Oh dear everyone here thinks we're down already. Yeah we were poor for most of the second half but there were good spells, I'd say we were the better side first half and somehow went into the break two down. Not as good second half and Braintree could have had two or three more (that referee collision was a let off for us as they was on the break), but the last ten minutes or so we scored and threatened another. We were clearly enough of a worry for Braintree for them to take forever over goalkicks and keep the ball in the corner.

I think some people need to wake up and smell the coffee 🤦‍♂️

Frustrating and disappointing in equal measure. I'm more of Space Raider's persuasion, that we did play some really decent football in spells.  I rarely moan about the opposition, to scapegoat them rather than look at our own failings, but yesterday was an exception. To some it was being "professional", to others, less charitable, there was a real whiff of "shithousery" about Braintree. To their credit, they were were a really well organized, "at it" side who closed us down relentlessly. They had a potent Number 9 and Number 10. ..  both big fast and good in the air.  However, from the 20th minute onwards it was clear that they were intent on breaking, by any means,  any momentum or rhythm we might begin to establish. Their attitude was embodied by their Number 4.. We had slow saunterings over to take throw-ins, prolonged goal kicks, multiple occasions of going down and staying down...When they went ahead against the run of play, they continued in the same mode.  I really did feel that we could get back into the game in the second half.  We started to turn the screw during a good spell and then had another spate of stoppages and disruptions ( including the bizarre flattening of the  referee). I'm sure the Braintree manager and fans were delighted with their "game management" but they effectively sucked the life out of the game.   Yes, some of our passing got poor and ragged, frustration built up  as our midfield faltered ( you don't often see Luke R pulled off!). Will R was given a pretty torrid time  ( Not sure he was too happy with their Number 4 either) and Craig Fas and MM ( and Owen W) clearly need to get used to each other. Braintree might well reach the Play-Offs but they didn't make many friends in my area of the Main Stand. Couldn't agree more about the disappointing crowd numbers.  Let's hope that  various calls-to-arms are heeded... especially if it gets really squeaky in 6 weeks or so.

 Reg says there are 4 teams worst than us and we’ll be fine.Perhaps he can let us know who are these 4 teams are as our results against teams down the bottom haven’t exactly been inspiring. 

Reginald74 wrote:

We have assembled a expensive forward line and their goals will ensure the clubs safety. Hungerford, Cheshunt, Concord and Hampton Richmond will finish below us. I expect us to finish above Dover, Slough and Dulwich too. 

 

Please stop predicting stuff Reg,
Past history indicates you are very rarely correct.

I.e. 3 nil home win, Crowd 756.
When we haven’t won at home with 3 goals for ages and when have we ever got over 700 excluding FA. Cup and Bath, Torquay games.

Last edited by Wellard (06/2/2023 3:28 PM)