Goal was a clear OG, ball in from foulston missed both Hopper and Pratt and went in off Hungerford number 6

Why do think that ?

Not a great deal more that I can add to what's already been said quite frankly. Watching Saturday's game, I'm still not convinced the Manager know's what his best starting line up is, and certainly the eleven that started on Saturday was not it in my view. History tells us that Hungerford all come at us from the word go, and sure enough we conceded the softest of goals right from the off. The side looked in-effective with Pratty looking well off the mark. What I fail to understand is that clearly on Saturday the starting line was not working, so why wait till half time to make a change ? This is my own opinion, but I think Big Chris and Jarvo should start up front, as they are far more mobile and cause more of a threat that the current choice.
Very concerned what Weymouth will do to us this Saturday, as we do look vulnerable on both flanks. 

Oh dear! It seems to be happening again doesn't it? What I don't understand is I could completely understand if we were an overly ambitious team, with huge revenue and a large budget. Or if we had come into the season picking up incredibly poor results but we are neither of these. Addressing comments specifically to this game is going to be tricky (I missed it, as per my earlier post) however, guys it's a point away from home! Against any opposition in the division this is not a cause for concern! We have so far travelled to St Albans on opening day, picked up a point, unlucky not to be all three, had 3 points snatched from us at home to Oxford with their one meaningful threat to Will Puddy's goal, beaten the team that pre-season declared with the signings they had made (all on the pitch) that they would be league champions, we beat them 2-0 in a very assured performance. Then we travelled to top of the table Wealdstone, a team that are going to be incredibly hard to beat anywhere and were unfortunate not to get something from the game in a 1-0 defeat. There other results are something like 4-1, 4-0, 3-0 the 1-0 against us and think they lost to Dulwich (another very strong team in the division, Wealdstone were down to 10 for most of the game) and then we respond with a point on the road against Hungerford. Five games in we are 3 Draws, 1 Win and 1 defeat and considering the level of opposition. Yes would have been nice to see more Wins but can any of you really say, honestly say that you aren't happy with the start we have made? 

As for Collier not knowing his best 11. I am no football manager (except on games and Sunday league level) but I don't think it's relevant! Knowing your strongest 11 means that you've overlooked about 5-6 others in terms of what they are bringing to the table! This is squad rotation Ladies and Gents, it's the one biggest contributing factor to a successful league campaign. Players will want to play every week, they are footballers at the weekend and they work hard for that 90 minute match on Saturday afternoon however, it's the managers job to keep them fit, healthy and fresh for the next challenge in the league. Not to mention hungry. Any player who didn't play at Hungerford, or get the minutes they felt they deserved will be chomping at the bit for Saturday and for my part, that's how you create desire, the will to win and go the extra mile for the team whilst also ensuring that no one is over stretching or pushing themselves over the limit.

Certain comments on here baffle me, Pratt looking off the pace! Did you go to Wealdstone? Chased every single ball and was a thorn in their side from whistle to whistle. Should have picked up a penalty and sadly being too honest was his downfall, had he hit the deck screaming he would have likely got the penalty however, he tried to regain his feet and attacking position and honesty cost him his reward (such is the modern game). How vulnerable we are on the flanks? Attacking I would suggest that we aren't the widest team in the league but "What Weymouth will do to us"? Rhys Tyler and Jay Foulston have been almost flawless this season, with many claiming Tyler has been the standout player for Chippenham in the opening five games so god only knows where this claim has come from. Our midfield has looked better than it has in a long time in my opinion with some real quality in the lads Haines and Youssef. Dean has been superb while in the game and Gunner at times has been absolutely magnificent (probably the best player on the park against Billericay according to the masses). As for the centre backs, well Richards was obviously superb before his injury and McDonald is looking sharper with every touch but Kieran Parselle! He has stepped in at skipper and wearing that armband like a god! Leader, strong in every sense of the word, first one over to the fans, calm, decisive and I haven't seen him put a foot wrong this year and unless you have the overly critical eye on him, you'd be hard pushed to find a better example of what we should be in order to be successful this term. We have a bloody strong team guys! 

What are we worried about!?! Weymouth are riding the crest of a wave after last season's promotion. They will be buzzing and every single game is a cup final to them at the moment, they are earning every single point through sheer will and determination to belong and let's not forget, another massive club who were very much lying dormant in the Southern League, big following, big stadium and I would imagine a fairly decent budget from owners that have always had a little bit of money right back from the Southern League days they have been well backed. All we need to do is match that same work rate and determination and we will once again (like we have been EVERY GAME SO FAR) be in with a shout of a point or more. 

Come on guys, I know this forum is largely made up of ex players, disgruntled "fans" and those with hidden agenda but is it really all that bad. We are in the National League South, we once again look far too good for the drop, we are competitive, how about getting behind the team, the manager and the club and seeing if the power of positive can't be a catalyst for what we desire. A good crowd in good voice this weekend, united behind whatever team is put out on the pitch can only be a good thing. And if your favourite player is missing, if someone has been left out that you feel shouldn't be then by all means feel aggrieved but let's get behind the decisions made by Mark and Gary and trust that they know what they are seeing. They work with the players, train with them 1-2 times a week, share the dressing room. They have the reasons for making the calls they do and from a much more experienced and exposed vantage point than ourselves. 

Bring on Weymouth, they will fancy it down here. Maybe we can relish once again in being the "underdogs" for the game. #BLUEARMY 

Last edited by TheVoice (19/8/2019 10:07 AM)

Voice. Tremendous piece and very well written.