Post by Dodger on Aug 8, 2016 21:41:58 GMT
Considering my thoughts a few weeks ago that we would probably be sitting with 'nil poi' by the end of August, I am over the moon with both the result and the spirit in which the boys played. They were full of energy on what was a bit of a warm afternoon, to say the least. We were on top for those opening minutes and probably the only time Harrogate got the ball into our box was from the free kick that gave them their first goal.
Their No. 9 was frustrated out f the game and thankfully their no. 7 got overlooked when a telling pass would have sent him on his way. Another frustrated player there.
My criticism of tactics would be why, oh why, did we insist on getting every man back to defend free kicks and corners to try and 'protect' the lead? This simply allowed Harrogate the freedom to throw all their men forward (of which the congestion in our box resulted in the scrambled late equaliser). By leaving one man up (my personal view is that this could be two) the opposition are virtually duty bound to keep two back. With two up, they may leave four back.
Attendance was good considering all the off-field issues and concerns, and thanks to Harrogate for bringing a few along. I'm not sure if there were many Sporting fans in attendance as they may have been up the road at Heath Hayes, watching the 3-0 win in the FA Cup.
Food was good and reasonably priced, staff were excellent and the beer was ok (Banks' bitter) but they hadn't got the Oxford Gold on the pump, which was disappointing......maybe the next game??
Ref had a decent game too.
Dodger.
Their No. 9 was frustrated out f the game and thankfully their no. 7 got overlooked when a telling pass would have sent him on his way. Another frustrated player there.
My criticism of tactics would be why, oh why, did we insist on getting every man back to defend free kicks and corners to try and 'protect' the lead? This simply allowed Harrogate the freedom to throw all their men forward (of which the congestion in our box resulted in the scrambled late equaliser). By leaving one man up (my personal view is that this could be two) the opposition are virtually duty bound to keep two back. With two up, they may leave four back.
Attendance was good considering all the off-field issues and concerns, and thanks to Harrogate for bringing a few along. I'm not sure if there were many Sporting fans in attendance as they may have been up the road at Heath Hayes, watching the 3-0 win in the FA Cup.
Food was good and reasonably priced, staff were excellent and the beer was ok (Banks' bitter) but they hadn't got the Oxford Gold on the pump, which was disappointing......maybe the next game??
Ref had a decent game too.
Dodger.