|
|
Post by Iron Webbo on Jul 31, 2010 15:22:39 GMT
Half time: 0-0, crowd 253.
Thanks to Kim Cowell for the following:
The first half finished goal-less, with Braintree on top for lengthy periods. Kenny Davis had his header well saved by the Dagenham keeper after 9 minutes. Six minutes later Davis tried his luck with a shot after a great Sam Lechmere cross, but his effort was scrambled off the line. Reece Harris also looked impressive on the left, with Adam Bailey-Dennis and Matt Paine commanding at the back. Just before the break Reece Harris broke through, but with only the keeper to beat saw his effort smothered by the Dagenham keeper.
|
|
|
|
Post by Iron Webbo on Jul 31, 2010 16:01:22 GMT
LATE DAVIS GOAL LEAVES DAGENHAM BEATEN
Goal-less at the break - Kenny Davis breaks the deadlock
Braintree Town welcomed nPower League One new boys Dagenham & Redbridge to Cressing Road on Saturday and won by the only goal of the game. The first half finished goal-less, with Braintree on top for lengthy periods. Kenny Davis had his header well saved by Dagenham keeper Chris Lewington after just nine minutes and, six minutes later, tried his luck with a shot from a great Sam Lechmere cross, but his effort was scrambled off the line. Reece Harris also looked impressive on the left, with Adam Bailey-Dennis and Matt Paine commanding at the back. Just before the break Harris broke through, but with only Lewington to beat saw his effort smothered by the Dagenham keeper. The second half started with Dagenham under pressure from a long drop kick from Braintree keeper Nathan McDonald. The ball found Brad Quinton on the edge of the 18-yard box and he released Mike Power, but the Braintree forward saw his effort well saved by Lewington. After 55 minutes Lechmere was denied by Lewington when through on goal, but Braintree continued to cause their League opposition problems and finally broke the deadlock with five minutes remaining. A Quinton pass took a deflection from the match referee and fell kindly to Davis who raced forward and stabbed the ball past Lewington from twelve yards. Crowd: 253.
|
|
|
|
Post by stevea on Jul 31, 2010 16:15:02 GMT
A good solid performance by the team today. I did not think either side were going to score in the end, despite Braintree having the better chances. A well taken goal late on by Davis, who made his own bit of luck to create the chance in the first place.
It looks like Rod's team is coming together nicely now.
|
|
|
|
Post by Stuart R on Jul 31, 2010 16:25:02 GMT
Good performance today and a good result ;D. The defending has been very good in all the friendlies ;D.
|
|
|
|
Post by 1672 on Jul 31, 2010 16:34:49 GMT
A football-savvy Martian would have guessed that we were the Div 1 team on today's game.
I thoroughly enjoyed the game.
Many quick and accurate one-touch passes and accurate through balls led us to 4-5 shots on goal to D&R's just one, I think. We also won more than our fair share of the headers.
Well played, the Iron. Keep this up when the season gets going and we may spring a few surprises.
|
|
|
|
Post by jimbo on Jul 31, 2010 16:47:58 GMT
The message is quite clear - if we can draw or beat all these League teams, then we are good enough to be in the league. Just joking, of course, but we are clearly playing good football (and avoiding the long boot up field). We made a real effort to play the ball around at the back and use the mid-field players. Tom "Frank" Bruno looks like he getting ready to step into BQ's shoes, but he needs to be sharper in the tackle and more agrressive - I am sure BQ can give him lessons in that!
I see the names of the players released and there are no real surprises there. There is no room for sentiment in football and, for me, that would have been the only reason for Robbie, Louis and Hawsey coming back (i.e. they were not as good as they used to be a few seasons ago),
I can see us being in the top half of the league with no difficulty, but we will need Jamie Guy fit and scoring 15 or 20 goals to get into the play-off positions. I also worry a bit about Nuclear Power and Groucho Marks; they both worked very hard today, but they hardly ever looked like scoring a goal. Marksy usually gets around 10 to 15 goals a season, but Nuclear needs to be more selfish and go for goal instead of just being a forward who lays off the ball for others - if I was a defender, the last thing I would want is Nuclear running straight at me.
