Result: IRON 1 Eastleigh 0

[ozbrit]

Sean Marks scores again, his 9th in 9 games. Well done, I now look forward to seeing the match details ;D

[jimbo]

Sean just can't stop scoring goals; we will have to be careful that Alex Ferguson and others don't come in with a bid. However, today I thought it was one of his best all-round games and he was, by far, my man of the match.

It was an odd game in some ways with both teams creating chances, but no one really taking control. Their goalkeeper, who looked like he had arthritis, made one great save clawing the ball off the goal line. They were the ones who looked more dangerous, even though it was a 50/50 game; I think what made me nervous was how big some of their players were, but full credit to Nathan who coped with all the crosses. Jonah got a kick on the foot early on and I thought he was going to come off in the first half, but he has never been short of courage and over-came the pain. We looked a lot more stable with BQ in mid-field and I am glad he is not being asked to repeatedly get in the penalty area now. One curious point was the use of Jamie Guy on the wing again and then when everyone could see that he was against a player who was bigger and taller than him, we persisted with that ploy; I wonder why Rod did not accept that and change Jamie to move inside with the bonus that he and Sean would be nearer to one another for the knockdowns?

Sam did not get into the game as much as early in the season; he needs to have the ball fed to him and hopefully the regular partnership with Phil Starkey will mean that they will work out when to go for the ball over the top of the full-back or the short ball for Sam to run at the full-back.

I thought that we were gradually getting on top in the second half, but an chap from Eastleigh put his finger on it when he commented that we seemed too anxious to get the ball forward at every opportunity. In some of the early friendlies we played the ball around a bit at the back and in midfield and I am sure we need to do that again. If we give Sean and Jamie the chance to wait for the killer ball, that would be much more efficient use of their energy instead of having to run after every ball whether good or bad.

We wanted to know how our lads would react and now we know. This is a kind of game we need to win irrespective of the score and they have done it. Overall a good team performance and we go marching on.

[coludave]

''One curious point was the use of Jamie Guy on the wing again''

yes and no. it looked a bit more of a 4-3-3 to me with jamie playing from the left rather than on the left.

[Iron Fans Chief]

Good also to see Ryan Peters come on at the right ahead of Phil Starkey, I still think that Ryan is just a bit better at the job as a wing back but he is another Sam Lechmere, both can deliver the ball and I can see the right wing position being contested which is no bad thing.
Overall, yesterday was a tough game and really could have gone either way though we squandered a lot of chances but I'll take a 1 -0 and 3 points every time.
Things will look a bit brighter for our foray into the FA Cup and if we maintain the commitment then we may fair well into the next round.

Well done to Rod and the team for a good if not toughly fought result.

[stevea]

Proud of Rod & his team for this game. It was another tough one & I thought it was going to end up as a draw. Then Sean just pulls an exquiste little header out of the bag & Eastleigh were undone. Whew! Good to see Brad back.
We had too many long balls & their tall defence must have got 9 out of 10 of them.
If Danny Green has now gone back to Dagenham, why have we not got Reece Harris back from Averly?
Anyone know why Nicky Symons was not there?
My man of the match - Matt Paine

[securityrob]

Apparently nicky symons was feeling unwell. (the flu?)

[stevea]

Thanks for the update on Nicky Rob

[stevet]

Jamie Guy did well againts their right back, who had to work to win most of the high balls, very strong team, on another day Jamie would not have started, as he was also infested with the flu. A 70% fit Guy will still work a defence, Iam sure we will have great headlines from Jamie as the season goes on. As a team what a performance, had to be strong, get stuck in, get the result, job done. Bring on Welling!! :>

[garygray]

What a good game this was Eastleieigh fans looked to have a good day. I had a very nice beer or 6 after the game to help get me throw my brake up. Peggy i think is her name is makes a very good beer. See you all next week gg

[jimbo]

I notice Dover put 6 goals past Farnborough on Saturday, so may be it was no shame to lose against them and the return match could be one of the best away games to attend (and we could do a Dover-Calais beer run for the journey back).

[cm7]

Not the best first half I've ever seen but glad we took the three points in the end. Nathan had a good game between the sticks and great to see Brad back.

Superb ball in by Jack Clark for Marksy who's header was unstoppable, right in the corner. Good to see how much it meant to the players who all went running over to celebrate the goal, that had been coming for a while.

Good to see Ryan Peters back in, really rate him. Now Danny Green has gone back does that mean we will bringing Reece back into the fold or letting him stay with Aveley? Personally I felt Green didnt really get too much playing time so Reece would still be sat on the bench here as he wouldnt be going onto the 11 to replace Danny. I'd let him stay with Aveley until injuries & suspensions kicked in.

Overall, a well earned 3 points. Well done Iron