Well, we need to get back to winning more convincingly. It's easy to forget our first few games where we were very dominant and looked very dangerous with it. I'm pretty sure the likes of Plymouth, Rotherham and even Peterborough wouldn't have liked to see us be even more convincing than we were!!
Look at the shots stats today. Thankfully we have a very good keeper in Trott but he won't maintain his stops rate all season.
Some interesting substitutions by BBM, especially Robinson on for Colwill jnr. A pretty attacking line up at that point.
We have played some better sides since and how we play has been worked out by some. As we feared would happen at some stage. At this stage we probably need to find another gear and maintain it. In saying all of that, at the start of the season, we would all have taken where we are now.
We've exceeded my expectations. With a new coaching set up, new style and a load of youngsters, I thought it would take a while fir us to find our feet. I posted before the first game that if we were mid table after 10 and top 6 by Christmas we'd be in with a shout of promotion. Again, listening to BBM and player interviews, it feels like there's more to come individually and collectively, but expect some bumps in the road. A few players having ups and downs. Joel C has had some very good games and a couple ordinary games. Its to be expected. Osho is a bit of a concern though.
BBM comments on hauling off Ashford and the hapless Osho and Fish. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brian-barry-murphy-explains-what-32704729
We've seen substitutes substituted before, but this seemed a bit different. It was more about the team than the individual. A chastening experience, but character building. Osho is a concern as are the niggles for the other CBs. Most successful teams seem to be built around a consistent back 4 and keeper. I doesn't feel as if we've put the same two CBs out in consecutive games yet.
Probably the most fortunate 3 points of the season so far, but the important message is we fought back and got them. Although he didn't directly cost us the goal, the first half errors from Osho eroded confidence. First half substitutions are never nice, but at least BBM acted decisively at half time. The value of a wide player playing on the "wrong" side and cutting in using his strong foot to shoot is clear. Kellyman took it well but got a bit lucky with the deflection which I didn't notice at the time. Right footed Willock on the left has done the same thing in the past from the other side. The downside is it can reduce first time service to Salech etc. The second goal was sublime. From the same side, right footed Zak played in right footed Ronan at pace and his pulled back cross perfectly picked out Salech. I've said it before, no defender likes running back towards his own goal, particularly at pace, because they're heading in the wrong direction and out of control of the situation - that was a perfect example. Whatever, top of the division feels good.