As for the doubters about Rocket Rod (I am sure he is losing weight and getting faster on the touchline), the type of game he wants to play is becoming clear and I think we can look forward to some good attacking games when the season starts.
|
|
|
|
Post by mooresy25 on Jul 31, 2010 16:58:57 GMT
Another very good performance from the lads today at a humid Theatre of Cress. The midfield and defence are looking very strong. Matt Paine looks like he can play at a higher level and today, for me, was man of the match (lets hope Dartford aren't watching!!). Once again Kenny Davis and Sam Lechmere shone. Davis stroking the ball around beautifully and getting in the box. Lechmere getting up and down the right wing with pace and tenacity. Bailey Dennis made a world class tackle at the very end to deny a Dagenham forward which would have seen them take the lead. Other than that Dagenham didn't create much and McDonald seemed a mere spectator in front of a well marshalled defence. The new lad Medley showed glimpses when he came on and perhaps should have got on the score sheet when one on one with the keeper (although the angle was tight). We didn't seem to loose our shape when all the subs came on and I recon Phil Starkey was amazed at being substituted three times in the last half hour!! (good PA work from Billy the Bull). Over all a very good work out for a Braintree team seeming to take shape nicely.
Starting XI: McDonald, Starkey, Jones, Bailey Dennis, Paine(c), Lechmere, Davis, Quinton, Symons, Harris, Power
Was interested to here of those Rod had let go. Doyle, Riddle, Martin, Hazell, Toughy. Think it may leave us a bit light up front with Guys injury. I didnt see Hazell play but read he had a bit about him (obviously not).
|
|
|
|
Post by cm7 on Jul 31, 2010 18:45:21 GMT
Great performance.
Good luck to the players who have left (not surprised with any really, to be honest I'm glad Robbie Martin has gone but Hazell sounded promising)
|
|
|
|
Post by Iron Webbo on Jul 31, 2010 18:52:16 GMT
Hazell has not been released, those released are: Robbie Martin (may have played for St Albans today), James Hawes, Louis Riddle, Martin Touhy and Ryan Doyle.
|
|
|
|
Post by 4whatitsworth on Jul 31, 2010 20:31:13 GMT
Matt Paine, Kenny Davis & Nicky Symons all impressed again today, working hard to retrieve the ball and playing some good interpassing football. Still not sure about some of the Aveley signings (Ben Holloway, Michael Alaile etc) but I agree with Mooresy about Luke Medley who showed quick feet and promise up front. Please don,t be too harsh on PA Richie who did his level best even though he was as nervous as a new born kitten. Bailey Dennis is growing in confidence with every game and IMO deserves a full season with us and out on loan. Well done Rod and here,s looking forward to a good season.
|
|
|
|
Post by 4whatitsworth on Jul 31, 2010 20:33:30 GMT
OOps I meant not out on loan (Re: Bailey-Dennis)
|
|
|
|
Post by cm7 on Jul 31, 2010 22:03:48 GMT
4whatitsworth, its SAM Holloway not Ben.
We had Medley on trial? From what I've heard he's a good player
|
|
|
|
Post by ozbrit on Jul 31, 2010 22:41:59 GMT
An excellent trio of results against league opposition, the season ahead looks promising. Well done  ) |
|
|
|
Post by mooresy25 on Aug 1, 2010 9:42:18 GMT
My apologies for saying Hazell had left....I was obviously mis informed. Just a quick question though....where has he been pre season?
Rich done a fine job deputising on the PA, good work!
|
|
|
|
Post by cm7 on Aug 1, 2010 10:15:25 GMT
He's played in a couple of games but I'd like to know where he's been for the majority too
|
|
)