Monday Morning Quarterback 2020-21 – Issue 1
Below in bold was the words I used in my last MMQ back at the end of March Well with the fast pacing change across our country, and as the world imposes lockdown’s, very little has changed since then, as a second wave hits various parts of the country and wider world, but let’s more importantly turn to where we stand as a club this season.
Three competitive games in, we lasted two games before being knocked out in the FA Cup this season. This means we now have to focus on the FA Trophy the only other remaining cup competition that is being held this season. The FA Trophy starts this weekend, but we have been given a bye, along with fellow Division One South side Moneyfields who we will visit to play in the second qualifying round on Saturday 17th October 2020.
But let’s turn our real attention to the events of last Saturday and our opening league game of the season. For those who listened to the match on the radio, you were probably amazed by the comeback, but for the considerable number of Stoke fans who took the journey to Gloucestershire, it truly was a remarkable day.
Firstly, we need to thank the Slimbridge officials, not just for reversing the fixture to save our club much needed cash, but for being excellent hosts from 12pm when our first fans arrived at the ground, while they were still getting ready to set-up, but also just their positivity and friendliness throughout the day despite the final result were perfect hosts.
The game itself, initially took on that same feeling of last year, and we again looked to do everything but score in the first-half. Whatever team-talk or elixir Dan gave them seemed to do the trick, as we got back into the game (score-wise), within the first ten minutes of the restart, and from the moment the second goal went in, there was only one team in it. Our passing movement and speed was simply too much for Slimbridge, and this looks to be our focal point for the rest of the season. Adding four goals in a further ten minute period, the game was essentially done and dusted, before the final goal in injury-time.
Some lovely confident finishes by George Reid, George Hallahan (2), McKoy Palmer (2) and Dylan Ive, sent those fans present into sheer joy and the fans went home full of expectation for the rest of the season.
But a word of caution, were we that good, or were Slimbridge simply that bad. Our upcoming games at Larkhall (Wed 30th), and Barnstaple (Sat 3rd Oct), if it goes ahead, will give us a clearer understanding on where we can look to be league wise, and will also give Dan, any ideas on where we need to bolster the squad, money permitting of course.
I have been saying to everyone who has asked me, that there is a much bigger confidence within the team, and this can only be good as we move into the winter months and the dodgy pitches and weather we will need to adjust to.
Just to confirm that the Barnstaple game may not take place on the 3rd October, if Barnstaple win their 1st round qualifying round match against Wimborne Town tomorrow night, as the next round takes place on that Saturday.
So after game 1 of hopefully the full 38 league game season, we proudly but amazingly sit top of the league table on goal difference, and having scored more goals than the other opening game winners.
The Top Five in Our League
TEAM | PLD | WON | DRAWN | LOST | PTS |
Basingstoke Town | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
AFC Totton | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Sholing | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Cirencester Town | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Cinderford Town | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Whilst the season has just started, I will not add the bottom of the table and hopefully we will not appear in it this season.
Our Basingstoke Town Goal Scoring Chart took a major jump in goals scored so far this season, and striker George Hallahan leads the way. We would expect a vastly higher number of goals scored for this season.
Name | League Goals | Cup Goals | Total |
George Hallahan | 2 | 1 | 3 |
McKoy Palmer | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Bradley Wilson | 0 | 1 | 1 |
George Reid | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Dylan Ive | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Adam Everiss | 0 | 1 | 1 |
With a free league programme this weekend, will you attend another game nearby?