WHERE'S THE PASSION

Subs

• Mcloughlin

• Stokes

• Broadhurst

• Davies

After last weeks cup heroics we all turned up for today’s game at Coleshill with renewed optimism in the league. Sadly, we quickly slipped back in to what I can best describe as a “Flat” performance in comparison to last week.

I obviously planned to go pretty much with the same side as last week. I opted for Dayle in attack, as he has been a strong performer for us this season and his performance as sub last week warranted a chance. Jonjo’s late arrival and Rob’s injury meant changes in midfield so Henry was paired with new comer Ross, who would be making his debut.

I felt we started very slowly and surprisingly seemed to lack confidence in possession. Too often we played the wrong pass to players who were marked when others were in better position.

We found ourselves on the back foot at times but to our credit we allowed Coleshill no clear cut chances. Coleshill were always looking for a long ball to the quick forward but Mark and Gray were fairly comfortable.

The back four which has been so good for us looked strangely out of sync at times. Jack and James seemed to struggle with their positioning and too often jumped into tackles. The defence looked liked 4 individuals rather than the coherent unit that we have been used to.

In midfield the ball just continued to be lost too often. Very poor passing and a lack of willingness to take a touch when there was plenty of time and space. We got involved in a long ball match with our continued inability to play the simple ball. Matty was getting frustrated at finding good positions and screaming for the ball, only to see it fly needless over his head to nobody. To be fair to Ross he was the one player who did try to look for the right ball and he was also quick to get forward and support the strikers which can only be a good thing for us in the coming weeks.

Upfront it was unfortunately the usual story. Not enough willingness to run and work when we have not got the ball and crucial (simple) chances were missed at a critical time. Mike had the 1st chance when he found himself 1 on 1 with the keeper with nobody anywhere near him. I was surprised to see him let the ball run across onto his weaker foot and his usually composure evaded him as he kicked the floor and his shot trickled harmlessly wide.

The next chance would fall to Dayle. Dylan had replaced Mike and shortly after his good ball put Dayle in on goal. He went for power when I believe a simple side foot into the corner may have worked better. The ball clipped the outside of the post and went wide.

We seemed to get worse as the game went on and worryingly we yet again put in an inept 2nd half display. It is the 3rd time this season that we have trailed 1-0 in the 1st half and basically give up when there is more than enough time to get a result.

Our subs that made such a decent impact the week before were largely anonymous this time. I have become a little concerned with a couple of players who seem unable or unwilling to due to job that has been asked of them.

As the game wore on Graham, Ross and Dayle were really working hard at the back to keep us in it. We did have a few half chances. Ryan crossed for Mark to glance a header over. Marks cross was headed high and wide by Henners. Finally one of our more decent moves at the end lead to Marks cross being handled in the box. A penalty was awarded and we had a chance to grab a point at the death. Mark too a very nervous looking pen by his standards and the keeper saved to ensure the 3 points went to Coleshill. That’s the 2nd time they have beat us 1-0 and once again we had the chances to take the points,

The goal that won the game summed up our day. Steve failed to deal with a high ball into our 6 yard box which everybody seemed to just stand and admire. I think Jacko got the final touch and a very messy goal mirrored our general performance.

Steve