Sometimes things just don't work out the way you plan them. I had it all mapped out - who would start, the formation we’d use, how we would play...
A few of the players are ex-Brinsworth and I wanted to give them a start so that they could show their old team just what they’re missing!
Secondly – and no disrespect to them – Brinsworth haven't exactly set the league alight this season, so I thought I'd also give a start to one or two who have been coming on from the bench lately.
To cap it all off, I wanted to go for an attacking 4-3-3 formation that would encourage us to move the ball around and play good fluid football, and bag a sackful of goals!
But the weather got worse and worse and worse. Not only was there the driving rain that had been hanging about for most of the morning, this had been joined by a gusty wind that turned fine balls played out of defence to a wide player on the flanks into throw ins. Accurate shots at goal went behind. Balls were in trees, in gardens, over into the school, but seldom down on the ground as part of a flowing move. It was a game that totally brought everyone down to the same level, and I was actually relieved when we went in at half time two in front.
Everyone knuckled down and applied themselves and all came out of the game with credit. We added four more in the second half and they grabbed a late consolation: a strange goal where all of our defenders seemed to have dozed off. Maybe they were dreaming of a hot bath and a large whiskey – I know I was by that stage!
A few quick mentions – Alex B solid at the back as usual, Ollie worked a few magic tricks down the left. Lew, Joe and Connor all dug in and battled well to keep them at bay. Ben was also in fine form at the back - on the left and on the right - and never faltered from the task in hand.
Ants and Will worked tirelessly and unselfishly in midfield on a day that didn't really suit their game. Alex (Twig) attacked with class and intelligence, as did Mat when he came on in the second half.
Sam, Ross, Danny and Tom chased down balls all afternoon, and all except Sam and Tom got some reward for their hard work.
Nick came into his own in the second half – pulling off some good saves and being brave at the feet of attackers, when they could have embarrassed us further.
So we got the result we wanted albeit under different circumstances than I'd imagined. Despite last week, it’s still 9 points from 4 games. Next week is a real 'tester' - Wadsley Bridge away. Both me and Neil felt they nicked it from us back in September, but there’s no denying they’re a good team so we’ll have to be at our very best. Bring it on!
Monday, 3 December 2007
Monday, 26 November 2007
Sunday 25 November 2007 vs. Woodhouse (away)
Neil commented on it before the game. Had we got too complacent? We were coming into this game on the back of two excellent performances in which we’d scored 12 goals and conceded just 1. Maybe we turned up at Woodhouse thinking we just had to stroll about a bit?
On the other hand, it’s sometimes about 'luck' or should I say the lack of it. We all know the days when you get up and cut yourself shaving, spill toothpaste all over the floor and the button comes off your shirt, and you get the feeling it’s going to be one of those days.
I’d already got it in mind to start with Tom in goal, and Nick being unavailable decided that particular issue. It was, then, ridiculously unfortunate and symptomatic of the day that Tom took a bad knock in the first five minutes (as part of the lead up to their first goal) and had to come off. This meant that Ross had a brave go at 'keeping in the first half and an already injured Ollie put on the jersey for the second half.
But back to the luck, 'cos there was more of it to come! We hit the bar, the post, flashed a couple just over the top, missed a penalty - more luck than you get in a season full of games, and all of it 'bad'.
We were 3-5 down at half time, but with the slope of the pitch now in our favour, I still thought the game was winnable.
But once again we were found out by a lack of commitment, like the 50/50 balls where Woodhouse went into tackles as though they MUST win the ball, and we didn’t. And all of their goals were daft, silly efforts that shouldn’t have happened. No fault of Ross or Ollie who did their best in difficult circumstances.
The best player for us was Ants who worked tirelessly in midfield, and through whom most of our best chances seemed to come.
We have some excellent footballers and when we hit our stride and start to move the ball about, we are a joy to watch and also very deadly. But…we don’t have a natural 'thug' – someone who can sit in midfield and break up their play and adopt a 'they shall not pass' attitude. Teams like Woodhouse sense this and exploit it. To sum up our opponents, they were generally fair but uncompromising, and I have no fond memories of the game, whichever way you look at it
An afternoon to forget, then? No we shouldn’t do that. It was an afternoon to remember. Let’s remember it so we don’t go down the same road again!
On the other hand, it’s sometimes about 'luck' or should I say the lack of it. We all know the days when you get up and cut yourself shaving, spill toothpaste all over the floor and the button comes off your shirt, and you get the feeling it’s going to be one of those days.
