We made that one harder on ourselves, than it needed to be. And that's good to say, because we're getting those results while still improving.
For moments in the first half we had an excellent blend of possession, while being more direct at a good tempo. There were quite a few nearly moments. Notr necessarily with direct chances. But just not anticipating other players and being able to pick out the right passes. Some things than on other days might click, giveing us more control and efforts on their goal.
When we did go ahead, with a good goal, we nearly let them get an equaliser right away, which is a trend.
We then had a little spell where we're waiting for our, now behind opponents, to come onto us. Meanwhile, they are sitting there regrouping, and waiting for us to attack. We seem happy to wait, and some momentum goes out of us. We know only too well, what we're like with a 1 goal lead, so there's that undercurrent too.
It didn;t last long today, which was good to see. AA had a couple of just offsides not long after. Smallbone had a couple of shots I don;t think even he was convinced with as he hit them.
Towards the end of the half, WBA were getting on top.
Martin really needs to get someoen else into that dressing room at half time. It could be a Sgt from the Marines, or a juggler, or someone who makes balloon animals. Because whatever is said seems to result on us being really flat and uncertain on how to control a lead in the second half.
We missed Smallbone when he went off injured. WBA were already getting the upper hand, but we lost a lot of passing angles, work rate and distribution. WBA's equaliser was coming, even as we were looking to bring subs on.
We kept working away though, which is now something we see every match. We were more disjointed after the subs, and the game stretched a bit. AA moved out wider when Che came on, giving us a different threat.
Fraser's exeprience and freshness as a sub made a lot of difference again. He's a key part of us winning games.
Stewart did fine when he came on. I can see why Martin wanted Che on before we went ahead. But Stewart may well nab that spot from Che sooner rather than later.
If anyting our passing and possession got even scrappier as it went on, and there were numerous corners and a scramble late on to secure the win.
Martin will be looking at -
Making sure we can create, while still supporting all that possession play (tough to pull off)
Looking to work on the anticipation between players (which will come with time and a settled first team)
Sort out our game management. Find ways of changing focus and tempo, to get control back into games; watch those spells before and after half time, and after we go ahead; find solutions to keeping an incisive passing game when we've a one goal lead. All things Martin ahs said he's working on anyway.
Lots of positives.
Baz cool in distribution and awareness. One direct pass given away first half. We covered it, and had it worked it could have led to a chance. Got in the way of a late shot.
Holgate not broken after first two appearances, which were tough for him.
THB looks every bit a classsy defender.
Bree offers a lot to the team. Mannign finding a bit harder, but he was highly thought of too. So good competition.
KWP, Downes both excellent today.
Loads of work rate, positioning and versatility from AA and Smallbone. Key to the tactic (and getting us out of problems, when it's not working)
Fraser makes the difference again, and Stu had a tidy game.
