..... There were a lot of 'fans' who were at the 'facilities' when the goal was scored. https://www.skysports.com/watch/vid...llingham/12803490/gillingham-1-0-crawley-town I was pleased with the whole team effort in the 2nd half...Gills probably deserved more goals..BUT - in the first half, Gills were lucky, ( thanks to the brilliant saves from Morris ), that we weren't 0-3 before Jefferies somehow managed NOT to score. Gills sat off too deep when Crawley had the ball - inviting them towards our penalty area.... and were particularly 'loose' down the flanks. I was very frustrated at each Crawley corner -- Gills defended with all eleven men - and had nobody 'upfront.' - On one corner, the Crawly keeper was practically on the halfway line - because there was no chance of a Gills breakaway.... HOWEVER - What I saw in the 2nd half was good, and what I hope for in the remaining games (( at least at Priestfield. )) If we can win our home games - and entertain the fans, like we did in the second half, we should be 'safe.' - I can understand the need to be more cautious when not at Home.
I have to say from the first half, I really don't understand Crawley's league position, I assume changes were made in January that has improved them as a team. We got lucky not to be down at HT, but second half there was only one team in it, although I was always nervous and uncomfortable at 1-0, as we have known too often that a late goal can undo 45 mins of hard work. I wanted a second, it didn't come but I went home happy, and it was job done and 10 points out of 12 on the board, absolutely amazing!
I might get into trouble for looking at the 'bigger' picture ! brb I too was 'impressed' with Crawley in the first half.... and impressed with Colchester at Priestfield - despite both teams' lowly position.. BUT - in each case, it came down to allowing the opposition to have time and space on the ball - which meant they were comfortable to progress towards Gills goal - which obviously didn't happen when those teams played others in L2..... The 2nd half yesterday, saw Gills defending higher, and pressing much more 'aggressively' - not giving Crawley anything...and Gills were unlucky not to have a couple more goals ...... Gills simply can't afford to allow the opposition to have an easy ride - or we'll lose more often than not - - - and, despite the recent signings, if we don't have possession of the ball, we won't score........ which is why I was frustrated at the ultra-negative tactics whenever Crawley took a corner.... i hope Harris can learn from the experience of yesterday's first half, and change things when they are obviously not working - rather than waste 45 minutes -- if Crawly had scored the 3 that they should have scored, in the first half, I am sure that Gills would not have recovered.
I don't pretend to be a tactical person nor do I pretend to know anything about tactics, but my observations as a mere supporter, are than Neil Harris, has built us to not concede goals. Part reason for that as an assumption was because when we didn't have the tools to do the job (before Brad), all he could do was shut up shop with what he had. This was in the main why I remained non critical of the gaffer, because I could see what he was attempting to do. Now with Brad, we have a much improved scoring ability BUT there was one thing that really stood out to me yesterday more than anything, the lack of a natural 'pacey' winger on the left, our midfield is supurb and if that is the way we want to play, then fine, but different teams need different approaches, and I really felt that if we had had a Barcham or an Obita, we could have tore Crawley apart. Like I say, I aint got a clue, it's just my unprofessional eye. However, I felt Crawley were a good team, and we really shouldn't down play that, their position like ours within recent weeks I'm going to guess is false, I don't know the name of their keeper, I didn't have a programme, but to me he looked good and as competent as Morris. So I think maybe NH played it just right, sometimes you do have to take the strain of the opposition, but the end result was a win, so possession isn't everything, what is more important is the 3 points. But let's not play down what Crawley did, and this will probably bite me on the arse, but I'd be surprised if they went down. I feel if Neil had attempted to play it any different, the visitors would have ripped us apart, sometimes it's about being patient, and knowing that our overall quality and depth will win in the end. If every game was 1-0 to the Gills and we got top half of the table, Harris can do what he wants for all I'm concerned, it's down to us to raise our voices and get behind the lads, even when things are tough. For me today though, if I was the boss, I'd be wanting that left handside sorted out, I don't know what we've got to fill it with, but for me yesterday, it could have been the extra difference for another goal.
brb - you have been very 'fair' to Harris.... and I understand your 'sentimentality.'. Like you, I am not a tactical 'expert - but make comment based on observation of a the play - and 'bigger picture.' - - This can lead to people misunderstanding my viewpoint - because, maybe, others do not analyse matters as deeply as myself (( maybe I have too much time on my hands. )) I agree with many of your 'observations.' -- especially with the need for a 'wide' player... 'Old-fashioned' wing play has never gone out of fashion... I have been a huge fan of crosses into the middle of the penalty area..If you've got a half decent central forward, you only need to win a couple of headers, knock down to supporting striker and - bang- goal ! (that's the theory.) It would be good to have the option of a winger - even if as a 'super-sub.' .. At the moment, Gills are too narrow too often.
I feel he has made a couple of blunders in the last 2 games especially going to defensive against swinetown when they had their penalty, left us very short up front
