I have been happy with our two games this week and I feel we have put in a couple of good performances.
I was pleased with the AFC Hornchurch game, up until the red cards which killed it the game off. I think we controlled the game quite comfortably at times, although the two goals we conceded were frustrating with a very sloppy first, and to be honest the penalty should never have been given.
I felt at times we looked good again on Wednesday.
Some people have said Leyton Orient only had four or five first team players, but at the end of the day everyone involved for them was part of a League One squad who train full time. I know it’s not about results during pre season, but it is always pleasing to get a win on the board, and I felt at times we passed well and put some dangerous balls in the box.
Of course there was another sloppy goal conceded, but I would rather we got mistakes out of our system now, and besides from their goal Nicky Humphrey had an excellent game alongside Graeme Andrews.
Kaiyne Woolery also had a good game against Orient, and as you will have most likely seen he and Ryan Cooper signed up after the game. Kaiyne is someone who came to my attention in the early summer, when I was invited to watch the Soccer Elite Scholars, and he has impressed this pre season. He is only 17, has plenty of pace and works hard, and with Sam Bewick’s suspension he is in with a shout of a start come the first game of the season.
I am also pleased to get Ryan Cooper on board and he is another exciting young player. Ryan caught my eye last year as he dealt so well with Alex Flisher in our games against Sittingbourne. As well as right back, he can play at centre back and right midfield and is another good addition to our squad.
In terms of other potential signings, we have Baff Addae and Tamer Tuna still on trial and I will need to have a sit down with both players tomorrow to see how we go forward. I will also be looking to sort out the goalkeeping situation this weekend, with Charlie Mitten and Scott Chalmers-Stevens both vying for a place in the squad.
In terms of team news for our game against Lewes, Deren Ibrahim is fine after coming off on Wednesday and we will welcome Shaun Welford back from holiday. Unfortunately Gavin Greenfield is still on Olympics duty with the army, however we hope that Ian Draycott may be fit by our first league game against Walton & Hersham, but we won’t rush him back.
Those of you that bought today’s Kent Messenger will have seen that Tom Mills has been approached by Charlton to trial with the club. Tom will head up to train with their first team next week, and regardless of what happens, it will be a brilliant experience for him which will hold him in good stead for the future.
