We returned to action this week against local rivals Putlands after a lengthy lay off due to the weather.
From the off both sides looked very rusty and lethargic and as a spectacle the game was a never going to be that exciting. However we were not there for the spectators, we were there purely for the 3 points, which would have still kept promotion within our sites. Within 10 mins anyone watching would have realised they were there for the taking, with even a half decent performance.
The game seemed to be being played at walking pace, but we were the ones playing reasonable football, and creating, what only can be described as sitters, which came and went on more than one occasion, without us troubling the scorers. They had 1 quick forward who was their only threat. 0-0 at half time and a plea for a little more effort and quality, which would see us take the points.
After about 55mins we did take the lead, via the head of Dave Hymers who somehow managed to rise above the Keeper to glance the ball home. The lead however was short lived as their forward swivelled in the box and fired home. We continued to create chances, which at this standard have to be taken, but were not, and this is how it ended. Very much 2 points lost.
More alarming than the performance was the attitude of a selection of the players. No team has ever won anything, who were not united together, quality is not enough, you have to work for each other, not against.
I believed as a side we were making progress from last season, but after today, we were right back where we started at the beginning of the season. To have players coming off saying, I don’t want to play if this carries on, and others just generally sulking is very disappointing. In football you have to be able to take an element of criticism, and continue with your game, not still be arguing 10 mins later. We also seem not to be able to follow simple instructions. This has to be stopped now, otherwise, the youngsters we have managed to sign this year, will not be there next year, we will not progress as a club, and we will continue to tread water in the lower regions of the 2nd division.
Squad: