Thank you Tom, that is really concise analysis

We are 1 game away from the 'judge us after 10 league games' stage, and game 10 is against 'pre-season much fancied' Chelmsford, the outcome of which could mean we are top 7, or very much mid table.

Obviously 36 league games after that, a huge space of time to perform in. I too am hoping the three you mentioned have strong injury free form, and I'd add Carter to the list of critical players too, who we cannot do without.

I agree the squad is certainly lighter (intentially, I believe as we needed to reduce our wagebill) - but let's not forget we (will) have McManus, Moore, Pybus all offering midfield options with Lewis and Hebbert both able to play as strikers if needed. And then once JNW is back, there are 3 first choice wingers fighting for 2 spots. With Annersley back too, there's options are the back with Craig and Storey too.

But yes, could do with another striker option I think...

My view is that we have simply missed too many - both Alfie and Jason should have scored quite a few more given the chances.

BTW - saw a real prospect last week at Godalming (I may have mentioned), no 9 in the Alfie mould, think name was Sam Encho and he's around 16 years of age. 

@adeb We had McManus, Pybus and Moore last season as well so they're not really new options. Also, none of them are going to be scoring masses of goals. In fact if you look at all our CM options - Taylor, Moore, McManus, Pybus, McShane, Gallagher, Francomb and Saunders - they only scored a combined 2 league goals last season. Carter is our only goalscoring midfielder really.

Hebert looks a great young talent but he is realistically a bit off the level at the moment. He could probably do with a Step 3 loan where he is starting most weeks and getting valuable experience at a slightly lower level.

I can see Norville-Williams playing the left of the back 3 role most of the time as we don't really have an alternative for that position. I think the idea is that Vincent plays the LWB role as he did in pre-season but I don't really see that working as he doesn't really have the pace and consistent ability to go past people. I would much rather have Vincent as a CM option alongside Pybus/Taylor, etc.

I definitely see the value in having a smaller playing squad but we need to ensure we have enough quality for the key positions such as the wide areas and up top. I think we are 1 or 2 players short of what we need at the moment.

@calvertskans Yes broadly agree - tho thought Frankie was outstanding on the left pre season, and do recall him going past players for fun at times (and superb delivery) so personally would love to see him there for a few games

@adeb Yeah agreed, he did look good on the left in the pre-season but the calibre of opposition pre-season wasn't the best. Thought he had a poor game there on the opening day against Chippenham but is definitely worth playing him there a few more games to get an idea of his effectiveness in that position. Rival fans did seem to be confused as to why we included him in the "wingers" section when we announced the squad numbers before the season started.

Also, pretty sure the B Team kid is Sam N'Cho. I think his brother also plays for the B Team as well?

A little bit of analysis on our forward players this season (does not include the Wingate game as no data available for that):

Rutherford is actually the only player overperforming his xG which means he has scored more than the quality of chances would suggest. Everyone else is underperforming to varying degrees.

Even Brennan Camp is underperforming slightly!

Our team xG is actually much higher this season (18.94) compared to after 9 games last season (11.85) although we did start last season in a fairly similar manner and arguably had a tougher run of games early last season. We've only scored 1 more goal (12) compared to last season though (11). It suggests we are creating more chances this season but being less clinical in front of goal.

@calvertskans 

The lack of goals is because the front line this season is dominated by Jason Prior and James McShane, two players that any manager worth his salt would have put out to grass a long time ago as they are OAPs in football terms. 

Neither of them are anywhere near NLS level as strikers. But Mark has allowed it to become too matey. Hornchurch is smashing goals in like they are playing down a division with a lower budget than us, and they made the good decision to just sign decent forwards and play them in the 11. Not complicated is it. 

Surely its about results, not about your friends. 

Also what frustrates the hell out of me every game is the joy sticking coaching and multiple voices. Surely these players can play all by themselves at this level. You are harming the team cohesion by constantly interfering in what they are doing rather than coaching patterns as Luke Garrard at Boreham Wood is. He does not need to even be joy sticking in formation changes with his players. 

@jacksonfairweather Disagree regarding Prior and McShane.

Both of these players have proved themselves at NL level, so I certainly can't agree they are 'not at this level'. Let's not forget McShane even scored that incredible hat trick vs Notts County.

Both (still) class players imo, incredible servants to the club too - and have plenty more to give - probably another couple of seasons (or at least another after this one), and I'd still say that if we went back up.

I think Hornchurch have actually spent a decent amount going into this season. No idea how much, but thier owner is not short of a few bob, and they may well be paying (or have spend more on) players than us*

*disclaimer, I honestly have no idea if that's actually true - just a hunch

I should have probably added context for McShane in that he has played much less minutes than everyone else on that list (except Hebert) and he also has been playing deeper in midfield most of the season. He also has 3 assists this season (1 in the league and 2 in the cup).

The slight concern for me is why Brennan Camp has almost a higher xG himself than Lewis and Muitt combined...

Tonight's B team line up

@dorking-eagle Surprised Josh H started (scored a cracker, apparently) - also good to see Sam Ncho starting again. I've said it before - he's one to watch

Posted by: @adeb

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@dorking-eagle Surprised Josh H started (scored a cracker, apparently) - also good to see Sam Ncho starting again. I've said it before - he's one to watch

Josh Hebert had a good game last night, as You said Ade scored a great goal, cutting in from the left to bury it in the bottom corner.

Wasn't overly impressed with the lad Sam Ncho, every ball seemed to bounce of his foot.

The two players that did stand out for me were, Miguel Rodriguez in midfield, and Kieron Lake-Bryan at right back

@adeb 

Michael Owen won the Ball d'Or in 2001 and was playing for Newcastle United in 2005. Levels change in 4 years. 

Age matters, physical condition matters. Big time. 

Lets not pretend that because a striker was tearing it up 4 years ago in a certain league he is the same animal now.

Yet you seem to be claiming that with JP9, despite the lad basically playing sideways every time its played up to him and never running in behind. And him looking like a CB playing CF these days in NLS in 25-26 season that he is an awesome striker that will get us promoted. 

The lad looks like someone still there because the manager loves him, and cannot deal with releasing him and bringing someone younger and better into the squad on less money. I am sure everyone around him has tried but he has ignored them too. We can all see that JP9 is now not up to it, and neither is McShane.

Truth hurts but those are the facts lad...!

JP9 is a more than good enough striker to get a 6th tier club like DW into a play off position

He also chips in with his defensive qualities

How high we finish this season (or otherwise) will largely be down to managing the amount of carelessness at the back.

Macca still has plenty to offer, probably most valuable as a squad player/supersub when we need to try a plan B in games. 

Both players are club legends too by the way, have been there, done it, and are still putting the hours in.

@dorking-eagle Ive been impressed with McShanes performances recently. Agree that he certainly has a part to play this season whether thats off the bench or starting