City 3 Wealdstone 2
Nov 18, 2017 23:47:14 GMT
Post by Rijs on Nov 18, 2017 23:47:14 GMT
Thought we played well today: brilliant first ten minutes, then afterwards in patches, but we defended well under pressure and Jack didn't have to pull off a string of fine saves this week. Of course, being City the boys gave us a nervy last six minutes, but they are finding a way to win league matches now, and that just wasn't happening earlier in the season. One difference is that before, we could have a good spell but get nothing from it; now, when that happens we are getting a goal (or two, as today) and then, although we cannot maintain that pace and pressure throughout, we are better able to hold the lead because we are defending with a bit more grit and resolution. Maybe Mo Fofana, in his quiet way, can take some of the credit for that. He may not be the most creative player, but his presence has balanced the team better and, as Jonah indicated in his programme notes, that frees up players just in front of him to get well forward in attack.
The Stones were worth their two goals because they had more possession (maybe 60-40?), with more efforts on goal and corners than we produced. But they never quite recovered from being caught napping early on, and when they were threatening to equalise, Reece (good to see him fit again) popped up to finish off a fine breakaway move. You could see why they hadn't lost in seven before today, and I reckon they'll be top half and maybe in the play-offs by April if they continue like this.
No weak performances today. I thought Freddie had another good game. He is getting better week by week at the moment, after a disappointing first couple of months this season. I hope Rob Sinclair is all right as he is such a key player, and it will be good to have Hendo fit again soon.
So, on to Bognor for what looks like a relegation six-pointer after their good win away today. The lower teams in this league like them, ourselves, Concord and Poole are all quite capable of beating higher-placed opposition on their day, which makes this a very competitive league, and so the relegation battle will be long and hard. Of course we're naturally all thinking a bit more about Hereford and Notts County, but come the end of the season it may be Tuesday's result which has more bearing upon our future next season, so we need another focused performance there. Will Jonah give anyone a rest to keep the squad fresh?
The Stones were worth their two goals because they had more possession (maybe 60-40?), with more efforts on goal and corners than we produced. But they never quite recovered from being caught napping early on, and when they were threatening to equalise, Reece (good to see him fit again) popped up to finish off a fine breakaway move. You could see why they hadn't lost in seven before today, and I reckon they'll be top half and maybe in the play-offs by April if they continue like this.
No weak performances today. I thought Freddie had another good game. He is getting better week by week at the moment, after a disappointing first couple of months this season. I hope Rob Sinclair is all right as he is such a key player, and it will be good to have Hendo fit again soon.
So, on to Bognor for what looks like a relegation six-pointer after their good win away today. The lower teams in this league like them, ourselves, Concord and Poole are all quite capable of beating higher-placed opposition on their day, which makes this a very competitive league, and so the relegation battle will be long and hard. Of course we're naturally all thinking a bit more about Hereford and Notts County, but come the end of the season it may be Tuesday's result which has more bearing upon our future next season, so we need another focused performance there. Will Jonah give anyone a rest to keep the squad fresh?
