A much harder test than so far encountered, we look good going forward but waste too many chances. Defensively we still look vulnerable.
This is why I said that we'd probably learn more from the goal we conceded against Faversham -than the 9 that we scored. Can we ' do it ' against better teams ? Whilst I want Gills to succeed, we have to remember that we are a L1 side - we SHOULD be beating non-league sides - fairly comfortably - but in terms of League 1,we have a small budget, and the other 23 teams in this division will have similar, or greater expectations. I think that the squad that Evans is assembling looks reasonable - but other clubs in this division have been busy in the transfer market - with useful looking signings. It may turn out that the one person without the ball, will be the one who makes the difference to our results!
It was interesting to note that Raynor 'criticised' List for not chasing back - as fast as he can run going forward! I have also noticed this -- 'lack of commitment' from List. It is all about the 100% effort I have previously mentioned. We need players to realise that results are as much about how they perform - and commit themselves without the ball. You can have World beaters in your team -but if they can't be bothered to work -you won't get anywhere.
I wasn't trying to be too critical we do look better than last season, just felt that Dartford had too many chances (poor finishing from them) List works hard going forward, defensively it's about balance, how much of his energy should he use defending our goal rather than threatening their's, that is where experience comes in.
grumpygit - I agree ! We all know that without scoring goals, a team cannot win..... I am not suggesting that we can't score goals - nor are we capable of simply 'out-scoring' the opposition..... SO - perhaps ( probably ), the main problem lies with the quality of our defenders ( defending. ) How many times have we seen Gills go 1-0 or 2-1 up, with 20 or so minutes to go -- only to concede an equaliser - or worse ? I really hate it when we sit deep and let the opposition attack us at will - because we haven't got the quality to keep a clean sheet. With no disrespect intended - our defenders are not 'that' good ! We need midfielders to create more attacking opportunities - to keep the ball in the opposition half. We need midfielders similar to Andy Hessenthaler and Paul Smith - who can break up the opposition coming towards our goal. Evans has recruited players ( midfielders ), who might give us a better chance, both going forward and ( hopefully not too often ), going backwards. I noted the line-up // mix of players during the Dartford game -- the combinations used, in my opinion did not reflect what I suspect will be our strongest 11. I would like us to be able to have what Evans considers his starting 11 when we come to play the friendlies against the League teams - then we may see just how good or not so good are our chances this season.
Think we need to remember that List was mainly used as a striker last season rather than out wide. His perception for doing the work of a wide midfielder will certainly be a lot different to what he would have been used to last season. I personally don't think his crossing is good enough to use him out wide and think he's much better playing on the shoulder of the final defender as a striker.
