Well, not really sure how to put last nights game into words. We should not have lost this game, FACT. We had control of the game throughout and made their striker; who once was know as Captain Italian, quite.
We moved the ball up the pitch well, playing balls fast from the back into Garys feet. The only problem we had was the supporting from the midfield/defence. It felt that once we got into the fianl 3rd we ran out of options.
It was definately a shame to let in a goal in the last minute of the game, but thats what happens when your pushing for the win.
Nice to see a good crowd on the sideline tonight. Iain was accompanied by Georges Lady friend who kept him in shape. Good performance though guys.
Personal thought, we need to either release Shags from defensive duties or have John or Josh up front. We had no teeth and when team realise that we are no threat up front they just keep pushing us back and keeping us under pressure. In that scenario we are always susceptible to defeat to a late snatched goal.
More worryingly (especially for George) is the quote above that poor Bec's was keeping Ian in shape on the sidelines. I missed that but how on earth did you catch her??
Our system works if we keep the shape and focus on a passing game. I felt it was all too rushed and frantic and we played into their hands. There was too much running with the ball and not enough composure.
Playing me up front only really works if there are supporting midfielders. I will hold the ball up and lay it off and bring ohers into play. It works best when I'm accompanied by somebody with pace like Josh (or John last week). The mechanics are that I drop to receive the ball, lay it back and the ball is then played quickly forward to a midfielder pushing forward. alternatively I turn and play the ball into the player running forward. We scored 2 goals in this way last week.
I hear what you say Bazza but when Shaggy was up there on his own his goal ratio wasn't that good. We need to play more in pairs. Granted, Shaggy has more pace and perhaps in the absence of Josh we play him up front but is this detracting from a solid defence? I'm happy to play just behind in midfield with a view to holding up the ball and binging others into play.
If we had the nominated 7 I think we would have no problems but with the changing personnel, perhaps if we have no pacey midfielder, then I'm happy to drop further back.
We need to try and recapture our natural passing game and start enjoying it again for this is frustrating!
Gary, don't get me wrong the position you are playing is spot on and the comments you made are what I meant to say really with the exception of the fact that I felt you were dragged so deep this week you played more of a controlling midfield role (personal opinion of course). This was more of a necessity really due to the fact that we did not have that threat running through! I feel a Josh or John are a must!
Is John the guy with the sense of humour and conversation skills?
In the style of another " "