Getting back into the groove
After the initial feeling of disappointment in pre-season, I felt better going into a fresh season. I was back on familiar territory at the Yeoman’s Community Stadium for Tonbridge Angels vs Slough Town. It was a lovely hot day for this first league encounter in the National League South and everyone seemed to be in a joyful mood at the prospect of club football being back for another nine months.
Early promise
The quality of the match was positive from the off, with Slough looking the most dangerous of the two sides. A blistering start from The Rebels saw them hit the woodwind twice within the first ten minutes. Jared Myers, making his debut for the club, saw his low shot come back off the inside of the post after being played in by Jordan Greenidge on six minutes. Two minutes later, Greenidge himself struck the opposite post from close range after being picked out by Myers.
All about the press
Slough’s pressing game was causing Tonbridge problems. This seems to be a popular style of play from the Premier League all the way down to this standard these days. I honestly feel the standard of non-league football has improved so much in recent years. Players seem to be fitter and better drilled. Slough enjoyed long spells of possession, limiting the Angels to only a couple of half chances before the break.
Before this match the only knowledge I had of Slough was the fact that the hit BBC comedy ‘The Office’ was filmed there. Maybe the team needed David Brent in the changing room to give them that extra lift for a goal? They came out still looking like the better side, but the game ended goalless.
Just another day at the office
The temptation of joining my brother and a couple of mates for a cold beer was really tempting in the hot sun. They were also in attendance and on the other side of the pitch to me. I managed to overcome this temptation and concentrate on the job in hand. Maybe some of the players were also thinking about a cold beverage, as they looked to tire at the end of the second half in the warmer temperature.
Slough continued to put the pressure on with a succession of corners for the away team, but there was a lack of clear cut chances from both teams. I’m not sure if Ricky Gervais is a football fan, if he is then this performance would give him more reason to be proud of the town of Slough.
For Tonbridge This was the start of a new era and the home fans displayed a banner before kick-off in front of the North Stand which read “A NEW ERA BEGINS.” They had appointed Craig Nelson as their new manager from Lewes and are hoping he can push them the table towards the play-off places.
Local routines
Over the next few weeks I attended another match down Longmead watching Tonbridge and one back at the Gallagher Stadium for Maidstone United. These places were starting to feel like familiar stomping grounds on the scouting circuit for me and I was enjoying it.
The standard of football wasn’t always of the highest standard and sometimes I felt like I was always waiting for a player to do something special. This was half the challenge though. Sometimes the actions of a player aren’t the obvious ones. I always remember a Rugby clip during my Talent ID Level 2 course with the FA. There’s a massive unit of a winger running through everyone scoring tries. This was the obvious talent. However, in a lot of clips there was a smaller kid trying to tackle him every time. He had the right technique and showed immense bravery. These are the traits that must also be noticed. Don’t always be attracted to the skilful standout performer.
JP Scouting player in Focus: Jared Myers
- Club: Slough Town
- Position: Right-wing
- Age: 21
- Height: N/A
- Nationality: English
- Leading Foot: Right
Certainly the most dangerous and creative player in the 1st half, Myers is a player to keep tabs on. Signing for Slough in July, the 21-year-old (I can’t find his date of birth online) can play anywhere across a front three. He joined the club from Isthmian League South Central club Bedfont Sports, where he scored 28 league goals last season. He helped the club reach – and win – the Combined Counties League Premier Division North Play-off Final, resulting in promotion to Step 4. In total, Jared made 73 appearances for Bedfont, scoring 39 goals and registering 18 assists.
Jared had been on trial with Slough in pre-season and impressed with his performances, scoring twice in their opening victory against Virginia Water. His link up play down the right was effective in spells and he holds his runs well. Not the most physical, but was brave enough to challenge for the ball and would stand on the keeper and hold his own for opposition corners. Naturally and confidently skilful on the ball, if anything he maybe used too much skill at times.
