signing O’Riordan (from Blackburn) slotted in nicely at centre half beside Gale but left me wondering whyever Blackpool would sign Josh Earl. Doesn’t their scouting system extend to East Lancashire? This bloke looks great. (Early days, etc). So Kay’s position this week was left back, with Noslin on the opposite flank. Otherwise, same as it’s been, which can only help understanding.
Early entertainment came from the ref, who thought Gale was injured so waved on the physio despite Gale telling him he didn’t need him. So the ref made Gale go off for a minute, as per these new rules. That is INSANE. Why can’t the ref just change his mind? If he gives a penalty, then realises he was wrong, he can reverse his decision. This makes no sense to me. ‘Yer clueless ref’ I shout…’already’ adds A. Reed, perhaps thinking I hadn’t finished my sentence.
Still, those there may forget that the Orient fans had already given him a round of ‘you’re not fit to referee’ and while his decisions continued to be...errr...inconsistent, he did manage to give us a penalty…before a blatant elbow to the head of one of our ethnically diverse players (I forget which) didn’t even bring a free kick. (I guess if he gave the free kick, he’d have to send their bloke off). All in all, standard 3rd division refereeing.
Still, we escaped an early scare, as Ravenhill gave the ball straight to them, 30 yards out, and he DIDN’T just lob it back over the keeper’s head. Within minutes we are ahead, as Kay plays a sublime ball down the left* for Cleary to run onto before crossing low for Kirk to slide into an empty net. Honestly, even Kirk looked like a footballer today, putting in a shift, scoring, and challenging for every ball. Doesn’t make my top 3 though. And we really should have nailed Orient to the cross that half. I don’t know how many times Cleary had the chance to destroy their right back, but he has to know when to part with the ball and when to shoot.
*after taking their player on. Lose it and they’re 2 on 1. Welcome to Stendelball! High risk football bringing high rewards...or losses.
Half-time, and Stendel sends on Richards for Alker. Now, Richards didn’t impress on debut (Wigan?) but between him and Noslin, they make mincemeat of the Orient left. When was the last time you saw one of our players kick a ball past an opponent and then go round him the other way? Well, you’d still be waiting, cos Richards has his ankle clipped as he does this. Penalty. (I’ve since watched it a dozen times and I couldn’t tell you if the contact is actually inside the box, but the player certainly lands in it.) McGeehan sends the keeper the wrong way in convincing fashion. This is more like it!
0-2 is still not a fair reflection, however, but the Super Reds aren’t finished yet. Richards and Nozzer (is Nozzer’s favourite player Tyrese ‘Nozzer’ Noslin, I wonder?) combine again and the ball drops loose to Cleary, who takes a touch and rockets it in from just inside the box. This is more like it, part II. The obligatory fire drill starts in the home end and we’re left to play the last 15 at a canter.
Farrell and O’Keeffe come on for Kirk and Cleary. I kid you not, I was thinking earlier, the only chance Orient have is if we send Shepherd on (which would have been difficult, as he wasn’t even on the bench) but surely the next best is Corey O’Keeffe. What did I say the other nite? ‘He could be an asset as long as he has no defensive responsibility.’ He isn’t and did, a header towards Ravenhill latched upon by their centre forward to bury. Momentum switched in the snap of fingers. (And I don’t know why I’m coming to the defence of a defender who can’t defend, but maybe this goal doesn’t happen if Ravenhill isn’t so far back. But I’m not paid to defend, O’Keeffe is.) A clean sheet ruined. (Like at Rovrum last season when we sent Shepherd on to concede a penalty.)
Onwards and upwards!
*** Noslin. Excellent again. Looks a threat, but also passes a ball to his teammates.
** Richards. BFC need to be proscribed as a terrorist organisation the way this bloke came on and frightened them to death. Set up 2 goals, and a great partnership with Nozzer.
* O’Riordan. Commanding. How have Blackburn let him go?
