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Post by simples on Jul 26, 2023 22:15:01 GMT
So, not only Raiders away on a Wednesday night, we play them at noon on Boxing Day? A bit early? Any real need for that? I recall several Boxing Days back in the 70's where the kick off was 11am.
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Post by simples on May 8, 2023 20:19:28 GMT
It has been hard to watch this season. I saw them win once, draw once and score 3 goals in 7 games. Although a season ticket holder I have only seen 7 games for various reasons, latterly because it has been difficult to watch. During that time there have been many players come and go, which cannot help team cohesion. None of the keepers we have had have done much wrong. Roberts, Hartley and RTR have generally contributed most (when I have watched). The central defence has been like watching a car crash, you hold your breath every time. Hopefully with a close season to work on with players selected by the coaching staff things will improve next year. However I feel it is getting to the stage where if performances don't improve significantly next season then attendances will be affected. Having been used to watching a standard that has been in the top 2 tiers of non league for many years I have given this level a go but I am getting more choosy when I go. Like supporters everywhere you want your team to do well, win or at least give hope of better things. I am sure the hierarchy are well aware and doing their best. I've heard a few Season Ticket holders question whether they'll renew for next season. So we'll see? With recent developments as reported in the media within the last 24 hours I think there is every chance of renewing my season ticket.
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Post by simples on Apr 16, 2023 23:02:13 GMT
It has been hard to watch this season. I saw them win once, draw once and score 3 goals in 7 games. Although a season ticket holder I have only seen 7 games for various reasons, latterly because it has been difficult to watch. During that time there have been many players come and go, which cannot help team cohesion. None of the keepers we have had have done much wrong. Roberts, Hartley and RTR have generally contributed most (when I have watched). The central defence has been like watching a car crash, you hold your breath every time. Hopefully with a close season to work on with players selected by the coaching staff things will improve next year.
However I feel it is getting to the stage where if performances don't improve significantly next season then attendances will be affected. Having been used to watching a standard that has been in the top 2 tiers of non league for many years I have given this level a go but I am getting more choosy when I go. Like supporters everywhere you want your team to do well, win or at least give hope of better things. I am sure the hierarchy are well aware and doing their best.
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Post by simples on Apr 10, 2023 17:51:39 GMT
Pitch Croft is owned by the Council and is leased to Arena Leisure plc. The rugby club used to play in an enclosed ground there so there might be something that could be worth an enquiry to Arena I really can't see this happening. Its used a lot more than Perdiswell for walkers etc. "Spoiling the view" etc. Not just the NIMBYS would be against it and as we know how weak the Council are. Is there precedent for a football stadium in a race course? Driving between Whittington and the Ketch I noticed building activity where the car boot used to be as well as a sign indicating a traveller's site. The latter may indicate the status and priority of the football club amongst the council hierarchy.
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Post by simples on Apr 2, 2023 20:38:09 GMT
[/quote]Cost is the reason City cannot ground share at Sixways. The owners up there would want too much money; it's the reason we never went up there in all the years since leaving SGL.[/quote] Thanks for the info'. My question was based on 'if Raiders can afford it....' but I am not sure what the 'arrangements' are with them. The other things which prompted the question was I am not sure what Wasps and Warriors are doing next season. Wasps have been accepted and have other ground options, whereas Warriors haven't been accepted which leaves Raiders and Warriors women as users of the ground.
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Post by simples on Apr 1, 2023 19:14:41 GMT
I see that Raiders are going to stay at Sixways for at lest one more season, so no ground share next season for City. I do however agree with Dodger, that long term City must aim to get a new ground on Perdiswell (or another suitable venue) in/near Worcester, if they want to try and progress up the leagues. However, if they are happy at this level, then Claines Lane is fine. Still not sure how the Raiders, Warriors and Wasps are going to co-exist at Sixways? Reading about Wasps, gives no clue as to what is happening? As for a new ground, I would have thought that the only realistic option is outside the City boundary as the Council seem intent on never allowing the club to have a stadium inside the boundary because they are terrified of the NIMBYS Just a thought. Why can't the City groundshare at Sixways as well? If they are going to setup for footy games no reason why they can't play on consecutive days (or even the same day with an early and a late kick off if there is a clash)? It is all weather and would put the facility to some use. Who knows maybe City and Raiders between them may get a 'footy ground' I refrain from the word stadium as it might rattle the cages of NIMBYs. But where in Worcester is available?
