Basically it was a nothing game. Hartlepool threw the boot around in the first twenty mins and said if you want to win you've got to play at one hundred per cent. Our players in a nothing game and out of contract were never going to force the issue. Net result a nothing stalemate
Plenty of endeavour and Flinders was easily the busier of the two keepers but the cutting edge just wasn't there. Felt myself drifting off at times as the game had the feel of a July pre-season friendly. They tried to kick us early on and we did at least try to play football. Thought Stewart and Semedo were easily our best two players. Wagstaff frustrating and impressed with Solly and Ecclestone.
Agree with AFKA Hartlepool were just set up to not lose.
We passed it around at the back which is fine but we didn't have the quality in our attacking players to then do something with it. Replace Benson with a Burton type player and find a place in midfield for a playmaker and that team might have looked a lot more dangerous.
Typical end of season mid-table nothing match really.
Had BWP's shot that hit the bar gone in it may have been different but, as others have said, Hartlepool didn't want to lose and our desire to win didn't really match that in short.
I sincerly hope JF has not done his achilles again but it looked rather ominous to me.
Minor silver lining. This is, by league position ,the second worst rather than worst or equal worst Charlton team since 1926. Without the point today I think we would have finished 15th.
I thought when Fortune went off he had a look of a man who was fearing the worse. Perhaps it was just in my head, but he seemed to want to get a 'last' look around the stadium as he went off. Very sad to witness.
Agree that Stewart and Semedo our best players today - but they hardly set the world alight. They simply did what we should expect of them, at the very least.
We passed the ball around a lot without creating too many opportunities - or even space - in the final third. A lot of long balls to BWP - surely they should be for Benson?
Eccles seemed very keen to come on - spent ages warming up, going back and coming back out again.
A draw was a fair result, overall, solely because our ineptitude was at a similar level to theirs. There were times it reminded me of Pardew's last games - not in the atmosphere, but in the rather comical nature of some of the mistakes and the total lack of penetration. It was a tedious affair, enlivened only by the Hartlepool supporters and Bessone's thunderbolt.
A very poor game and we got what we deserved - a point.
And i have to say the Pool fans were fantastic in their fancy dress. My boy was fascinated with the 50 + Umpa Lumpa's . Wouldn't it be great if we did something like that on the last away day of the season ! well done the Monkey Hangers . Oh yeah and the footie was typical of the entire season. Highly forgettable.
Back four playing too deep again, central midfield ponderous and non creative, forwards feeding on scraps. A fitting game to finish the season off with. Big job on CP's hands.
This may have been my last CAFC game for a few years, as I shall be moving to Aus' in the next few months, & I really wanted a win with a goalfest, however, not to be, but I didn't think it was too bad a game. It was definitely more of a stroll around than a serious workout, & we lacked that penetrating quality & cutting edge, but I feel we did deserve the 3 points, with the chances we did manage to create, & in some instances, were very unlucky.
Me & my brother were miffed about Stewarts appearance, considering he won't commit to us(unless he has, & we just don't know it yet), but thought he was our best player for us. Good awareness, talking & vision, decent corners, & definitely an air of extra quality about him. However, I'm fully aware that in a stroll like that, a player with that bit of extra quality will stand out. It would be interesting to see how he fares fully fit, & in a genuine contest, with something to play for. Though it seems it won't be for us. Shop window game for him!
I think Harriot looks promising. Similar to when Shaun Newton first appeared for us. A shame he didn't get too many opportunities to really run at the full back, but he had a good chance in the 1st half, & was unlucky not to be celebrating a full debut goal.
I love 'Big Mig', & think he has always been totally commited, & wholehearted for us(a modern day, CB version of Kish), but he showed exactly why he can't quite cement his place in the team, with another half world class/half world class clown performance. Would still like to see him here next season though, useful back up.
