First half
For the first time this season engine started well and although came under pressure early on didn't seem to be all over the place. It was obvious from minute one that this week was going to be a physical affair and several challenges were flying in . WD organisation was clear and we were a bit guilt of chasing ball instead of marking the man but the midfield was seeing some possession and breaking on the counter. WD were causing Si problems down the right and their wingers on both sides causing issues.
The game was goalless for around fifteen minutes when a charge down by the ever running Andy c put engine one up somewhat against the run of play. From this point Engine started to play well with the five man midfield playing some nice footy.
WD were a strong team who were passing the ball around at pace with their little twat of a number 15 seeing some ball and causing problems, a challenge by Ren (maybe a pen) gave a corner away and a good delivery and solid header saw WD draw level. Si the to blatantly punched by the little fucker and the ref did nothing about it . As is normally the case the Engine restarted brightly and were competing but failure to get the ball wide and some sloppy positioning was allowing WD too much possession and we were under the cosh, I was hoping to see half time but cruely WD went ahead from another corner as a goal mouth scramble got them ahead. Half time then blew.
Si was replaced by Tom at left back to bring some fresh legs into play and stop Si smacking the twat in 15......
Engine started the second half very brightly playing with pace and confidence, stu,y was winning a lot of ball and jimmy was now awake and getting involved. Steve was again showing that extra bit of class and also delivered some quality balls from free kicks early on but the engine failed to attack these yet again . .......
Idis work rate was getting him involved and going forward we were looking really good, new-be Alex replaced Ren and the formation was changed accordingly . We now started looking good going forward with all attacking players linking up but the goal wasn't coming.
Alex's obvious pace looking dangerous even though afterwards he said he was knackered after ten minutes ;-)
WD were still looking dangerous though and on the break were causing troubles, Al pulled up and before a sub could be made engine were three one down from a breakaway that Dave was unable to tip away. Burbs came on and solidified the defence.! Kyle picked up a knock but played on regardless,fair play as the bruise was massive.
The last fifteen was fairly level with Dave pulling off some good saves and clearing well but no matter how much effort we put in a goal wouldn't come.
Another loss but so many positives to take from this performance against a tough team that will be promoted .....
Things from this week.
- We are still so bad in the air lads, we don't compete off goal kicks or corners or free kicks , this puts us at a massive disadvantage week in week out and we must improve.
- We looked good at 4-5-1 and against the tougher teams this is a good option for us .
- This week we weren't that great at tracking the runners.
- We look good when we play simple football.....
- We are strengthening with some players still to come back or begin playing.
I feel like a broken record but we are so much better than our results suggest, lets keep our heads up lads ! I expect a vote of confidence from ted in the morning .........cheers An under pressure Woy