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Post by simples on Feb 20, 2023 22:54:39 GMT
In answer to your heading, it is possible, but I hope the WFA would have the sense to say no. The pitch wouldn't be able to cope for a start. In answer to your post, I think the writing is very firmly on the wall for football at Sixways. The talk of playing on a Friday is non starter I would have thought, as well? Relating to the sixways situation. If there are 2 mens rugby teams + 1 ladies team I would think it would become a rugby only ground. ie I am not sure what is required to add/remove the markings for a football pitch plus swap between rugby and football goals. Would any income generated by Raiders cover those costs? I think the previous regime had grand plans but they and their plans are no more.
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Post by simples on Oct 23, 2022 16:38:23 GMT
I wasn't at the game yesterday but both comments above sound positive and the City featured younger players, again. Hopefully any newcomer(s) maintain that philosophy and don't shred it like the previous ones.
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Post by simples on Oct 19, 2022 12:36:11 GMT
I hope all the turmoil can be undone. The club need to define who they are/what they are. Encourage the youngsters, if they are successful hopefully the team are succesful. If the player is good enough to progress to higher levels let them do so. It will encourage youngsters, it will show them there is a path. All they have to do is turn up and play well.
The last appointment definitely was not good as it seemed to undo all the good work that had been laid down in recent times, namely encouraging local, young players. They were perhaps too sure of themselves and thought their old mates who may have played at a higher level would just be able to walk in and do a job. Well Midland Premier League it may be but it's not walking football...
By acting decisively, removing the outsiders, who brought in outsiders, the bad feelings around the place should hopefully begin to ease. Supporters want to see their team do well, and so far they would have been disappointed especially as hopes had been raised last season. If the results do not go well as a supporter all I ask for is effort and the hint of promise and progress.
While I am at it, as well as a pathway for players why not coaches?
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Post by simples on Oct 16, 2022 18:33:29 GMT
I think it’s somewhat ironic that we have replaced Tim Harris (great deal of experience and proven track record) with the new management (limited experience and questionable track record) without any good effect. I think Tim Harris is a good man and a good manager who had assembled a decent talented squad who, with maybe one or two exceptions were playing for him. Early results were poor but I do think things would have turned around and looked very different after a win or two. The new management have come in and opted for revolution as opposed to evolution brining in a host of players, without apparently evaluating the players we already had, and now we have a disjointed team and the results are still poor. How could they let really good players like Jonah, Billy Shaw, Chris Withington and Ben Tilbury leave? It seems to me there may now be a divide in the squad between what’s left of the old squad and the newcomers. It’s noticeable that you don’t see any of the players smiling or laughing anymore even in the warm ups. And the body language of the new managers is strangely negative as if they don’t really want to be here, my son commented that in the video interviews they hardly look at the camera. I know it’s early days and it takes time to build a team and I hope I’m wrong but things don’t look good. But on a positive note there are some really positive things happening in the Club. Rob Humphries City Under 18 team is having a great season (5-3 away win against Cinderford Town in the cup in midweek) and the reserves, managed by Stewart Watkins, had a marvellous win again yesterday 5-1 against Bewdley playing some splendid football. There are some really excellent young players in the reserves such as Tyrese Segree, Matti Kilch, Ryan Glenister and Dante Spence and others, we could do far worse than give these lads a chance (if we don’t they’ll eventually go elsewhere) given where we are what have we got to lose? It is very sad to see the players you have mentioned moving. There was a togetherness last year that can be/could be built on. Sadly with their departure what message does that send out to the younger players. It was looking as though we were giving younger local players a chance, who if they progressed to higher clubs would open up opportunities for the next generation of younger players. The smiles appear no more, on players faces, or fans. This double act does not appear to be working in fact the reverse is true. Very topical given the performance of another recently appointed double act although one of them has since got the chop.
