The away record is looking grim this season but there was no lack of football played by the Phantoms today.
A good start from Phantoms with plenty of possession was undone by a simple defensive mistake when there was no real threat. That left the Yateley striker to score 1v1 against keeper. Changes were made after first quarter and we seem to then have slightly 'better balance' in our play. Phantoms had 3 1 v 1s against the keeper, as well as hit the post and a number of shots but failed to score. Also, as soon as we dwelt on the ball when in position to shoot, Yateley shut the threat down. 1 v 0 down half time. Discussed at half time the need to close out Yateleys lone striker, the main threat
Second half similar to first, a few chances, 2 that really should have gone in for Phantoms. Yateley then broke and scored from another defensive error when all we had to do was clear our lines. Instead the ball founds its way via the phantoms to the striker on edge of box to score. 2 v 0 down, not sure how...
Phantoms continued to play, but too often they were knocked off the ball 'fairly' when trying to get past the last defender. Yateley's strength was their undoubted commitment to everything.
We were not strong enough or clinical enough near goal. The slight delays, extra touches causes players to be squeezed out by committed defenders. That's what happens at the higher levels, we will get better!
Motm pairing TH and RD provided real quality today and RD in particular plays with a level of desire that is above and beyond.
I was very pleased by every players contributions today - great team effort. We should come out of the game today with heads held high. Phantoms did not deserve to lose and we look forward to playing Yateley again.
