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.
Who'd have thunk it? both CCFC's top of their respective leagues?? Well done butts, I can see a quick jump back up for you blokes, but we're in total shock of what's happening over here, top goal scorers, a +22 gd and unbeaten!!! after the last 15 years of mostly sh1t, I'm soaking up every minute of this feeling
Salech's movement for his goal was very good and in his interview he credited Kpakio for the cross. Salech ran hard for the 6 yard box then dropped back a yard. The defender kept going and left Salech in space. No panic from Kpakio, no speculative ball driven across the 6 yard box, just a cultured pull back. As you rightly say, sublime. Kpakio is starting to stand out as the pick of the youngsters. When I watched him last year, he seemed to stick to the basics. Didn't get too far forward, always dropping to his defensive position and making short passes to midfielders. This year, the shackles are off. Occasionally gets out of position in defence, but more than makes up for it in attack. Whether that's him feeling a bit more confident because he's had a few games or if it's the coaching and change of game plan. Probably all 3, but I feel it'd the style of play supported by the coaching. The style still seems to be evolving. Salech's last two have come from overlapping runs. In earlier games the full backs, certainly Bagan, seemed to 'under lap', coming inside the wingers to the corner of the 18 yard box. There seems to be more of the runs on the overlap in the last couple games. It certainly suits Salech more. I've said it before, it feels like there's more to come from the coaches and the team.
You very rarley see Ng overlapping his winger when at RB. He invariably comes inside with the ball looking for a shot or play for a wall pass. Kpakio is more adventurous and exciting though he does neglect his defensive duties on times, and that is a worry. That's where a good understanding between team mates comes into play. If Kpakio hare's up the outside to create the overlap, someone has to cover. Usually it's the CB that comes across but there's a case for the likes of Turnbull to step in from midfield and cover when required, otherwise the CB also gets pulled out of position.. Ng is a sound defensive RB who enjoys a tackle and even confrontation with his opposing wideman, but Kpakio has more to offer overall.
Quote from Reading manager Noel Hunt after the game - is this guy for real? “We have to be more ruthless in both boxes, it’s as simple as that. With the chances we created, we made their goalkeeper look really good - but he wasn’t. We are just disappointed that we don’t go home with something out of the game.”
