TALKING POINTS

Tom Beddows

@BeddowsTom

MEH!

Easiest way to describe the feeling this afternoon. The usual hope and excitement of a matchday, alongside a new ground to visit, was present amongst the following Yellow Army, matched with a small amount of trepidation of what the opposing team may bring and how they will treat (what I believe to be) their first competitive league fixture with a previous Football League club.

The hope and excitement, quickly drifted away and over the Dartford crossing, as the Gulls failed to make any inroads and continue the winning run from the 4 previous games.

The match in general wasn’t a particularly exciting one, with the odd glimpse of quality only appearing fleetingly. The afternoon felt long and I’m certainly missing the enjoyable factor of watching my team play. I hope that doesn’t take too long to return.

ATTITUDE

There’s been some social media rumbles about the attitude of the players and whether they look like they want to be in the team/on the pitch.

I don’t see a team who don’t want to be out there, I see frustration, but not an unwillingness to play.

Perhaps this is frustration with each other, with the opposition, with the officials, wherever it lies will fuel their desire to be better, produce better quality football and put points on the board.

Frustration shows that they care, and whilst they do, I’ll continue to support them, with the understanding that we all know these 90 minute performances must improve.

MARK HALSTEAD

Where would we be without him! Mark has made some exceptional saves so far this season and today was no different. The Aveley team took their chances well and probably should have scored a couple more, but our man in the sticks, with his acrobatics, has ensured that our goal difference has been kept to a reasonable level.

I’m sure Mark is fed up of being the fans player of the match game after game, but with the Aveley keeper turning to the Yellow Army to comment “Who is this guy?”, it’s clear why he is. I hope we become slightly less reliant on Mark as the team and our performances improve.

CONSISTENCY

Looking at the rest of the results in the National League South, consistency is going to be the key to maintaining your league position and ultimately gaining promotion. I don’t think one team has shown a consistent approach so far, as proven by Worthing who had 4 put past them by Braintree this afternoon.

There are sparks of quality amongst the team we have, we know this, we’ve seen it before. Our start hasn’t been as entertaining as many probably hoped it would be, once we’ve clicked and probably with another loan or two, I think our performances will become better, more exciting and consistent.

AWAY DAY FACILITIES

Having been at all of the away games so far this season, I have been presently surprised at the facilities on offer and the matchday experience on show.

There has been a variety of club bars, food/drink options and terraces to stand on. These grounds aren’t simply a park pitch, with one man and his dog stood on the sidelines, as many believe them to be. They have, mostly (Dover aside), been a modern welcoming environment and good places to go and watch a football match.

I think those in charge of the Plainmoor match experience could learn a lesson on how to welcome those spending their hard-earned money at the club!