Hitchin

[ewstute]

Huge game today. Hitchin are losing to teams around us, so we've got to get 3 points off them today. It would be a huge boost and possibly move us further away from Frome!

Just seen the Under 21's are 7-1 up. If we're desperate for goals, which we are, why not chuck in whoever is scoring for them. They can't do any worse than those already missing the chances for us.

Also saw on the HIST Twitter Feed that the Under 18's lost again. What's happened there? They used to win for fun the past few seasons. 

[ewstute]

2-1 up and lose 3-2, garbage! Something needs to be done asap. Pathetic. Get rid of the likes of Rumens, McGeorge and Key who are ridiculously limited and play players that actually offer something other than fouling or heading. That midfield of Fulcher and Clayton was the best I'd seen in ages.

[hfc08stutes]

Hugely disappointing today. We started off alright enough, Danny should have scored early on, but Ryan took his chance well. Shoddy defending (surprise, surprise) for their first goal free at the back post to fire home, marking really is one of the very basics of the game and yet we still can't crack that nut. Credit to the lads to get back into the game and a neat finish it was from Jack, only the second headed goal we scored this season mind. Second half however was shocking, it was as if we accepted we weren't going to score again and just tried to hang on to the lead, which, for a team that has conceded 71 goals prior to today's game was never going to happen. There was no cohesion and no clear game plan other than hoof it long and hope Joe could hold it up. As the game creeped closer to it's ending, the inevitable was always going to happen. The 3rd goal annoyed me the most as it came from Ryan trying to dribble through 3/4 players instead of making a simple 5 yard pass out on the wing to Matty, again it's the basics of football and we're not bloody doing them! Hitchen aren't the most talented side I've seen but at least they pass reasonably well and theirs players seem have a grasp of their own role, again something I don't feel our lads do. In response to the above comment, I feel that's harsh on Rogan and Rumens. Rogan is probably one of the most consistent players we've had of late and I feel Rumens does well most weeks. Clayton certainly is one for the future, however Fulcher isn't up to this standard I'm afraid. I feel the drop is looming now I'm sad to say. I feel like we should be preparing for next season in the league below unless socks are pull up NOW!

and to make it worse poor old baz (a fellow stute) has to return to a power cut, his mood is already dark enough!

[stevec]

Was at Hitchin today and for about 65 minutes we were holding our own, both in attack and defence, Hitchin were ok but nothing special. However they grew stronger in the last 25 minutes and we completely fell to pieces. We were unable to retain any procession or put any pressure on Hitchin when they had it, both physically and mentally we looked drained. The younger players were fair but are still learning and find it difficult to impose themselves consistently on their opposite number. We are still failing to mark or pick players up effectively which is something the whole team is responsible for and we must find more composure when scoring chances come our way. Currently a very difficult time for the team with no easy solutions in sight,so the only thing to do is dig in and show some character.

[cliveh]

This is very worrying. I have a good friend in Hitchin who is a keen fan of theirs. Described the match as scrappy. Wind didn't help. Nevertheless, this is yet another defeat, and yes, it looks pretty desperate currently. Fan's opinions differ pretty strongly re certain players. I hate criticising individuals. At this level it is hard on a player to take criticism. Everyone tries their best. But certain weaknesses have stood out this season. Ewstute and Hfc08 both make good points and I tend to agree with both re players mentioned. We have missed Ash White greatly. That position has been a real weakness. As has the No9 spot. Sorry, but Josh just isn't the ticket. Not by a long way. Enol should not have been got rid of if Gerrar is costing the club money. Don't rate him that highly I'm sorry to say. Key in midfield? No way. If we escape relegation, Steve Fallon will deserve the freedom of Impington. It really looks bad right now. But this League is not that good, and with four teams still below is, there is still a good chance of escape.
But we have to start winning.
COYS

[ewstute]

This season Page and Fallon both seem to stick with the players regardless of how bad they're playing. I think today was the first time I can remember seeing a player dropped (Josh) and rightly so. Others would have been dropped at other clubs, why not here?!?! Can only guess it's so the players get their money. So what if we have to play some of the youngsters, last week proved the effect they can have as they improved the team no end and actually work a darn site harder than some of the players who will be getting paid. Physically they may struggle as has been said, so then STOP LUMPING THE BALL IN THE SODDING AIR AND LET THEM SHOW THEIR SKILL WITH THE BALL ON THE FLOOR!!!!! If we go down then I'd rather us go down swinging and having a go then going out each week and hoping to not lose, rubbish!

