The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

Trek wrote:

SouthRushdenJFC wrote:ELJ is a technically very good footballer ....

You cannot argue with the fact that ELJ has the largest number of assists, but this has been achieved on a success rate of perhaps only 20% of his crosses. This is the area that he really needs to work on to enable him to step up a level in my opinion as he can be very wasteful at times. Too much hit and hope.

I agree, but this is semi-pro UCL football we're talking about remember, maybe at pro level you'd expect wingers to have a very high crossing success rate, but at this level they're unlikely to. I don't know what the average success rate for a UCL winger is, but I suspect its rarely above 20% and ELJ's rate is pretty good for the league, otherwise they'd be playing at a higher level.

Although we weren't at our best yesterday, the most important thing was that we extended our lead at the top of the table, and that is what we did. A special mention to everyone in the backline and Confue and I was hugely impressed by Ashton and Bunting particularly in the second half.

We didn't create a great deal in terms of clear cut chances, but we took the ones that came our way with aplomb, and we move on to Brackley on Tuesday night.

Just a quick question.... For anoyone listening to Radio Diamonds yesterday, how did you find the coverage? Was just wondering as it was only my second game commentating, and would appreciate feedback from anyone who listened to the game

Olly wrote:

Trek wrote:

SouthRushdenJFC wrote:ELJ is a technically very good footballer ....

You cannot argue with the fact that ELJ has the largest number of assists, but this has been achieved on a success rate of perhaps only 20% of his crosses. This is the area that he really needs to work on to enable him to step up a level in my opinion as he can be very wasteful at times. Too much hit and hope.

I agree, but this is semi-pro UCL football we're talking about remember, maybe at pro level you'd expect wingers to have a very high crossing success rate, but at this level they're unlikely to. I don't know what the average success rate for a UCL winger is, but I suspect its rarely above 20% and ELJ's rate is pretty good for the league, otherwise they'd be playing at a higher level.

.... and it's streets ahead of Tyrone Berry ...

Matt Gearing, in my opinion, is far better at crossing the ball, and is often looking for a cut back ball which never seems to be in ELJ's locker. I don't think Russ Dunkley looks as dangerous dealing with a ball in the air driven at pace. Interesting to know the respective assists per minute spent on the pitch between Elliott and Matt. I think Matt has a better footballing brain.

Trek wrote:Matt Gearing, in my opinion, is far better at crossing the ball, and is often looking for a cut back ball which never seems to be in ELJ's locker. I don't think Russ Dunkley looks as dangerous dealing with a ball in the air driven at pace. Interesting to know the respective assists per minute spent on the pitch between Elliott and Matt. I think Matt has a better footballing brain.

I couldn't agree more with you there but what Elliott offers us that Matt doesn't is the pace and raw ability to go past defenders. Ideally I'd have both of them on each wing but how do you leave Faze out then?? Maybe move Faze up front with Dunks and drop Tom to the bench?? Glad I'm not a footy manager!!

I think that gearings crossing is poor most of the time. I do agree that he is the better football brain but on the wing I want to see exciting pace which defenders hate. I think we are nearing our best 11 which is currently Finlay, merrily, dolman, Ashton, brown, guyasi, bunting, confue, ELJ, dunkley and turner. I don't think fazel is bringing enough to the team at the moment and turner is the most natural finisher we have. I think that brad has done well so far this season but we need the proper fullbacks in the team.

highlights and interviews here

http://youtu.be/DGV9S8xVFWU

Basil wrote:

Trek wrote:Matt Gearing, in my opinion, is far better at crossing the ball, and is often looking for a cut back ball which never seems to be in ELJ's locker. I don't think Russ Dunkley looks as dangerous dealing with a ball in the air driven at pace. Interesting to know the respective assists per minute spent on the pitch between Elliott and Matt. I think Matt has a better footballing brain.

I couldn't agree more with you there but what Elliott offers us that Matt doesn't is the pace and raw ability to go past defenders. Ideally I'd have both of them on each wing but how do you leave Faze out then?? Maybe move Faze up front with Dunks and drop Tom to the bench?? Glad I'm not a footy manager!!

Gives the management the chance to mix things up, if ELJ has a bad game one week you've got an option to switch him with Matt Gearing. Same as if a players out injured or suspended. Joel Gyasi has thrown himself in the mix for a wide position also, had a decent full debut vs. Holbeach.

Mal's pics added to Paul's Match Report - http://www.afcdiamonds.com/sleaford-tow ... diamonds-2

Attendance confirmed as 188.

Formic wrote:Mal's pics added to Paul's Match Report - http://www.afcdiamonds.com/sleaford-tow ... diamonds-2

Attendance confirmed as 188.

Is that our lowest ever, Formic?