kirsikka
UTC Legend
A match that could personify football cliché. Bottom of the table, points deductions, negative points plays (until the earlier matches) top of the table. Unless the obvious candidates for a win are ruthless, football dictates there will only be one possible result. That was what was lacking there. We should have looked to dominate them from first minute and stayed on it until the game was put to bed. Instead, we were tentative and let them know there was a game to be had if they wanted to chase it.
Despite all that, we still had plenty of opportunities to finish the match when in front, or equalise when behind. Chances where we didn't even work the keeper.
You won't win every game when you win a title but, usually, title winning sides win matches that are in the balance where they have chances fall their way.
The first half was alright, even if the lead was probably undeserved. The second half was terrible.
I know Parker had to shuffle the pack today but it didn't really work. They didn't look psyched up for the match. The defence didn't looked as organised. I know that there were two, maybe three changes from the first choice defensive four but the defending on the corner was comical.
It looked like a midtable outfit playing against a team fighting for their lives. It wasn't pretty. Still, the games come thick and fast now so there's an early chance to put it right in midweek.
Positives:
Davis - When we looked threatening it was often due to runs he was making on or off the ball. Shaky at the back sometimes but also good at making a recovery tackle. Plus, you can be more forgiving of defensive errors if the full back is a threat at the other end.
Room for improvement:
Stacey - Forget the goals a moment (Kilkenny's ball didn't help him on one), until the final few minutes he was so passive going forward it was a huge disappointment.
Billing - his lung busting run aside, this was the other Billing on show today.
Rogers - I know he's only had minutes here and there which is always a tricky ask, and its harsh to single him out in that performance. However, we can't keep bringing him on if he isn't going to have any impact at all. It feels like every time he gets the ball he gives it away. I'm sure there's a player in there but I'm not sure if he's a player for us right now. I'd love to be proved wrong though.
Despite all that, we still had plenty of opportunities to finish the match when in front, or equalise when behind. Chances where we didn't even work the keeper.
You won't win every game when you win a title but, usually, title winning sides win matches that are in the balance where they have chances fall their way.
The first half was alright, even if the lead was probably undeserved. The second half was terrible.
I know Parker had to shuffle the pack today but it didn't really work. They didn't look psyched up for the match. The defence didn't looked as organised. I know that there were two, maybe three changes from the first choice defensive four but the defending on the corner was comical.
It looked like a midtable outfit playing against a team fighting for their lives. It wasn't pretty. Still, the games come thick and fast now so there's an early chance to put it right in midweek.
Positives:
Davis - When we looked threatening it was often due to runs he was making on or off the ball. Shaky at the back sometimes but also good at making a recovery tackle. Plus, you can be more forgiving of defensive errors if the full back is a threat at the other end.
Room for improvement:
Stacey - Forget the goals a moment (Kilkenny's ball didn't help him on one), until the final few minutes he was so passive going forward it was a huge disappointment.
Billing - his lung busting run aside, this was the other Billing on show today.
Rogers - I know he's only had minutes here and there which is always a tricky ask, and its harsh to single him out in that performance. However, we can't keep bringing him on if he isn't going to have any impact at all. It feels like every time he gets the ball he gives it away. I'm sure there's a player in there but I'm not sure if he's a player for us right now. I'd love to be proved wrong though.