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1. Noslin 2. Cleary 3. O’Riordan
Despatches:
In a change to previous visits, it was the turn of the post-match to go wrong. It was bad enough that we were making our way to a back street boozer near neither Leyton nor Kings X (Reedy and I getting a train back)…but then a jumper on the line near Leyton downs the tube. Central Line out, that was 25 mins walk (and the rest) to Stratford, before 5 minutes’ walk from Liverpool Street becomes 15. I calculate we spent longer walking to our pint (singular) than the time we spent drinking said pint.
Pre-match was spent under the arches at Leyton Midland Station at Gravity Well. I’m sold on this place. Excellent range of beers and I can get away with drinking strong ale in two-thirds measures. My kind of drinking.
It was also great to see Waddinho come in from the cold (East Anglia, somewhere). We complimented each other on the nice food we’ve both obviously eaten since we last saw each other. It was nice to meet junior too…so junior he’s just completed his GCSEs!
The players? They were excellent, though looking thru the list, I can’t remember Alkerpops making a contribution. Perhaps that’s why he was hauled at HT? And Bland played well, though his highlight was running 20 yards to join in a row. It’s not a game of football if he doesn’t get booked. It’s in his contract. And in one game, we’ve jumped from 21st to 9th. By my reckoning, we’ll be top of the table in a fortnight. Nice also to hear the latest chance, summat about Stendel taking us up ‘again’. It’s the ‘again’ I like. (Brought to youse from the same yoof who brought us Hourihane taking us to the promised land, but still.)
Oh, and while not strictly matchday, I’ll share this from the previous day down in Camberwell, Sarf Landan. Starving, and craving a bacon sandwich, I walked into a café on the way to my house. The Gods were truly looking down on me. There, before my very eyes, was a beautiful tray of bacon, sizzling away, ready to put between two slices of Mother’s Pride. ‘Can I have a bacon sandwich, please?’ ‘No. I know it says we’re a café outside, but this is actually a New York-style deli.’ Eh? So I look at the board, 7 items I don’t even know what they are…’what’s the….?’ ‘Oh, we’re not serving yet, but you’ll be able to see what we’ve got when I put the menus out.’ I stagger out in shellshock. Thank goodness The Pelican (a student gaff over the road from my old house) could manage to do me a salmon and cream cheese bagel without the cream cheese! What is happening in this world!? If I was a hospitality business, I’d be trying to attract customers, not dissuading them from ever going to my business again.
Drink du jour: The Casimir Effect NEIPA at Gravity Well.
Away: 636 (8,642).
The Damage:
£30 ent
£60.10 train
= £90.10
Sunday, 30 August 2026
Wednesday, 26 August 2026
BFC 3-2 Crewe Alexandra, Tuesday 25th August 2026
*** probs uploading photos
‘Are we playing 2 at the back tonight?’
I’ve got to admit, I really enjoyed that game last nite. Reward for turning out for an early round league cup tie that invariably ends with us losing to some lower league outfit while playing our Under 21s. Indeed, we still played our under 21s, but these days it’s our 1st team. The latter stages were a real treat as Stendel threw on player after player I’ve never heard of. (Luckily, I had Under 21 season ticket holder P. Norris to guide me.)
The other thing that struck me was how fluid our formation was. And by ‘fluid’ I mean ‘I haven’t a clue what it was at any given moment.’ Certainly it was a back 2, with whoever was meant to be playing either fullback about 20 yards ahead of Gale and Kay (the latter having been switched from fullback). And as players buzzed hither and thither (inc wingers switching wings, Kirk dropping deep into his own half from centre forward) it was a whirlwind. But the second half especially, we dominated possession and players found each other despite/because of the movement. I am loathe to get excited, but this level of understanding amongst the players bodes well.
There was also no Luca Connell, so that was a bonus. Come to think, I can’t remember any random chips over the defence to their keeper. Maybe this passing and moving thing will catch on? Some bloke called O’Keeffe was recalled, and he was everywhere, keeping moves going with quick passes, while constantly demanding the ball. A real leader’s performance amongst a bunch of kids, I thought. And he scored. I know, I can’t believe it either.
