NO SELF BELIEF

Subs

• P.Barber for McLoughlin
• Powell for Abbott
• Hill for Halloran

A strange game today that seemed to show the best and worst of Olton Ravens all at once.  For 15 minutes we bossed the game and looked more than a match for the table topping Heathway.  Then we conceded a goal and the heads seemed to drop and the lack of self belief was evident for all to see.  It was as if we were just waiting for them to score.  I know we can beat these teams, I have seen enough to be sure of that. 

We stuck with the team that did so well last weekend and once again the signs were there that we had turned a corner from a poor form just after Christmas.  Defensively we looked well organised and sound and the pacey and talented Heathway forwards were struggling to cause problems.  Our midfield had dominated the early proceedings and our bright start was rewarded with a goal when Michael Halloran scored from 25 yards.  Great goal. 

We seemed to take our foot of the as a bit here and let Heathway back into the game. We continued to defend well but we eventually conceded to a corner that was never cleared properly and the rebound was turned into the net.  I find myself writing about goals conceded from corners far too often.  We still have a reluctance to head the ball at both ends of the pitch and this is costing us.       

Half time was 1-1 and we had more than held our own.  Dylan was replaced by Paul Barber as we were looking for a more physical approach up front.  The 2nd half was a different story as the Heathway midfielders took control.  We seemed at little ragged at times and basic errors were creeping in.  Jim uncharacteristically missed one or two clearances and Scotty and Mikey were struggling with the midfield runners who were not being tracked back.  We had lost our confidence and seemed resigned to the fact that we would lose this one.

The goals came, another form a corner and a Ryan error before we once again raised our game.  Mark played in at least 5 quality corners and free kicks that we didn’t get on the end of.  Mark is a great weapon to have with his set pieces.  If only we had a player who was willing to put his head in where it hurts.

The final whistle went and we had lost 4-1.  The score line flattered the Heathway who hadn’t really impressed. 

The negatives were how quickly our heads went down and how we didn’t seem to believe we could win the game at all. We had talked ourselves out of it before the whistle was blown.  We need to start heading the ball more and we are too slow pushing out when we do clear the ball.

On the positive side we did dominate a top team for 15 minutes and the passing football was again there to be seen.  We defended well as a unit for long periods and Ryan once again made some fine saves.  The midfield was slightly over run but all the players made contributions at one point or another.  Mike Halloran scored another good goal and Dylan’s all round game seems to be getting better and better.

Next week is another big game against Callowbrook.  One we could do with winning to take confidence into the Ulverley cup match.  We were by no means disgraced today and the progression in the last few weeks seems to be continuing.

Steve