Completely agree with Clive about Enol, he was excellent last season after a so-so start and as a person he was great. Not sure if it's anything to do with Lance Key leaving, but Gerrar and Brown both have seriously gone down hill and do look like they have mistakes in them each game. I would guess that Enol would be a lot cheaper and probably not play any worse. Ash White has definitely been a loss.

Last season Auger was played in the defensive midfield role and he was brilliant, it suited him perfectly. He was able to dictate the teams play when we had it, he'd also do the defensive work. He won the game for us against Arlesey on his own! This season we have Evan Key who is not a midfielder, all he can do is head the ball and foul, with the very occasional decent tackle thrown in. We also have Rogan McGeorge who is very similar, but can pass a bit better than Key but not head as well. So we have two players that are never going to win us the game. Do agree that Fulcher isn't up to it, but when he played with that Clayton the team actually played well and they were the reason why!! Get that Clayton back in the team and put someone else alongside him who will help him out, not just kick and foul. The midfield are usually meant to be players who can attack and defend, our midfield just seems to be picked of players who can only just about defend.
The one forward clearly doesn't work, get someone else up there as well. One could drop in and help the midfield when the team doesn't have the ball if needs be, but we need more players in forward positions and it'll give us possibly more chance of scoring goals without relying on luck, scrambles or set pieces. You could even play Freeman up front as one of the two because he's lazy defensively.
Miles Smith is clearly our best defender, he made Rumens look good when they played at CB together, because Smith would always cover for him and help him out. Play three centre backs, Smith, Gleeson and Uttridge. Uttridge played well until he was shifted out wide to make way for Rumens. Two young lads could play out wide, that young left back and another one to play on the right. 3-5-2 would surely help the team out. It packs the centre of the pitch defensively where we have been rubbish (despite playing Key and McGeorge there who are meant to stop the attacks) and gives us two forwards who might be able to link up with each other and the team to stop the god awful lumped balls forward that we NEVER WIN!! That Miles Smith could sweep while Gleason and Uttridge mark. Smith is quick and would be able to do it. Our marking has been shocking so making it simple for the 2 centre backs might help. The young lads out wide would have a lot of running to do, but they have youth on their side.

The Under 21's have scored a lot of goals for fun, you could give their goalscorer(s) a run out. They/he can't do any worse than the current forwards, they may even score a goal.

The under 18's seem to have gone off the rails. Whoever that guy is listed as their coach on the website needs to sort them out, they were never this bad the past few seasons.

Rant over.

[blueman]

Clearly people care, sorry state Histon fc are in but what terribly insensitive comments about Danny Rumens, Rogan Mcgeorge and Evan Key.
Difficult to understand but why single out these loyal,passionate and honest lads.

[stevec]

Decent rant Ewstute and I agree with some of what you say but I think Danny, Rogan, and Evan are all ok. Miles is a good player but will be even better when he stays the right side of the player that he is marking, he could actually I believe play in midfield. Again Ryan is good but just seems a bit off at the moment, particularly getting caught with the ball but he took his goal well. I think we should play 4-4-2 because its simple and everyone can easily understand what to do particularly when we don't have the ball. Interesting that in the first half yesterday we were passing along the back line which kept the ball and enabled us to build reasonable attacks but in the second with the wind at our backs we went to long ball which was less effective, so what or who changed something that was working for something that didn't?

[marke]

Feb 7, 2016 13:56:04 GMT blueman said:

Clearly people care, sorry state Histon fc are in but what terribly insensitive comments about Danny Rumens, Rogan Mcgeorge and Evan Key.
Difficult to understand but why single out these loyal,passionate and honest lads.

Agreed blueman. I thought everyone was very poor yesterday, no need to single out those 3 players. They gave their all for the team. We deservedly lost, Hitchin were better. We should be thankful for some great saves from Denzil, and some bad misses from their players. We scored the only 2 chances I can remember us creating.