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Post by simples on Oct 14, 2022 15:23:33 GMT
A year ago we were just starting to hit some form. We were playing with freedom, confidence. Chances were being created regularly and a lot of them were being put away. Defensively we were looking solid, although any defensive errors were compensated for at the other end. We didn't start last year particularly well but by this stage we had added Fuller, Maphosa and Harrison. The combinations worked. When Chris Withington went away it coincided with a drop in form and results, we had lost that earlier sparkle.
It is apparent that we have issues in defence, until they are resolved I cannot see results improving. Where is Maphosa now? He was the sort of 'big strong boy' that the team is crying out for. Then when the defence is improved we can start looking at improving other areas.
It cannot be easy for any management coming in at this stage. But one hopes they will be able to make things better.
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Post by simples on Oct 1, 2022 18:43:17 GMT
Fielding 5 new players the City team showed a pleasing cohesion. Comfortable in possession the ball was knocked about with purpose and control. Defensively while not completely water tight they looked far more resilient than previously this season. At the other end chances were created, if not converted, which was quite pleasing on a blustery day. While in midfield the visitors did not have any time on the ball as the City battled throughout and made better use of the ball. While the scoreline indicates a narrow victory it was fully deserved and offered hope for the rest of the season. All players contributed which was pleasing. One hopes with more time the new players will gel further.
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Post by simples on Sept 22, 2022 15:41:40 GMT
If you follow the Pears, there is discontent and worry there as well. The Rapids have gone from being the best T20 team to the worst in just a couple of seasons. The one day campaign was over before it really started. With the Straus review of the game, fans are worried that they might be reclassified a minor county in future. The horse racing at Worcester is still enjoyable though. On the pitch, City often look physically smaller than the opposition, putting us on the back foot before we even start. We need a boost. Let's hope we can get a new manager soon. I used to be a season ticket holder at the cricket. Once they started to juggle about with the fixtures late 90's/00s I stopped my season ticket. There wasn't much cricket, if any, played over the weekend. As I worked I couldn't justify the season ticket. Fans, and watching sport, are creatures of habit. The worry is if you stop going once or twice you find other things. That has to be a concern given the performances so far.
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Post by simples on Sept 22, 2022 10:40:30 GMT
I thought Stourport were at a different level to us. They were a cohesive unit who seemed to know what they were doing. When they knocked the ball across the pitch at the back they did so with purpose and opened us up with worrying regularity. I did not see the Whitchurch game, maybe I should stay away . As it stands there is a worrying lack of direction. The players can't all be bad? Regarding the ground the best place for it was Perdiswell. With the Warriors seemingly up against it financially, basketball team dropping out of the BBL it's not looking too good for local sport. Cricket team is holding it's own. Not sure what is happening at the hockey....
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Post by simples on Sept 14, 2022 7:10:03 GMT
Maybe an unpopular opinion but I think last night was just ‘one of those games’ that a team can have regardless of how well they are doing. We gave away a stupid breakaway goal, an absolutely ‘worldie’ goal from a free kick (what a strike!) both within minutes and then straight after half-time a stupid penalty. Add that to the fact Bewdley’s defence played superbly. Once we were chasing the game we looked like a team short on confidence but there was no lack of effort and they kept going right to the end. One lesson might be to stop giving away stupid fouls. But I for one am not too downcast. And I know he is here for a short time but Bailey Fuller looked an absolute class above anyone else on the pitch. Keep the Faith, things will turn around. It is always tough to take these sort of results but cannot disagree with your comments and observations. Maybe lacking a physical presence, these Bewdley boys seemed twice the size or was it their green fluorescent kit. The first goal came from a breakaway following our corner. A shot from Fuller deflected just wide of the far post. From the corner played to the near post their full back mis-kicked, got in a tangle and cleared the ball which was hit forward. Our defender failed to cut out the ball centre field and their forward ran through, 1-0. Second goal was a classy shot direct from the free kick on the edge of the area, top corner. Bewdley competed strongly knocking us off our stride, if they weren't first to the ball they were there challenging for everything. Prior to the first goal we had several efforts blocked, one phase of 3 or 4 in quick succession. Good defending I suppose. Disappointing but one of those games. How many more of those ganes are we going to have. My worry is that the Vase game is very important for keeping the interest going. That said would you put it past City to put together a run in that competition.
