Kettering Town

[Houdini Logic]

Anyone know how Aman Verma played for Kettering?

Their best player I reckon - kept out defence on their toes a few times, often hurtling down the wing

[Dylan]

Their best player I reckon - kept out defence on their toes a few times, often hurtling down the wing

Okay thanks for the feedback, a friend of my brothers so hope he does well. Judging by last night, what level do you think he'll be able to reach? Kettering are Blue Square Prem right, and I'm assuming he's at least good for that level?

[Munzie]

Weale - A performance to underline exactly why Sven has purchased another keeper. Although he did make a good save (rushing out to charge down the attacker) and could do nothing about their goal, he looked unconvincing throughout. He's just not confident enough to command the back line and made several errors in coming out of his area to clear the ball. The 2nd half lob that hit our crossbar was comical - Weale caused the problem and found himself in no-mans land!

Moore - The first time I've seen him play and he was mighty impressive. Always looking to join the attack and linked up well with Waghorn and Dyer on numerous occasions. One to watch.

Tunchev - Settled as the game went on. Seemed at odds with St Ledger on occasions (SSL had a moan at him a few times). Needs a lot more games to be considered as first choice.

St Ledger - Very vocal. Exactly what we need at the back. A few dodgey moments, but like Tunchev, settled as the game progressed. Both our centre backs gave Kettering too much time on the ball which lead to their goal.

Berner - Looked very competent within the team. Did everything asked of him. Will never see a full 90 minute game but will provide excellent cover for the first team. Not quite sure that he will be happy in this utility role.

Moussa - A well taken goal and threatened the opposition on several occasions. Don't think we'll be seeing a lot of him in the starting XI. Possible loan deal (given his age) or maybe time to move on.

Oakley - Some of our fickle fans were on his back when the game was just minutes old! He gave a typical Oakley performance - got stuck in with tackles, maintained defensive duties whilst looking to spark an attack as well as lose the ball through some crap passing. Summary - still has something to offer but can be frustrating.

Ball - Worthy of a contract. Looked composed on the ball and his distribution was very effective. Played left back in the 2nd half and was much more settled attacking from the back.

Dyer - Was his usual explosive self down both flanks (particularly the right in the first half). Occasionally he was a little too selfish in possession. I still think he has a part to play in our starting XI as his pace alone will frighten the opposition. I see him as an impact sub. His shooting accuracy needs to be worked on.

Howard - Anyone who thinks Howard is lazy and doesn't care should have been at the match last night. His 30 yard run across the pitch to start the 20 man brawl was worth the entrance fee alone! I share his frustration at times as he was constantly climbed all over as the ball was kicked upfield with little support from the officials. Passion alone however will not be good enough to win a starting shirt at the beginning of the season.

Waghorn - I'm not fussed either way if Waggy stays or goes to Derby/Bristol City etc. He is not the answer to our consistent striker. He did a lot of running last night but his final ball was poor. He's also as good at taking corners as Oakley!

Subs

Schulpp - Played the whole of the 2nd half and looked very composed. Possibly needs another season on loan to a good league 1 club in order to start knocking on our first teams door.

N'Guessan - Did what Dany normally does. Looked good initially when he came on and then faded out of the game.

Kermorgant - A new and improved version of Steve Howard! Immediately came on and made an impact. Won pretty much everything in the air and muscled his way into the game. As the Cardiff match is now very much past history, I would like to see more of him.

Norburn - First time I have seen him play. Big unit, like Kermogant, that muscled his way into the game.

Despite the result (fair play to Kettering who looked a very good non-league side) this game served its purpose of giving our reserve team some much required match fitness. I doubt very much that any of them will start on Saturday or against Coventry the following week.

[Bert]

To be fair, I didn't notice Verma at all.

[Munzie]

Anyone know how Aman Verma played for Kettering?

Non-existant in midfield. Jamie Clapham (also ex-Leicester) played. I thought his ball distribution was good.

[McFoxy]

Close call between Ball and Moore for MOM, Waggy didnt look at all comfortable and Howard offered nothing although he was justified in tearing into their player who fouled Schlupp.

I thought the game passed Moussa by in the 2nd half, Tunch looked a bit off the pace in the first half, SSL was ok.

Considering some were playing for their future's or a place in the starting X1 there was not much on offer.

This concerns me more than the score. I would have expected pretty much everyone to be giving it the beans trying to nail down any last minute places in the starting squad!!!

[Dan]

my point was that he wasn't useless you div. comprehension lacking.

And yet he was still in the back pocket of Kettering's left back, that, to me, is useless.

YOU div.

[foxaholic]

Impressive start for Moore.Ball should be offered a contract so should Tunch BUT we have no punch in the last third bearing in mind we were playing a Conference team full of players on trail we had approx 3 chances in 90min.Waggy looked completely fed up.It could be transfer speculation but i think the 433 system simply does not work either for him or the club.During pre-season we have not changed or tried this system at all I dont believe waggy or others at the club like this system.Too many times last night there was no movement in box or nobody available to take the final pass.There is no point Howard winning headers and flick ons if there are no other strikers around him for support.I am VERY worried for the season where our goals are going to come form.One last point,whilst i except that we have other players to come in i saw Coventry play Kettering on Sat and they ALOT better than us,they did win game but could have won by many more! .

I agree the team fielded should have won easily . Last time we played them in pre season I think virtually a youth team won easily. Kettering known for their hype didnt even havean account in the local paper. and as stated are still trying to get a team together .

[foxaholic]

Impressive start for Moore.Ball should be offered a contract so should Tunch BUT we have no punch in the last third bearing in mind we were playing a Conference team full of players on trail we had approx 3 chances in 90min.Waggy looked completely fed up.It could be transfer speculation but i think the 433 system simply does not work either for him or the club.During pre-season we have not changed or tried this system at all I dont believe waggy or others at the club like this system.Too many times last night there was no movement in box or nobody available to take the final pass.There is no point Howard winning headers and flick ons if there are no other strikers around him for support.I am VERY worried for the season where our goals are going to come form.One last point,whilst i except that we have other players to come in i saw Coventry play Kettering on Sat and they ALOT better than us,they did win game but could have won by many more! .I

[Tielemans63]

Hi folks, been reading the forum for ages so it's about time I posted!

I live in Kettering and go to their games every now and again when City are away and I can't afford to go.

I was at the game last night and was a bit surprised by how much City struggled. For what it's worth this is what me and my Liverpool supporting mate thought about the game.

Michael Ball's technique and touch were impressive but he's carrying a bit if timber and looks one-paced. I think he'd really struggle against a pacy Championship winger.

I thought SSL and Tunch were all over the place first half. I think Tunch is in the same boat as MB in that he has good technique but injuries have slowed him right down. SSL looked much more assured in the second half and was always talking.

Waggy looked good on the first half and worked really hard but second half he looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. His frustrations boiled over and he let the K Town full back get to him.

I actually thought Schlupp was a bit quiet. He was neat and tidy enough but didn't really get into the game at all - I expected him to trouble Poppies defence but he didn't.

On the bright side, I thought the full backs were superb (until Berner made way) and got forward well. Liam Moore looked really busy and tidy when he came in and Moussa played like he wanted to prove a point.

From a Poppies perspective, I thought the two centre backs and the central midfirlders had a great game. Marcus Kelly, the full back played really well too. Shame the boys never get the opportunity to play it around like that in the conference!