I’d already got it in mind to start with Tom in goal, and Nick being unavailable decided that particular issue. It was, then, ridiculously unfortunate and symptomatic of the day that Tom took a bad knock in the first five minutes (as part of the lead up to their first goal) and had to come off. This meant that Ross had a brave go at 'keeping in the first half and an already injured Ollie put on the jersey for the second half.
But back to the luck, 'cos there was more of it to come! We hit the bar, the post, flashed a couple just over the top, missed a penalty - more luck than you get in a season full of games, and all of it 'bad'.
We were 3-5 down at half time, but with the slope of the pitch now in our favour, I still thought the game was winnable.
But once again we were found out by a lack of commitment, like the 50/50 balls where Woodhouse went into tackles as though they MUST win the ball, and we didn’t. And all of their goals were daft, silly efforts that shouldn’t have happened. No fault of Ross or Ollie who did their best in difficult circumstances.
The best player for us was Ants who worked tirelessly in midfield, and through whom most of our best chances seemed to come.
We have some excellent footballers and when we hit our stride and start to move the ball about, we are a joy to watch and also very deadly. But…we don’t have a natural 'thug' – someone who can sit in midfield and break up their play and adopt a 'they shall not pass' attitude. Teams like Woodhouse sense this and exploit it. To sum up our opponents, they were generally fair but uncompromising, and I have no fond memories of the game, whichever way you look at it
An afternoon to forget, then? No we shouldn’t do that. It was an afternoon to remember. Let’s remember it so we don’t go down the same road again!
Monday, 19 November 2007
Sunday 18 November 2007 vs. Owls Trust (home)
It doesn’t seem so long ago since we were playing on warm sunny days and worrying about players over-heating! This was a wet, windy and murky Sunday afternoon up at Reignhead, and our main concern was keeping warm and whether the ref would turn up!
Now Owls Trust can be a difficult side to play against, they invariably have some skilful players and are quite capable of punishing you if you don’t pay attention to the details. Having beaten them once already this season, there was nothing to fear other than us adopting a "this’ll be easy" approach. We needed to bring last week’s grit and determination into this game, and stamp our authority on it, early doors.
Finally the ref. arrived (traffic had been bad) and we kicked off. Almost immediately we began to dictate the pace and shape of the game, and took an early lead through Ross with 5 minutes gone. I was well proud of them as they went about their task of clinically "killing off the game" – the sign of a team that is maturing all the time.
Three more goals - Danny (15 mins.), Ross (30 mins.) and Will (35 mins.) and we reached half time in a really commanding position. In the team-talk we didn’t need to say much beyond, "more of the same, please".
And that’s what we did – only better! Second half goals from Ross (3 more), Danny (2 more) and Sam, and we were coasting. The only slight concern was the number of chances we created and missed! Still, no complaints from me - we were cool, calm and collected, and let our football do the talking for us. As I’ve said before, it’s not just goals that win games and the clean sheet was testimony to the hard work of everyone.
The only downside to the game was that one of the Owls Trust lads took a bad knock in the last minute, and unfortunately this later turned out to be a fracture.
Another good result and another excellent all-round team performance. We picked out Ross & Danny for Man of the Match but in truth it could have been several of the team.
So… our “Five Games to Christmas” run continues. Six points from six so far!
Now Owls Trust can be a difficult side to play against, they invariably have some skilful players and are quite capable of punishing you if you don’t pay attention to the details. Having beaten them once already this season, there was nothing to fear other than us adopting a "this’ll be easy" approach. We needed to bring last week’s grit and determination into this game, and stamp our authority on it, early doors.
Finally the ref. arrived (traffic had been bad) and we kicked off. Almost immediately we began to dictate the pace and shape of the game, and took an early lead through Ross with 5 minutes gone. I was well proud of them as they went about their task of clinically "killing off the game" – the sign of a team that is maturing all the time.
Three more goals - Danny (15 mins.), Ross (30 mins.) and Will (35 mins.) and we reached half time in a really commanding position. In the team-talk we didn’t need to say much beyond, "more of the same, please".
And that’s what we did – only better! Second half goals from Ross (3 more), Danny (2 more) and Sam, and we were coasting. The only slight concern was the number of chances we created and missed! Still, no complaints from me - we were cool, calm and collected, and let our football do the talking for us. As I’ve said before, it’s not just goals that win games and the clean sheet was testimony to the hard work of everyone.
The only downside to the game was that one of the Owls Trust lads took a bad knock in the last minute, and unfortunately this later turned out to be a fracture.
