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Sub: Earing for Harper

Definitely rolling the dice, sounding like whing doesn't know the best starting 11 yet

Always going to be a tough game, goal sounded avoidable. Up front I think everyone knows that scoring goals and creativity will be a bit of a problem again but I’m also as concerned about our wingbacks. Mahoney can’t defend and Newby isn’t a wing back again can’t defend, we need to strengthen on both sides can’t rely on Jackson as the only out and out wingback. That has to be Whings priority between now and the end of the transfer window.

A lot of new players and it will take time but there’s probably two areas where everyone knows we need to improve in.

FT: 1 - 0

CH BAFC wrote: ↑Sat Aug 02, 2025 4:46 pm Definitely rolling the dice, sounding like whing doesn't know the best starting 11 yet

yet, after 1 game

Mostly new side-the signs are good.

Not too disappointed with that. Was always going to be a tough nut to crack. They were resolute at the back as were we. Got to improve our shots on target as we managed a lone strike. Both keepers did well when called upon.

Plenty of positives in that game especially the second half. We limited them to very little and could have nicked a point. Very few will get anything at chesterfield this season. It’s a new team it will take time for them to get to know how each other plays but if we show the same endeavour and commitment like we did in the second half we will have a good season imo

End of the day, our budget is nothing like Chesterfields, more than double our crowds, long season to go, we’ve got a good squad with a good manager, anything can happen.

Lost it on a mistake by the sounds, and a few issues probably more to do with bedding in a lot of new players as much as anything (particularly in midfield).
Teams don’t generally have a ‘20 goals a season’ striker (despite that being what many seem to want us to magic up), so room for improvement but some positives too today maybe?
Onwards…

Their goal was deflected in off Raglan not Foley

If Whing wants 3 at the back then we'll struggle to score with what we have, sorry Newby just not strong enough!, Mahoney no heart!
Jackson, Barkhuizen ( looks class) and Harper stood out ,Foley did ok but for me isn't a defender he'd be good with Harper!, hard to judge Cameron because he had no support!, we battled well and it will take time for Whing to sort this !

Disappointing result but plenty of positives and reason for optimism. I thought Harper was very good but tired late on. We could’ve been a bit more ambitious in the last 15 mins or so. Onto the next one.

Not going to lose sleep over the first game of the season and a loss to one of the favourites. Only frustration is we were a completely avoidable goal away from getting a point. Harper (who was our best player on the day) aside, the team that finished the game looked a lot stronger than the one that started.

Only concern for me going forward is this system relies heavily on quality service from the wing backs, I'm not sure Newby and Jackson are consistent enough based off last season, I'd be looking to strengthen that area if possible.

Not the spanking some predicted. The team will rightly be disappointed not to get something from this but once again we are on the wrong side of a close game. Too many of them over last two seasons.

Positively - I hope this shows that we can compete with a side predicted to be up there and we should fear none of them. We’ll get there.