Still, it could have been so, so, different. It was fine, us going forward, looking all fancy, but let’s be blunt. When we attacked it was 7 v 7, but every time we gave the ball away, they were 2 v 2. Worse, they went ahead when Kay stepped forward to shoot, the ball ricocheted to them and with one pass they were 2 on ONE. The pass was easy, as was the finish. Not long after, they were 2 on 1 again, but the ref pulled Bland up for a foul (booked, as per). This ref will never get his promotion at this rate, but thanks anyway.
Then, just as I speculate that if we don’t score tonite, that’s 3 goalless games in 4, against sub-standard opposition...we score 2 in 2 minutes. Crewe turn providers, a careless pass intercepted by Cleary, who takes it past his man with his first touch, before burying it across the keeper. Maybe we WILL get that 3 million after all? Then O’Keeffe plays Kelly in with a beautiful reverse pass and his subsequent low cross falls to Noslin to sidefoot home. It’s easy this football malarkey.
There is still time for Kirk not to win a penalty (he was clipped when about to score*) before O’Keeffe makes it 3 goals in 9 minutes. We’d not scored 3 goals in our previous 3 games. The ball is half-cleared to Corey just inside the corner of the box and he controls it and sends it into the far top corner. Where’s he been hiding all this time? Hoddle-esque (and I don’t mean the God bothering bit). Wonderful finish and (I’ve read) his 1st ever goal for us. This bloke could actually be an asset, as long as we don’t give him any defensive responsibility.
*I know, I know. He’ll never score a goal as long as I’ve got a hole in my bottom, as they say. But even HE would’ve scored this one, 8 yards out, keeper rooted.
Second half was a procession. Crewe hardly saw the ball, as wave after wave of attacks led to us breaking the ‘modern English domestic record for a single club in the Opta era’ over our number of corners (20) while we also had 30 shots (for an xG of less than 2, cheers Farnham!) What does this say? Well, our corners from the left were taken short and usually ended with Cleary having to beat his man to get the cross in that we could’ve had from the off, while those from the right were floated in right-footed to be headed away. The shots? As soon as we got 25 yards from their goal, we had a punt. So, we’ve no faith in winning a header off a corner, and we’ve little faith in working an opportunity in the final third? Or were players seeing glory as we were 3-1 up and cruising?
Of course, this was where Stendel started chucking on subs. Taylor (the Aussie) on for Alker and Noah Town on for Kirk (67). Then on 80, Saunders (who?) on for O’Keeffe and Farrell on for McGeehan. What does that make our average age now? 14? Don’t worry tho, there’s still time for Noslin to be replaced by Dunne (who I’m told is son of Dunne. Richard Dunne.) That last 5 minutes, we are hanging on for dear life. We’d already been warned, Ravenhill making an excellent stop on the front post, and a close-range shot hitting the bar, but the damn bursts as a cross is headed home inbetween Gale and Kay, who both look at each other like it’s the other one’s fault. It probably is. (Funnily enough, we looked worse at fullback once we actually had 2 fullbacks, tho Nozzer reckons they were 17, so I shouldn’t be too harsh.) Then, in injury time, Ravenhill pulls off a worldy to prevent it going to pens, and Crewe blast a free kick into the stand with full-time looming. I am struck by the thought that it is August and I may already have seen our best match of the season.
Onwards and upwards!
*** O’Keeffe. I thought he was great, floating around, instigating moves, never losing it, demanding a pass. Looked like the experienced leader he should be, rather than the hapless defender he’s been. Great goal btw.
** Cleary. Scored and a constant pest. Hung back to wave us all farewell at the end. Or do we get one more game out of him?
* Kay. I already love this guy. Him and Ravenhill. Pacey, and reads the game, so even when Gale’s out of position he covers. And not afraid to bring the ball out and have a shot. (Word to the wise: someone – Bland? – needs to cover him when he goes forward.)
