I think it's fair to say Padmore showed his true colours today and was absolutely outclassed by Lapslie and FC.
Padmore was very naive in his tactics and maybe showed that the men's game at a decent level is a step too far for him. Selwyn play excellent football but when it comes to the crunch they are poor.
Be interesting to see if Selwyn stick by him.
FC has put together a very good team - no two ways about that. From what I saw, FC wanted it more and were class at opening up the defensive unit at the back today. I'd still have Padmore as coach any day of the week - he knows his football, and the style that's played when executed correctly is class. But the players today needed to stand up - and I'd say a few were found wanting. It happens - and that's why we love the sport.
Absolutely no qualms about the result. No 'whinging' or blaming anyone else for our loss today. FC were very very good today and FULLY deserved not only the result but the margin as well. I could focus on some of our boys and performances but that would take the focus away from what was a very good FC game today.
I remember a couple of years ago when we beat them 7-2 or something similar after they dropped down. Glenn mentioned they had lost 36 of 40 senior players, so a big congrats to the rebuild they have performed
One quick mention about it something other than FC, the referee today who I believe was up from Dunedin was outstanding! Completely realistic about the game and what goes on in it. I think he is a referee who all of mainland should look at as an example of what players and coaches want.
To say Lee Padmore isn't up to this level I think is well wide of the mark. He has brought the club a massive distance in a very short time. He put together a plan today that wasn't executed by the players. Again credit the opposition. I'mnot one of these that ups the players when they win and bags the coach when they lose. It's happened and you learn from it and you move on.