Ah yes. Post loss angst at its best.
Reminds me of round 1 last year when we were doomed, season over and our imports were shark and Ernie should be sacked.
They looked like an A-League team, we didn't. That's what worried me
Australia Cup - Other Australian games
But I do think Dimairo should be in the squad this season, or someone who can plays as a RB like Blake or Gulley
Tam DiMairo plays right back.
I know, I was saying we need him or someone like him
does someone who knows him know whether right back is his best position. I watched him play in mid for weenix once and was surprised when they moved him to right back. Dribbling seems to be his best attribute (though he might like it a little too much)
But I do think Dimairo should be in the squad this season, or someone who can plays as a RB like Blake or Gulley
Tam DiMairo plays right back.
I know, I was saying we need him or someone like him
does someone who knows him know whether right back is his best position. I watched him play in mid for weenix once and was surprised when they moved him to right back. Dribbling seems to be his best attribute (though he might like it a little too much)
He has a pretty good shot on him too. The more I see of Tam the more I like what I see. He looked relatively composed at AAMI Park too. In a less than ideal situation, he kept his head.
"Did Powell, Rufer, Ridenton, Rodriguez, Appiah or Doyle play a role in the game? What did they look like?"
Rufer dragged after 35, Rido at HT - read into that what you will, but neither did much one would consider good while on. The other four didn't play.
Blake did OK? Do me a favour! He couldn't even take a throw-in properly! At this level, that's inexcusable! And as for his first half effort ... don't go there! Well out of his depth at this level.
Italiano played like one - diving over the ball far too often, which isn't wise given his position! Three of the goals would have been kept out by a superior 'keeper. Thankfully, Wellington have one to call upon, and a good back-up who was on the bench tonight.
Defence generally had more holes than you'll find in a colander. Could well have been more than five - goals, that is, not holes! It looked like there were a few square pegs in round holes as well - Muscat as a stopper? No. N. O. No.
As someone else mentioned, Dimairo was the only bright spot defensively. I tipped him last season as one who would step up to the plate - he didn't disappoint. Solid effort.
Stevens caught the eye consistently in his 45 minutes, while Bonevacia impressed in patches.
All in all, even though it's pre-season, one of Wellington's worst displays ever, to be blunt.
Whichever team you support, and no matter where or when they are playing, you expect those charged with donning the shirt of your club to go out and do it - and you, as a supporter, whom those players are representing every time they take to the park - justice.
There's a fair few lads who didn't fulfil that basic expectation in this match, for mine. Plenty of work to be done between now and October 11, that's for sure.
Agrre with this - but Dimario was the one who did the foul throw :) was a shocker.
No, it was Blake, definitely Blake.
Well there must have been two as Tam def did one as well
"Did Powell, Rufer, Ridenton, Rodriguez, Appiah or Doyle play a role in the game? What did they look like?"
Rufer dragged after 35, Rido at HT - read into that what you will, but neither did much one would consider good while on. The other four didn't play.
Blake did OK? Do me a favour! He couldn't even take a throw-in properly! At this level, that's inexcusable! And as for his first half effort ... don't go there! Well out of his depth at this level.
Italiano played like one - diving over the ball far too often, which isn't wise given his position! Three of the goals would have been kept out by a superior 'keeper. Thankfully, Wellington have one to call upon, and a good back-up who was on the bench tonight.
Defence generally had more holes than you'll find in a colander. Could well have been more than five - goals, that is, not holes! It looked like there were a few square pegs in round holes as well - Muscat as a stopper? No. N. O. No.
As someone else mentioned, Dimairo was the only bright spot defensively. I tipped him last season as one who would step up to the plate - he didn't disappoint. Solid effort.
Stevens caught the eye consistently in his 45 minutes, while Bonevacia impressed in patches.
All in all, even though it's pre-season, one of Wellington's worst displays ever, to be blunt.
Whichever team you support, and no matter where or when they are playing, you expect those charged with donning the shirt of your club to go out and do it - and you, as a supporter, whom those players are representing every time they take to the park - justice.
There's a fair few lads who didn't fulfil that basic expectation in this match, for mine. Plenty of work to be done between now and October 11, that's for sure.
