Potential hangover from the dream 'bounceback' campaign led to not only fans, but the vocal gaffer Gary Johnson question whether the team would be capable for the heights of League 2 football. With less than a week before the season opener, many heads would've been scratched at the thought of a manager asking such a question. Knowing it was somewhat a kick up the backside, there was a slight hint of truth, as not only were we without a 'desired' number one goalkeeper, our favoured back three only consisted of two.
Nevertheless in Johnson we trust, and a day or two prior to match. after a saddening week for the club we welcomed goalkeeper Russel Griffiths and centre half Easah Suliman joined from Everton and Aston Villa respectively.
Nevertheless in Johnson we trust, and a day or two prior to match. after a saddening week for the club we welcomed goalkeeper Russel Griffiths and centre half Easah Suliman joined from Everton and Aston Villa respectively.
However the first team sheet released this season threw up a few shocks, as not only did it not match the formation used since last season, it was also missing some important faces. A lot of expectation has been heaped on James Dayton to be the creator this season but an injury set-back for him and Asa Hall kept them out of the opener as the Robins adapted to an attacking 4-3-3 with Barthram dropping to the bench for the newcomer Suliman to slot in at right back.
It couldn't have started much worse for the Robins as Gavin Massey got away from Jennings and latched on from a cross to open the scoring for the O's. It was fair to say we were being made to look like a National League side for the first 45 minutes. Jennings marking was questionable to say the least, and while I'm not one to jump on a new players back, he's not at all impressed me in the pre-season and I feel a lot more comfortable with Jordan Cranston on the left side, only time will tell. I. I'm sure given time he will bed in well and prove his worth which saw him make the team of the season last year.
 |
| Massey opens the scoring for Orient after questionable defending from Jennings - @leytonorientfc |
It came to the 65th minute and we werent threatening where we usually do from the wing back positions, off came Jennings and Suliman for Cranston and Barthram, as well as Billy Waters adding a 4th attacker to the game. The intent and domination changed drastically from then on, and Waters managed to find the equaliser in a move he started and finished. We really saw the Billy Waters of last season, although he would hate to be branded a super sub, he has continued to prove it on many occasions.
From then on it was pretty clear there was a statement of intent and we couldn't sit back from the equaliser, probably due to the fact we had such an attacking side proving their dominance, as well as having no subs left. Barthram and Billy carried on the onslaught of attack down the right side which Orient were really struggling to handle.
Alas the winning goal couldn't be found and it ended a stalemate, a tale of last season where Cheltenham struggled to get going until the half time team talk. However it was a very promising result in the end and the second half performance makes you wonder what we can do if we play to our best for 90 minutes.
From then on it was pretty clear there was a statement of intent and we couldn't sit back from the equaliser, probably due to the fact we had such an attacking side proving their dominance, as well as having no subs left. Barthram and Billy carried on the onslaught of attack down the right side which Orient were really struggling to handle.
Alas the winning goal couldn't be found and it ended a stalemate, a tale of last season where Cheltenham struggled to get going until the half time team talk. However it was a very promising result in the end and the second half performance makes you wonder what we can do if we play to our best for 90 minutes.
 |
| Robins looking to triumph again this season? - @JonPalmerSport |
In the build up to Saturday's game and all throughout the off season I was finding it hard to work out what exactly should we be expecting this season in our first attempt back in the football league. Baker and Johnson both stated desire to go for promotion again but it hasn't got the same importance nor drive of last seasons championship win. I've seen an array of different predictions and many seem happy for us to just survive but I know we are much better than that.
Although I can't see us taking the league by storm I think we are a lot more prepared and ahead of many teams with the group we've got. Many teams in this league have completely replaced their playing squad and it's going to take a couple of months to see each player adapt and be at their full playing potential in their new teams. I feel a mid table finish would be respectable for our group, and although we want to make a habit of what Bristol Rovers have done, I'm happy with solidarity this season. A play off spot is reachable in my opinion and the possibility of that will keep the season exciting for the team and us fans.
Next up, we face a tough test in the first round of the league cup - another competition we'll be returning to as a result of promotion. Charlton Athletic is actually turning out to be a fairly ironic team to face, as Dillon Phillips is very likely to face us in his debut for the Addicks. The saga which almost went on as long as Pogba returning to United ended in a somewhat uncalled for meltdown amongst some fans .It'll be great to see Dillon come back to somewhere he had so much success at, albeit playing for the opposition it's a place where he's hopefully kick-started a successful career, and all fans will be wishing him the best of luck.
Hopefully following in his footsteps, along with other keepers previous to Phillips' reign is Russel Griffiths, someone who has set high expectations to surpass Butlands incredible efforts during his loan spell here. Along with him and the whole of the squad let's get behind the boys for what can hopefully be another jubilant season. As always they'll be counting on our loyal support. Come on you Robins!
Next up, we face a tough test in the first round of the league cup - another competition we'll be returning to as a result of promotion. Charlton Athletic is actually turning out to be a fairly ironic team to face, as Dillon Phillips is very likely to face us in his debut for the Addicks. The saga which almost went on as long as Pogba returning to United ended in a somewhat uncalled for meltdown amongst some fans .It'll be great to see Dillon come back to somewhere he had so much success at, albeit playing for the opposition it's a place where he's hopefully kick-started a successful career, and all fans will be wishing him the best of luck.
Hopefully following in his footsteps, along with other keepers previous to Phillips' reign is Russel Griffiths, someone who has set high expectations to surpass Butlands incredible efforts during his loan spell here. Along with him and the whole of the squad let's get behind the boys for what can hopefully be another jubilant season. As always they'll be counting on our loyal support. Come on you Robins!
 |
| All the best Dillon! - @GlosEchoLive |
No comments:
Post a Comment