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Post by casper on Aug 27, 2015 20:52:49 GMT
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Post by claretboy on Aug 28, 2015 13:01:08 GMT
Hi all,
Chelmsford fan here. Must thought I would let you know that in addition to the minutes silence on Saturday for the Shoreham air disaster, there will be a minutes applause around the 54th minute mark in memory of our kit man Trevor, who died last week after 840 consecutive games.
Just a heads up.
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Post by lukeccfc on Aug 28, 2015 16:19:28 GMT
Why not come down early to the game tomorrow at Chelmsford City and make a day of it - the bar will be open and breakfast will be served from 11.30am-1.30pm, with a full English from as little as £3.50! There's a pool table, and with sport on the big screen what more could you want to enjoy before the game even kicks off!
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Post by citycentresaint on Aug 28, 2015 16:25:00 GMT
Thanks for the heads up lads.
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Post by peterfoster on Aug 28, 2015 19:55:31 GMT
And real ale in the Clarets bar too.
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Post by casper on Aug 28, 2015 21:35:52 GMT
www.stalbanscityfc.com/chelmsford-city-a-preview/The Saints make the relatively short trip to Essex tomorrow afternoon, as they look to pick up their first win of the season at Chelmsford City’s Melbourne Stadium. It’s been a tough opening five games for St Albans, having picked up one just point from a possible fifteen available, and having scored just one goal, which came against Oxford City. However, a number of these fixtures were against sides which are expected to be in and around the play-offs comes the end of the season. Last weekend’s defeat came at the hands of table topping Bath City, who claimed a 1-0 victory at Clarence Park. A Frankie Artus penalty mid-way through the first half was enough to provide victory for the Romans, and while the Saints did have chances to equalise, especially during the second half, the management will be disappointed with the performance over the whole 90 minutes. Billy Medlock and Ghassimu Sow, both starting their first game for the club last weekend, looked bright, and apart from Joe Welch, were the star performers of the afternoon, as they added a zip and speed to City’s play which has been missing recently. Both are likely to be in contention to start tomorrow afternoon. Joint manager James Gray, speaking after they game, admitted that overall it was another poor performance, and while there were spells which City dominated, he wanted to see that for a whole game, and not just in the final twenty minutes. He has asked for a reaction from the players in our next two fixtures, against Chelmsford City tomorrow, and Hemel Hempstead on Monday afternoon. However, with two games over the Bank Holiday Weekend, it’s the perfect time for the Saints to kick-start their season. Chelmsford City, meanwhile, have had a mixed bag of results to open their campaign with. They started with an opening day draw at Oxford City, before falling to a 1-0 defeat to Hemel Hempstead. However, their form improved, and they went on to win two on the bounce, cruising past Hayes & Yeading with a 4-0 victory, and winning 2-1 at Bishops Stortford. The Claret’s were looking to make it three victories in a row last weekend when they took on Whitehawk. However, three goals in 22 first half minutes put the game beyond Chelmsford, and despite a late rally, they went on to lose 4-2 in East Sussex. The side from Essex were dealt another blow during the week, when goalkeeper Ashley Timms, who had started Chelmsford’s first five games, announced that he had departed the club for personal reasons. Despite this, the Claret’s acted quickly to replace him, and brought in 21 year old goalkeeper Christian Dibble on loan from Barnsley, who goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s fixture. St Albans will be hoping that they can finally pick up their first victory of the season tomorrow afternoon, when they cross the border and make their way into Essex. Come On You Saints! Kick-off is 3pm. Admission prices: Adults £13.00 Concessions, over 65’s and students with NUS Card, £9.00 Young Adults £5.00 Under 12s Free
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Post by stalbanandy on Aug 29, 2015 7:49:24 GMT
Thanks for the heads up claret fans. Me and Mrs Stalbanandy are planning a nice weekend in Essex so 3 points would go down well. My team to get us those first 3 of the season would be Welsh, JK, Coms, Gayle and Lee across back 4. Lewis right mid, Luke Allen and Sam C in the middle with Sow on the left. Jack green in behind Simon T up front. If Sam isn't fit bring in Lockey and put Coms in the middle. We need more penetration up front so let Jack have licence to roam and feed of Simon and give Luke Allen licence to run beyond. All sounds very easy on paper I agree but cant help feeling the best form of defence is attack as we simply cant let another game slip by without giving it a go and falling meakly to a 2-0 defeat 1 goal in 5 games tells it own story!
