More problems from set pieces continue to haunt our early season form. This week we conceded all three goals from dead ball situations. The opening goal came inside the first two minutes when we were beaten first to the inswinging corner and secondly to the knockdown where an unmarked defender smashed through a crowded six yard box and into our net. We could not have envisioned such a poor start after dedicating our training session into the defence of such moments. When we were presented with our own opportunities, which were few and far between, the home defenders showed a greater desire to block and win the challenges in and around their own area. Sam sent in three dangerous deliveries in the first half when Bloxhams' defenders were more than happy to concede frees rather than allow our wingers to get beyond them. From each kick we were beaten to the ball when only a glancing flicked header would surely have pulled us level.
We began the second half in a better frame of mind but again we found it hard to break down the Bloxham rearguard whos uncompromising style of defence saw them hit long and early to instantly change the balance of attack. Chris Davies was in inspired form either side of the interval and kept us within touching distance of Bloxham. Our best passing move of the game saw Harlie, Ned ,Will and Joe combine to set Ryan racing through the centre of the park where he was crudely hacked down. Luke weighed up his chances thirty five yards out to see if he could repeat last seasons heroics and the centre not only repeated his strike but even bettered it with an amazing strike that kissed the crossbar on its way into the net. At this moment you felt we would probably push home our advantage but the curse of the sleeping defence struck again. A wishful throw glided into our six yard box and was flicked on by an unopposed striker into the path of another unmarked Bloxham midfielder. This player had the easy task of passing home and we had barely been level for two minutes. Our heads dropped for the next ten minutes and Chris alone stood up to the home side making some magnificent stops but he was powerless to stop number three. A simple back header from yet another long throw after we failed to meet the ball in the air allowing it to bounce toward the heart of our goal. I think at last this goal finally stirred us to get a little angry and we began to make the sort of tackles we had been reluctant to commit to in the earlier part of the game. Ryan and Tyler were giving the home defence some concerns and it was Ryan that gave us a glimmer of hope when he cut out an underhit back header. He held his nerve to ghost around the keeper and set up a grandstand finish . From a corner in the dying seconds we almost nicked an unlikely point when Lukes' header came back off the bar and was scrambled clear. All over the pitch we continue to be far too quiet with little or no communication. We must learn and learn quickly to let each other know when we have time, a man on or are free to receive a pass. If we do this we will improve by leaps and bounds. It was good to welcome Will back to the middle of the park and his enthusiasm was again there for all to see. Concentration and communication the two key parts of our game to work on . Heads up lads and keep giving your all.
