Frustrating game on the whole. One in which we struggled to get going. The pitch didn't help, grass long and ground soft but that was the same for both sides.
We are definately having to use our squad, Matty was missing and Jimmy (the giraffe) failed a fitness test. Belly took over from Matty and Troz reverted to centre back with Catty sweeping.
It took us 20 minutes to open our account Caddy converting a good through ball from Maddo, Chris was certainly looking sharp after a very quiet start to th season he seems to be coming into good form.
We had a set back on 28 mins when a uncharacteristic mistake by Maddo was capitalised on very well for Groves to equalise. We didn't really respond and the game became very scrappy. Our midfield never got to grips and were never running the game. But as we have loads of match winners and threats in the team it was no big surprise when Calum smashed in a 20 yarder right into the bottom corner, a top quality finish, by far the best contribution from Calum
HALF TIME 1-2
Tried to jolly us up at half time but we were in a mood that went from contempt for the opposition to lack of interest and it was just not our day at all. We huffed and puffed, to give some credit to Groves they worked their socks off and were full of commitment and endeavour. After a pretty poor start to the half Caddy went on a run and smashed in a unstoppable shot into the top corner, the second top draw finish of the match from us. To rub salt into Groves already major wounds Rodders got up like a salmon at the front post to nod in a Calum cross for another top finish to make it 1-4.
From this point 20 mins to go and well in command you would think we would see the game out comfortably, not us. We made heavy weather of it. Concentration levels were low, and by not controlling the midfield we left ourselves vulnerable at the back.
With 10 minute left Groves capitalised on another mistake to put us under a bit of pressure, but with a few tweaks of personnel and Maddo getting on the ball to control the game we managed to see it out quite well. A penalty on full time made the scoreline look comfortable and i suppose when the team haven't clicked yet we win 2 - 5 we shouldn't be too unhappy.
FULL TIME 2 - 5
Conclusions - there wasn't much between this performance and that against Sprotborough. The difference was we scored the goals here! Our forwards are in much better form and it makes a big difference. We scored 3 goals today that had a touch of class to them! Superb finishes from Cal, Caddy & Rodders. We need to show more desire against the sides at the bottom, these are the games we can't afford to drop any points from. Bearing in mind we have dropped four points already. So a better attitude will make our life easier, i have no doubt we will perform against Warmsworth and Balby. Thats no good if we mess up against lesser teams. Think about it boys!!! This was a good result 8/10 the performance was about 6/10. But who cares, at least we got the job done. Good!
As managers and coaches i suppose we could help by playing the boys who turn up keen as mustard ready to do the job!
Lastly, we have the best squad we have ever had, as far as players are concerned there's nothing between a few of you. But it isnt that simple, we have to look after you all regarding fitness and tiredness. That is why we rotate the team, it helps keep you all sharp and ready to do the job when called upon. Bear this in mind and when you aren't on the field support the ones who are and show you are ready to go on. Also, its no good coming injured and expecting to play infront of players who are fully fit. If you have a niggle, pull knock or illness let us know. One of the other players can play and do a job for us.
