April 2 AFC Bournemouth 0-1 Colchester United Att: 5908

Last updated : 03 April 2002 By Andy Burton
Pants indeed.

During the entire first half both sides could barely carve out any clear sut opportunities as neither keeper was tested on any shape manner or form. The only time there was a moment of 'excitment' came mid way through the half when the side netting saw some action. Both misses came from Warren Feeney.

The second half didn't improve too much.

As ever this season, we make our own errors and create far too work for ourselves, this was no more apparent when Shaun Maher turned in a cross past Gareth Stewart for the only goal of the game.

Almost immediately after they 'scored', we did go down to their goal in search of an equaliser, but it never came, desipte the keeper making three superb saves from close range efforts, as well as one of their defenders heading off the line. Four chances came and went, and after that the ideas just ran out.

It is so clear that the side is lacking any confidence and is also devoid of communication and understanding. The fact that:
(a) two players go for the same ball - isn't good.
(b) the apparent reluctance of Warren Feeney to pass the ball (when others are in a better shooting position) would suggest that he doesn't have faith in the others around him. He may be a good player, but can't beat 3-4 defenders to have a clear shot at goal.
(c) we try and play the long ball towards some of the shortest men on the pitch.

Now, more than ever, I am convinced that we will be playing Third Division football next season - we're so poor.

As for man of the match - I'll give it to Warren Feeney, but I was out voted by some around me who thought that Eddie Howe should have the nomination as he never put a foot wrong throughout the 90 minutes.



AFCB
: Stewart, Purches, Maher, Tindall, Young, Elliott, C Fletcher, Hughes, Hayter, Feeney, Holmes
Subs: Menetrier, Foyewa (for Young on 88), McAnespie, Cooke (for Hughes on 35), Thomas (for Maher on 80)
Andy Burton, Portsmouth