Normally I'd be posting a match report, but I thought I'd mix it up a bit and just post my thoughts onyesterdays stalemate.
Confidence was high at Stonebridge Road, the weather was nice and there was a decent crowd of just under 1,000. Unfortunately, the game was very boring with not a lot happening! I predicted a draw pre-match while many were expecting the Fleet to get off to a winning start, so I wasn't too disappointed with that, however the performance was not good enough.
After a successful pre-season with Football that hasn't been seen at Stonebridge Road for a while, it was back to route one hoofball, with the occasional ground play. With just one recognised striker in the side, it was always going to be tough, but it was there for the taking.
Havant came with a game plan, and came for the draw. Their fans would have been happy with that, as most predicted a comfortable victory for the Fleet. As mentioned before the game, Sahr Kabba and Christian Nanetti were the main threats in the Havant side, the latter's pace and trickery was more than the Fleet defence could handle. Preston Edwards made a fine save in the second half to keep him quiet. I thought the visitors were the better side if I'm totally honest, and the Fleet will need to up their game big time.
I know it's only the first game, but it wasn't good enough. I mentioned in my season preview that I was concerned by the lack of pace in the defence, and I've been proved right from the off. Lorraine and Huke together aren't quick enough, and will be exploited by many attacks this season. There was no sense of urgency amongst the players, which is a shame as many have been excellent right through pre-season. I'm more than happy to give Steve Brown a chance as I truly believe he could become a good manager, but yesterday there was certainly no 'Plan B'. I thought the tactics were wrong, and the fact it took until the last couple of minutes to make a sub was wrong.
Despite all that, the moment of the match came from the Fleet. During the second half, Anthony Cook decided to take the world on as he skipped past four Havant players. Unfortunately, his hard work came to nothing as there was nobody close enough to finish it off. He deserved something from it, that's for sure!
The Fleet travel to Crabble on Tuesday evening to face Dover Athletic, which is sure to be a feisty encounter. Let's hope the performance is better!
Elsewhere in the Skrill South, new boys Whitehawk were given a rude awakening as Maidenhead beat them 3-0 in front of just 151 people. Gosport Borough lost at home to Dover, while Concord Rangers completed the trio of losses for the promoted sides as they lost 2-1 to Basingstoke Town. One of my picks for relegation, Staines Town beat Dorchester 1-0 at home, while Babb's first game in charge of Hayes and Yeading ended in a 2-0 defeat at home to Bromley. Dark horses Boreham Wood picked up a win in their first game as they beat Tonbridge Angels at Longmead. Potential strugglers Weston Super-Mare lost at home to Eastbourne and Bishops Stortford lost at home to Bath City.
The game of the weekend between Eastleigh and Sutton United ended with a 1-0 victory for the home side, courtesy of Yemi Odubade's 26th minute strike. Both sides should be challenging for the title this season.
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