Match Summary

A frustrating performance from the Gulls. It was written in the stars that ex-gull Brett Williams would play a part in the result, and his hat-trick was enough to condemn us to another defeat. The most annoying part is that the team didn’t play that badly. A lack of quality in the final third and quality at the back cost us again. The team’s Achilles heal this season is Josh Gowling; when he plays the back four are a stronger unit with his experience and leadership in there, giving McGinty the freedom to just play. However, without Gowling, the back four and especially McGinty have the extra responsibility that they struggle with. The midfield was fairly non-existent, and the forwards weren’t really in the game. I do think the plastic pitch made a difference, but the wait for that elusive first win continues…

Player Ratings

Dorel 5
Higgins 6  Efete 6  McGinty 6  Cole 7
Haworth 5  Dowling 7  Young 6.5  Reid 6
Gray 5  Pittman 6

Subs
Keating – 5 Fallon – 4

Man of the match
Chinua Cole

A player brought in to cover the non-existent Liam Davies, Chinua has been outstanding in my opinion. He seems very un-phased and is comfortable on the ball – a good achievement coming into a defence shipping goals at an alarming rate.

Honourable Mentions

George Dowling once again showed glimpses of his quality. And I think is the only midfielder in recent times to overshadow Luke Young. I also thought that Jamie Reid had a fairly decent game. There are rare glimpses that he does have some quality, and he did threaten on the left cutting in. Luke Young also showed glimpses of his old self, playing some lovely balls over the top.

Tactics

It’s been interesting watching a slightly different team under Robbie, preferring a flat 4-4-2 as appose to the diamond favoured by Kevin Nicholson. Unfortunately I don’t think we have the players for it. Maybe with Gosling fit and a proper target man that formation will work.

Opposition

Brett Williams scored a hat-trick against us on a plastic pitch! Bromley look ok; I think they will fall short of the play-offs but they have a decent team there.

Conclusion

A disappointing evening, and despite my opinions on the situation with GI and Harrop, it’s a good job we now have a manager. It will be interesting to see what happens. It potentially has a making of a modern league club, Harrop the general manager, Dave Hedges a recruitment specialist and a head coach. Will it work? Was it right? Time will tell. The thing we all need is a win. Bring on Barrow

Next Up

Barrow Away 16th September

Sam Druiff – TT Contributor