To be frank, we just aren't good enough. I don't think it is lack of commitment, just lack of quality and 'knowhow'. With Jordan and Sam Ives available, and Brian Page in charge, we were dangerous and always looked like scoring. Remember, we were top scorers in the league earlier in the season. Without them, we have no cutting edge. And there doesn't seem much scope to bring in better players.

So its all well and good moaning, but it is what it is. Get behind the lads and hopefully they can scrape enough points together to survive. They are giving their all.

[histonfan01]

Nothing wrong with a bit of moaning on here. Would much rather that than players getting grief on the pitch from fans.
As much as I want us to stay up, I honestly don't believe us going down would be a disaster. Yes we would lose a little bit of money but the lads would be much more competitive and would certainly hold their own.
For the last few seasons we have been struggling in this league and have been too reliant on single players. Jordan this season being a prime example.
Anyway, only my opinion and whatever happens I will continue to support the Stutes home and away

[cliveh]

Agree, it's good to have views, and it would be pretty boring if we all thought the same. And if we did, I reckon it would make Fal's job dead easy!!
As for relegation, it would reduce the Football Club to a very poor level. This SLP is Non League level 3, and in all honesty there are some dreadful teams in it. Currently, we are one of those dreadful teams. But as a Club. I reckon Histon FC are great. It's been a breath of fresh air, for me, and I know a few others, who for over 50 years were City fans, but had lost all affection for them.
If I didn't think there might be better times ahead, I don't think I'd bother. I just hope that we can stay up because I think if we can then the youngsters at the Club now, might well be stars of tomorrow. Just think this season is just a step too soon for them. If the Club can entice some financial sponsorship, who knows what we can achieve. The facilities and stadium will always be here, and are excellent for this level of football.
We all have our opinions on players, but if we can see deficiencies in some, then you can be sure that Fal will too. All we can do is have faith and support them. Not to say that we shouldn't moan & criticise when necessary.
Still a way to go this season, but a couple of wins sooner rather than later are vital.

[ewstute]

Feb 7, 2016 13:56:04 GMT blueman said:

Clearly people care, sorry state Histon fc are in but what terribly insensitive comments about Danny Rumens, Rogan Mcgeorge and Evan Key.
Difficult to understand but why single out these loyal,passionate and honest lads.

Because you can only take so many bad performances before enough is enough. They work hard, good, so would most of us if we played, but you need some quality. Look at Leicester, they ALL world extremely hard, but they have quality in addition to being hard working. Yes I'm aware they are in the Premiership, but the principle is the same.

"With Jordan and Sam Ives available, and Brian Page in charge, we were dangerous and always looked like scoring
" - but what was our goals against and what did we score against good teams? We had to score lots because we couldn't defend at all. Now we defend about the same, maybe a tiny bit better, but can't attack for toffee. Especially now the two best players have either gone or are injured.

"As much as I want us to stay up, I honestly don't believe us going down would be a disaster
" - pretty certain this was said about us going down from the Conference North, look how that has ended. It would give the club chance to regroup, but that's it. We aren't going to attract a high calibre of players as there's a tiny budget and any decent player we bring through will be off somewhere else or leave the youth setup.

[lexus2]

Feb 6, 2016 16:58:57 GMT ewstute said:

2-1 up and lose 3-2, garbage! Something needs to be done asap. Pathetic. Get rid of the likes of Rumens, McGeorge and Key who are ridiculously limited and play players that actually offer something other than fouling or heading. That midfield of Fulcher and Clayton was the best I'd seen in ages.

[lexus2]

Get rid of Rumens, Key , and McGeorge???!!!!
Seriously??!! Have a word with yourself!!!!
There's other players need shipping out before those three
The dug out want to liven up too , far too quiet!!

[cliveh]

Now that's something I must take issue with lexus2. IMO it's refreshing to see a quiet bench. Those who scream and curse at everyone & everything are generally those who can't get their message across before the match, or more often than not, don't actually have a message!! Players either don't listen anyway to ranting & raving, or some are badly affected by it. Probably my biggest hate in modern day football, and it's spread like the plague.