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| Farnborough Town 1 Daggers 0 |
| Conference - 31/08/02 |
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To put it simply, we were outbattled. That is not something that Daggers fans are accustomed to, despite being similarly outbattled at Nuneaton last year, when tiredness was some excuse. The players looked drained and not at all sharp, but then the results achieved so far have been ground out rather than easy. The good performance against Telford was marred by an inability to get behind their defence, and the return of Janney from the bench was pleasing, especially if he can find some form. On the left, Paul Bruce does not seem the type to beat his full-back and rarely saw the ball in this game. Perkins similarly was not at the races. Maybe John Keeling, who has been training with the Daggers, can fill this role when fit.
More concerns over defensive fitness arose, and Heffer is badly needed in the middle of the field, his partner in crime Paul Terry missing his guiding presence. The long-ball reared its ugly head for the Daggers which completely does not suit the team fielded. Up front, Stein and Jūniņr were isolated as the midfield did not get forward and support, but then did not defend either, leaving the back line exposed and needing the long-balls to get the ball out.
Mark Smith was also benched for the first time this year after missing the early games and friendlies, and it will be nice to at least get one defender back. Hopefully Matthews and Cole will also be back soon. Ex-Daggers had contrasting games, as Rodwell dominated, not difficult due to the amount of balls aimed at his head by the visitors. At the other end Charlery was ineffectual, home fans calling for his substitution that never came, but he was not needed as Taggart sealed the points for Boro.
The home side were visibly more bust than those they were entertaining, but Hill gave it a go whilst other around him flailed. Terry was off the pace, although the abuse suffered from away fans will not help his confidence. He seems to be getting slower, and also got injured, having to play on after all substitutions were used, but still tried his best. He no doubt has potential, as he showed in the Club's first season back in the Conference, but looks like he needs a rest, already, the knocks taking their toll. Danny Shipp was put on the bench for Perkins, but Shipp made more impression in his short spell than Perkins did in an hour.
Despite the poor performance, the Daggers had the better chances, but they cannot have any complaints after the performance. In the first half, Jūniņr had a decent chance as he won a tussle to shoot over when under pressure, and also had another weak shot at the keeper from the edge of the box. He was not at his best, but did create some chances for West in particular during the second half, with Stein barely touching the ball all day. Steve Perkins had the best chance of the whole game when he had a free header from a right wing cross, only to head over from 6 yards. At the other end, Gothard was unimpressed with several long-shots, the only half-chance a Charlery effort that he shot across goal, putting the corner flag in more danger than the goal. It was turning out to be one of those days, especially when Hill ran into the box and was steamed into from behind, only for the referee to not even acknowledge the protests.
The second half also saw a few chances, the best at Pennock's end, with Gothard having a single weak shot to save other than the goal. Steve West forced Pennock into a good tip over when he smashed one from the edge of the box, but with Stein in acres to his right, a pass would surely have made the goal. Stein had a good effort with the only real piece of good football all day. Some lovely passing on the left ended when Stein passed to Jūniņr, and he gave the return. As Stein ran onto it, he curled it from 18 yards only for Pennock to reach to his left and claw it away. Gothard's only scares came of mishaps rather than good Farnborough play, as he twice got in a muddle with his defence and did well to keep hold of the ball both times. Communication perhaps lets him down, but with some great catches from crosses, he did well today.
There was no stopping Farnborough's winner though, in their only real shot that Gothard had to deal with. Taggart swept up the pitch and then swapped passes with Lenny Piper, before despatching the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box. This saw the Daggers have a final flurry, but there was no real snap to it and chances were a minimum. Paul Terry shot from long range which went wide, and Jūniņr passed back to West after some excellent work, only for the big man to blast wide. Paul Bruce fired wide with a very powerful 20 yarder after a lay-back from a free kick, but this was his only real contribution. Another penalty appeal was also not even acknowledged by the ref, it would seem that climbing all over people is not a foul these days. Not in the box anyway.
And so the last chance fell to Stein. With second left, West headed it down and Stein stole in and got his left foot to it. It was not to be though, as Pennock did superbly well to palm it away, and seal the Daggers' fate.
