First Team Coach John Gamble was very pleased with the way Chester-Le-Street dealt with unbeaten Silksworth Colliery Welfare last Tuesday night at The Ford Hub. United came away with an impressive 3 – 1 win which he felt could have been even more.
“I thought we handled the game really well. From the very start we passed the ball really well, got forward quickly, created chances and to be fair dominated the proceedings. I think Silksworth did compete and at times made it difficult for us.”
“But we got a two-goal lead and with the chances that we created it could have been more. Their good defending and good goalkeeping kept them in the game. Second half we came out and again showed that bit more quality on the ball.”
“I just think in the final third we didn’t get that clinical finish but then we got the penalty which Cameron Brewis dispatched. Before that we had conceded a sloppy goal from a set play which we’ve got to do better with.”
“That’s probably one area that teams could be dangerous against us. In open play with the players that we’ve got we can handle the ball really well. When we got that third goal from the penalty we still missed some great chances as they got tired as our fitness told but we couldn’t score any more.”
“Overall, I was pretty buoyed about the display but I will say that I’m hoping that we can get better throughout the season as we work on a lot of the aspects of the game and as the players get stronger and fitter.”
“It’s always good to get a good start and hopefully it carries on to the Gateshead game tomorrow. We’ll see another side that will come and be physical and we’ve got to handle that. Then hopefully the talent we’ve got in our players will see us out and help win the game.”
An accurate assessment as all at United look forward to the first Saturday home game at The Riverside against Gateshead Leam Rangers in an event The Club have labelled #PackThePark with an opportunity to see the side at close hand and free of charge.
Leam Rangers have made a mixed start to their campaign. They’ve won two against Coxhoe Athletic 4 – 1 and Shildon AFC Reserves 3 – 0 at home and lost two. A 2 – 1 reverse against the team United beat on Tuesday, Silksworth and they went down 3 – 0 at Durham Corinthians last time out.
It leaves them currently seventh in the table having scored eight and conceded six. Top scorers for The Rangers being Kieron Clark and Matt Halliday who have both netted on two occasions each.
Gamble knows it’ll be another tough test for United’s youngsters but is really looking forward to the game as well as the “festival of football,” the Club is putting on.
“When I spoke to some people who attended the Tuesday night game they thoroughly enjoyed it. They saw a good game from both sides but were particularly impressed with our lads. I’m hoping that means we can get some good support tomorrow at The Riverside.”
“It would be nice to see some new people as well and for them to see what we’re like. Hopefully we don’t let them down. The game will be on the centre pitch which is a bit of a first for us as we generally have to play on the 3G.”
“The weather forecast is good and we’ve got entertainment for the little ‘uns on the 3G so parents can bring them and get them looked after and there’s football events for all the kids. We’re looking at it as a proper good start to the season at home and I’m really looking forward to it.”
“None of the games in the Wearside League are easy. We’ve got a good group of players. Totally different practically to last year which people find baffling but it’s not. It’s the project that we’re on. We just give young lads a chance to play in senior football and see how they can do.”