Agrre with this - but Dimario was the one who did the foul throw :) was a shocker.
No, it was Blake, definitely Blake.
does someone who knows him know whether right back is his best position. I watched him play in mid for weenix once and was surprised when they moved him to right back. Dribbling seems to be his best attribute (though he might like it a little too much)
I coached him for a number of years at junior level here in Wellington and played him primarily at wide forward because of that dribbling ability. He could beat a player (or two or three) and cross or shoot. FTC coaches drilled into him retaining possession (which sometimes came into conflict with my desire for him to risk the ball in taking on a player), resulting in an ability to keep the ball under pressure. He does get caught in possession sometimes when there's no obvious options to release, but on other occasions shows good ability to make an option for himself and get out of tight situations - enough to think he'll get better at that.
APFA developed him as a wide forward and full back, working on his defensive game. For the weenix I think he's primarily played at centre back, which he's played early preseason this year as well. I don't know whether that was a strategy to help him develop defensively or whether it was out of necessity due to a lack of other options there. He's definitely not got the physical stature to be a centre back in the A League.
I don't know where he played for Wellington United this season.
I think full back/wing back is his best position, as he is able to contribute in both the defensive and attacking thirds. He's not lightning quick at this level, but quick enough I think. I think that's a better option than central midfield at this stage as he doesn't yet have the quick thinking, quick feet and deception to be able to consistently receive and play forward under pressure at this level like Riera and Roly can, although that may yet develop through experience.
Pretty much agree with a lot of the comments, but maybe a couple of observations that people may or may not agree with:
City looked pretty sharp. Some great passing range and accuracy, and a quick, organised and pretty physical press.
Dimairo on that performance looked composed and ready now, albeit I didn't think he offered a lot getting forward. Stevens showed some impact at this level - but I agree with those asking how do you fit him into this squad, given the players ahead of him. Blake got schooled in the first half but settled somewhat.
But Blake, Rufer and Ridenton don't look physically or mentally strong or confident enough yet to really impose themselves on games, and especially when played out of their positional comfort zones. I'd have liked to se Rufer dropped back to work alongside Riera, rather than see him subbed for Lia doing that role. But City were dishing it a bit so Lia on to muscle up and kick some shark back maybe was a decent idea.
No Appiah or Sarpong leading the line with Krishna. No Rodriguez to support Riera. Dimairo and Blake weren't offering much threat going forward. So we were narrow and had limited outlets. Which meant McGlinchey and Bonevacia were swamped without enough happening around them. We'll be much better.
I'll buy Ernie's fatique, injuries and youngsters comments. Even so, Italiano gifted them a penalty and should have comfortably stopped one of the goals. We missed a peno. We got pasted, didn't play well, but it might have been 3-2 against a more than tidy City. Can't say I was happy watching this, except for the last 15 when we got a bit of fluency going, albeit with City on the relax. But happy enough to write this one off and see what we do next time. Manny, Sig in a back three is a worry though, unless the wingbacks and couple of midfielders in front of them are really doing the business. Onwards and upwards. Looking forward to seeing Sarpong, A-Rod back (whenever), and the team responding to last night.
A big concern for me is Riera's pace. He seems to be getting slower every season and this is affecting his ability to break up play. We need a really mobile and quick DM with the way we play to stop counters.
Riera two years ago, hell yeah. Now... i'm not so sure.
Other than that, our passing and movement was atrocious.
"Did Powell, Rufer, Ridenton, Rodriguez, Appiah or Doyle play a role in the game? What did they look like?"
Rufer dragged after 35, Rido at HT - read into that what you will, but neither did much one would consider good while on. The other four didn't play.
Blake did OK? Do me a favour! He couldn't even take a throw-in properly! At this level, that's inexcusable! And as for his first half effort ... don't go there! Well out of his depth at this level.
Italiano played like one - diving over the ball far too often, which isn't wise given his position! Three of the goals would have been kept out by a superior 'keeper. Thankfully, Wellington have one to call upon, and a good back-up who was on the bench tonight.
