WE MUST BE MORE CLINICAL

• Stokes for Foster
• Davies for Stokes
• Stokes for Palmer

Injured

• Abbott
• Halloran

Our 2^nd game in the Premier Division saw Open Cup Winners Coleshill visit Damson Lane. Coleshill were coming on the back of a 7-2 win last week and full of confidence. Our boys had got over last weeks disappointing performance and were now determined to show this league that we are capable of putting up a fight.

Getting 11 fit players out was the next issue for me. Halloran, as we know is out long term. Graham played although the doctor said he should not have and Jacko started the game but ended up coming off early with a bad back. Henry failed to get through the warm and wisely informed me that he would not be 100% so I decided to leave him out. Several changes were made from last week in both the team shape and personnel.

We would be kicking against a stiff breeze in the 1^st half and it was important that we started well. We certainly did and we passed the ball well in the early stages. We often found Dayle in space and Graham was making a strong impact in the middle of the park.

Coleshill did begin to get into the game and they began to attack us at regular intervals. Our back four stood firm and Stevo was always alert to the ball over the top. No real chances came. Coleshill has several shots from distance and we were limited to a few dangerous corners at the other end. Jackos early injury meant Jonjo dropping into right back. Robbo played deeper than he was and we again looked an even match for Coleshill.

The only goal of the game was poor from our point of view. Our defence kept losing there line and there was always one man playing everybody on side. The impressive James had won his battle with the dangerous forward until this point but the 1^st time the striker found space in the box the ball fell to him and he finished clinically. The 3^rd goal we have concede this season and they were all very avoidable.

The 2^nd half saw the Ravens finally find their feet in this league and we really turned on a performance that deserved 3 points. Endless corners and chances were missed. James headed against the underside of the bar from Jack Davies left foot cross. Jack himself went through and shot wide. Dylan had 2 shots very well saved. Mark had at least two headers that were not far off. Several corners bounced around in the 6 yard box with nobody able to find a finish.

All in all it was just one of those days. Their manager and coaches and the referee were quick to point out at the end that we were very unlucky to lose. I think the lesson to be learnt here is that in this league you cannot afford to miss these chances. You will get punished and end up with nothing.

I am definitely looking at the many positives though. Our defence and Stevo kept Coleshill relatively quiet – bearing in mind they scored 7 last week. The midfield won today’s battle with Graham and Rob both finding some of last seasons form. Jack Davies looked much more confident and a greater threat than against Chelmsley and James Grady once again impressed with his no nonsense style of play at both ends of the pitch.

We can take great heart from this. The only thing missing were the goals. It was nice to see we rediscovered the “battle”. Next week sees Knowle Robins return to damson not so long since their last visit. If we play the way we did in the 2^nd half we have a great chance of securing our 1^st Premiership points.

Steve