A shame about Fortune, & the way i saw his reaction of holding his face & shaking head, was that he may well have done his achilles. Reports suggest it is, but the other achilles, which would sadly indicate that his career may well be over. Hopefully not, but if so, it's a thank you for your service to the club, & for the memories Jon. The best of luck in his recovery.
I felt the crowd were excellent today, the upper North was in fine voice(a shame the drummers can't really play in time with each other). the Hartlepool fans were hilarious, & in brilliant form the whole game. Were most of them dressed as Ooompah Loompahs? (My eyes are gettin bad, off to Specsavers!)
Whilst powell acknowledged the crowd in his post match views, I really hope he emphasised to the players, the response from the remaining crowd at the end, who gave the side a very generous reception, considering the dismal fall away & spluttering end we all have had to endure, & the position we finally finished in. Rub it in to them that if the crowd are like that after such a poor season, imagine what we'd be like if we actually achieved something next year.
Overall, not too disappointed with the game, but definitely the season!
Another disappointing game, that sums up the worst season for me as a supporter!.
Not just because of the frustration to beat a team that seemed to have nothing about them!.. But that sums up so many of the teams that have visited the valley this season. Hugely disapointed with Wagstaff who seemed unable, to want to take on a player, and who seems to get poorer by the game!. I thought that he would really shine this season, especially after such a great start!, but like the team have settled for being average!. I thought that Eccelston showed some spirit, and will be sorry to see the lad go!. His gesture to clap the crowd without prompting, and hand his shirt to the fans. The incident with Semedo was bizzare!, why was he carded!. The ref also failed to play advantage in several incidents, but of course stopped the game for a petty throw in taken quickly!. But then the standard of officials has been poor all season!.
Been supporting the club for over 50 years as man and boy, had some great times, and frustrating times, this year has been an all time low for me!.
I hope that CP can turn it around, but the team for whatever reason just seems to struggle.
Sorry but the failure to be anywhere near the playoff spots is not good enough, and let's admit it we have not been good enough in what is a poor league aside from Brighton.
Good to see Harriott play from the off though!. Rather glad the season is over, which is a first for me!
It wasn't the best of games, pretty average but I wouldn't say it was as dire as some of you are making out. The way some of you go on, it's as if you will only be happy if we play rip roaring goal scoring football every minute of every game.
What can I say, I was really looking forward to the day and had a great time - apart from the match - thanks again to all I met in the Lib Club. As I was walking to the ground I was taking in all around me as this for me may have been my last game for a long time as well - I may have a job offer in the Philippines and I would go if offered......cant afford to turn it down. As for the game, I thought we started brightly some of Llera's long diagonal balls had the Pools defence in truouble, but apart from some 'nice' passing from the back and Semedo all over the park trying to drive us forward I thought like many others on here it had a 'nothing' feel about it. Harriott looks one for the future, I would like us to try and sign up Stewart and I hope Semedo stays. Cant make my mind up on Bessone, he had a great shot in the second half that cannoned back off the bar, but also got caught out a couple of times in the first half, however he does like going forward and I have always liked attacking full-backs. Finally BWP and Benno need to work on their partnership if it is to provide the platform for our assult on the league next year, too many times yesterday the 'understanding' just wasnt there! Other than that I thought the rest of the players just went through the motions, 0-0 was probably about right. I agree with AFKA, Pool set up not to concede and had little going forward and seemed to be saying that if you want to win you play at 100% and we will just sit back. As for the 'parade' around the pitch after the game.....the players faces said it all to me, they seemed to be glad the season was over and many looked as though they just wanted to get off the pitch....however nice touches from Nathan and Benno who gave their shirts to two youngsters at the front of the north stand and I think Benno gave one of his trainers to someone as well.....also think I saw Robbie throw his gloves ito the stand as well. I look forward to the summer and seeing what transpires, after all Mr Slaters notes in the programme seem to indicate that promotion and the title IS the objective next season and new players have already been identified.......lets just sit back and see!! Have a good summer everyone.
