Maidstone United FC v Chester FC | MATCH THREAD

It does always seem that our seasons unravel at Christmas time. It happened with Curle, Williamson, Burr and even in Young's first season!

I'm hoping this was a bad day at the office. Plastic pitch, long trip...I'm desperately searching for some reason why we were so unrecognisable (with virtually the same team and formation)from the team that ran Dagenham so close). That first half was as bad as it could be - shambles would be a compliment. As Anders said it could have been ten - Macca took off Shaw and Joyce (both awful) but it could have been anyone from 1-11. Lynch was heroic but threw in the 4th but he must have been shell-shocked by then. Not sure if you can take positives from the 2nd half but at least restored a bit of pride and they got a clap at the end in contrast with the deserved boos at half time. If you look at the table we should be safe - bottom four are averaging a point a game which would only take them to 46. I think 50 will be fine but have to ask why it's come to this - bad tactics, injuries, season catching up with some of the players? A mix probably. It's ridiculous, of course, to describe Macca as "a dud" - three of the four defeats on this run have been against teams above us and everyone is entitled to a bad day (Woking was almost as bad BTW)- but he's got to start earning that contract extension now. I think part of the problem is that he's lost faith in Richards - clearly we look better playing 442 but Kane is way off the pace - shows too much of the ball when running, gives away possession and no confidence when finishing. Still think he has to play as it does seem to bring out the best in Alabi who was MOM by a large margin yesterday. Hughes and Horwood were both very poor in the first half but better when they were moved - I'm baffled why Hughes is at right back. Hopefully Hunt will be back next week and we desperately need a fit Craig Mahon (or O'Brien) to give us some width. Sadly, have to agree with most that Joyce is not good enough. The midfield was non existent in the first half and worrying we were very poor defending corners. Not panicking yet but glad we have points on the board as we look very much like a bottom 4 team at the moment.
Good atmosphere in the home end behind the goal yesterday - showed what can be achieved with only 2000 in the ground. Lincoln beating Burnley while we were getting drubbed by Maidstone was the icing on the cake. What is it about supporting Chester?

Then don't talk shite.

Apparently when you are hung you ejaculate. Just saying. Every cloud and all that.

Some people have a total irony/sarcasm bypass I think!

No thanks .... I never want to see that horror show again!!!

Forget the performance, it looks like it could have been 10. What I will say it looks a tremendous atmosphere and decent attendances, what are they doing to get people in?

Keep in mind this is a team struggling in the bottom 6 and did have the worst form in the league.

Absolutely shocking defending from start to finish - WOW

If he continues to plan Hudson instead of Hughes at CB, we will keep conceding a shed load of goals,

Next game -

Lynch

Killock Hughes Astles Waters

O'Brien Shaw Lloyd Mahon(if available)

Alabi Richards

Simple - back to basics !!!!

Eternal optimism of the deluded non league supporter. Memories of losing at villages people have never heard of. Years of playing home games miles from Maidstone. A ground not big enough to hold our potential support. Three promotions in four seasons despite not spending beyond our means. Younger supporters who have never known anything but success. Older supporters with memories of playing big clubs...like Chester. Owners with a sensible business plan rather than fancy promises. Players from Ryman days given a chance, but replaced if necessary. The luxury of a town centre ground within walking distance of decent pubs and transport links. A 3G pitch that thousands of local kids have played on. A feeling that even if we go down, everything will be fine. Being part of a friendly club with a smile on its face.

I could go on. I get great pleasure from seeing fans from old league clubs, but also love seeing the likes of Peacehaven and Dulwich who understand our journey (and yours). I hope we meet again next season, but if not, then so be it. One thing I can say is it's never dull following Maidstone.

Wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't Captain Fantastic getting his excuses in. Isnt about time he was injured or suspended again? Defending was absolutely dire for those goals. You may notice said captain losing his marker for at least two of the goals. Macca thinks he'd a 'good lad' though so who are we to question? He'll be back out there next year jogging around with the captain's armband on.

We really miss Kingsley James. Need that bite in the middle of the park.

Agree generally. I doubt we'll see Mahon again this season. Was told yesterday that the club have done a deal with Grosvenor Nuffield to get free scans for him and Akintunde this coming week. They diagnose, then depending what they find the treatment begins.

Isn't Hunt back for Saturday in which case I would go for

Lynch

Vassell (Killock) Hughes Astles Hunt

O'Brien Shaw Lloyd Horwood

Alabi Richards


On paper that team should be capable of winning games but the problem is that no matter which 11 start, I think it shows that without Sharps, Macca is tactically inept. We also used to play a high tempo game but now we look yards off the pace so perhaps there is a question about our fitness levels.  If Macca persists in picking Joyce, George and Durrell, I give up.

Unfortunately, I think I've beaten that. Four nights in Maidstone, train fares for the family from Scotland, probably in excess of £800 to be 4-0 down at half time ! Don't think I'll be booking Torquay.
Didn't think that pitch suited our 'throw your body in front of the ball' style of defending. Nobody wanted 3rd degree burns from diving in all over the place. The pitch also cried out for the ball to be played on the ground but what do we do.... lump it up to anybody. Ahh!