Gaffers Gob 26/11/08

Last nights match can be summed up by my newly made up saying "What a difference half time makes".

With renewed confidence bolstered by a very strong performance in the first 10 minutes of the match, the Mollie's entered half time, although one down, confident of pressing and gaining a lead in the second half. Indeed this happened with the Mollie's equalising at 5 -5 just after half time. Unfortunately, they went on to score a further ten goals to our one.

My experience in goal tells me that the Mollie's have developed a slightly more defensive and counter attacking system in the time that Gareth and Nathan have been absent. With Nathan playing up front and not tracking back as much as Mike or Alan, i felt busier in goal. It may be that we should play in a 2-1-1 instead of a 2-2 with Nathan kind of utilised as a goal hanger and making use of forward passes and runs from the back from Mike, Leo and Alan (until his lungs allow him to track back more) . It seems to me that the Mollie's did not adequately adapt to a more attacking minded player returning (a similar problem to when Carlos played). That's not to detract from the constant threat on goal that Nathan poses and his finishing will become more clinical as his fitness and timing return and the Mollie's adapt to having him back up front (and it was nice to have someone make use of a kick off and to aim at when throwing the ball out). Alan (another goal threat of an entirely different calibre) was likely disappointed as his well finished own goal was disallowed for being over head height when he deflected it into the corner. However, it was a deadly finish none the less and one that the gaffer should be aware of at all times should he wish to back pass.

These teething problems should not detract from what was a very good performance at the back with Leo and Steve putting in very good defensive displays and Mike and Alan carrying the ball forward well. Unfortunately the Mollie's were a bit profligate up front (although their keeper(s) had a very good performance) despite Leo's long range effort being the goal of the game. Should our striking tighten up a bit i can feel confident that we'll do very when in Div 1. I say that in light of The Elite and Best Since Best (our next two opponents) drawing 17 all last night hinting that i may be something of a dart board in the next two matches.