Official MOTM: Cleary
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1. Cleary 2. Kay 3. O’Keeffe
Despatches:
As ever, Nice Guy Chris got the half-time draw tickets in. The low crowd apparently increased his chances of winning. (Did you, Chris?) I also had my first chance at using the new, improved, box office. And by ‘improved’, I meant I got to stand outside in a queue instead of indoors. This’ll be grand when Oakwell’s blowing a gale come November. Still, people say I’m a miserable pessimist, but here I am, talking like there’s going to be the chance of a queue for tickets at Oakwell by November! Stick that up your…wherever Keane said McCarthy should stick his. I’m not impressed. Standard. Anyway, me and Nozzer sat where we liked, which meant the padded seats of the exec section of the East upper. Lovely.
The players? Every one of our starters had a good game. Ravenhill made a couple of super saves, and came out and caught, relieving pressure. (Nozzer says he was on loan to Macclesfield last season; I missed that. But I hope he continues the form he’s in.) Gale looks a great signing, and with Earl gone (apologies if youse missed that, he’s gone to Blackpool to no great disappointment) I think the Kay/Gale partnership has legs. We’ll see. Kelly looked back to his best, making the sort of runs we expect. Rumour has it he’ll be running all the way to Leicester, to rejoin assistant manager Hourihane, but I hope he’s better than to be joining a basket-case. Captain McGeehan and Bland held fort well, and both helped themselves to efforts at goal. Noslin was a threat, and scored, while Alker shows good touch and movement. Did I say everyone played well? Kirk continues to worry everyone who sees him. One Londontyke who shall remain nameless (Hi Jonesy!) even compared him unfavourably to Watters. (Shudders.) Of the subs, special mention for Taylor, who showed a sublime touch in turning a defender, while later breaking free to force the keeper into a save. I’ve got high hopes.
And as I wrote this, the 3rd round draw has been made. Our Road To Wembley is going via Peterborough. Oh well. Winnable.
Drink du jour: Leffe in Bramahs.
Away: 366 (3,002). A good turn out from The Alex, who, of course, outsung us.
The Damage:
£8 petrol
£17* ent
= £25
*2 quid more on matchday, which I didn’t know. But at least I’m now the proud owner of one of them ‘souvenir match tickets’.
‘Are we playing 2 at the back tonight?’
I’ve got to admit, I really enjoyed that game last nite. Reward for turning out for an early round league cup tie that invariably ends with us losing to some lower league outfit while playing our Under 21s. Indeed, we still played our under 21s, but these days it’s our 1st team. The latter stages were a real treat as Stendel threw on player after player I’ve never heard of. (Luckily, I had Under 21 season ticket holder P. Norris to guide me.)
The other thing that struck me was how fluid our formation was. And by ‘fluid’ I mean ‘I haven’t a clue what it was at any given moment.’ Certainly it was a back 2, with whoever was meant to be playing either fullback about 20 yards ahead of Gale and Kay (the latter having been switched from fullback). And as players buzzed hither and thither (inc wingers switching wings, Kirk dropping deep into his own half from centre forward) it was a whirlwind. But the second half especially, we dominated possession and players found each other despite/because of the movement. I am loathe to get excited, but this level of understanding amongst the players bodes well.
There was also no Luca Connell, so that was a bonus. Come to think, I can’t remember any random chips over the defence to their keeper. Maybe this passing and moving thing will catch on? Some bloke called O’Keeffe was recalled, and he was everywhere, keeping moves going with quick passes, while constantly demanding the ball. A real leader’s performance amongst a bunch of kids, I thought. And he scored. I know, I can’t believe it either.
Still, it could have been so, so, different. It was fine, us going forward, looking all fancy, but let’s be blunt. When we attacked it was 7 v 7, but every time we gave the ball away, they were 2 v 2. Worse, they went ahead when Kay stepped forward to shoot, the ball ricocheted to them and with one pass they were 2 on ONE. The pass was easy, as was the finish. Not long after, they were 2 on 1 again, but the ref pulled Bland up for a foul (booked, as per). This ref will never get his promotion at this rate, but thanks anyway.
