CCK FC find themselves cut adrift from the title challengers, after a dismal performance against Montpelier Villa. They were second best all over the pitch as the Villains deserved their 3-0 victory.
There was much optimism from the CCK fans, as they had every hope of a positive result heading into the match. CCK are well renowned for their passing style, and playing on the best pitch in the league, (maybe even the county) it seemed they might prosper. This was not the case however, as they didn’t seem to string more than two passes together. Individual errors and a lack of cohesion left them massively exposed at the back. The deep midfield failed to supply the forward line with anything to work with and set pieces were all that threatened the Villa net. CCK’s opponents on the other hand were passing the ball around with ease. That was largely as their players were not being pressed at all. Large gaps between defenders also invited penetration, and Villa politely obliged by creating chances on a regular basis. Stand in keeper Jacob Fortescue showed fine agility to keep out Villa’s advances, tipping over twice and claiming dangerous crosses. Despite his best efforts it was only a matter of time before his goal was breached. It took a corker to do so, a headed clearance was met by a fine Nick Mellor volley which flew into the top corner. Moments later the lead was doubled. A rampage down CCK’s left flank was followed by a squared pass and a simple tap in. Despite the wake up call, it seemed CCK continued to press the snooze button and were second to every ball and seemed to give it away with the generosity of Mother Theresa. More Villa chances came and went, before CCK decided to threaten the Montpelier net. Dave Jones’ free kick was brushed by the diving forehead of 6’9” defender Dan Shotton. Video replays showed that he only failed to make a more telling contact on the ball, as a result of a tug. The only other chance of note was a left foot volley by Doug Reid, which hit the side netting. The third goal seemed inevitable, and it came when another foray down the right presented a good opportunity for Ezra Martin inside the box, his shot was parried by Jacob Fortescue, only for a Villa player to be first to the rebound and a simple tap in, effectively killing off CCK’s chances.
Tim Rose looked to rectify the first half flop and made several alterations including the substitution of Dan Harnden, who was replaced by Galen Abraham. The story remained the same with little space being allowed for CCK to provide much of an attacking threat. The poor standard of passing also showed little improvement. However, CCK did show some more solidity at the back. The centre backs and full backs were in closer proximity, and the time Villa had on the ball shortened in CCK’s territory. The midfield still seemed far too deep as the Villa full backs could take their time in possession, and pick out passes. This meant the possession statistics failed to improve and CCK rarely got the ball out of their half. Instead it was CCK’s defence that was the busier. A few saves and timely tackles prevented further embarrassment for the Badgers. A rare foray forward almost got CCK back in the game. Dave Sewell darted down the left and picked out Tom Powell in the area. Powell’s effort was of good quality, but the ball went narrowly over as it was difficult to keep down. Mike Spence had a long range effort also go over the bar. The right winger for Villa was proving difficult to keep up with, and he made several incisive runs into the CCK box. One in particular forced a spectacular save from Jacob Fortescue, whose fingertips diverted the ball over. The only other half chance that came CCK’s way was a tame flick from Dave Sewell after a set piece. That effort only got itself into the report as it was the only shot CCK had on target throughout the game. The final whistle put CCK out of their misery, and the one positive they can take from the game is that their performances can’t get worse than the stinker they had today.
A defiant Tim Rose addressed the media after the game, and his message to the players was clear, “That performance was unacceptable. As a coaching staff and a team we take responsibility for that. The second half was better than the first, but it still wasn’t good. I need to give Villa credit, tactically they got it right and they played well. We helped them look perhaps a little better than they are, and that’s not good enough. I am looking for a response next week.” He was then asked about the appearance of three unknown players who were spotted during the warm ups, and then in the stands, “They’ve been on trial with the club, and we are looking to complete the signings of all three in the near future. They are quality players who will bolster our options.” Man of the match Mike Spence believes the side needs to get back to basics if they are to have any hope of a decent league position come the end of the season, “The passing was off today, players didn’t have their heads up in possession, instead they gave the ball away. If you don’t keep the ball, you won’t score goals. What was more worrying for me was what happened out of possession. We allowed them time on the ball, and had massive gaps between defensive players.” Match of the day 2’s Lee Dixon agreed with Spence’s analysis and said that the difference between the teams was the amount of time they were allowed on the ball. Villa hunted in packs, pressing in high areas, whereas CCK often only had one player looking to press, while the others dropped off deep, just inviting pressure on themselves. Tim Rose will be looking for a transformation heading into a crucial match against O&G United next weekend.