Defence generally had more holes than you'll find in a colander. Could well have been more than five - goals, that is, not holes! It looked like there were a few square pegs in round holes as well - Muscat as a stopper? No. N. O. No.
As someone else mentioned, Dimairo was the only bright spot defensively. I tipped him last season as one who would step up to the plate - he didn't disappoint. Solid effort.
Stevens caught the eye consistently in his 45 minutes, while Bonevacia impressed in patches.
All in all, even though it's pre-season, one of Wellington's worst displays ever, to be blunt.
Whichever team you support, and no matter where or when they are playing, you expect those charged with donning the shirt of your club to go out and do it - and you, as a supporter, whom those players are representing every time they take to the park - justice.
There's a fair few lads who didn't fulfil that basic expectation in this match, for mine. Plenty of work to be done between now and October 11, that's for sure.
Agrre with this - but Dimario was the one who did the foul throw :) was a shocker.
No, it was Blake, definitely Blake.
Was sitting right behind Dimario when he did it. Can't remember Blake's tbh. Guess both need practice.
What I liked about Tam's performance is that even though he was chucked in the deep end and no one around him was playing well, he still took it upon himself to try and drive us forward when possible. He's definitely got potential.
"Did Powell, Rufer, Ridenton, Rodriguez, Appiah or Doyle play a role in the game? What did they look like?"
Rufer dragged after 35, Rido at HT - read into that what you will, but neither did much one would consider good while on. The other four didn't play.
Blake did OK? Do me a favour! He couldn't even take a throw-in properly! At this level, that's inexcusable! And as for his first half effort ... don't go there! Well out of his depth at this level.
Italiano played like one - diving over the ball far too often, which isn't wise given his position! Three of the goals would have been kept out by a superior 'keeper. Thankfully, Wellington have one to call upon, and a good back-up who was on the bench tonight.
Defence generally had more holes than you'll find in a colander. Could well have been more than five - goals, that is, not holes! It looked like there were a few square pegs in round holes as well - Muscat as a stopper? No. N. O. No.
As someone else mentioned, Dimairo was the only bright spot defensively. I tipped him last season as one who would step up to the plate - he didn't disappoint. Solid effort.
Stevens caught the eye consistently in his 45 minutes, while Bonevacia impressed in patches.
All in all, even though it's pre-season, one of Wellington's worst displays ever, to be blunt.
Whichever team you support, and no matter where or when they are playing, you expect those charged with donning the shirt of your club to go out and do it - and you, as a supporter, whom those players are representing every time they take to the park - justice.
There's a fair few lads who didn't fulfil that basic expectation in this match, for mine. Plenty of work to be done between now and October 11, that's for sure.
Agrre with this - but Dimario was the one who did the foul throw :) was a shocker.
No, it was Blake, definitely Blake.
For my two pennyworth I remember Blake foul throwing
Dimairo on that performance looked composed and ready now, albeit I didn't think he offered a lot getting forward.
Confidence issue I think. I think his confidence grew as the game went on and it was only at the end I saw him make a run to overlap Krishna and another time get far enough forward to play a pass that almost put McGlinchy in. If he gets more time at this level I think you'd see him going forward more and with good effect.
For my two pennyworth I remember Blake foul throwing
He may have, but Tam definitely did.
Despite our midfield being the strength of the team we found last season that it sometimes didn't perform as well as we would expect.
So how about this for a crazy concept. Put Rolly into DM (which is what he was signed for) with Rodriguez and then have Jeffrey and WeeMac ahead of them.
We would need to find a Kiwi or Ausy striker obviously.
I'd put Manny onto the bench and try Rierra as part of the back 3.
For my two pennyworth I remember Blake foul throwing
He may have, but Tam definitely did.
It was Manny. I'm sure of it.
If Ernie is going to say this after a game, questions should be asked about whether its worth playing a friendly 3 days before a competitive fixture. These FFA Cup games should have been the focus of the preseason games because they mean something, and it was a good chance to get a proper hit out to see where the team is at.
Last season we played a lot of pre-season games under fatigue and that kind of preparation. Ernie may have done this deliberately?
