smith v neal

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atcham jack

atcham jack

Well-Known Member
Mar 24, 2011
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devon
smith has had a long run in goal and was replaced by neal. perhaps neal has to have a few more games to play for a proper judgement to be made. town are lucky to have 2 reasonable goalkeepers and both have their merits and faults. smiths error at southend led to him being rested and neals last game against barnet again in the winter led to smiths inclusion.
 
I would say that both are perhaps too good to be second choice at a L2 club, but I don't think either of them is quite reliable enough for a promotion-chasing team. Smith does make some very good saves, but his distribution is poor and he has gone through a patch of errors. I would perhaps prefer him as first choice, but agree that Neal needs two or three more games to get back into practice before we can judge.
 
I think both are great and would suffice as our no.1. Smith's bravery and guts, especially for a pint-sized Geordie are commendable and this shades Neal, who sometimes doesn't command his area. Smith did fantastically towards the end of last season but has made a few mistakes this time around, so why not give Neal a chance? In his interviews he's come across as being chomping at the bit to reclaim the jersey and having 2 competitive goalies who'll push each other is a good asset. Give Neal a few games to get the feel. But sort out that creaky defense first.COYs
 
Smith shades it for me but I don't object to Neal coming in at the moment. I don't feel as secure when crosses come in with Neal in goal - he tends to stay on his line whereas Smith will come to collect them or punch (as in his excellent 2nd half at Vale). Not much to choose on distribution. Neal might be slightly more consistent but he also seems a bit slower to see opportunities for a quick throw. There was a great example on Saturday when we had several players in space and tearing forward but Neal held on for too long (despite the screams from the crowd), the chance was missed and he ended up with yet another punt.

I do think they're both good enough to help get us promoted but, if that happens, we might need to strengthen then. I agree the priority has to be to cut down the defensive errors in front of the keeper.
 
I prefer Smith to Neal. I feel more nervous when Neal is in goal, but he should be given a fair chance. He needs to sort out better comunication with the defence after Saturday's blunder.
 
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