Then, just as I speculate that if we don’t score tonite, that’s 3 goalless games in 4, against sub-standard opposition...we score 2 in 2 minutes. Crewe turn providers, a careless pass intercepted by Cleary, who takes it past his man with his first touch, before burying it across the keeper. Maybe we WILL get that 3 million after all? Then O’Keeffe plays Kelly in with a beautiful reverse pass and his subsequent low cross falls to Noslin to sidefoot home. It’s easy this football malarkey.
There is still time for Kirk not to win a penalty (he was clipped when about to score*) before O’Keeffe makes it 3 goals in 9 minutes. We’d not scored 3 goals in our previous 3 games. The ball is half-cleared to Corey just inside the corner of the box and he controls it and sends it into the far top corner. Where’s he been hiding all this time? Hoddle-esque (and I don’t mean the God bothering bit). Wonderful finish and (I’ve read) his 1st ever goal for us. This bloke could actually be an asset, as long as we don’t give him any defensive responsibility.
*I know, I know. He’ll never score a goal as long as I’ve got a hole in my bottom, as they say. But even HE would’ve scored this one, 8 yards out, keeper rooted.
Second half was a procession. Crewe hardly saw the ball, as wave after wave of attacks led to us breaking the ‘modern English domestic record for a single club in the Opta era’ over our number of corners (20) while we also had 30 shots (for an xG of less than 2, cheers Farnham!) What does this say? Well, our corners from the left were taken short and usually ended with Cleary having to beat his man to get the cross in that we could’ve had from the off, while those from the right were floated in right-footed to be headed away. The shots? As soon as we got 25 yards from their goal, we had a punt. So, we’ve no faith in winning a header off a corner, and we’ve little faith in working an opportunity in the final third? Or were players seeing glory as we were 3-1 up and cruising?
Of course, this was where Stendel started chucking on subs. Taylor (the Aussie) on for Alker and Noah Town on for Kirk (67). Then on 80, Saunders (who?) on for O’Keeffe and Farrell on for McGeehan. What does that make our average age now? 14? Don’t worry tho, there’s still time for Noslin to be replaced by Dunne (who I’m told is son of Dunne. Richard Dunne.) That last 5 minutes, we are hanging on for dear life. We’d already been warned, Ravenhill making an excellent stop on the front post, and a close-range shot hitting the bar, but the damn bursts as a cross is headed home inbetween Gale and Kay, who both look at each other like it’s the other one’s fault. It probably is. (Funnily enough, we looked worse at fullback once we actually had 2 fullbacks, tho Nozzer reckons they were 17, so I shouldn’t be too harsh.) Then, in injury time, Ravenhill pulls off a worldy to prevent it going to pens, and Crewe blast a free kick into the stand with full-time looming. I am struck by the thought that it is August and I may already have seen our best match of the season.
Onwards and upwards!
*** O’Keeffe. I thought he was great, floating around, instigating moves, never losing it, demanding a pass. Looked like the experienced leader he should be, rather than the hapless defender he’s been. Great goal btw.
** Cleary. Scored and a constant pest. Hung back to wave us all farewell at the end. Or do we get one more game out of him?
* Kay. I already love this guy. Him and Ravenhill. Pacey, and reads the game, so even when Gale’s out of position he covers. And not afraid to bring the ball out and have a shot. (Word to the wise: someone – Bland? – needs to cover him when he goes forward.)
Official MOTM: Cleary
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1. Cleary 2. Kay 3. O’Keeffe
Despatches:
As ever, Nice Guy Chris got the half-time draw tickets in. The low crowd apparently increased his chances of winning. (Did you, Chris?) I also had my first chance at using the new, improved, box office. And by ‘improved’, I meant I got to stand outside in a queue instead of indoors. This’ll be grand when Oakwell’s blowing a gale come November. Still, people say I’m a miserable pessimist, but here I am, talking like there’s going to be the chance of a queue for tickets at Oakwell by November! Stick that up your…wherever Keane said McCarthy should stick his. I’m not impressed. Standard. Anyway, me and Nozzer sat where we liked, which meant the padded seats of the exec section of the East upper. Lovely.