I only watched the second half, but Blake and DiMario looked quite reasonable I thought, though I wouldn't want them as starting players.
We've also got Fenton, Moss, Rodriguez, Sarpong, Appiah, Powell and Doyle to come into that mix there. That changes the team a lot, and you suspect there should be a signing or two yet as well.
First hit out, not bovvered. Be nice to beat West Ham, but yeh...
Quite apart from the concerning performance, I think it's actually a shame that we're out of the FFA Cup at a relatively early stage for the second year running. Obviously the league is our first priority, but, as we have a relatively short league season, it would have been nice to have a few cup games interspersed throughout the season. And, although I hate to say it, our current squad probably isn't an improvement on last season's and we will be hard-pressed to really challenge for the league title - so why not put more effort into winning at least one piece of silverware, like the cup, which is a more realistic chance of success (fewer games, other teams not playing their strongest eleven)?
Round of 16 FFA cup game and we lose badly - Yet everyone is classing it as a "pre season friendly" LOL. We were crud and to be honest the only thing to stand out was the 5 goal drubbing.
You guys really think the FFA Cup is a prestigious trophy that we should be aiming to win? Okay.
Highlights anywhere?
You guys really think the FFA Cup is a prestigious trophy that we should be aiming to win? Okay.
I just think we should aim to win both the FFA cup and the A League. Our league season is only 27 games long anyway so our squad should be able to handle a few cup games on top of that.
Highlights anywhere?
Lowlights.
You guys really think the FFA Cup is a prestigious trophy that we should be aiming to win? Okay.
I just think we should aim to win both the FFA cup and the A League. Our league season is only 27 games long anyway so our squad she be able to handle a few cup games on top of that.
For me, this is a mickey mouse comp that the FFA have created out of nothing to give its preseason some kind of 'meaning'. I think with all the hassle, we are better off out of it and play teams in a one off where we just try things out. The results of preseason are meaningless and has no indicator on who will win the toilet seat. 9 games into the season, and then I will start worrying if we are ordinary.
Is playing 3 extra FFA Cup games really going to wear out our squad that much. The competition is over long before the playoffs happen. Playing in the FFA Cup gives players a chance to play in knockout football which involves extra time and penalties. That would have to be a good experience for the playoffs. If we just cbf with this tournament then I don't see why we would even try and get into the AFC Champions League.
Is playing 3 extra FFA Cup games really going to wear out our squad that much. The competition is over long before the playoffs happen. Playing in the FFA Cup gives players a chance to play in knockout football which involves extra time and penalties. That would have to be a good experience for the playoffs. If we just cbf with this tournament then I don't see why we would even try and get into the AFC Champions League.
You guys really think the FFA Cup is a prestigious trophy that we should be aiming to win? Okay.
I just think we should aim to win both the FFA cup and the A League. Our league season is only 27 games long anyway so our squad she be able to handle a few cup games on top of that.
For me, this is a mickey mouse comp that the FFA have created out of nothing to give its preseason some kind of 'meaning'. I think with all the hassle, we are better off out of it and play teams in a one off where we just try things out. The results of preseason are meaningless and has no indicator on who will win the toilet seat. 9 games into the season, and then I will start worrying if we are ordinary.
As for the loading issue - pro footballers all over the world handle playing much longer competitive seasons than the A League. I really don't think that those extra 5 games would really be an issue if you actually prepared for them.
Finally, it's only a baby competition, it'll take time to get a sense of tradition behind it. But surely we want to win trophies? Wouldn't winning the cup boost interest in the club here in NZ? If we won it, would you really dismiss it as a mickey mouse comp? What did Adelaide fans think about them winning it last year?
Is playing 3 extra FFA Cup games really going to wear out our squad that much. The competition is over long before the playoffs happen. Playing in the FFA Cup gives players a chance to play in knockout football which involves extra time and penalties. That would have to be a good experience for the playoffs. If we just cbf with this tournament then I don't see why we would even try and get into the AFC Champions League.
