Our panel of Latics fans reflect on a frustrating and disappointing result at home to Gateshead and exiting the FA Trophy.

 

After the previous two results, both of which I couldn’t attend, I was looking forward to seeing the ‘new look’ side. While conditions weren’t great and the pitch was heavy (for both sides!), Gateshead looked far more patient and proficient on the ball and controlled the midfield. Chances were few and far between but we just didn’t look comfortable or cohesive with and without the ball.

Yet again we lacked bite in midfield and any creative spark to provide service to our strikers. Perhaps the focus is on the league (as it should be, really) but to put in a performance like that when we should be looking to build some momentum was incredibly disappointing.

It constantly feels like one step forward and three steps back on the pitch. Definitely need to see improvements on Tuesday night if we are to climb out of this hole we are in.

Steve Shipman

 

While last Saturday’s stonking away win gave us all something to be (temporarily) happy about, it was a big stretch to assume that it was the definitive end to all our problems.

Torrential rain set the tone for Saturdays FA Trophy bottom table clash and as is usually the case, we conceded early on. The standard of football on display was dire from both sides but when we equalised I had faint hopes we might push on and secure our spot in the next round. But it wasn’t to be.

To be honest, it’s not the loss that upsets me the most about Saturday. It’s the manner of the loss. The team spirit we saw in buckets at dorking just wasn’t there. Heads went down and the second half was abysmal.

In an attempt to finish on a more positive note, we’re unbeaten in two in the league so if we get results this week, our exit from the FA Trophy will soon be forgotten.

Dawn Marsden

 

Following the optimism of the Dorking win, yet again it’s back down to earth for Latics. All dawns, without fail, seem to be false ones.

It was a cup match, and so maybe that affected things. But it’s frustrating to feel the need to keep making excuses.

We’re back to the same arguments as we had before hitting five last week. The squad is surely good enough to be achieving mid-table or better, and yet we’re losing at home to a team in the relegation zone. Is it a one off and has the corner actually be turned? Tuesday at Wealdstone will surely tell.

Can the manager really be this bad? He is defensive, naturally, having been a defender himself. So why are the goals we concede so basic (and frequent)?

Why, with attacking talent Francis Jeffers in the management team, and with attacking quality in the squad, are we struggling again to create chances?

Who would the alternative that would get this large squad performing adequately? Questions will keep on coming as long as the results remain underwhelming at best.

James Reade