Engine started very slow again and watching from the sidelines it became very apparent that everyone was chasing the ball and panicking when in possession. We were playing with zero width. After 15 minutes of riding our luck and after some great saves from the excellent jonny we started to find our rhythm. From 15 mins on we were the team on the front foot forcing some corners and really passing the ball around well. Kyle and Yan ran their socks off and dave did a reliable job stopping their fancy dangerman from causing too many problems.
We were so on top that the sidelines felt it was only a matter of time before we scored from open play. Their keeper pulled off a couple of brilliant saves to first deny jimmy and then the charging yanic. On 35 mins andy c was clattered as he put the ball away and a pen was awarded, the injured Ren stepped up and cooly dispatched the goal for a well deserved 1-0 lead. The last ten mins of the half we were all over them and they began bickering amongst themselves. Half time whistle blew and a confident looking engine had played very well. I could only see us push on from there......
Biff turned his ankle so Burbs was brought on to replace him. No other changes were made and discussions were held as to keep doing what we were doing. The engine basically started the second half asleep, the same team that had finished the first half had evaporated ! ive no idea why we are so slow to get going. Even playing uphill Bishops seemed to have a new lease of life and Engine were all of a sudden second to everything, their tricky winger was now causing issues and not before long a corner resulted in a headed goal and we were level.
Engine kept battling away but had lost all rhythm and were panicking. Some sloppy play in not clearing the ball from defence led to us going 2-1 down and although it was blatantly offside the goal stood. Ren was struggling as was kyle and subs were made seeing simmo and nick come on. Engine had another couple of chances that were not converted and then the killer blow was made on a scrambled goal.
3-1 ....
Watching from the sidelines this result flattered them terribly , apart from the first 15 mins of both halves we looked solid and in control. So the lessons weve learnt .....
- We need to be better at attacking ariel balls both defensively and in attack.
- We need to be harder across the whole pitch, weve some strong lads and we need to start throwing it around more to be honest.
- Im sorry to say but there was some lazyness on the park especially when we went 2-1 down, we cant have this and subs will be made as the squad evolves. Im trying hard to get a squad so all positions are under pressure.
- We must be more verbal, that doesnt mean all turning into simmo but at least communicate with the players around you
- We must be better at clearing our lines, dont cock about with it. If in doubt put it out.....
MOM - Yan for running his socks off and being involved in all the good stuff and also a mention for Jonny whos saves kept it from being embarrassing.
Lets keep our heads up, honestly lads at times we look great but not taking our chances and the occasional mistakes are costing us dear, i cant help but feel we are being punished for the slightest mistake at the moment but better results will come ! Stick on in there ! Woy