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Post by simples on Aug 14, 2022 17:38:55 GMT
Memorable for the drinks breaks. Not much to choose between the sides. Bad goal to concede, free header at the back post from a corner. City's #9 looked handy but couldn't get him in the game often enough. Difficult conditions, firm pitch. If the ball wasn't directed precisely it would run away from you, even going uphill. Looks as though this team is still a work in progress.
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Post by simples on Apr 18, 2022 18:32:25 GMT
Finished the home season with a win. Firm bumpy pitch and not too much at stake City could have been forgiven for easing off. However a wonderful move within the first few minutes finished off by Brown set the tone and the City were in control for the rest of the game. With a little steadier finishing they could have added a few more.
From a personal perspective I hope most (if not all) of the players and staff who finish the season can start off the next season. The youngsters of this year would have all gained experience. Would that be grounds for optimism? As it is sending the fans home for the Summer break on the back of a 5 goal win will have them waiting in anticipation for the new season. Hopefully something can be done about the pitch, boggy in the wet of winter, firm and bumpy at other times.
As an aside I couldn't help but notice City's non playing players meeting up at half time, many injured, those who weren't hobbling had their arm in a sling. Wishing you all a full and speedy recovery.
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Post by simples on Mar 12, 2022 21:07:15 GMT
Win achieved with a late goal in what was a scrappy game played on a bumpy surface in windy conditions under glorious sunshine. Both sides fought hard throughout. But the spark from mid season was not quite there for City. City enjoyed a fair amount of possession but chances were few and far between.
Just as it looked as though City were going to have to settle for a draw a long ball forward evaded two Warwick defenders and Brown ran through from half way and finished well in what may have been the second effort on target.
City's first appeared to be deflected by a defender with the shot appearing to go wide from where I was standing. The visitors replied shortly before half time with an effort City would have been disappointed with. The forward lost control on the edge of the box under a City challenge but a supporting attacker struck the ball home from outside the box which evaded defenders and goalkeeper.
The only other effort of note came in the second half from the visitors with a well hit shot from distance that went just past the post with the keeper rooted to the spot.
For City the effort was there, everyone contributed without any standout performer.
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Post by simples on Feb 12, 2022 22:41:42 GMT
As has been said above Walsall Wood were stronger physically. Their number 7 was a constant threat down their left. They seemed to be 3 up without having to do a great deal. City's cause was not helped by knocks to Fuller and Whitton. Pulling a goal back raised hopes which were soon dashed when the Wood cut through the defence again not long after. Not quite happening at the moment.
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Post by simples on Jan 22, 2022 17:55:39 GMT
City were beaten 2-0 and there could be few complaints. Sadly the cutting edge was lacking today and the visitors were stronger physically and the first to any loose ball. Aside from an effort from Bailey Fuller that was cleared off the line the visitors were rarely troubled. And that was created courtesy of a wayward backpass. It is difficult to be generous to the visitors who employed all sorts of pressure on the referee constantly hounding him everytime a player was challenged. A city defender was cautioned early on which may have been justifiable but there was no need for their defenders to sprint 70-80 yards up the pitch to yell in the referees face. The same defender then committed a foul no more no less but the visitors new the player had been previously cautioned and you could see them pleading to get him cautioned again and sent off. Thankfully the referee stood strong in this instance. City in stark contrast stood back and let the referee deal with a seriously late challenge on the City keeper who was caught late as he cleared the ball. After a long period of treatment he was able to resume. The visiting player was cautioned. One wonders if the City had employed the histrionics of the visitors whether the yellow could have been red?
Commenting on the officiating and the visitors discipline suggests that not much good happened on the pitch. It unfortunatley didn't happen today, but once again the players gave eevrything and plenty still to play for.
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Post by simples on Jan 19, 2022 23:11:32 GMT
City 2-1. In my humble opinion few would have any complaints had the visitors come away with a draw. The City front 3 were not quite in the scintillating form of recent weeks. Execution not quite there although the effort could not be faulted. The visitors were well organised and strong in all departments especially down the spine of their team. Up front they were able to hold up the ball and lay it off such that the City were often on the back foot. The 2 goal burst in the first half was a distant memory as City hung on in the last few minutes. The visitors being denied an equaliser by a combination of the woodwork, the keeper, some near misses and a couple of tremendous last ditch clearances. I think 'alwaysnextyear' got a better view of the clearances than myself judging by his account above. What is the saying when you grind out the win when not quite at your best? Polite answers only... Just a word on the pitch. It looked in a lot better state this evening. It had been cut and rolled, and the water in the 'pond' looked as though it had been pumped out no doubt aiding drainage. And of course the weather has been reasonably good for the time of year. Not too many stoppages in play as both teams concentrated on trying to play the game in what was a very closely fought contest.
