My first post on this forum....
I was there last night.
I don't think they keep possession stats in these games - maybe they do - but it seemed like Lynn had way more possession than Ashton, but especially in the first half simply failed to finish when presented with multiple opportunities to score. Marriot hit the post, the left back (Clements) was more interested in bursting the net than actually hitting the ball into the available space in the goal, basically blasting into the goalies midriff twice when he actually could have scored with a little more patience. However, the keeper... Clearly, being beaten 3 times on one on one's with opposing forwards was not great. Holding back from crashing into the forward so as not to get sent off makes sense, however, rushing beyond the penalty area which ergo, prevents you sliding and using your hands simply wasn't a great decision. His body shape on these situations was all wrong - he needs coaching. I thought Clunan ran the show in the 1st half, not with spectacular plays but with incisive passing under pressure, almost never giving the ball away and constantly pushing the pass forward to encourage the wide players to advance into open spaces to receive passes. The right back, Hall-Johnson spent most of the game as a right winger and some his crosses were drilled into the areas between penalty spot and goal line where the Ashton keeper (who was a solid performer) stood rooted but no forward took a chance. Also, the other forwards when holding onto the ball didn't look at the opportunities of hitting the channels that Hall-Johnston was available to run into often enough. H-J's frustration was clear to everyone in that second half as he was basically stationed directly in front of the Lynn fans for most of the half. I thought that the opportunity to get Omatayo up against the Ashton keeper on crosses was however wasted, as both wingers including H-J in the last 15 mins decided not to cross to where his head might be. Gold has what we call in the game (where I come from) a great second touch...however you don't get to see it, as his 1st touch is lacking. Balls to his feet where pinging all over the shop. The 3-0 scoreline flattered Ashton, however despite all the possession, Lynn in the second half despite playing a lot of quick touch interplay in midfield couldn't create many clear chances, although Marriot did have one goal bound effort (we were stationed right in line with his shot) cleared basically off the line. The 3 forward subs didn't have enough time to get into the game and at tat point Lynn were getting desperate. The last 2 goals came late and really a 1-0 defeat told the real story. I hope Lynn fans got home safe and sound, if not too late. The barracking of the Lynn keeper got a bit too much - I mean he could clearly hear every word, and yes, he's not up to snuff but I think it doesn't help the lad when his own supporters are screaming blue murder at him. It's perfectly fine to moan, you are paying to watch, but maybe just moan rather than scream "you're ****ing useless"?
I was there last night.
I don't think they keep possession stats in these games - maybe they do - but it seemed like Lynn had way more possession than Ashton, but especially in the first half simply failed to finish when presented with multiple opportunities to score. Marriot hit the post, the left back (Clements) was more interested in bursting the net than actually hitting the ball into the available space in the goal, basically blasting into the goalies midriff twice when he actually could have scored with a little more patience. However, the keeper... Clearly, being beaten 3 times on one on one's with opposing forwards was not great. Holding back from crashing into the forward so as not to get sent off makes sense, however, rushing beyond the penalty area which ergo, prevents you sliding and using your hands simply wasn't a great decision. His body shape on these situations was all wrong - he needs coaching. I thought Clunan ran the show in the 1st half, not with spectacular plays but with incisive passing under pressure, almost never giving the ball away and constantly pushing the pass forward to encourage the wide players to advance into open spaces to receive passes. The right back, Hall-Johnson spent most of the game as a right winger and some his crosses were drilled into the areas between penalty spot and goal line where the Ashton keeper (who was a solid performer) stood rooted but no forward took a chance. Also, the other forwards when holding onto the ball didn't look at the opportunities of hitting the channels that Hall-Johnston was available to run into often enough. H-J's frustration was clear to everyone in that second half as he was basically stationed directly in front of the Lynn fans for most of the half. I thought that the opportunity to get Omatayo up against the Ashton keeper on crosses was however wasted, as both wingers including H-J in the last 15 mins decided not to cross to where his head might be. Gold has what we call in the game (where I come from) a great second touch...however you don't get to see it, as his 1st touch is lacking. Balls to his feet where pinging all over the shop. The 3-0 scoreline flattered Ashton, however despite all the possession, Lynn in the second half despite playing a lot of quick touch interplay in midfield couldn't create many clear chances, although Marriot did have one goal bound effort (we were stationed right in line with his shot) cleared basically off the line. The 3 forward subs didn't have enough time to get into the game and at tat point Lynn were getting desperate. The last 2 goals came late and really a 1-0 defeat told the real story. I hope Lynn fans got home safe and sound, if not too late. The barracking of the Lynn keeper got a bit too much - I mean he could clearly hear every word, and yes, he's not up to snuff but I think it doesn't help the lad when his own supporters are screaming blue murder at him. It's perfectly fine to moan, you are paying to watch, but maybe just moan rather than scream "you're ****ing useless"?