The players? Every one of our starters had a good game. Ravenhill made a couple of super saves, and came out and caught, relieving pressure. (Nozzer says he was on loan to Macclesfield last season; I missed that. But I hope he continues the form he’s in.) Gale looks a great signing, and with Earl gone (apologies if youse missed that, he’s gone to Blackpool to no great disappointment) I think the Kay/Gale partnership has legs. We’ll see. Kelly looked back to his best, making the sort of runs we expect. Rumour has it he’ll be running all the way to Leicester, to rejoin assistant manager Hourihane, but I hope he’s better than to be joining a basket-case. Captain McGeehan and Bland held fort well, and both helped themselves to efforts at goal. Noslin was a threat, and scored, while Alker shows good touch and movement. Did I say everyone played well? Kirk continues to worry everyone who sees him. One Londontyke who shall remain nameless (Hi Jonesy!) even compared him unfavourably to Watters. (Shudders.) Of the subs, special mention for Taylor, who showed a sublime touch in turning a defender, while later breaking free to force the keeper into a save. I’ve got high hopes.
And as I wrote this, the 3rd round draw has been made. Our Road To Wembley is going via Peterborough. Oh well. Winnable.
Drink du jour: Leffe in Bramahs.
Away: 366 (3,002). A good turn out from The Alex, who, of course, outsung us.
The Damage:
£8 petrol
£17* ent
= £25
*2 quid more on matchday, which I didn’t know. But at least I’m now the proud owner of one of them ‘souvenir match tickets’.
Sunday, 16 August 2026
BFC 0-1 Bromley, Saturday 15th August 2026
*** probs uploading pics
‘WELCOME HOME DANIEL’
It’s always good to see history unfold before your very eyes. It wasn’t good enough to BFC that we were being treated to the first ever clash between Barnsley FC and Bromley. No, we had to go and lose to a side who were non-league 3 years ago. And the eleven thousand one hundred and sixty-three who were there? Take a bow. You were part of the biggest crowd to ever see Bromley win a Football League match. YOU are a part of history!
My God. (How many times will I blaspheme this season? That could be a record too.) We’ve lost to a side despite us having 2/3 possession, outshooting them 22-12 (on target 8-3) and we still fail to score. That’s what not having a centre forward does to a side. Indeed, we quite literally didn’t have a centre forward 1st half, as Stendel benched Kirk (tell me he’s on loan?) before sticking him on in desperation and seeing him slice a simple 6 foot finish on the rebound. Unlucky? I don’t think we were unlucky. For all the saves their keeper made, we created one great chance, aside from Kirk’s effort.
Opening half, Bland plays in their striker for a simple finish…only Ravenhill spreads himself well and blocks. Bland’s fault? The keeper’s? Probably both, a miscommunication, though Bland could have at least blocked the striker’s run. (I’ve since seen it on youtube and I totally blame Bland.) Then, second half, Ravenhill makes a couple of blocks on his front post as the ball bobbles around before he pounces on it.
In reply, we have a number of half chances, but the ball either never falls properly, or results in a McGeehan scuff. The amount of times the ball needed an extra touch, allowing defenders to block…and when we do create a chance (Connell playing a lovely throughball to Cleary), the latter fails to dink it over a keeper who’s sat on the floor.
Reyes Cleary. No-one did more than him on Satdy to ensure we’ll still have him at the end of the transfer window. I lost count of the number of times he lost it. He must have been given the opportunity, one-on-one, to beat his man and DO something, 20 times – and failed. There’ll be other games where he’ll be lucky to have half a dozen such opportunities, nevermind the 2 or 3 efforts he bent into the stand. 5 million? Be lucky to get 50 grand. (Plans to invest said transfer cash should be put on hold.)