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Post by simples on Jan 13, 2022 11:33:49 GMT
Thank you for that, sounds like I missed a good one. Struggling with my sinuses should hopefully be fit for next week.
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Post by simples on Dec 30, 2021 14:45:37 GMT
Without wishing to tempt fate I have enjoyed watching them. They have been competitive. They have created chances. The team, and the fans, appear to be settling in to their new surroundings. But, to paraphrase Jimmy Greaves, it's a funny old game and it only takes a few injuries, suspensions or other unforseen events to derail the momentum. At the moment my investment in wellies appears to have been a good one.
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Post by simples on Dec 18, 2021 18:12:38 GMT
Having become accustomed in recent games to dominating possession, creating chances and generally overrunning opponents’ today’s match was quite a battle. It is probably the visitors who dominated possession and territory, but it was Worcester who came out victorious.
The visitors were more on the front foot. Pushing forward with pace at every opportunity the City defenders had to be on their toes throughout. Lichfield were winning more challenges and first to the loose ball making it a difficult afternoon. The City stood firm and patient. The stalemate was broken from a rare effort after Fuller’s free kick from the right was headed home by Shaw. The moral here being it doesn’t matter how much possession you have but what you do with it. So half time City 1-0 after playing down the slope.
The second half produced more of the same but with City getting a bit more possession. As the game wore on the visitors pressed more and more but City were hanging on. Finally following a bizarre few seconds of play where Worcester rattled the bar and hit the post they were then awarded a penalty. This was firmly despatched by Douglas to provide some breathing space. With the clock running down City conceded a penalty The visitors converted for the anxiety levels to rise up again.
A win is a win, while they did not create the openings of previous weeks they were clinical when the chances came. The visitors certainly made good use of their physique to win and retain possession although they did get away with a few nudges to help them.
A roar from the crowd followed the final whistle. Hopefully the team is now getting itself ready to build on their recent form and manages to stay injury and suspension free.
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Post by simples on Dec 11, 2021 19:09:02 GMT
The City battled hard for a deserved 5-1 victory against physical opponents. They maintained their discipline for the most part as the visitors threatened to get back into the game after converting a penalty for 2-1 early in the second half. On a pitch that was heavy in places and greasy in others the contest could have been a throwback to the 70s and 80s. Players slipping and sliding into challenges. But City moved the ball to good effect with the visitors goalkeeper keeping the score down to 2-0 at the interval. The second half saw Romulus press forwards spreading the play and causing the home defenders some discomfort. After another foray into the City penalty area a penalty was awarded, not too many complaints from the players although I couldn't tell you why it was awarded. This prompted Romulus best period in the game. A nasty injury to City's 11 saw a hold up in play. When play resumed the City regained their composure and restored their 2 goal advantage. With Romulus getting more desperate and taking out their frustration on the City players and match officials the City stuck to playing football and scored 2 more to finish the victors by 5-1.
The match began with a goal after the fourth or fifth touch of the game. From the kick off City sent the ball forward diagonally searching for Bailey Fuller. The back pedalling left back got a touch to divert it for a corner. The corner was met at the near post by Gibbons for the perfect start. Thereafter it was a case of their keeper against the City as time and again he thwarted efforts on goal with exccellent saves. On this current showing it's a measure of the City teams level that they still managed 5 despite the keeper and several goalline clearances. It has been many a long time since one went down the 'Lane' anticipating and expecting good football. The crowd of 350+ certainly saw a keenly contested game, with a favourable result and Romulus as the pantomime villains. Their number 5 would make one 'badass' ugly sister.
The only downside was the injury and possibly the pitch. One hopes any rain is limited to when we are due an away fixture. Considering the lengthy delays in the second half there was no time added on by the referee who was on the lenient side.