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Post by Hatboy on Aug 29, 2015 8:27:17 GMT
Todays best available odds:
Bath City (11/8) Draw (13/5) Havant & Waterlooville (2) Bishop Stortford (6/5) Draw (13/5) Concord Rangers (5/2) Chelmsford (11/13) Draw (11/4) St Albans City (31/10) Eastbourne Borough (23/17) Draw (13/5) Maidstone (2) Ebbsfleet United (11/10) Draw (13/5) Whitehawk (5/2) Gosport Borough (13/15) Draw (11/4) Truro City (29/10) Hayes & Yeading (12/5) Draw (13/5) Basingstoke Town (11/10) Hemel Hempstead (11/10) Draw (14/5) Maidenhead Utd (12/5) Margate (17/11) Draw (13/5) Dartford (17/10) Oxford City (1/2) Draw (15/4) Weston Super Mare (21/4) Sutton Utd (11/13) Draw (11/4) Wealdstone (33/10)
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Post by Hatboy on Aug 29, 2015 8:48:09 GMT
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Post by Boomer on Aug 29, 2015 9:50:04 GMT
Thanks for the heads up claret fans. Me and Mrs Stalbanandy are planning a nice weekend in Essex so 3 points would go down well. My team to get us those first 3 of the season would be Welsh, JK, Coms, Gayle and Lee across back 4. Lewis right mid, Luke Allen and Sam C in the middle with Sow on the left. Jack green in behind Simon T up front. If Sam isn't fit bring in Lockey and put Coms in the middle. We need more penetration up front so let Jack have licence to roam and feed of Simon and give Luke Allen licence to run beyond. All sounds very easy on paper I agree but cant help feeling the best form of defence is attack as we simply cant let another game slip by without giving it a go and falling meakly to a 2-0 defeat 1 goal in 5 games tells it own story! I cannot imagine that Corcoran will be anything like recovered from his injury. After last week's game, when he was like a breath of fresh air, Sow needs to start today. I can see us playing 5 across the middle with just Theo up front. It could just work now we have Krans providing some pace on the left. The back four will depend on whether Gayle has recovered. If he has, clearly he will more than likely partner Locke. If not, I see Comley there with Locke, instead.
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Post by Saint on Aug 29, 2015 10:07:30 GMT
Really hope Krans and Sow start.... Both players with the energy we've missed in the opening game. Corcoran wont be fit for a long time yet, he was in a protective boot last week, and possibly has to have surgery, but hopefully Gayle will be.
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oldgeezer
Saints Youth Team Player
Posts: 248
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Post by oldgeezer on Aug 29, 2015 14:11:47 GMT
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oldgeezer
Saints Youth Team Player
Posts: 248
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Post by oldgeezer on Aug 29, 2015 14:44:30 GMT
ooops 1-0 to Chelmsford
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Post by Hatboy on Aug 29, 2015 14:48:05 GMT
Yeah great they score just before half time against the run of play, with a long ball over the top !
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oldgeezer
Saints Youth Team Player
Posts: 248
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Post by oldgeezer on Aug 29, 2015 15:15:31 GMT
1-1 good....
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oldgeezer
Saints Youth Team Player
Posts: 248
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Post by oldgeezer on Aug 29, 2015 15:18:40 GMT
ooops 2-1 to Chelmsford
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Post by notsorecentconvert on Aug 29, 2015 17:03:42 GMT
Another defeat... but a look at the league table now does appear to show just how tricky the start has been.
If you include Monday's opponents, Hemel, our first seven games are against seven of the top eight sides. Still early days, but it does show our opponents have all been in decent form.
However, we need to get some points on the board soon or else we'll be the team everyone wants to face.
Monday against Hemel will not be easy but nor is it mission impossible.
A look ahead at the coming fixtures does make me question the wisdom of playing Basingstoke on a Monday night (rather than Tuesday) – just a couple of days after a long trip to Truro. Surely an extra day's recovery time from that would do everyone a favour?
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Post by COYS on Aug 29, 2015 17:21:50 GMT
A look ahead at the coming fixtures does make me question the wisdom of playing Basingstoke on a Monday night (rather than Tuesday) – just a couple of days after a long trip to Truro. Surely an extra day's recovery time from that would do everyone a favour? Especially now ITV have lost the rights to Champions League football, I don't see the advantage of playing on a Monday night as opposed to Tuesday.
