Subs

• Evans for Matthews
• Barnes for Powell
• Twist for Cardall

Absentees

• Bissell
• Abbey
• S.Martin
• A.Martin

I’m starting to think 2004 may be a jinx for Olton Ravens. We have yet to win and have only scored 3 goals in 5 games, including no goal at all in the last 3.

One thing that was put right against Coldlands was our defending. We have conceded far too many goals lately and I thought to only concede 1 against that strong wind was a fantastic achievement. I thought Daniel had his best game for us so far and was a very close contender for man of the match. Dean was faultless at left back and looked great when he got forward in the 2^nd half. Michael was as solid as he has been in recent weeks and Henry had his best game in a long time…a great achievement considering he was playing in a new position.

The problem is, each week when we are trying to decide our man of the match it is always a few defenders, Scott (a defensive midfielder) and maybe Ryan that are getting a mention. It’s very rarely the other midfielders or the forwards. To have only scored 21 goals in 16 games this season is really a terrible thing. Our midfielders do a great job defensively but as a unit they need to get into more goal-scoring positions. Being a midfielder is about creating chances and we are not doing it. Our midfield has only contributed 5 goals all season.

As for the forwards, they need to realise that being a striker isn’t only about tapping in our chances, it’s about working for the team and creating opportunities for other people. This hasn’t happened all season and is a definite weakness in our vast squad.

I thought Paul did reasonably well for his 1^st game ever in Sunday football. His 1^st half performance was very encouraging and I’m sure he will turn out to be an asset in future games.

CJ stepped into midfield in Rob’s absence and once again gave a battling and gritty performance; it was he who came closest to scoring with his shot over the bar just after half time.

Sonny, Carl, Scott and CJ battled hard which is great but they never really got the ball over the top at all in the 2^nd half as they were asked to do.

We are now in a straight dogfight with Leafield, Solihull and Knowle Robins. We play Leafield and Knowle twice each so at least our destiny is in our own hands.

We need goals from everybody; don’t leave it for somebody else. Make sure you score on Sunday no matter what position you are in!…..Ok, Ryan, Maybe I will let you off…but only this once.

Steve