| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Rob Smallwood |
Posted - 18/04/2008 : 14:27:32
In what looks like the last game of the season the Metros put together one of their best performances of the season, only to be let down by some very poor refereeing decisions.
In truth Stretford had more of the ball, better chances and probably just deserved to edge this game, although the Metros didn't really deserve to come away empty handed.
Stretford took the lead when a shot from the edge of the box was dummied by a Vics forward stood off side and directly in front of Luke, allowing the ball to ricochet off the post and in to the net of the unsighted keepers glove.
This has often been the signal for the Metros to panic but in fairness they kept battling and a smart passing movement between Eddie and Harry led to Hash firing in at the near post - vindicating Nick's decision to push him in to mid-field!
That's how it stood at half time.
Plans to shuffle the team around were replaced with an all out effort to end the season on a high. Luke managed to hide his dissappointment at missing out on a run out up front as did Mattie but both were prepared to put team before self - good on 'em!
Miraculously the Metros took the lead when Oliver, having a great game on the wing fired across for a Vics defender to steer in to his own net - we're not sure if the cross/shot was already goal bound but Oliver deserves it for his persistance alone.
The question now was could the Metros hold on to the lead. The answer came quickly when the Vics equalised with a very well struck free-kick which would have tested any keeper.
At 2 - 2 the game was well balanced, the Vics still enjoying more possession and the more likely to score but the Metros were putting everything in to defending what they had.
Two more poor decisions led to the Vics taking a two goal lead, one from a claer Metros throw given the other way leading inevtably to a break away and goal, and the second from a corner which was claerly a goal kick. Frustratingly even the Vics linesman had given both decisions the other way but the referee choase to over-rule.
It has to be said that although the two decisions were poor the Metros still had the opportunity to defend each passage of play., so in the end it was that failure rather than the original decision that cost us the goals.
The fifth goal came when Luke wasunable to hold on to a firm shot and one of two Vics players on hand forced the ball in - the keeper left to wonder why no Metros defender reacrted as quickly.
There were some encouraging signs, Eddie, forced back in to mid-field had an excellent second half, and Oliver looked more at home on the wing.
So, another defeat, but a much improved performance. All but two of the squad have signed up to next season, and we still have hopes that the other two will eventually.
There is lots to do during the summer, basic skills need polishing, fitness levels need improving and some players still need to realise where their best position is, for the back room staff, and the new Management Team a steep learning curve in (young) man-management.
Performances like this next year, added to a couple of new players, whether in the second or third division will lead to more wins than losses.
And end of season summary and report will follow.
Champagne Moment: The build up to the first goal. 3 passes!!
Man of the Match: Plaudits for Jonathon at the back and Eddie in mid-field but I'm giving it to Oliver for a really energetic and enthusiastic display.
Nick's Man of the Match: (see below)
Referee: Poor.
Team homework: Training, Thursday 6:00 at Smith's Fields.
Squad: Luke, Joe, Jonathon, Hash, Calum, Matty, Patrick, Ben F, Harry,Tom, Eddie, Oliver & Kenny.
PS - a search on Youtube using XL5 & Bowdon will allow you to see some footage of XL5's Bowdon gig last week - if nothing else take a look at Sylvia's Mother - Dr Hook will never sound the same again!! |
| 1 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Nick Rigden |
Posted - 21/04/2008 : 12:27:52
I agree, this was indeed one of the Metros better performances, and whilst they perhaps didn't have enough possession or create enough chances to win the game, the final score-line was somewhat harsh.
As you know, I'm always keen to reward visible improvement in a players performance, so whilst there were good performances from many members of the team yesterday (Luke, Matty, Jonny, Calum & Eddie all stood out for me), most were performing to their expected standard, so my choice is also Oliver, who not only impressed going forward, but was also noticeably working hard to track back and win the ball when we lost possession.
So, is that the end of the season? What to do about our match against Urmston Meds? I know a 2-0 defeat represents a reasonable result in the light of some of our recent matches, but my preference would be to play the game if we can (it will be a long enough time before our next competetive match as it is) - do we know why Urmston Meds were awarded the match?
Regardless of that, I would encourage both players and parents to start giving some thought as to their choices for player of the year, and also start thinking about what we would like to do with respect to the end of season celebration and awards ceremony.
As for next season, I think the last few matches have shown some encouraging signs. There is however a lot of work to be done over the coming months. I think it would be a mistake to assume that dropping a division (or two) will automatically lead to an improvement in results - the team need to play their better football, of which we have seen glimpses in every match this season, much more consistently, and we all need to start thinking about what we need to do differently to make sure that happens (and that include all the things that Rob has already mentioned)
See you all at training on Thursday. |
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