Accidentally posted this in another thread- The tiempo was good by Dorking at start. Gatehead was just more clinical at the last third, and just built and built on that momentum. Just such a disappointing display by Dorking. Huge hats off to all the supporters that made the trip, and I could hear through the live stream on NLTV. Hoping we can shake this one off as well, and move on to next Saturday. We desperately need some points.

Could point a finger at at least 4 terrible performances across the team yesterday but not a great deal of point to that now it's gone.

Positives - Muitt was decent in the 1st half, albeit his crosses met no-one

The half time bringing on of JP and Alfie was the right thing to do

Alfie showed a fair bit of fight and hit the side netting with a shot 

In addition to their goals, Gateshead had 2 more hit the post and a further one flash across the face of goal 

Priority is to not panic but to stick together, to find patterns and line ups that has a chance of getting results

You cant fault the professional effort by the management team providing overnight travel and training etc, 

Have to work with what we have got at the moment

Would lift the gloom massively if there was an off the pitch update, not just for us shareholders, but bits of positive news, whether its ground purchase, commercial news of new sponsors, new merch in the pipeline, christmas party bookings, plans being formulated etc- want to hear comms that isn't just a long list if injuries and suspensions!

Last from me on the subject of yesterday, then I am putting it behind me - thought the club reacted impeccably post match. 

Players and management came over and applauded the fans - rightly so. Our support yesterday was the 2nd highest at the GIS all season (behind only Oldham)

Marc's post-match interview was measured, considered and mature. No histrionics.

And the club provided a hot meal to all the fans on official coach travel on their journey home, a gesture I am sure would have been appreciated by those fans doing 12 hours in a day on a coach. Class that.

I have a feeling the reaction to the humbling nature of the defeat will define the season. I believe it will be positive.

@dorking-eagle well said - on the subject of the food on the way back, there was money left which will be on the coach for Fylde so if you are on that or thinking of going, there should be enough for breakfast and coffee en route.

We move on …

On to Boreham Wood at home and a good chance to get 3 points against a team around us 

The response to a heavy defeat has been class and it’s how you now respond … 

#RedAndWhiteArmy 

Lamps you are easily pleased 😉🤗

Had a bit of time to digest now and it just feels like that everything that could have gone wrong that day, went wrong.

Obviously missing a load of players going in to the game (mostly wingers) and having a load who weren't anywhere near match fit did not help. We also had at least 5 or 6 players put in a 1/10 performance which is very unusual and at least half of the goals came from the midfield giving the ball away.

That being said, Gateshead were excellent and had the best technical forwards I've ever seen play against Dorking (other than maybe Notts County). Pretty much every dribble/passing sequence was perfectly executed.

I am a little surprised that Marc didn't spot that McManus was completely ineffective against Dagenham last week and started him in that LWB role again. Felt like we were crying out for Kennedy in that position after the first 15 mins against Gateshead. McManus is suspended for Boreham Wood so he is going to have to play someone else there now!

@happy-hammers Still missing a significant number of first teamers - and just as importantly, match fitness still lacking in quite a few of those being selected...

The Angel of the North didn't turn up - but neither did anyone else.

See attachment

Just watched the highlights. 

Wow we looked like 11 individuals had just turned up to play a game. 

They looked about 3 divisions better than us.

I know we need to put that to bed but that performance would be a real worry for me.

@adeb tell me if I'm wrong,  all we were missing were.

Fuller . Not sure if he would of made a difference 

Bobby Joe Taylor . Again defensive no difference 

Blair. Probably would of cause them a problem. 

Bowerman. Same as Blair

Briggs. Nowhere near it.

Carter. Unknown 

@happy-hammers

Think Bobby Joe has been excellent going forward much of the time, Blair and Bowerman both outstanding wingers and if Briggs gets back to his best he's a top, top player. 

Carter is meant to be one of the best players in the National League too.

When you add in those returning and still building match fitness, and those having to play out of position it's a huge impact. 

I'm very confident it will come good!