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Post by Saint on Aug 29, 2015 17:50:01 GMT
Personally feel we lost most of our attacking intent when we took Medlock off, he was better than Simon Thomas.
Again, Theo proved with service he will get goals.
Not sure how Hilliard is still starting.
Scott Thomas+Allen both injured.... Will struggle to make Monday.
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Post by Saint on Aug 29, 2015 17:50:24 GMT
Chelmsford has two efforts on target, and two goals.... No other saves for Welch.
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Post by PaperSaint on Aug 29, 2015 19:03:36 GMT
Agree regarding Medlock - he adds much needed energy up front - and with the ball on the floor. He played a major part in our goal and I really think we were more likely to get a second with him on the pitch as opposed to throwing Thomas on in his place. Before their first goal we started to play with belief and confidence and it seemed only a matter of time before the ball would end up in the net - unfortunately, a rare slip up by Gayle, and it ended up in our net. Their second also came as we equalised and we're starting to look the more likely to win - and then Medlock slipped on the ball and Chelmsford broke and scored the winner. But once Medlock was off we never looked likely to score.
Thought Luke Allen had a good game until his injury. Hilliard had his moments - good and bad. Sow again looked good when he came whilst Krans was relatively quiet but was rarely given any service but did show his pace when given the opportunity to make runs.
We look like a team that so needs a win - quality glimmering in many areas but need to get the confidence and belief in our game that comes along when you are winning. Louie is a striker who keeps believing in his ability - he's now put away both chances he's been given. Nice touch from him at the end to applause our supporters, even after a loss.
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Post by yorkroader on Aug 29, 2015 19:43:29 GMT
Guess it is all about opinions,I personally thought Medlock was poor. I presume he is in the side to give our main striker some support,but for the entire first half he failed to get within fifteen yards of him. Theophanus must be getting frustrated at the lack of help he is receiving. Totally astonished that Hilliard got a start in front of Sow. Last week against Bath Hilliard virtually hid,he never showed for the ball,never fought for it,just went through the motions,as opposed to Sow who was demanding it from the first seconds he was on the pitch,darting around trying to create space for himself and for others,Hilliard does not do this and his runs are half hearted The corner kick that Hilliard took in injury time summed him up,a ball that the first defender cleared about a foot off the ground. This was a match we should have taken some points from but from the moment Chelmsford scored their second goal we never looked like coming back. In my opinion we have better players than both Easbourne and Chelmsford but we have deservedly lost to both. AppySaint is correct in mentioning a lack of confidence,but I think it is a lot more than that,is the chemistry right ? are the tactics right ? Shouldn't we now start thinking about trying to grind out a couple of nil nils just to get a few points on the board ? Just wish Danny Green could get his broken nose sorted out because we need battlers like him in the team badly. Before Gray starts tweeting about 'tactical Geniuses', I am not one,nor is anyone else on this board, but we are concerned supporters worried about where the next point is coming from.
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Post by PaperSaint on Aug 29, 2015 22:27:28 GMT
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Post by Boomer on Aug 30, 2015 11:15:29 GMT
Guess it is all about opinions,I personally thought Medlock was poor. I presume he is in the side to give our main striker some support,but for the entire first half he failed to get within fifteen yards of him. Theophanus must be getting frustrated at the lack of help he is receiving. Totally astonished that Hilliard got a start in front of Sow. Last week against Bath Hilliard virtually hid,he never showed for the ball,never fought for it,just went through the motions,as opposed to Sow who was demanding it from the first seconds he was on the pitch,darting around trying to create space for himself and for others,Hilliard does not do this and his runs are half hearted The corner kick that Hilliard took in injury time summed him up,a ball that the first defender cleared about a foot off the ground. This was a match we should have taken some points from but from the moment Chelmsford scored their second goal we never looked like coming back. In my opinion we have better players than both Easbourne and Chelmsford but we have deservedly lost to both. AppySaint is correct in mentioning a lack of confidence,but I think it is a lot more than that,is the chemistry right ? are the tactics right ? Shouldn't we now start thinking about trying to grind out a couple of nil nils just to get a few points on the board ? Just wish Danny Green could get his broken nose sorted out because we need battlers like him in the team badly. Before Gray starts tweeting about 'tactical Geniuses', I am not one,nor is anyone else on this board, but we are concerned supporters worried about where the next point is coming from. I can't really disagree with too much of that. This was probably the easiest 3 points that Chelmsford will gain all season and it was a game we could and should have won. As far as Medlock is concerned, I am with you. He does expend a lot of energy buzzing around but I am struggling to see what is on the end of it and for a lot of the game he was so far behind Theo, he appeared to be playing in midfield. What concerns me most, though, is the total lack of movement generally. With the exception of Theo, Comley, Chappell and most definitely Sow, players are not moving into channels/spaces etc off the ball, making themselves available and not going missing. This needs addressing. Theo gave a terrific performance yesterday and never stooped trying. Decent performances also from Sow and Allen. COYS!