Just read City 11, George Baker, requires stitches but there has been no break. Hopefully a full and speedy recovery.
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Post by simples on Nov 18, 2021 16:49:17 GMT
Caught a cracking replay last night Stockport vs Bolton. County had Ethan Ross, Jordan Keane and Sam Minihan all ex-city and were captained by Paddy Madden who I believe played for Scunthorpe against City in 'that' cup replay. For Bolton Amadou Bakayoko played upfront.
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Post by simples on Nov 13, 2021 22:47:27 GMT
Agree with comments above. Missing both Maphosa (moved on) and Roberts (suspended) the defence battled hard throughout. I thought the visitors shaded it first half but despite their possession I couldn't recall the City keeper being unduly stretched. In fact his only moment of concern was when he tweaked his leg following a clearance. Indeed it was City who came closest on a couple of occasions, one resulting in a shot smacking against the post and the other an excellent fast break following a corner to Alport.
The second half was a totally different story capped with some cracking goals. City attacked with pace and kept their composure in the penalty area where 4 sublime finishes clinically disposed of the visitors. As the game wore on it was a case of keeping their discipline as the visitors grew increasingly frustrated. The young City team have reignited this fan's enthusiasm with their effort and skill. They have been a joy to watch.
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Post by simples on Nov 6, 2021 19:58:07 GMT
Early goal set the tone. Good movement between Fuller, Gibbons and Shaw throughout. The visitors were indeed quite poor and City always looked a threat going forward. One downside in my humble opinion is that we missed at least 4 one on ones with their keeper, or should that be their keeper kept the score down to single figures. Despite the score the visitors battled throughout even when down to 10 men and came close themselves on numerous times (I am not sure if they actually hit the woodwork on at least 3 occasions). So when sterner tests come just need to be mindful at both ends of the pitch.
Should hopefully give the players and fans confidence. It appears the fans are now adjusting to Claines and the atmosphere was better. I suppose if you can't generate an atmosphere when you win 6-0 you never will.
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Post by simples on Oct 23, 2021 17:21:51 GMT
For the first time in a while I ventured to a City game in anticipation, but more in hope. Lutterworth had been built up as favourites, riding high in their league, averaging 3 goals per game, whereas City have been consistently inconsistent. Add in the fact that several 'first team regulars' were unavailable only the most optimistic of fans would have held a hope for the boys in blue.
It is out of these adverse situations that teams are forged and after today's performance none of the starters deserve to make way for the returning regulars.
The result was 2-1 in favour of City who spoiled an excellent performance by conceeding their 'customary' late goal. In truth City should have been out of site by then. The players to a man chased and harried their opponents all over the pitch, rarely letting them settle into any rhythm. One wondered how on earth they had managed so many goals but I didn't want to tempt fate.
Man of the match was City centre half Maphosa. Conspicuous by his solid play at the back he showed another side to his play by creating the second. Bringing the ball forward from the back he was allowed to continue well into the opponents half before timing a superb ball through to Gibbons who ran through one on one and finished expertly past the large physical presence that was the Lutterworth keeper. Two nil gave some breathing space but there were many more opportunities to add further goals but they were not converted. Including a penalty which was harshley awarded, in my opinion.
The first half was fairly even, the big Lutterworth team tried to make their physical presence count but the young City team were not to be bullied. The City tried to play the ball around their opponents and were more nimble in possession and movement, although if the situation required it the ball was despatched to safety.
What was there not to like? Chances created. The forwards showing great mobility throughout. The midfield winning lots of possession against their bigger opponents. The defence standing up to any threats.
Maybe a few more goals.
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Post by simples on Oct 12, 2021 8:11:34 GMT
Agree with above comments. First half quite enjoyable. Tividale defenders got stuck in and were effective at lumping the ball away. While we played 'nice' stuff at times we didn't really create too much. More entertaining to watch than in recent times. Their goal was a shot out of the blue which probably caught the crowd by surprise as well as the defenders. Goalies view blocked by other players. The penalty second half was soft. I couldn't tell from where I was if the forward had been hampered or not, he was nowhere near the ball and it was comfortably in the keeper's hands when he awarded it. Despite the result signs of improvement on previous years, just hope the weather holds up.
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