In hindsight this was one of those games where you wished that it had rained just that bit harder the day before so that the game was off rather than being happy that it was on and thinking that you would steal a march on your rivals.
Undoubtedly the state of the pitch had a lot to do with the performance and was a great leveller. That said we did not play well in any area of our game and showed for the first time this season a lack of composure on and off the ball. Previously when we have not played well we have generally still been in control of the game and as a consequence come through with the points. Yesterday that control was not there and we not only looked vulnerable defensively but also failed to create our normal of quota of chances up front.
Ramsfield worked hard throughout to close us down and this together with the heavy surface meant that our possession was rushed and often wasted. Despite playing up the slope they had the better of the opening ten minutes forcing us into several defensive errors. Having got through this, we then got on top and had a sustained period of play ourselves. This eventually led to Danny McGahan finishing off a through ball from Perko midway through the half. For a short while after it looked like we would add to the tally but a lack of finishing and quality ball allowed Ramsfield to stay in touch. We were punished four minutes before half time when a Ramsfield break down our left led to the ball being swept home at the far post.
Up the slope in the second half we held our own without being at all convincing. Our chances were limited principally through wasteful ball but on the odd occasion when we did manage to create we found their keeper in fine form. At the other end we had a better shape defensively but we remained vulnerable on the break as we continued to push for a winner.
Inevitably in the end the points were shared and this was a fair reflection of the game as we certainly did not do enough to win. We now have on paper three very tough games to come and we will need to improve significantly throughout the team if we are to get anything out of them.
To-date the side has generally delivered and it would be wrong to castigate them on the evidence of yesterday alone particularly when the surface was so poor. However, it is now time for us to step up to mark. We have a very strong squad and with six players unavailable from yesterday now back and ready to play everyone will be under pressure to deliver - which can only be a good thing.
Team:
L.Baker
A.Lindsey
M. Boorman
N. Coxon
I.Ward
L.Gent
M.Lawrence
M. Lester
D. McGahan
A. Evans
R. Perkins
Subs:
S. Colbran (for Gent)
M. Brown