Lost 4-0 to a very capable Eastwood Team that look like they are setting up for a push at the BSN title. Rumours abound about the size of their wage bill and being full time, but suffice to say that they are a big powerful team who had too much in the locker for us in the first half (0-4 at half time).
After some swaps and changes the game was much more even second half and we showed some bright touches. No disgrace this result at all. We just have to accept it for what it was - a very early pre season friendly, with both teams giving as many players as possible in the squad a run out.
Attendance looked to be circa 100, but I am sure Neil will confirm if its much different.
Agree with your comments WR first look at new keeper !! lets hope that was first game nerves and the slippy pitch/ball caused him problems ? hard to judge the outfield as Eastwood were so much better than us in all areas bigger fitter faster skill ? It looks to me that when it all settles down and we have our best 11 out we will be ok in the evostick north maybe not to win it but you never know !
I thought the keeper did okay apart from the soft goal. 2 looked out of his depth totally, 3 looked okay going forward but a bit suspect defensively. 4 looked like the player we know he is, 5 looked a great signing, 6 looked a good player in front of the back four, 7 looked as if he was trying too hard to impress, 8 looked short of match fitness, 9 looks the business as did 10, 11 looked a bit lost at times.The subs all did well without setting the world on fire, I liked the look of the lad with no number who came on last, Josh? and of course number 12 was excellent. I had two team sheets with different line ups on them so although I knew the names of some of the players I thought using numbers would be easier for everyone to make their comments. 4-1-4-1 seems a good set up for now but the four in the middle will need to work harder up and down to make it work in competetive matches.
WHS.
Lost 4-0 to a very capable Eastwood Team that look like they are setting up for a push at the BSN title. Rumours abound about the size of their wage bill and being full time, but suffice to say that they are a big powerful team who had too much in the locker for us in the first half (0-4 at half time).
3 seasons ago we were on a par with them if not better ?
Understand that some of the players from Winsford have gone back already !
Yes, Eastwood - a team with a multi millionaire backer who has pumped hundreds of thousands into the club - have made progress over the last 3 years as you would expect.
Didn’t see the first half so can’t comment on that (unlike others I only comment on what I see) second half I thought we looked ok, good spirit, hard working - the rest will follow if we keep that up - and Eli, have the Winsford players gone back or were they sent back?
Eastwood have progressed in the last 3 years because they have had massive investment and I think will be a sound bet for BSN north title when the odds are released.
Its only taken 2 friendlys for one or two to start hitting the negatives I will reserve judgemant until the ‘proper’ games start because you never know if we think positive maybe it will rub off on the players!
We had a bet at the game on Tues about who would be the first to post after a 4-0 defeat, I nearly won - but everybody had the same bet…
Turnover of players is bound to be high given that we are making a fresh start as far as the team goes. As long as we have a settled squad of 15 or 16 players by the start of the season I am sure we will do okay. I think we have 6 or 7 definites and a few possibles, we need a few more definites.
WHS
We need to keep a sense of perspective in relation our position and that of Eastwood and Fleetwood who (as others have said) have massive financial backing. Some day that backing will end and it will be evident at that point whether those teams can sustain their positions without that financial support. In the mean time we have to watch and wait whilst the supporters of those teams can enjoy the ride for as long as it lasts and good luck to them!
With reference to players leaving - players will come and go, not just because we don’t want them, but also because they may prefer to play at a club/level that they feel more comfortable with. I would have been more surprised if every player who came to WP slotted perfectly into the team. In my view, building a team is going to be work in progress for quite some time.
I thought the players got a good round of applause from the fans for the second half effort and further there was an acceptance that eastwood were way better than us so no illusions, I think we will see the 20-25 invited down whittled away to a solid squad and then as usual as better quality comes available we will bring in a few more to give a squad of maybe 18-20 with support from the ressies as required and room for the best of the college lads.
Very early doors to start being critical of the team and not really the best match to judge how good we are anyway against a superior, well drilled, big side who could also play a bit. Eastwood with their budget showed they will be a real threat in their league but to be fair our lads stuck at it and tried to hit back. A quick discussion with Mr Ogden after the match revealed that the players were gutted to have been beaten so at least these guys care and hopefully will learn from it. I was impressed with Adam Foy and when he came on Carl Frost as I thought these two lads were so badly injured that they would struggle to play again so hopefully these “old Boys” will figure for us down the line. I’m sure we will have learned something from it and I’m not downhearted at this stage. Onward and Upward the roadshow hits Runcorn Saturday and more opportunities for the side to knit together as well has giving those lads on trial a chance!!