The Smithfield FC

Out for revenge against Beverly after an 8-1 humiliation away from home at the beginning of the season, Smithfield were without Central Defender Chopper Harris and midfielder Rob Evans. Due to this a change around in positions of some key players tipped the game in Beverly’s favour, and they ran out 2-0 winners.

Stanway

Made some important saves in th first half hour, rarely troubled after that, couldn’t do much with either goal.
8/10

Clarke

Scored his first goal of the season, unfortunately it was past our keeper, handled his opponent well and mad a remarkable goal line clearance.
8/10

Ford

Slotted in at full back for about an hour and did well, pushed up last 30 minutes to help in attack, good energy levels.
7/10

Askey

Controlled the back line well, made good interceptions and always delivered the right ball forward, opponenets man of the match.
8/10

Tudor

Battled well in the heart of the defence, and became more comfortable as the game went on, always quick to get a tackle in.
8/10

Smith

game back after a knee injury, started cautiously but got better as the game went on, good to see him back.
7/10

Bagnall

Lead by example to take control of the midfield in the second half, ran himself into the ground.
8/10

Maskery

Fantastic work rate up and down the pitch, never let the opposition get control and gradually forced them back into their own half.
8/10

Craig

Struggled to make an impression in the first half hour, but put in a great last hour to pressure the defence from wide.
7/10

Jones (L)

Baffled doctors by playing a full game so soon after his operation and lasted the full 90 minutes oustanding effort.
9/10

Middleton

Thrown in at the deep end but kept a talented defence on their toes for a good hour.
7/10

Subs

Plant

Came on for last 20 minutes to add energy up front did well when he came on.
7/10

AWOL

Cobby- work
Evans – illness
Chopper – some poor excuse, no commitment
Baggaley – Playing for Britannia

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Oh dear an absolute mauling at the hands of Beverly (8-1).

So what went wrong?
Was it the tactics? (tried and tested against better teams successfully)
Was it the attitude of the players?
Was it the commitment of the players?
Was it the pre-match instructions?(get closer to the player you are marking etc.)
Was it just one of those days?
Or is it those damn Aliens interfering again?

Whatever the reason we must learn from this game and quickly if we are to establish ourselves as a credible Premiership side.

Ratings are as follows:-

Stanway

Let in 8, had a tantrum at halftime,suggested that when he shouts “keepers ball” he doesn’t want team mates to leave it for him.
5/10

Clarke

Chased shadows first half, claims he had 3 players running at him first half, but never thought to sort out this problem until halftime.
5/10

Jones

Career threatening injury forced him off after 16 minutes, our thoughts are with him.
4/10

Harris

As a central defender was too often too far away from the rest of his back line. Tried in vain to get the backline up to the halfway line.
5/10

Askey

Got forced further and further back as his confidence drained away. Better second half.
5/10

Latham

A lot of enthusiasm, needs to channel it better, will have to learn to dominate his opposite number.
5/10

Maskery

Got lost in the midfield vacuum, needs to show more commitment when things are going badly, was too often in the different half of the pitch to the ball.
5/10

Bagnall

When the going gets tough you need the Captain to encourage and lead the fight from the front. Head went down after 3rd goal and never came back up. Needs to see the problems on the pitch and sort them out. There’s no excuse for players running around unmarked. This should be a basic fix.
4/10

Craig

Was like a magnet for the goal kicks, Needs to use his pace and ability to destroy average players who only look good because we play the high ball. Better second half.
5/10

Ford

Dismal performance as a front man, even worse when he came to help out his defence second half, obviously never heard of a “give and go” pass. Never gave the opposition a problem all game.
4/10

Jones

Took his goal well, sadly didn’t do much else, was too easily pushed off the ball, Never put any pressure on the defenders when they had the ball.
3/10

Cobby

Came on for Jones and looked shaky at first, much better when he picked up the pace of the game. The only honest performance on the team.
6/10

Goldstraw

Worst possible game to make his debut, but gave it a go when he came on.
6/10

AWOL

Baggo

Maybe we shouldn’t rely on a player who can’t be bothered to turn up. Manager’s patience beginning to wear thin.

Tudor

Hopefully back for good next week

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