It seemed dire, due to it being the end of another poor season. But we should have won. If we can keep the players we want and add a few, someone alongside BWP that can head a ball for a start, we will do a great deal better next season
Persuaded my Dad, brother and two young nephews to come to their first match since the shambles in front of a full house against Exeter City.
Highlights for them were:
The superb Hartlepool fans
The weather
The goldfish advertisement on the big screen
My 84 year old Dad still giving vitriolic stick to Wagstaff 10 mins after he had been replaced by Ecclestone.
Err...thats it.
Judging by Racon's reluctance to engage in any tackle or physical contact of any sort during his pointless cameo, I assume he off somewhere much nicer in the summer.
Someone in the Academy needs to teach our promising young player of the year how to head a football over the summer hols. Do they not cover heading in elite coaching these days? Noticed Nouble can't head it either but at least that is now West Ham's problem.
Within just a few months of new ownership, a committed new manager, the signing of League 1's best striker and two premership loanees we can say we are able to match Hartlepool United (at home anyway). What an achievement.
So worried about next season I may apply for that job in the Philipines that everyone is after...
Comments
We never looked like scoring. Were wobbling at setplays again.
Personally wouldnt care if the first game next season saw new players from 1-11.
Might be wrong but it looked like Fortune has done his achillies again.
All post match views here
It was a non event which totally summed our season up.
Other than the two that hit the bar we carried little threat and as @sagalout has said, we could of lost at the end.
i thought we played quite well first half 2nd half was non event
Harriot looks full of confidence but has a lot to learn Semedo was by far our best player
it was a nothing contest which ended like a pre season game
well atleast this seasons over
Typical end of season mid-table nothing match really.
Had BWP's shot that hit the bar gone in it may have been different but, as others have said, Hartlepool didn't want to lose and our desire to win didn't really match that in short.
I sincerly hope JF has not done his achilles again but it looked rather ominous to me.
Minor silver lining. This is, by league position ,the second worst rather than worst or equal worst Charlton team since 1926. Without the point today I think we would have finished 15th.
I thought when Fortune went off he had a look of a man who was fearing the worse. Perhaps it was just in my head, but he seemed to want to get a 'last' look around the stadium as he went off. Very sad to witness.
Agree that Stewart and Semedo our best players today - but they hardly set the world alight. They simply did what we should expect of them, at the very least.
We passed the ball around a lot without creating too many opportunities - or even space - in the final third. A lot of long balls to BWP - surely they should be for Benson?
Eccles seemed very keen to come on - spent ages warming up, going back and coming back out again.
A draw was a fair result, overall, solely because our ineptitude was at a similar level to theirs. There were times it reminded me of Pardew's last games - not in the atmosphere, but in the rather comical nature of some of the mistakes and the total lack of penetration. It was a tedious affair, enlivened only by the Hartlepool supporters and Bessone's thunderbolt.
A very poor game and we got what we deserved - a point.
Made me hate the players even more, if that was possible.
When the Pools player booted the ball 50m in the air, like a playground muckabout, I thought that took the piss tbh.
Harriott & Semedo showed willing, the rest can do one.
Stewart has turned us down yet plays??
Blatant handball in the box 2nd by them.
Quite a few tidy passes today we just couldnt finish.
Solly and Waggy's constant overlapping was good. Harriott looked very lively and skilful.
Bessone unlucky not to score.
Semedo showed why he is captain and player of the year.
Llera was mostly solid which was great.
Stewart was poor as was benson and BWP neither offered much all game.
Post game:
WSS etc sorry I suddenly had to leave girlfriend was really ill.
Best rendition of Alice ever.
Me & my brother were miffed about Stewarts appearance, considering he won't commit to us(unless he has, & we just don't know it yet), but thought he was our best player for us.
Good awareness, talking & vision, decent corners, & definitely an air of extra quality about him. However, I'm fully aware that in a stroll like that, a player with that bit of extra quality will stand out. It would be interesting to see how he fares fully fit, & in a genuine contest, with something to play for. Though it seems it won't be for us. Shop window game for him!
