What a brilliant idea streaming the friendlies via YouTube so that all Addicks supporters can see the team in action. Our host were Limerick FC. For those who don`t know where this is, it is in Ireland. I hoped to see a new look Addicks that would thrill me, instead I and all the other 825 who tuned in had to be contended with a side that lacked creativity.
Slackness in midfield cost us many games last season. In this friendly some of tell-tale signs came in to play far too many times. Whether we gave Limerick too much respect might have the problem, nevertheless this should have been much more contested by our boys to show what they are all about.
Sounds a bit harsh, maybe, but we should not forget many eyes will watching and any under-par performances will only give fuel to further the unstableness of the club to those you want the team to fail so that their words would be ‘`I told you so“.
I know, many of you will say; these games are a work in progress and Karl Robinson will judge his players on flair, style, stamina, fitness and so on. But he also would have felt better not to see a two goal advantage disappear through lack of understanding especially in the final third.
Not to take away the resilient of Limerick who never gave up and took the game to the Addicks and the reward for fighting back, three goals in the second period. Although the game was not flowing as many of us expected, there were periods when skill showed, maybe, we do have a side that has the willpower to bring something new to thrill the supporters.
There was a flash-back to last season when we had the advantage and should have added to the tally but failed to hang on to a lead just as we did against Limerick. Surrendering a two goal lead in such a mild way is not good. Maybe we can forgive Robinson for not fielding a stronger side. He took no chances with his squad and rested a number of players. A good tactic or not! You decide.
We all like to see our team flourish. Last night was a disappointment. After seeing off Crumlin United by 5-0 the previous night in Dublin it should have given them the desire to continue with some of the same. The Addicks will now travel back to Dublin to face UDC today. Another tough test for Robinson`s men. I will in spite of last night`s disappointment, will tune in and hope the outcome will favour the reds. Saturday we face Welling United for our annual clash followed the same night with another game against Greenwich. I think there are games on before the Addicks head to the Valley to play host to Norwich City and Mick McCarthy`s Ipswich Town. Both teams are in the
Championship. It will be a good test to see if Robinson players are good enough to play at a higher level.
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