by Chrisgump11 » Wed Aug 14, 2019 9:30 am
Fabulous night. One of the most memorable as a FGR supporter not because of the nature of the Cup or whatever, but simple proof that the Club has properly arrived and is nurturing some brilliant young talent. Please be patient with these guys for they will reward you several fold by the end of the season
Starting point has to be our astonishing travelling support. 159 for a draining 4 hour trip in the working week, yet raucous and passionate. I salute every one of you (and me!) - in many ways this is the best part about our recent history, that a growing band of 'come what may' supporters always out-sing the opposition in their own back yard. It is joyous
We are used to seeing Prem & Championship sides field weakened teams or so called 'under 23s'. Well, except for a smattering of 'responsible adults' most of our first team range between 18-22. Last night, only Joe Mills tipped the scales as an arthritic 28 - the appointed babysitter
It is probably unfair to single anyone out from such a calm, mature performance. What a debut by Wollacott as so many keepers (Liverpool & Man City included) trained to play from the back, he caused a few flutters. But his handling, claiming and groundwork was first rate, even down to saving a point blank blast with his nut! Dom Bernard simply will not be beaten, nor Joe - if only they could get their crosses as well honed as every other aspect of their play. Newly muscled up Udo was towering & skillful well matched by Liam Kitching who will frighten many a forward. Nathan McGinley looks llike our next Ethan Pinnock. Ebou Adams, grinning like a tiger loves to make crunching tackles. james Morton - how can he be 18, he plays with all the assurance and calmness of a seasoned international. Taylor Allen & Matt Stevens never let the defenders settle and chased many lost causes. Yet for my money, Junior Mondal added the flair. His pace is sensational, so too his work rate. A defender can never relax even when a loose ball seems a dead cert. Even Dayle Grubb came to the party from the bench and Shaun further bruised a tiring defence
Ok, If our crosses had been better and our forwards shot on sight (rather than make one last 'perfect pass') we'd have been out of sight long before the end. And I guess Kitching will learn from his rash challenge that hero Wollacott redeemed.
But for the rest of the game we showed pace everywhere, great passing and clever build up play - FGR was the better side, no doubt. At the start as the players shook hands, some of their guys dwarfed ours, yet the defence was as good as I have ever seen and won most headers too
The penalties were never in doubt. Charlton were 'puffing' well before the end and looked deflated in their gathering. Our squad was 'head-up' and ebullient. I simply knew we'd win on penalties for the first time. Macclesfield, Telford & Wycombe finally laid to rest! Our car full got back at about 1.30, tired but very happy
I'm convinced I am watching a great side in its infancy. So skilled but also stubborn as hell. They hate to let goals in. Now if Coops can free them up to shoot on sight ...
Finally, Coops himself seems to be relaxing and frequently salutes the supporters. Little things but so valuable. He and the players must be inspired by the growing fanaticism of our away support. Small by some standards but still giants
So, a mouth watering tie at the best smaller club in the land whose manager & ethos all admire. Happy days. Now lets sort Grimsby out