The Lounge

[Singapore Don]

How weird to be the giant-killed, yet I actually don’t feel that bad about losing tonight’s game to Sutton – strange for me who takes defeat badly. But when Robinson was sent off in the 15th minute, the writing seemed to be on the wall. The thorough ineptitude of the referee really did spoil the game, Sutton getting away with blatant handballs twice and a number of shocking “tackles”. The ref’s loss of control and thoroughly one sided decision making became just depressing. He was appalling and as bad as we’ve seen all season at KM. But he can’t be blamed for our defeat. Sutton deserved their win. Our supposed pre match advantage of higher fitness levels was cancelled by playing for 80 minutes with ten men, and the woeful performances of our subs Whelpdale and Barnett shine a spotlight on how lacking in depth we are in the squad for quality. They were simply useless. Those two are destined without doubt for the exit door, as must be the increasingly ineffective and ageing Bulman. A sorry night, a chance for a big Cup cash bonus wasted, all round a night to forget. Let’s get back to winning ways in the league at Chesterfield to cement our place in League One and not blow that. I’ll be going.

[MacWomble]

I don’t really care about the Cup. It is solidifying our league position that is important and building a solid team that can withstand the pressure when even more of the club’s resources are dedicated to Plough Lane Mk2. The Big Time can wait until we are back in Merton and 100% secure. Tis merely survival up to this point. That said, one benefit of the loss was that our game actually made the top sports banner of my BBC web page as one of the three leading stories – trumped by Lincoln – but still up there. The team seem to have been decidedly inconsistent since December. The cold, miserable climate may not agree with our London Wombles?

[liamwimbo]

Even days later, I am still annoyed by the defeat by Sutton. Firstly for selfish reasons since we Wombles down under won’t get to see the Dons on TV. But more importantly, because the club will miss out on the income the televised game would have generated as we prepare for New Plough Lane.
There is always always​ criticism of the ref, but the level directed at the bloke in charge on Tuesday is unprecedented. A foul on Taylor that warranted a red card not even punished with a free kick seems to have been the worst example. And apparently he is due to be in charge of the home game v Franchise, a match I am hoping to attend.
But life goes on so the players need to regroup and deal with two away matches in the next few days. I must admit I would be happy with two draws, but hoping the team can surprise me.
COYDs

PS we had a good get-together in Melbourne and good to meet Charlie Bell in person.

[Colum]

I’ve just sent a piece to Rob for inclusion in the next WDSA on the Sutton games. Ironically for someone who doesn’t really get upset about defeats, this one REALLY hurt. The complete opposite of Singapore Don. Yes Sutton just about deserved the victory, but for me it was the manner of the victory that got under my skin.

Yesterday’s point at Chesterfield was all we could expect after the painful (in more ways than one) Sutton defeat. We have players playing with injuries, with no one else of the same quality to fill in. Barnett in particular looks totally forlorn. Whelpdale may turn out to be something we can use. The problem is, will he get the chance? Midfield and defence is where we are strong. Personally I think Danny Bulman still has it. Maybe not for two games a week, but with the young up starts of Beere and Egin in the wings I don’t think we should worry. We are a little light in defence, but the current crop are standing up to the onslaught. Lets hope that continues.

[Colum]

Am I the only one who was just a bit surprised to see the Gills game called off more than 24 hours before KO. And to see the OS post accompanied by a picture of a Priestfield covered pitch. Sure we are suffering a real cold snap here, but during the day any frost is quickly melting.

Admittedly Kent can be fairly rural and frosts can be heavier in the regions, and whilst the top of a pitch may be OK, the underneath may still be frozen. But really? This does smack of some professional foul play. Remember that tale of Harry Bassett ringing the Fire Brigade to come down and water the pitch to get a game called off? I’d love to know if that was true. Maybe the Gills have similar problems and were happy to oblige?

It is welcome mind you. We’ve got quite a few knocks and tired bodies that need rest. With not having a game now until early Feb, the gap gives them a good break to recover. The only draw back is that Robinson doesn’t get to use up one of his suspended games.

[Windlesham Don]

A quick test to see if I can post now…

[Author]

Posts