A think a draw today was exactly what both teams deserved. Neither Eastwood or ourselves played brilliantly. Our defending was poor at the best of times and our passing sloppy. Going forward we created several decent opportunities but very little sustained pressure. At times it was neck breaking stuff watching the ball fly from one end to the other. We look a disjointed team after the winter break, something which no doubt will improve game after game.
Listening to Rob Scott after the match, I thought his comments on our defending were spot on. Since the winter break our defence is an open door, something I never thought I'd say this season. With injuries to defenders, we're now looking very exposed and without many alternatives. I wonder if the managers are looking for another defender to come in on a loan to help out and relieve some of the pressure.
I feel that up front, we're never going to score many, you only have to look at the goal average to see this. This is becoming more apparent as the season progresses. Newsham doesn't look to have that comfortable goal scoring ability that he did in the league below. Danny and Mikel will pop up with a few here and there, but are by no means conventional strikers. SWD is a very good player and will bag his fair share no doubt, as will Yates. But most importantly we've no reliable goal scorer to depend on when things are going against us. Ryan Kendal who plays for Trinity, highlighted exactly the kind of player we need in our squad. Someone with the ability to shoot when instantly presented with a shot on goal and to score from these chances.
It would be absurd to expect us to win the league on our first season I believe. With no disrespect to any player, I honestly believe this team will cement us as a decent team in the BSN, but not promotion contenders. I'm more than happy to watch us in the BSN for a season or two, but it seems alot are expecting the impossible of these players and managers to get us straight into the conference with the first attempt. Players will come and go before we see conference football I'm certain. The most influential factor in gaining promotion is finance available to buy improved players. Our current squad are no pay cheque grabbers and will do us proud in the meantime with their continuing hard work and hunger to strive to be better players. Most importanlty, patience is needed from us, the supporters and secondly encouragement. Players don't set out to loose a game and they don't need moronic comments and abuse that I still hear from "fans" at games. Get behind the lads.
Keep the faith !
