An away day victory, but again we had to come from behind to secure the points. Not 1-0 but 2-0 down at the half this time.
We did have the elements against us in the first half with a strong wind blowing down the pitch, and a glaring sun in our eyes. But this cannot be solely responsible for the below par performance we put in. We were incapable of keeping possession for any sustained time, and frequently made wrong decisions when on the ball. When we did manage to get a move going, 90% of the time we failed to deliver the final ball. They had vastly changed their personnel from when we beat them at home, and this resulted in a long ball tactic, for their front two to run onto, or capitalise on our errors. Their two goals were results of us presenting them with the ball. Fortunately, they through us a lifeline, when one of the front two was sent off, for two bookable offences.
At half time we sorted the formation problems we were having, as I had started with a 3-5-2, but as it became apparent we could not adjust to this, we reverted to 4-4-2, which the players seemed happier with. I will take the wrap for that one.
With conditions in our favour, we were camped in their half from the off, and our general play was improving. This resulted in Alun Evans getting our first, with a sweetly struck shot from the edge of the area. James Philpott made it 2-2 when his cross ended up in the net. Ashley had to have his wits about him on a couple occasions, as they broke away, but he dived bravely at the attackers feet, to snuff out any threat. Aus was introduced and his work rate, restricted them to hurried possession at best, which in turn meant we got the ball back more frequently.
With about 20 mins to go we took the lead when Ellsy slid in to convert a Philpott cross. 3-2 became 4-2 when Alun went on a mazy run and his shot deflected over the keeper.
All in all a good result from an average performance. With tougher challenges to come in the coming weeks, we will have to be a lot more switched on from the off in games.
Squad
A Pickworth
N Sargent
M Brown
L Gunning
A James
R James
M Wood
C Ells
J Philpott
A Evans
D Hymers
D McGuire
A Tasker