Despite the typically February cold weather for the Chesterfield game, the Medway Stand was a blessing in disguise from the bitter winds, not really recognised until leaving the ground. However, nothing came harsher than the first 45 minutes on the Priestfield pitch. Disappointed would be an understatement, memories shared with my match day company of Sheffield United at home on the first day of the season, how can we go from that to this, despite our fabulous league position. Personally I think someone needs to tie Nelson’s laces together to stop him hoofing it up the pitch. Really though it defies all logic, we got where we are through free flowing pace, not playing in the skies. Jeez, it’s not rocket science, just look at the height and size of the opposition. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen us play Chesterfield and I’d struggle to remember a side of theirs that kept it on the ground. So why do we play into their hands. With the greatest of respect, Chesterfield were there for the taking today and we messed it up big style, it’s ok players saying sorry and we will put it right Tuesday, but it just is not good enough! Now Edinburgh has had one hell of an easy ride off me this season, considering I’m never held back on my words, he’s done a fantastic job, but the only person I blame for that performance is the manager himself, you should have nipped those tactics in the bud within the first 15 minutes, let alone why did you even start with them. Chesterfield’s first goal came from down the right, beautiful cross in, god knows who was supposed to be stopping him but whoever it was clearly out paced, well out everything to be honest, then all I see is what I believe was Jackson going to ground and 0-1 to the opposition. Then just on half-time 0-2 but it was a brilliant goal and unstoppable, no player was to blame for that, Novak buried it good and proper. Second half started how the first should have begun and typical Gills, we only play for 45 minutes, i'm sick of saying it, let alone witnessing it. Probably should have got a draw and one point in the end, but fate gave it 1-2 to Chesterfield as the opposition hung on, but did we deserve anything in truth, no not really. We are having a poor run of form and the god’s seem against us with injuries, having already lost Egan and now Dack with hamstring, we clearly are going to be scraping to the wire to decide our fate. But there was something seriously wrong today and I cannot quite put my finger on it, I thought for several hours before writing this and just feel something is missing. It was just like that desire and passion was lacking, it just seemed as though players were hesitant in getting in the box, but that is where decisions are won and lost. An example is Jackson before his late injury and bravery to continue, there appeared no desire to take it in to the box, please whoever has put the brakes on these guys lift it. I'm trying to think of something good to say about the game...nope i've given up just like the lads did today.
brb ( more positivity) We could have got early goal in first half and should have scored more than one goal in the second. The lads did NOT give up nor should we. I never expected us to be in contention for top 2 but we are still there, although play offs look most likely as long as we win some games on the road. No mention on Williams who looked very lively and will take Dacks place while injured.
I am positive about my team and have been all season, quite often repeating that we will make the play-offs and that any auto chance will be decided at the wire. However, remaining positive does not mean I will not say how I saw the game. In my mind the lads did give up, even at the end our best spell. There was lack of movement off the ball, I'v already mentioned our hesitancy to get in the box (excluding Jackson in the final minutes for obvious reasons) - also it concerned me about awareness in the team, it was blatantly obvious that Jackson could not go on any longer (no subs left) without aggravating his discomfort but we still insisted in giving the ball to him - when we should have been protecting him! That first half was atrocious, so if anything we gave up in the first half, where we conceded two without reply due to poor tactics, after that it was an uphill struggle, and if you want evidence of this giving up, how many teams have we seen come back against us this season from 2-0 down, but no not our team out their yesterday, I nailed my thoughts at the end of the OP when I said, I cannot quite put my finger on it but I felt that something was missing. It was one of those games we needed a Danny Jackman and the closest we had was Jackson nursing an injury. Sorry i overlooked Williams but maybe my brain had become too frozen with the first half performance and the usual trait of failing to play for 90 minutes. Not having a go but it is sincerely how I saw it. We lacked that edge and I don't know why and that is far more concerning than losing 1-2. As for promotion expectations, anyone that has known and met me will confirm I have none, I'm more than overjoyed at our league position but a poor performance is a poor performance and i've counted at least four Gills players that have openly put their hands up to that fact. ps. just seen Edinburgh's post match interview, we gave Chesterfield enough chances to win the game, for the first time at home we lost our way, waiting for something to happen and in inevitably did (against us). Then post match Oldham, disappointing, the players have become to comfortable, them thinking it's becoming a formality to get results. Stating naivety. So seems the boss ain't impressed either with the last two games.
Good write up BRB. Having been at the top end of the table all season we have every right to anticipate the team pushing for the autos. However with a small squad, lack of competition for places now that there are injuries a spot of complacency has possibly crept in. Wigan are now cruising.....big squad and still loads of money left from their parachute payments over the years. Burton.....maybe a wobble but it is still down to the team out there on the pitch to do the business and the manager to......manage. So let's see what he manages to do over the next couple of away games. Lose these and I believe we will be struggling for the playoffs.
brb Edinburgh was talking about the first half. We created enough chances to win the game in the second half. Look at the facts How many shots 17 Gills shots to 5 from Chesterfield
It's just a difference of opinion gio, you have yours and I have mine and I have stated all along the first 45 mins, although I missed repeating it in Edinburgh's comments. But I will look at the facts you highlight, which is supportive of my opinion in that of Chesterfield's five shots, they scored two, of our 17 shots we scored one. So Chesterfield had a 40% success rate from their efforts, we had a poor 6%. It's all well and good putting in the bluster, but without the movement and flair you have nothing as the 6% proves.
Should have been 1 up in second minute Samuel missed a good chance we did not play in the first half Chickson is not good enough defending I felt he was at fault for first Goal. Novacs goal was well taken not sure we could have don much about that. Second half was a lot better bad news losing Dack but Williams looked like he has got real quality and when he is match fit will be a influential. Not all doom and gloom automatic promotion was always a big ask still feel we have a good shout of play offs.
Mmmmm having been in the top 3 all season, by results, there is no reason why we should not make that 'ask' or at least make a continued and concerted push for the 'autos'. Or is it that we the 'lowly' Gills should be grateful for an attempt at the play offs???? I'm sure that Burton are not aiming for the play offs and they have far less 'history' than us. It is like saying that England reaching the quarter finals is a major triumph.. :-( Come on....second place is first loser, let's go all out for it
Not saying we are lowly gills at all and I would love to see us get automatic promotion but there is a lot of negativity about after a dip in form in reality this has been a great season and promoted or not it has been a massive improvement since JE arrived. As for Burton I don,t think many people would have predicted Burton Walsall and The Gills being the top three for most of the season when you consider the likes of Sheff Utd Coventry and Wigan are in the division. With a small squad and the injuries we have I still feel the play offs are a more realistic way of having a chance at promotion but I am sure every effort will be made to strive for automatic. I think we will win at Fleetwood tomorrow which should renew confidence.
Noted and agree. As an aside, I'm sure that Leicester will be going all out until the final whistle of the season. All credit to them and I for one hope they nail the premiership......if only to stuff it to the 'Loadsamoney' teams. No names etc.......