I think Harriot looks promising. Similar to when Shaun Newton first appeared for us. A shame he didn't get too many opportunities to really run at the full back, but he had a good chance in the 1st half, & was unlucky not to be celebrating a full debut goal.
I love 'Big Mig', & think he has always been totally commited, & wholehearted for us(a modern day, CB version of Kish), but he showed exactly why he can't quite cement his place in the team, with another half world class/half world class clown performance. Would still like to see him here next season though, useful back up.
A shame about Fortune, & the way i saw his reaction of holding his face & shaking head, was that he may well have done his achilles. Reports suggest it is, but the other achilles, which would sadly indicate that his career may well be over. Hopefully not, but if so, it's a thank you for your service to the club, & for the memories Jon. The best of luck in his recovery.
I felt the crowd were excellent today, the upper North was in fine voice(a shame the drummers can't really play in time with each other). the Hartlepool fans were hilarious, & in brilliant form the whole game. Were most of them dressed as Ooompah Loompahs? (My eyes are gettin bad, off to Specsavers!)
Whilst powell acknowledged the crowd in his post match views, I really hope he emphasised to the players, the response from the remaining crowd at the end, who gave the side a very generous reception, considering the dismal fall away & spluttering end we all have had to endure, & the position we finally finished in. Rub it in to them that if the crowd are like that after such a poor season, imagine what we'd be like if we actually achieved something next year.
Overall, not too disappointed with the game, but definitely the season!
No doubt about the highlight of the game - Hartlepool's supporters - fantastic.
I was sat just behind the home dug-out, and when Powell was told what had happened to Fortune he looked absolutely crestfallen, so I expect the worst.
As for the game, I thought we started brightly some of Llera's long diagonal balls had the Pools defence in truouble, but apart from some 'nice' passing from the back and Semedo all over the park trying to drive us forward I thought like many others on here it had a 'nothing' feel about it. Harriott looks one for the future, I would like us to try and sign up Stewart and I hope Semedo stays. Cant make my mind up on Bessone, he had a great shot in the second half that cannoned back off the bar, but also got caught out a couple of times in the first half, however he does like going forward and I have always liked attacking full-backs. Finally BWP and Benno need to work on their partnership if it is to provide the platform for our assult on the league next year, too many times yesterday the 'understanding' just wasnt there! Other than that I thought the rest of the players just went through the motions, 0-0 was probably about right. I agree with AFKA, Pool set up not to concede and had little going forward and seemed to be saying that if you want to win you play at 100% and we will just sit back.
As for the 'parade' around the pitch after the game.....the players faces said it all to me, they seemed to be glad the season was over and many looked as though they just wanted to get off the pitch....however nice touches from Nathan and Benno who gave their shirts to two youngsters at the front of the north stand and I think Benno gave one of his trainers to someone as well.....also think I saw Robbie throw his gloves ito the stand as well.
I look forward to the summer and seeing what transpires, after all Mr Slaters notes in the programme seem to indicate that promotion and the title IS the objective next season and new players have already been identified.......lets just sit back and see!!
Have a good summer everyone.
Persuaded my Dad, brother and two young nephews to come to their first match since the shambles in front of a full house against Exeter City.
Highlights for them were:
Judging by Racon's reluctance to engage in any tackle or physical contact of any sort during his pointless cameo, I assume he off somewhere much nicer in the summer.
Someone in the Academy needs to teach our promising young player of the year how to head a football over the summer hols. Do they not cover heading in elite coaching these days? Noticed Nouble can't head it either but at least that is now West Ham's problem.
Within just a few months of new ownership, a committed new manager, the signing of League 1's best striker and two premership loanees we can say we are able to match Hartlepool United (at home anyway). What an achievement.
So worried about next season I may apply for that job in the Philipines that everyone is after...