Definitely a poor performance. In my opinion only Spencer Hamilton and Will Richards played ok, the rest were either below par or just plain poor. Passing was deplorable at times, and resorting to the long ball didn't work either.  We didn't seem to have a plan B after we went behind (or if we did it didn't work). I didn't think Chelmsford were much better but as usual in this league a poor performance gets punished. Also disappointed with the attendance (492).
Having said all that the team has the opportunity to put this behind them by winning at Poole next week! We all love a cup run - COYB!

HisLordship wrote:

Harrumph!  The Bearded Wonder's (TBW) assessment on Saturday at 4.58 ( and before that at 3.12, 3.17 and most times thereafter).

His Lordship's Inexpert Analysis Number 2:
TBW staring doggedly at his telphone declared emphatically early on that we were set up at the back for an away game not a home game then fell between two stools.  Back 3 holding, wing-backs trying to get up the pitch, when Away they'd be falling back more, left gaping channels  between Messrs Richards, Hamilton and Parselle for CCFC to run into..... and they did, to good effect. Quite often.

Chelmsford:  Efficient, tidy with one or two quick players ( Nos 7 and 12 particularly). .. and of course, blessed with Young Charles Sheringham, scion of that fellow blue-blood,  master Edward, aka Teddy... who had a " potent" game and was rewarded with 2 goals for his pains. Awarded a soft penalty after a scrappy-ish start, they understandably grew in confidence and belief as the game progressed to the fateful 17th or thereabouts minute when Bonny Prince Charlie filleted us ( not for the first time) and tucked the ball neatly past WH.  Thereafter, they hardly looked back.  Nearly scored what would have been  the best goal of the game from a brilliant by-line cut back to Young Charlie ....and only looked remotely discomposed  in the final wobbly minutes. **One for the "I-Spy" collector ...CCFC brought on, as a  late substitute, a Number 13 whose number appeared to reflect his chronological age.  "Looks as though he's  just left a new Year 8 Induction session"  TBW  declared  resentfully nursing   his tepid Bovril.

CTFC:  not our finest hour and a half.  Barely in it.  Repeatedly exposed by speed of thought and foot, and incisive CCFC passing in the final critical 3rd... the one thing that  H&W, the better-looking side, couldn't manage.
Lost midfield grip ... if they ever really gained it.  Young Stearn poor fella had a poor one,  caught in possession repeatedly  and wanting in pace.  The goal just before half-time should have heralded the rally and a different set-up.  Despite a lively  5 or ten minutes after half time we were then cut apart again and the jig was up.  In terms of pecentages and marginal gains:  far too many hurried, aimless passes.. sometimes into touch, or into vague space and easily mopped up; too many times caught on the ball, Generally looked unable to work out what was going wrong.  Once again Young Warwick brought something.. namely directness and a hint of threat, otherwise sadly wanting at other times. A forgettable afternoon. Optimistic note:  Could we please bottle what we were doing in the first 7 or 8 minutes after half-time and reproduce more consistently. Got to the byline 2 or 3 times and threatened. Repeat dosage and all will be better was her Ladyship's ( absent at the time) advice... and usually is, especially when it concerns a Gordon's and tonic.

On a personal, Lordly note, (see Havant post), was sad that Messrs Ronnie and Matt were unable to join me  for a half-time lip-wetter (a dram of Benromach 15 Single Malt).  TBW on  chauffeuring duties confined to Bovril... hence brooding resentment. Next time perhaps? And of course any other fellow Bluebird Keyboard Warriors welcome.
 

Berwick Rangers - There is no way I am going toe to toe with an actual Lord! Although I must admit I found the whole thing a thumping good read and love contributions like this! I had to pop most of it in Google Translate but other than that! What insight ;) 

Did not see the game but this is quite a strong league  so all teams will have off days or times when they come up against a side having one of  their stronger days. We have had a decent start so agree attendance was bit disappointing.

Reginald74 wrote:

Agreed Chipp54 I have no doubt we will be to strong for Poole Town a club we have had the better of over the years
 

We only just got past then at the same stage last season

I feel for the lad, coming in to replace arguably the most exciting and quality left back the club has seen in modern memory in Vince was always going to be one hell of a task and one I am sure Michael didn't even know he had in front of him. There was no way for him to know that Vinny has been the standout performer this season and the reason his move was so bittersweet is because I can't genuinely remember a left back that excited me the way Vince did. You got the impression something could happen every time he went near the football and that's a rarity. Maybe we need to accept that and recognise that Michael's biggest fault Saturday was that he is not Vince Harper? I hope he grows into it over the next few games, a real test awaits against Poole, not to be taken lightly, they are a good mob