Another good result and another excellent all-round team performance. We picked out Ross & Danny for Man of the Match but in truth it could have been several of the team.
So… our “Five Games to Christmas” run continues. Six points from six so far!
Monday, 12 November 2007
Sunday 11 November 2007 vs. Thurcroft Tornados (home)
At Monday’s training session we’d discussed the fact that there were 5 games to go before the Christmas/New Year break, and that these were 5 games we could (and should) win. Fifteen points there for the taking! The big question to them was "How much do you want them?"
And this was the message that me and Neil gave them again before kick off. We asked for something extra and I was specific in so far as 'lose, draw or win' I wouldn’t be happy with them if they hadn’t put the effort in. This was not the time for a stroll in the park!
To their credit – they took this on board and set off like a team determined. Thurcroft were the only team (up to that point) to have taken anything from the league leaders, Cresswell. When talking to their manager before the game, "fitness and fight" was what he said had got them a point.
Off we went and ten minutes or so into the game it became one way traffic. We were pressing hard, with chances on goal from open play and from set plays too. The goods news was that we were getting stuck in AND playing good football. The only concern was one of the oldest 'sods law'/football curses - the team that has all the play is then punished by a breakaway goal totally against the run of things.
But we kept going and on 30 minutes we got our reward through the ever-dangerous Danny Tinsley. Danny and Ross Revill were unstoppable through the middle. With Alex H and Mat working magic down the wings, and Ants turning on the style in the middle, everything was going our way, and we got a second through Will five minutes before half time. Although this was the crowning moment of Will's effectiveness going forward, his real contribution was the grit and determination he showed in bossing the midfield. A Captain leading by example.
Half time came and so far, so good.
After the restart, we picked up where we had left off, until one of the Thurcroft lads took a bad knock in a 50/50 challenge. It was the five or so minutes stoppage that seemed to affect us and spoil our concentration, and we were pushed back for a good while, just as they had been in the first half. They pulled a goal back and it became a real test of character for our lot.
So far I’ve not mentioned the defence. Tom was handling it all brilliantly and making some fine saves. Ben Simmo and Ollie were solid at full back and the sheer presence of Lew (another massive performance) and Alex B (strength plus skill) got us through this tricky patch.
We started playing good football again and I put on Chris and Sam for Alex and Mat on the wings. The quality didn’t dip and Chris, Ross and Danny were involved in a move that saw us put the ball in the net again only to be ruled offside. Connor went on to sit in front of the back for and did a good job there as we 'dug deep' to see ourselves home to a well-deserved win.
Credit due to everyone, there was a real difference in how they approached this game. Put simply – for all of the previous games, they had turned up, listened to what we had to say and then gone out and played football (some of it good, some of it not so good). Today they went out and applied themselves to winning a game of football. Doing that, was, of course, still about playing the game, but they all went onto that pitch with a determination to compete and battle for every ball and every opportunity and not to let them get the better of us. They were all excellent and 'came of age' as a football team (as opposed to being just a collection of good players).
And this was the message that me and Neil gave them again before kick off. We asked for something extra and I was specific in so far as 'lose, draw or win' I wouldn’t be happy with them if they hadn’t put the effort in. This was not the time for a stroll in the park!
To their credit – they took this on board and set off like a team determined. Thurcroft were the only team (up to that point) to have taken anything from the league leaders, Cresswell. When talking to their manager before the game, "fitness and fight" was what he said had got them a point.
Off we went and ten minutes or so into the game it became one way traffic. We were pressing hard, with chances on goal from open play and from set plays too. The goods news was that we were getting stuck in AND playing good football. The only concern was one of the oldest 'sods law'/football curses - the team that has all the play is then punished by a breakaway goal totally against the run of things.
But we kept going and on 30 minutes we got our reward through the ever-dangerous Danny Tinsley. Danny and Ross Revill were unstoppable through the middle. With Alex H and Mat working magic down the wings, and Ants turning on the style in the middle, everything was going our way, and we got a second through Will five minutes before half time. Although this was the crowning moment of Will's effectiveness going forward, his real contribution was the grit and determination he showed in bossing the midfield. A Captain leading by example.
Half time came and so far, so good.
After the restart, we picked up where we had left off, until one of the Thurcroft lads took a bad knock in a 50/50 challenge. It was the five or so minutes stoppage that seemed to affect us and spoil our concentration, and we were pushed back for a good while, just as they had been in the first half. They pulled a goal back and it became a real test of character for our lot.
