Stanley v Harrogate 17th August 2024

[choirboy]

Stanley were a bit disjointed in the first half but really took the game to Harrogate in the second half. New boy Nelson did quite well but clear Man of the Match for Stanley was our number, 23 Tyler Walton. Tyler was superb in the second half and led the Stanley charge to a 3-2 lead. Disappointed to let Harrogate equalize in added time. I thought that Stanley deserved to win. Good for Kelsey Mooney and Jimmy Knowles to get on the score sheet, should boost confidence. Captain Coneely was super again. I feel a bit more confident that we can do ok this season than before the match today. ON STANLEY ON!

[Exile on Spencer St]

Agree, Choirboy, look at the “match stats” and you’d think Stanley pulverised their opponents, but it was definitely a game of two halves.
They deserved a 1-2 lead in the first half, thought Stanley seemed a bit disjointed. Appalling defending to gift the first goal. Grumpy grumbling as the teams left for their orange segments.
But second half was a revelation and, really Stanley were transformed and we were all looking forward to the final whistle. Some great performances across the pitch. Really pleased for the new lads who got the goals but, for me, Shaun Whalley was, yet again, outstanding. Thought Love took to his emergency role like a natural centre back.
A point was some consolation, but in that last minute the game turned out to be Horrogate.

PS, any catch the half time draw numbers?

[VALAIRIAN]

Originally Posted by Exile on Spencer St

Agree, Choirboy, look at the “match stats” and you’d think Stanley pulverised their opponents, but it was definitely a game of two halves.
They deserved a 1-2 lead in the first half, thought Stanley seemed a bit disjointed. Appalling defending to gift the first goal. Grumpy grumbling as the teams left for their orange segments.
But second half was a revelation and, really Stanley were transformed and we were all looking forward to the final whistle. Some great performances across the pitch. Really pleased for the new lads who got the goals but, for me, Shaun Whalley was, yet again, outstanding. Thought Love took to his emergency role like a natural centre back.
A point was some consolation, but in that last minute the game turned out to be Horrogate.

PS, any catch the half time draw numbers?

On this thread Exile

https://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/...ml#post1278797 (50/50 draw)

[Crown Grounder]

We saw the best and worst of our "new team" yesterday. From shambolic defending to sublime attacking moves. I like the set-up of two attacking wingers supported by wing-backs and creative midfielder. Nelson and Tyler look the real deal......how has Tyler gone under the radar for so long. Our non-league stars from Boston showed their quality. Gutted to concede so late on, again defensive failure from a set piece. A lot of work for the coaching staff.....final thoughts....probably need a third keeper and another centre back (loans? Would think). And loved the connection shown by Stanley fans to the team at the end.....win, lose or draw it's what makes the club special.....

[VALAIRIAN]

Taking Seamus off - unless he is injured?!?!?! - was a massive mistake.....

Said it at the time....

[VALAIRIAN]

Not conceding goals is more important than scoring them.

We have conceded the most goals in the League already..

[Exile on Spencer St]

Originally Posted by VALAIRIAN

Taking Seamus off - unless he is injured?!?!?! - was a massive mistake.....

Said it at the time....

Disagree, Val.
Seamus was flagging after about an hour as he’d been a very busy boy.
Whalley is the exception that proves the rule that, after 35+ years, we all get/got less battery power.

[Lost in Cornwall]

Occasionally get invited / persuaded to take youngest grandson to MK. Saw Kelly twice last season and wasn't particularly impressed but have refrained from commenting until others have had a chance to see him in action.

[Exile on Spencer St]

Originally Posted by Lost in Cornwall

Occasionally get invited / persuaded to take youngest grandson to MK. Saw Kelly twice last season and wasn't particularly impressed but have refrained from commenting until others have had a chance to see him in action.

It is early, and I hope the faith put in Kelly by the management bears fruit, but I too am not totally convinced by him. He seems a bit static.
He couldn’t do much about Harrogate’s second goal but, for the first, he was still stranded in his left side of the goal when the heading contest had moved across to the right hand side.
For their third it was difficult to see from the Clayton End but, from the “highlights”, I did wonder, given all his defenders were running backwards, whether he couldn’t have come out and attacked the ball and/or player.
Difficult job as goalie’s mistakes are usually punished, but hope Mr.Dibble can get him to use that 6’5” frame (really?) to impose himself within his six yard box.