Before this weeks game I asked for a change in start tempo, and that we hit the ground running in the first 20 minutes, with Nolan rather astutely suggesting that we nominate one player to all look to for a lead. In this case we picked on Robbie, and fair play to the old bugger, he put in a massive shift for the cause. We managed to get in front early doors when Dale laid a ball back to a marauding Christian and his deflected shot left the keeper little chance. Dale would be involved for all assists as he and Diego combined twice to give us a worthy 3-0 lead with little over 15 minutes to go. The First of our conceded goals came right through the middle of the park. Allowed to run with the ball, the midfielder was able to skip 3 challenges before curling into the far corner once inside our penalty box. A great lunging tackle can look good and indeed feel pretty darn satisfying sometimes, but there is a lot to be said for staying on your feet and making it difficult to score, it buys time, and gives fellow players opportunity to get into position. I guess on reflection this was a good goal, and they happen, at least we tried to defend it. The second goal came from a set piece and a ball into the area which pitched between CB and keeper around the penalty spot. The striker read it best out of the three protagonists, and so it was that he scored the goal. In short with CB, Keep’ & Striker in attendance we should prevail by virtue of a 2 to 1 number in our favour?! The nail in the coffin for us was the final goal. We have been very good this year from corners, it has been an Achilles heel for us in the past. They undoubtedly threw everything forward, and we definitely didn’t want it enough, as this very last kick of the game earned the opposition a creditable draw. In summation, I think we can be pleased with our start and the style of football that we played for most of Saturdays game. We can look at ourselves a bit for the goals we conceded and their manor. This week let us take the positive start, and add some personal responsibility to the art of defending. At the first corner this week, I will have instructed the two players for the posts. When Gregor organises the players and marking, have that player for every corner and set piece for the rest of the game. Make it your own crusade to ruin their chance to get the ball. Be first, positive and responsible that he is yours for the duration of the game. A word on Man of the match. Diego gets the nod with his two goals that should have provided a platform for the win. Dale very close with 3 assists, and Christian scoring and playing very positively (perhaps we should knock his teeth out every week if he is gonna play like that!). Robbie was also excellent in setting the early 20 minute tempo. County cup this week, and return of the rolling subs! We play a VERY, VERY good side, so certainly a chance to practice the art of defending! Keep it Rotten. Gav.
