Match started late because the ref didn't arrive on time. Charlton wore last year's all red kit whilst Thurrock's kit is very similar to Naaridge. The total crowd by my count was 115 people in the ground with a further 4 people hanging off the fire escape stairs of the Thurrock Hotel.
Charlton were managed by Jason Euell and played a very young side. I don't know, but I'd be surprised if there was anyone over 20 in the team. Charlton played well, passing it about quite nicely and at speed and showing a determination to attack. I was particularly impressed by the accuracy of some of the long passing - though it was on occasion let down by poor control on the part of the receiving player. Stand out player for me in the first half was Oliver Muldoon who was very strong in the tackle.
Lots of substitutions just after half time. I'm not absolutely certain, but I think all of the subs were used. The answer to the question 'what's Connor Gough like?' is, bloody huge! He can stand with his feet flat in the floor and touch the crossbar - no jumping and not at too much of a stretch. He handled a couple of crosses quite well, but he wasn't tested too much as we were comfortably the better team. I did wonder how a keeper so big would cope with getting down quickly for low shots, but I don't remember them having any so it wasn't an issue on the night.
The one department where they seemed better in the first half was heading the ball. In the second half Euell brought on Joshua Umerah and he seemed to win everything in the air. Everything that is, until he scored with a wonderful bullet header and then seemed to go off the boil a bit. In the second half I was most impressed with Dylan Carriero who was quite a live wire.
I was thinking of going to this until I realised it was £8 to see a load of kids and trialists.
As we walked across the car park, the only sign to be seen was a huge one saying £1, I thought we'd struck gold. It was only when we got closer that I saw that that was just U15s and that there were two other signs saying £8 adults, £5 concessions. I don't think that Thurrock were really interested in having anyone watch this match - there was no programme and the only team sheet was pinned up on the wall. They seemed for more excited by the prospect of Portsmouth coming next week, though to be fair they are expecting their first team. I dread to think what they'll be charging for that one.
Having moaned about the price, I would say that the quality of football was far better than most of what we watched last season, so it ain't all bad.
Comments
Charlton were managed by Jason Euell and played a very young side. I don't know, but I'd be surprised if there was anyone over 20 in the team. Charlton played well, passing it about quite nicely and at speed and showing a determination to attack. I was particularly impressed by the accuracy of some of the long passing - though it was on occasion let down by poor control on the part of the receiving player. Stand out player for me in the first half was Oliver Muldoon who was very strong in the tackle.
Lots of substitutions just after half time. I'm not absolutely certain, but I think all of the subs were used. The answer to the question 'what's Connor Gough like?' is, bloody huge! He can stand with his feet flat in the floor and touch the crossbar - no jumping and not at too much of a stretch. He handled a couple of crosses quite well, but he wasn't tested too much as we were comfortably the better team. I did wonder how a keeper so big would cope with getting down quickly for low shots, but I don't remember them having any so it wasn't an issue on the night.
The one department where they seemed better in the first half was heading the ball. In the second half Euell brought on Joshua Umerah and he seemed to win everything in the air. Everything that is, until he scored with a wonderful bullet header and then seemed to go off the boil a bit. In the second half I was most impressed with Dylan Carriero who was quite a live wire.
Thurrock 1 Charlton 4 (Kandi, Ahearn-Grant, Jeffrey, Umerah)
Having moaned about the price, I would say that the quality of football was far better than most of what we watched last season, so it ain't all bad.
I had a £10 note clutched in my sweaty hand for us 2 OAP's but didn't make it out of West Dartford !
Bloody Tunnel !