Is playing 3 extra FFA Cup games really going to wear out our squad that much. The competition is over long before the playoffs happen. Playing in the FFA Cup gives players a chance to play in knockout football which involves extra time and penalties. That would have to be a good experience for the playoffs. If we just cbf with this tournament then I don't see why we would even try and get into the AFC Champions League.
The entirety of the League Cup happens during the season. This season only the semis and final clash with the regular season. Most teams could probably pick their best team for the League Cup but they also like to give youth players a go.
Is playing 3 extra FFA Cup games really going to wear out our squad that much. The competition is over long before the playoffs happen. Playing in the FFA Cup gives players a chance to play in knockout football which involves extra time and penalties. That would have to be a good experience for the playoffs. If we just cbf with this tournament then I don't see why we would even try and get into the AFC Champions League.
I think it's fair for A league teams to treat it like a preseason match during the preseason (The season is still 6 weeks away...).
Maybe as the cup run progresses during the season the club could take it more seriously. But then you're talking midweek games, where we have to travel to Australia (potentially even Perth), to compete in a competition that is rigged against us.
It's a competition that is hard to take seriously.
I would like to win it.
Pre-season cup finals are mint.
A strange thing about the first 10 minutes of the game is that we did some really intricate passing. Well, maybe 5 minutes. But there was one string of passes, that made me sit up and say "this is going to be good"! I was wrong. Horribly wrong.
It just looked like we were out having a pre-season kick about (I was surprised we didn't have a couple of jumpers for goals), while they were playing in the last sixteen of a national cup competition. Very strange. Not sure what to think really.
Another point to come out of that match was that we missed another fudgeing penalty. Sure, we scored one as well, but still we must easily have the worst penalty conversion rate of any A League club.
If we won the Cup we'd all be like "pity it doesn't mean anything..." yeah right...
Another point to come out of that match was that we missed another fudgeing penalty. Sure, we scored one as well, but still we must easily have the worst penalty conversion rate of any A League club.
I think CCM might be worse.
Another point to come out of that match was that we missed another fudgeing penalty. Sure, we scored one as well, but still we must easily have the worst penalty conversion rate of any A League club.
It was low and into the corner. Not a bad pen, but with some height he couldn't have saved it. We didn't miss it- it was good anticipation and a great save.
Highlights anywhere?
Lowlights.
For the masochists.
Oh, and Manny has conceded penalties in both of these games. If we start the season with him in a back 3 we'd better hope that Moss is already studying which way the opposition strikers tend to go.
Wow. Their last 3 goals have amateur hour defending written all over it.
How do we proportionately miss more penalties than any other team. In the last 12 months thats 5-6?
Another point to come out of that match was that we missed another fudgeing penalty. Sure, we scored one as well, but still we must easily have the worst penalty conversion rate of any A League club.
It was low and into the corner. Not a bad pen, but with some height he couldn't have saved it. We didn't miss it- it was good anticipation and a great save.
Wow. Their last 3 goals have amateur hour defending written all over it.
How do we proportionately miss more penalties than any other team. In the last 12 months thats 5-6?
[/quote]
Basically cost us a better position in the run in too.
[quote=Jeff Vader]
Wow. Their last 3 goals have amateur hour defending written all over it.
How do we proportionately miss more penalties than any other team. In the last 12 months thats 5-6?
I thought their 2nd was the worst. Embarassingly bad defending capped off by embarrassingly bad keeping. Novillo _always_ cuts in and shoots - and we had almost the whole team in front of him. No one took responsibility.
Italiano looks like he should be a good keeper but he isn't - takes about 2 years to get down.
Wow. Their last 3 goals have amateur hour defending written all over it.
How do we proportionately miss more penalties than any other team. In the last 12 months thats 5-6?
[/quote]
Basically cost us a better position in the run in too.
[quote=Jeff Vader]
Wow. Their last 3 goals have amateur hour defending written all over it.
How do we proportionately miss more penalties than any other team. In the last 12 months thats 5-6?
I thought their 2nd was the worst. Embarassingly bad defending capped off by embarrassingly bad keeping. Novillo _always_ cuts in and shoots - and we had almost the whole team in front of him. No one took responsibility.
Italiano looks like he should be a good keeper but he isn't - takes about 2 years to get down.