The disappointment started before the match when Captain, hero, ginger and all round top guy Isaac Timson limped out of the match squad. Still, not to worry, we have a good squad and I believed, and still do, that even without influencial players such as Isaac we are still a match for anyone. Sadly on this occasion we failed to deliver and once again defensive frailties cost us the points.
The match overall was fairly evenly contested and that was part of the dissapointment as we failed to show any quality in possession and barely strung 3 passes together. When we did however we created chances and looked more dangerous, but this was not often enough. Stretton took the lead when we defended a corner poorly but troubled us rarely again in the first half. Eventually we drew level after hard work and a stroke of fortune saw the Stretton keeper fumble Jack's effort. 1-1. Emmanuel took the lead shortly afterwards from a wonder strike by Jack which looked close to impossible. If it hadn't of been for Jack's hard work and endevour then we may well have drawn a blank yesterday. Jack is certainly turning out to be a great addition to the squad and his performances and contribution to the team are second to none currently. That's 6 goals in 5 matches and when the whole team is firing then Jack will find plenty more goals where they came from.
Sadly those 2 moments of joy were a footnote in the story of a poor second half display when Stretton took advantage of slow minds in the Emmanuel back line and midfield. The positive is that we defended many first balls well, with some good interceptions and tackles being made. The problem lay in reacting to the second ball. Team mates were too often caught ball watching and failed to react to half cleared balls. Had players been alert and followed in when their team mates were making tackles and blocks they could easily have finished the job and cleared any loose balls to safety. On three occasions however Stretton were the first to react and it resulted in goals. This lesson must be learnt. Do not watch your team mates defend, help them defend. Anticipate any mis-kicks and rebounds and get yourself involved. Don't wait until it has happened, it will be too late.
On the more positive side despite not playing well we scored goals and have only failed to register on one occasion this season. This is something to be encouraged by as we must always offer a threat to the opposition goal. Another positive was the performance of Norradin in midfield who has had two very good performances in the centre in his last two matches and always tried to get the ball down and pass it. Well done Noddy, keep it up.
In conclusion it's far better to come out of a game having lost and underperformed than coming out of a game having lost but knowing we can't do any better. There are definitely far better days ahead and looking through the squad, in each position, we have some really good players. Vishal has been impressive since joining us as a keeper. With Dan, Joe and newly signed Keiron, who will make his debut next week, we have a strong left side. Jabed and Rhys can become a very strong partnership in the centre, along with Rob and Jubed on the right. Midfield looks strong with Noddy, Isaac and Patryk. We have a great goalscorer in Jack, the silky control of John and the obvious but as yet unfulfilled potential of Geesus. I could go on. However, individuals do not make football teams. We have seen a big turnover in players, but no-one else will be joining the squad this season, so now it is up to us to become a unit and start to put together good performances. This process starts next week against Darley Abbey Colts, and Emmanuel have something to prove.
Goals: Jack Ball 2
Man of the Match: Noddy
No comments:
Post a Comment