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Post by Hatboy on Aug 30, 2015 11:39:25 GMT
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Post by davymac55 on Aug 30, 2015 12:43:33 GMT
Ooops!! And its not even September yet. But we are an optimistic lot. 8 Months to go. 3 Weeks before season kicked off I was quietly confident of a good start.... then squad changes and players in and out. Still early days and no need to panic. 1 point from 18 in first six games isn't a disaster as every team we have played has been a good team? Not really. Just better than us. And they may be in top half of table but we can only surely be judged on our efforts. a win tomorrow must be essential, along with a good performance, otherwise we are playing catch up relegation football in August... and all this for only £15 and expensive bar prices and Save Our Saints. And mangers saying 'step up or move on' !!!!! Well, you pick em. And I agree with Boomer about movement etc. but what system are the team playing? We've seen this before, the 'if only he/they/it/got more service'. Massive improvement needed as tomorrow will see us having completed approx. 17% of our season
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Post by Boomer on Aug 30, 2015 15:59:40 GMT
....................Still early days and no need to panic. 1 point from 18 in first six games isn't a disaster as every team we have played has been a good team? Not really. Just better than us. And they may be in top half of table but we can only surely be judged on our efforts.................... In all honesty, Chelmsford were pretty run of the mill and on yesterday's showing are not a side, who look likely to finish top half. Then again, I thought that about Gosport, who also failed to impress and are now sitting 3rd. Skepelton and Bricknell, who played up front for Chelmsford, looked quite capable but that was about it.
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Post by notsorecentconvert on Aug 30, 2015 17:04:59 GMT
Points are needed fairly quickly but there's no need to panic just yet...
Last season, Wealdstone didn't win until their 10th match. Admittedly they did draw four of the opening nine. But they finished above us in the end, albeit only as a result of goals scored.
So what DavyMac says is right. We need to take points from the teams that are going to finish 9th and downwards and move ourselves up towards the middle as soon as we can.
And the fact our first seven opponents have all started well has made it harder. The crunch comes after the Hemel game, where I think a point would be a good result. We simply must win two of the next four – Margate, Truro, Basingstoke and Hayes & Yeading, or else we'll be adrift going into two hard away games (Whitehawk and Maidstone).
I won't keep mentioning it, I promise (fingers crossed) but our start does throw the spotlight on the wisdom of the chairman coming out with his daft '20 points from 10 games' target on the eve of the season. It's usually best if chairmen keep quiet (publicly at least) on the nitty-gritty of the footballing matters anyway but that statement did absolutely no one any favours, not Jimmy, Graham and the coaches and not the players.
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Post by Hatboy on Aug 30, 2015 17:59:11 GMT
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Post by PaperSaint on Aug 30, 2015 19:01:38 GMT
As an optimist (although it's getting heavily tested at the moment) and 'Medlock-ite' I'll argue that his movement was helping to pull their defenders around a bit in the later part of the first half and that helped for chances to start opening up for us. Second half he did drop back but when a midfield is struggling to create much, that's what forwards do.
Re: Stand by your Saints (formerly known as Save our Saints ), we're just trying to do our bit to keep this club at this level and remain competitive. But it's not only this club that calls upon the assistance of supporters to help finance the playing budget - Woking, Grimsby, Wealdstone, Hemel are just a few of an increasing number of clubs with similar initiatives.
Personally, I'm happy to pay a bit extra every month knowing that it will only ever go towards the playing budget. We've currently got a relatively small number of supporters contributing anything from £5 to £100 per month. I'd love to see that grow - but it's a personal choice.
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