Too many factors always meant this was never going to capture the interests of many fans. We've had quite a few home games lately including cup ones. I really doubt had this match been free we would've got many more interested in it. Yes back to league 1 and league 2 teams only would be better in my opinion I still think the league format is unattractive, Make it a straight knock out trophy and most certainly rationalised until the final as I doubt many teams want the expense of this anyway. Did the club make any profit tonight? If so after expenses it must be minimal, Sure players that come back from injuries, suspensions and cant command a first team place and without reserves, under 21, 23 or whatever sure this is useful as can the Sussex Senior Cup be, but i think the problem of lack of interest goes beyond this to other cup competitions and down to the so called bigger clubs not taking the FA and league cups seriously - prepared to field weaker sides now you've got everyone at it. With that the interest isn't the same. And to top it all as I write I think we now play Oxford away and have no chance of qualifying? Any chance? what if you had both teams in that state of affairs it becomes a 'friendly' and that is never going to be a top draw for fans.
On a positive note the pitch was excellent especially after all the rain that had fallen during the day - no signs of any surface water
Great point Alain, given that the weather is completely schaferknackered - we have had everything bar a plague of frogs recently - that really is worth highlighting.
I suppose we owe a bit of thanks to BHA Ladies for their contribution to the cause as well as our groundstaff. It was not that long ago when it took a few inclement days to disrupt our plans.
The competition will never be scrapped, not in the foreseeable future anyway, but without stating the obvious too much, it needs to go back to just being league one and two sides only.
And it’s not reserve team football for us, still a first-team competition.
The game with the best atmosphere here in my view was the Spurs U21 victory on penalties. What do you think was our best atmosphere game in this competition in recent times?
I think tonight was a useful exercise for the club.
The game was decent and competitive - Norwich were better early on but we got better towards half time. In the second half we had a very good spell, equalised and could have got a second with 2-3 decent more chances.
Norwich hit us on the break and got a second against the run of play but fair play to them, after that they held us off comfortably and deserved their win.
The most useful thing was a good workout for players who don’t usually get the chance. The two recent signings Boadu had a quiet game in midfield while van Velzen had some good moments on the wing. Ash scored a decent goal showing a lot of determination while Galach did well coming on in the second half.
It’s more enjoyable watching currently fringe and some not so fringe players play a competitive game than watching TV footballl. Doherty and Lubala got some game time after not starting/playing at the weekend. Allarakhia still only a maybe after working hard but unlikely yet to put pressure on the current starters
The competition will never be scrapped, not in the foreseeable future anyway, but without stating the obvious too much, it needs to go back to just being league one and two sides only.
And it’s not reserve team football for us, still a first-team competition.
The game with the best atmosphere here in my view was the Spurs U21 victory on penalties. What do you think was our best atmosphere game in this competition in recent times?
That’s a very good question!🤔 I would agree with the suggestion of Spurs last season, enjoyed that match and was definitely a good atmosphere. Other than that, none of the other matches really come to mind over the years.
The crowd is very disappointing though, I’m sure we’ve had over 1000 numerous times previously haven’t we? As implied though, maybe staying in and watching Bayern Munich was a better option.
The game with the best atmosphere here in my view was the Spurs U21 victory on penalties. What do you think was our best atmosphere game in this competition in recent times?
That’s a very good question!🤔 I would agree with the suggestion of Spurs last season, enjoyed that match and was definitely a good atmosphere. Other than that, none of the other matches really come to mind over the years.
The crowd is very disappointing though, I’m sure we’ve had over 1000 numerous times previously haven’t we? As implied though, maybe staying in and watching Bayern Munich was a better option.
Spurs getting banjaxed 7-2 at home is definitely a better option than most other games Didn't watch either match but will look for the highlights of both now.
I was impressed by the Charlton youngsters - a relative term given Jonny Jackson came on for them in the 2nd half - in a Trophy match a couple of seasons back. One of their forwards really caught the eye...
...not long after we signed the lad, Karlan Ahearne-Grant, on loan...!
I think tonight was a useful exercise for the club.
The game was decent and competitive - Norwich were better early on but we got better towards half time. In the second half we had a very good spell, equalised and could have got a second with 2-3 decent more chances.
Norwich hit us on the break and got a second against the run of play but fair play to them, after that they held us off comfortably and deserved their win.
The most useful thing was a good workout for players who don’t usually get the chance. The two recent signings Boadu had a quiet game in midfield while van Velzen had some good moments on the wing. Ash scored a decent goal showing a lot of determination while Galach did well coming on in the second half.
It’s more enjoyable watching currently fringe and some not so fringe players play a competitive game than watching TV footballl. Doherty and Lubala got some game time after not starting/playing at the weekend. Allarakhia still only a maybe after working hard but unlikely yet to put pressure on the current starters
Exactly as I saw it. Van Velzen looks quick, so could be a useful addition. Not a fan of Payne, would rather Smith back in the team. Not much on show from Boadu, but first game on a very wet night is not the nicest. Bit too much long ball for my liking, you could see we were trying to get it over and behind the defence but didn't really pull it off.
I was impressed by the Charlton youngsters - a relative term given Jonny Jackson came on for them in the 2nd half - in a Trophy match a couple of seasons back. One of their forwards really caught the eye...
...not long after we signed the lad, Karlan Ahearne-Grant, on loan...!
Yes,it proved to be a good stepping stone for his career.
I was impressed by the Charlton youngsters - a relative term given Jonny Jackson came on for them in the 2nd half - in a Trophy match a couple of seasons back. One of their forwards really caught the eye...
...not long after we signed the lad, Karlan Ahearne-Grant, on loan...!
Yes,it proved to be a good stepping stone for his career.
Sort of... he might have enjoyed his moments of glory in the Premier League last season...
...but right now, is probably envious of Charlton's Championship standing.