For those that want to suffer the pain of defeat again... [video=youtube;XsCGVaq9pPA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XsCGVaq9pPA[/video]
Glad to have another chance to see Keds brilliant strike again (having already seen it on FLS on Saturday night). Loved his celebration afterwards.
Obviously I've only got that to go on, but points arising are 1) We were undone by Tom Pope, who was largely responsible for the second goal as well. Difficult for the defenders to clear after Nelson's initial (very good) save, so on that evidence I wouldn't blame them. 2) The first goal seems to result from a lack of height (and muscle) in defence. Can't see who the defender is, but his positioning is just about textbook, he just gets outjumped. A good old fashioned well directed (unintentional of course) knee might have prevented that one. 3) The height problem appears to be a bit of a problem up front as well. Seemingly plenty of supply into the middle, especially from corners, but nobody seems to be able to take command in the air. Perhaps that's why we tend to play a bit narrow. Comments welcomed from those who saw the 90 minutes of that one, and the general methodology over the past few games.
The difference between the teams was Pope. We deserved at least a point.We were very unlucky not to score in the second half. Overall was pleased with the performance not the result though. Best home performance since october against a very good team who if they can keep Pope will be going up.
itstimupnorth Regarding your query I have missed only two matches ( Torquay and Plymouth - away ) Gills seem to play more passing football away from home. They have more control, because they are not playing the 'hoofball' that seems to have crept in again at Priestfield.. They do not create too many chances - but are efficient in taking those chances that come their way.There does not seem to be the same mistakes as we have seen at recent home matches - maybe their concentration levels in away matches is greater. At the beginning of the season we passed the ball with pace and went from back to front quickly and were soon attacking the opposition goal. This seems to have been lost over the last two months - don't know why. On Saturday we were caught 'cold' after 3 minutes ( not concentrating !) - and again for the 2nd goal. You could say that we were unlucky in the 2nd half - but towards the end we were getting a bit desperate - when, perhaps a bit more 'controlled' football might have given better. more clear cut chances.