Then Adeboyejo came on as sub. I can’t have been the only one who said ‘I bet he gets the winner.’ He gets the winner. Our hapless defence (no change there then) fails to deal with a long ball, fails to deal with the 2nd ball, fails to deal with the 3rd ball, and a shot so wide it becomes a cross is deflected in on the scuff by Big Vic. One of the worst goals we have conceded in a year of conceding worst goals.
It’s ok though, on comes the cavalry. How many times do we see this? Managers make changes AFTER they’ve conceded. The key is to make changes BEFORE you concede! Richards comes on for Bland (who’d also been booked for going through one of theirs from behind). He goes on the wing, while the Curacaon is pulled back. Kirk is on for Alker (anonymous in the 2nd half) while later, my favouritely-named Reds player Noah Town comes on for Luca. We never look like scoring. That Richards bloke looks like he’d blow over in the wind.
And then we spend the last 20 minutes watching Bromley go down ‘injured’ at every opportunity (though none of which lead to a Bromley player going off for a minute, waiting to come back on). Maybe it’s different rules at Oakwell? 9 minutes injury time just means we’re 9 minutes later in going home. We have been beaten by Bromley. Bromley. FFS. (Well done Bromley.) We couldn’t beat a side whose star centre half got taken off injured and in whose line-up included a certain Will Hondermarck. My God.
Welcome home Daniel.
Onwards and upwards!
*** Kay. 2 shots, one header, hit the bar. Not bad for a fullback. GET HIM UP TOP!
** Alker. Floated around in the Bermuda Triangle of their defence before actually disappearing.
* The Curacaon. Looked promising.
Official MOTM: McGeehan
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1. Kay 2. Noslin 3. Alker
Despatches:
It was a pity we went on to lose, as there was a really positive atmosphere 1st half. It was also vaguely busy, credit to BFC for making it £17 in. But we’ll have to win a few games if we’re to avoid regularly 4 figure crowds come October.
Spiral was busy too, helped by Jonesy bringing half the away end (3) with him from the train. I trust his daughter’s boyfriend (who’s a Chelsea fan actually) enjoyed his day with his adopted team.
The players? Well, being positive, there were some good moves. We often made little passes that ended with a throughball down the wing for the wide player to…kick it to them. But this was on the players making the runs as much as the provider. You can’t run behind a defender and expect him to miss the ball. So, yes, lots of possession in promising areas, but zero chances created from them.
And where will we finish? I don’t want to go mad and say we’re doomed. (Altho…) But I have twenty quid on with A. Jones that we finish bottom half. I think I’m winning that bet! (Winning, as in ‘in the lead’; I think we’ve a chance of finishing top half. It IS division 3, after all.)
Drink du jour: Beartown Inception in Spiral.
Away: 360 (11,163).
The Damage:
£18.22 (£419 season ticket divided by 23 home games)
£8 petrol
£20 ent (sort of)
= £46.22
‘WELCOME HOME DANIEL’
It’s always good to see history unfold before your very eyes. It wasn’t good enough to BFC that we were being treated to the first ever clash between Barnsley FC and Bromley. No, we had to go and lose to a side who were non-league 3 years ago. And the eleven thousand one hundred and sixty-three who were there? Take a bow. You were part of the biggest crowd to ever see Bromley win a Football League match. YOU are a part of history!
My God. (How many times will I blaspheme this season? That could be a record too.) We’ve lost to a side despite us having 2/3 possession, outshooting them 22-12 (on target 8-3) and we still fail to score. That’s what not having a centre forward does to a side. Indeed, we quite literally didn’t have a centre forward 1st half, as Stendel benched Kirk (tell me he’s on loan?) before sticking him on in desperation and seeing him slice a simple 6 foot finish on the rebound. Unlucky? I don’t think we were unlucky. For all the saves their keeper made, we created one great chance, aside from Kirk’s effort.