So far I’ve not mentioned the defence. Tom was handling it all brilliantly and making some fine saves. Ben Simmo and Ollie were solid at full back and the sheer presence of Lew (another massive performance) and Alex B (strength plus skill) got us through this tricky patch.
We started playing good football again and I put on Chris and Sam for Alex and Mat on the wings. The quality didn’t dip and Chris, Ross and Danny were involved in a move that saw us put the ball in the net again only to be ruled offside. Connor went on to sit in front of the back for and did a good job there as we 'dug deep' to see ourselves home to a well-deserved win.
Credit due to everyone, there was a real difference in how they approached this game. Put simply – for all of the previous games, they had turned up, listened to what we had to say and then gone out and played football (some of it good, some of it not so good). Today they went out and applied themselves to winning a game of football. Doing that, was, of course, still about playing the game, but they all went onto that pitch with a determination to compete and battle for every ball and every opportunity and not to let them get the better of us. They were all excellent and 'came of age' as a football team (as opposed to being just a collection of good players).
Sunday, 4 November 2007
Sunday 4 November 2007 vs. Creswell Parish (away)
Creswell were top of the league before the game. We travelled out on a sunny afternoon to our most distant league game. The Old Cricket Ground in Creswell. I don't know the last time a game of cricket was played on this surface, but the grass was longer than our back lawn, which itself is like a prairie! Not a pitch for silky Henri-like football then!
No excuses though, the best football came from the home side, and, more worryingly, they out-muscled us for everything. I've really not a lot to say about the game, it was 80 minutes of dedication and commitment, and the side that wanted the result the most got it. Nothing spectacular, nothing wonderful -it was a hard slog and hopefully we will have learned from it.
I started to bend the ear of one or two of them at half time, but took a look at the face of our captain (Will) - streaming with sweat, and knew that it wasn't through lack of trying.
The last goal was just rubbing our noses in it, though. Their attacker was well offside, and I don't mean it to sound like sour grapes, he was bang-to-rights. But no whistle and I embarassed myself by getting wound up and shouting some nonsense like "that's why you're ***** ing top of the league"! I'll keep that in to try to give a taste for the kind of frustrating afternoon that we had.
And we surely all got frustrated - me and Neil,parents, subs - everyone. But after the game there was absolutely no point in a rant, it would have achieved nowt. So I sent them home with nothing other than: "think about your own performance here, think about how we played as a team and we'll talk tomorrow (training)"
The score? We lost 0-5 and Creswell were still top of the league as we drove away.
No excuses though, the best football came from the home side, and, more worryingly, they out-muscled us for everything. I've really not a lot to say about the game, it was 80 minutes of dedication and commitment, and the side that wanted the result the most got it. Nothing spectacular, nothing wonderful -it was a hard slog and hopefully we will have learned from it.
I started to bend the ear of one or two of them at half time, but took a look at the face of our captain (Will) - streaming with sweat, and knew that it wasn't through lack of trying.
The last goal was just rubbing our noses in it, though. Their attacker was well offside, and I don't mean it to sound like sour grapes, he was bang-to-rights. But no whistle and I embarassed myself by getting wound up and shouting some nonsense like "that's why you're ***** ing top of the league"! I'll keep that in to try to give a taste for the kind of frustrating afternoon that we had.
And we surely all got frustrated - me and Neil,parents, subs - everyone. But after the game there was absolutely no point in a rant, it would have achieved nowt. So I sent them home with nothing other than: "think about your own performance here, think about how we played as a team and we'll talk tomorrow (training)"
The score? We lost 0-5 and Creswell were still top of the league as we drove away.
Sunday, 28 October 2007
Sunday 28 October 2007 vs. Oxspring United (home)
Thank goodness it stopped raining. As I'd looked out of the window in the morning, it seemed like it might be one of those days of battling away in driving rain. But when we turned up at Reignhead the sun was shining. Our opponents today are Oxspring United from way up north!
We started strongly and were in front through Ross after 5 minutes. We could’ve had 3 or 4 more with some good attacking work from Ross and Danny, and Chris hit a scorcher which forced their keeper into his best save of the game, as he parried it round the post.
Defence were pretty solid with Joe and Ben holding the flanks and Alex Birkett and Lew unbeatable in the middle. I can’t leave out midfield – Will and Chris were tireless in the heart of midfield, and Alex Hewitt and Mat worked some magic down the wings.
At half time, we were definitely worth our one goal lead – but, it ought to have been more, and they’d rallied in the last five and caused us a few tricky moments.
