It was when, not if...

[GHA EFM]

And so begins another long and controversial post by yours truly, the Grand High Aviator...

 

I have to say that yesterday's performance against Braintree was one that I saw coming from a long way off, but hoped we would be able to steer around. Braintree were 1 place off the bottom of the league, and had only won 1 league game all season so far. We were top of the league having only lost 3.

 

For the last 10 games or so we have not been playing anywhere near the quality of football that the squad is, on paper, clearly capable of. Players of experience, skill, ability, flair and so on. Our (well, my) 1st choice side doesn't have a bad player in it's ranks.

 

However, for the last 10 or so games that we have not been playing well, we have been getting away with things. Playing badly against poor sides, yet other results going our way. Just. Possibly complacency has slipped into the ranks. The lads believed that they could keep playing below par yet still stay top of the league. This is mainly because other teams were failing to capitalise.

 

Yesterday will hopefully be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Braintree were not a good side. We were worse. People saying things like 'we have to put our chances away.' We scored 2 goals yesterday. If we had scored 3 we still would have lost. Teams should never concede 4 goals at home. Especially not against Braintree. Defensive lapses cost us dear. The goals were appalling goals to concede. A long hopeful ball over the top of Rhino's head, and their fella has a clear run in on goal. A simple header from a corner. A simple header from a cross. And a terrible clearance from Roberts, trying to find Naylor, leaves their bloke clean through again.

 

The midfield continues to play far to deep, too far away from the strikers. The defence seems content to hoof the ball. Too many long balls are being played forward. For heavens' sake boys, put the ball on the floor and spread it around. Players such as JC and Stevie Home have the ability to do this. So do it. Play further up the park. Give Craig Mackail-Smith a run out from the start. Just for one game. Try Wilmot in goal again. But sort it out soon, preferably by Tuesday.

 

Play like we did for the first 8 games of the season, and we can get a draw at Stockport. More importantly, we regain our place at the top of the league. The staff are the same. Either physically or mentally, someone sort it out.

[EFM The Firm, The Voice]

You forgot to mention Beckett

[HelenC]

Yeah. Why the hell is someone like him playing in the reserves? Does anyone know when Crawshaw will bw back as well?

[True Saint]

Have to agree with most of what you say GHA. Games are generally won and lost in midfield and ours is just not functioning at the moment. Castle is not the player he was at the start of the season and I question if he is carrying an injury, because something clearly isn't right with him. Challinor I really feel sorry for, the guy performs week in and week out but he cannot do the work of the whole midfield. Oakes has to start, he is a class act. Take a look at how many balls he wastes - not very many. The problem midfield position is the left side and has been all season and at worst we should try Kean there and maybe there will a little bit more inventiveness.

 

I don't have too much of a problem with the forwards. If they get the service, they will do the business but with no Crawshaw around, the opposition defences are getting a very easy ride and the sooner he is back the better. Mackail-Smith has huge potential but whether he is quite ready yet, I'm not sure.

 

The defence - ah the defence. GHA, you say the defence seems content to hoof the ball and play long balls forward. How true. It wasn't happening at the start of the season though, when we we kept it on the deck and played football and we didn't do so bad. Why the change? I suppose the duo must have their reasons but for me alehouse football doesn't work and never will. Moran is playing out of position and should be doing what he does best, partnering Corey in the centre of defence. Hollenbach should be on the left and I'm sorry, much as it pains me, at present Evvo is the only alternative on the right.

 

That's all folks!

 

 

 

[GHA EFM]

Only most of what I say, True Saint?!?!

 

My examples of playing Craig Mackail-Smith for a whole game, or putting Wilmot back in goal, were just examples. Try Beckett out on the left wing for a whole game. Apparently the Yank right back that played for the reserves yesterday was quite good as well.

 

Try not to play players out of position, however. Yank Mark 1 is apparently a right-sided player, so try and play him down the right. Rob Kean isn't left-footed, whilst Rob Smith simply uses his right foot for standing on. If Rob Gould is not going to be used, get rid of him. If he is going to be used, use him. Don't keep chopping and changing, however. Keep the side consistent.

 

Oh, and Gary Crawshaw's return should help.