Opening half, Bland plays in their striker for a simple finish…only Ravenhill spreads himself well and blocks. Bland’s fault? The keeper’s? Probably both, a miscommunication, though Bland could have at least blocked the striker’s run. (I’ve since seen it on youtube and I totally blame Bland.) Then, second half, Ravenhill makes a couple of blocks on his front post as the ball bobbles around before he pounces on it.
In reply, we have a number of half chances, but the ball either never falls properly, or results in a McGeehan scuff. The amount of times the ball needed an extra touch, allowing defenders to block…and when we do create a chance (Connell playing a lovely throughball to Cleary), the latter fails to dink it over a keeper who’s sat on the floor.
Reyes Cleary. No-one did more than him on Satdy to ensure we’ll still have him at the end of the transfer window. I lost count of the number of times he lost it. He must have been given the opportunity, one-on-one, to beat his man and DO something, 20 times – and failed. There’ll be other games where he’ll be lucky to have half a dozen such opportunities, nevermind the 2 or 3 efforts he bent into the stand. 5 million? Be lucky to get 50 grand. (Plans to invest said transfer cash should be put on hold.)
Then Adeboyejo came on as sub. I can’t have been the only one who said ‘I bet he gets the winner.’ He gets the winner. Our hapless defence (no change there then) fails to deal with a long ball, fails to deal with the 2nd ball, fails to deal with the 3rd ball, and a shot so wide it becomes a cross is deflected in on the scuff by Big Vic. One of the worst goals we have conceded in a year of conceding worst goals.
It’s ok though, on comes the cavalry. How many times do we see this? Managers make changes AFTER they’ve conceded. The key is to make changes BEFORE you concede! Richards comes on for Bland (who’d also been booked for going through one of theirs from behind). He goes on the wing, while the Curacaon is pulled back. Kirk is on for Alker (anonymous in the 2nd half) while later, my favouritely-named Reds player Noah Town comes on for Luca. We never look like scoring. That Richards bloke looks like he’d blow over in the wind.
And then we spend the last 20 minutes watching Bromley go down ‘injured’ at every opportunity (though none of which lead to a Bromley player going off for a minute, waiting to come back on). Maybe it’s different rules at Oakwell? 9 minutes injury time just means we’re 9 minutes later in going home. We have been beaten by Bromley. Bromley. FFS. (Well done Bromley.) We couldn’t beat a side whose star centre half got taken off injured and in whose line-up included a certain Will Hondermarck. My God.
Welcome home Daniel.
Onwards and upwards!
*** Kay. 2 shots, one header, hit the bar. Not bad for a fullback. GET HIM UP TOP!
** Alker. Floated around in the Bermuda Triangle of their defence before actually disappearing.
* The Curacaon. Looked promising.
Official MOTM: McGeehan
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1. Kay 2. Noslin 3. Alker
Despatches:
It was a pity we went on to lose, as there was a really positive atmosphere 1st half. It was also vaguely busy, credit to BFC for making it £17 in. But we’ll have to win a few games if we’re to avoid regularly 4 figure crowds come October.
Spiral was busy too, helped by Jonesy bringing half the away end (3) with him from the train. I trust his daughter’s boyfriend (who’s a Chelsea fan actually) enjoyed his day with his adopted team.
The players? Well, being positive, there were some good moves. We often made little passes that ended with a throughball down the wing for the wide player to…kick it to them. But this was on the players making the runs as much as the provider. You can’t run behind a defender and expect him to miss the ball. So, yes, lots of possession in promising areas, but zero chances created from them.
And where will we finish? I don’t want to go mad and say we’re doomed. (Altho…) But I have twenty quid on with A. Jones that we finish bottom half. I think I’m winning that bet! (Winning, as in ‘in the lead’; I think we’ve a chance of finishing top half. It IS division 3, after all.)
Drink du jour: Beartown Inception in Spiral.
Away: 360 (11,163).
The Damage:
£18.22 (£419 season ticket divided by 23 home games)
£8 petrol
£20 ent (sort of)
= £46.22
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