The re-start came with play see-sawing between us and them – we need a second! Then one of their defenders handled in the box and Danny stepped up cool as you like to give us some daylight and breathing space. Chris seemed to be tiring so Connor went on with instructions to sit just in front of the back four and “break it up”. He did that most of the time. Actually, I couldn’t fault him the one time he didn’t stick to the plan – ‘cos he picked the ball up just inside their half, beat 5 or 6 players and put it in the net! Fantastic! Three up and looking good. The game was effectively over by then, Sam had come on and added to the attacking options and I thought we looked pretty comfortable from there on in. Sam’s well-taken goal 10 minutes from time was icing on the cake.
The only player I’ve not mentioned so far is Nick who’s brave and alert goalkeeping kept them out at the times when they might have punished us. A superb display. And another mention for Lew who was awesome throughout.
How good does it feel, I asked afterwards. “Flppin’ wonderful!” – they all agreed (or words to that effect). And me and Neil thought so too, as we searched for lost balls. Their manager came over and said we were the “best team they’ve played so far”. I hope they all went home and felt proud of themselves and the team. I know I did.
And – although it was the first day of winter time, and the afternnon was drawing in - the sun was still shining brightly as I left Reignhead...
We started strongly and were in front through Ross after 5 minutes. We could’ve had 3 or 4 more with some good attacking work from Ross and Danny, and Chris hit a scorcher which forced their keeper into his best save of the game, as he parried it round the post.
Defence were pretty solid with Joe and Ben holding the flanks and Alex Birkett and Lew unbeatable in the middle. I can’t leave out midfield – Will and Chris were tireless in the heart of midfield, and Alex Hewitt and Mat worked some magic down the wings.
At half time, we were definitely worth our one goal lead – but, it ought to have been more, and they’d rallied in the last five and caused us a few tricky moments.
The re-start came with play see-sawing between us and them – we need a second! Then one of their defenders handled in the box and Danny stepped up cool as you like to give us some daylight and breathing space. Chris seemed to be tiring so Connor went on with instructions to sit just in front of the back four and “break it up”. He did that most of the time. Actually, I couldn’t fault him the one time he didn’t stick to the plan – ‘cos he picked the ball up just inside their half, beat 5 or 6 players and put it in the net! Fantastic! Three up and looking good. The game was effectively over by then, Sam had come on and added to the attacking options and I thought we looked pretty comfortable from there on in. Sam’s well-taken goal 10 minutes from time was icing on the cake.
The only player I’ve not mentioned so far is Nick who’s brave and alert goalkeeping kept them out at the times when they might have punished us. A superb display. And another mention for Lew who was awesome throughout.
How good does it feel, I asked afterwards. “Flppin’ wonderful!” – they all agreed (or words to that effect). And me and Neil thought so too, as we searched for lost balls. Their manager came over and said we were the “best team they’ve played so far”. I hope they all went home and felt proud of themselves and the team. I know I did.
And – although it was the first day of winter time, and the afternnon was drawing in - the sun was still shining brightly as I left Reignhead...
Sunday, 21 October 2007
Sunday 21 October 2007 vs Charnock (away)
The romance of the cup! Today we face a team a couple of division above us. No cause for concern, we all know what can happen in cup ties. The form book often goes out of the window and it's what happens on the day that counts. As favourites - do they think they must win? Will they underestimate us, or do they know enough not to? Do we go out and play like we know we can, or do we let a little bit of nerves creep in? Does that little bit of luck go for us or against us? Does their keeper have a bad cold? Did our attackers have an early night?! So many factors can influence a game, and this is not FIFA Championship Manager (or whatever) and a computer will have no bearing on what will unfold today.
Well, the sun shone and the pitch at Lightwood was lush and green. Anyone who has ever been in a game up there with puddles all over the pitch and a howling wind blowing sleet in your face will know that's a big plus. We had Chris Sykes available for the first time, and a full squad to choose from. With a few adjustments to the starting line up, we took the field bright eyed and ready to go.
Charnock were strong and disciplined. They didn't rush headlong at us, and, because of that there was space to exploit if we could. I won't write a great deal about the game - unfortunately I had to miss some of it, but Neil gave me the lowdown later.
They took an early lead on 5 minutes through a defensive mis-read that most of the time means nothing, but today cost us. Not deterred, we pressed forwarded and fought to contain them on the break. We were rewarded with an excellent long range goal from Chris Sykes and there were other half chances that might have gone for us.
But... as I said earlier they were disciplined and patient and ended up with five goals to their credit. No cup run for us this year, then.
Always look on the bright side; their organisation and the way they went about taking us on, brought food for thought and highlighted some areas to work on that can only do us good, long-term. Monday night at Spinkhill beckons!
Well, the sun shone and the pitch at Lightwood was lush and green. Anyone who has ever been in a game up there with puddles all over the pitch and a howling wind blowing sleet in your face will know that's a big plus. We had Chris Sykes available for the first time, and a full squad to choose from. With a few adjustments to the starting line up, we took the field bright eyed and ready to go.
Charnock were strong and disciplined. They didn't rush headlong at us, and, because of that there was space to exploit if we could. I won't write a great deal about the game - unfortunately I had to miss some of it, but Neil gave me the lowdown later.
They took an early lead on 5 minutes through a defensive mis-read that most of the time means nothing, but today cost us. Not deterred, we pressed forwarded and fought to contain them on the break. We were rewarded with an excellent long range goal from Chris Sykes and there were other half chances that might have gone for us.
But... as I said earlier they were disciplined and patient and ended up with five goals to their credit. No cup run for us this year, then.
Always look on the bright side; their organisation and the way they went about taking us on, brought food for thought and highlighted some areas to work on that can only do us good, long-term. Monday night at Spinkhill beckons!
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
Sunday 7 October vs Greaseborough (home)
Kevin told me before the game that he'd overheard them talking about, "an easy 3 points"! What a shock for them! They obviously thought that, as a new team, we needed to be taught a lesson and were going to sit attentively while they showed us this new fangled game. What they hadn't reckoned on was our "fight" and our spirit and our determination not to roll over and give up! I think the tone of their touchline coaching said it all, and there were several Greaseborough players with bruised ears by the end of the game!
But it wasn't only our "bottle" that saw us through - we are actually a good side, and getting better. What we lack at the moment is a bit of cohesion in a couple of key areas.
Now, anyone who tells me you can weld together a first-class defensive unit in a few weeks has got a couple of "Terrys" and a few "Nevilles" in the squad. For sure there are excellent defences at this age and at this level, but I bet you a fiver they've been together for a few years.
We (me and Neil) know the back four is often too flat - something to work on , and with the calibre of players we've got - I know it'll come right. The keepers are a key part of that as well. But I'm here to praise and everyone of the defensive unit gave their all - thanks, lads.
Midfield fired in fits and starts, Mat was excellent on the left - going forward AND coming back. Spot on. The others were good too - we just need to be stronger at times and wait for the pass rather than try to force balls forward that just aren't there.
Upfront we were superb and all except Sam (next time, Sam) got something for their effort.
What an excellent squad this is - and with hard work and patience it'll really start to pay off.
The ref and his 2 trusty assistants had good games and I don't have to tell you how much of a bonus it is to have match officials who you can trust to get on and do the job. Thanks Si, Raz & Adam!
The sun shone, we didn't (amazingly) lose any balls, the dogsh*t count was low and the Reignhead End brought some good support!
And, yes we went down 3-4, but one day we'll look back and smile.
Next up is Charnock in the cup. A Division "D" side. Wonder if they think they'll get an easy ride...?!
But it wasn't only our "bottle" that saw us through - we are actually a good side, and getting better. What we lack at the moment is a bit of cohesion in a couple of key areas.
Now, anyone who tells me you can weld together a first-class defensive unit in a few weeks has got a couple of "Terrys" and a few "Nevilles" in the squad. For sure there are excellent defences at this age and at this level, but I bet you a fiver they've been together for a few years.
We (me and Neil) know the back four is often too flat - something to work on , and with the calibre of players we've got - I know it'll come right. The keepers are a key part of that as well. But I'm here to praise and everyone of the defensive unit gave their all - thanks, lads.
Midfield fired in fits and starts, Mat was excellent on the left - going forward AND coming back. Spot on. The others were good too - we just need to be stronger at times and wait for the pass rather than try to force balls forward that just aren't there.
Upfront we were superb and all except Sam (next time, Sam) got something for their effort.
What an excellent squad this is - and with hard work and patience it'll really start to pay off.
The ref and his 2 trusty assistants had good games and I don't have to tell you how much of a bonus it is to have match officials who you can trust to get on and do the job. Thanks Si, Raz & Adam!
The sun shone, we didn't (amazingly) lose any balls, the dogsh*t count was low and the Reignhead End brought some good support!
And, yes we went down 3-4, but one day we'll look back and smile.
Next up is Charnock in the cup. A Division "D" side. Wonder if they think they'll get an easy ride...?!
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