Always pretty interesting to get the oppo's view on a match and,
as they did when we played them this time last year, The Queen Vic's gaffer forwarded me this match report…
Accies 1 v 2 Queen Vic
It's not often we get to play on a surface like the one at Crystal Palace last night (well, once a year and hopefully an ongoing annual event...) so I hope you all enjoyed it.
This was a far more challenging game than a year ago when we ran out comfortable 4-0 winners. The home side were much more organised and proved themselves to be a stubborn and determined opposition. I thought we played pretty well in the first twenty minutes, carving out numerous opportunities to take the lead but their goalkeeper was excellent and we were guilty of snatching at any half-chances that came our way. The Accies then played themselves into the game, forcing us back as we perhaps became a little frustrated that we weren't ahead. They hit a couple of excellent long shots (one superbly tipped over by Tharpey) before taking the lead thanks to yet another individual error at the back. We've conceeded five goals this pre-season in five games (which is impressive) but they've all been due to errors of one sort or another.
We reacted well to the goal and should have been level by half-time so I was pretty confident that if we kept on doing what we were doing we'd every chance to go on and win the game and as it turned out that's exactly what transpired. What we need to take from the game is that patience is the key. If we keep playing our football, eventually even the most obstinate of opposition defences will crack. You just have to believe it will happen and not get frustrated with yourselves or each other.
A 2-1 win then and I think a deserved one on chances created and the amount of possession we enjoyed. We need to ensure that we take our use of the ball into the real season and not get excited by the fact that we are playing real games where points are at stake.
My only small criticism this week is what we discussed before the lights went out on the pitch. We must play football that demonstrates an awareness of the scoreline and how the game has panned out. You worked hard last night to get into the lead but then seemed (at times) to be determined to go on to score a third goal at the risk of losing the lead we had. Just take it easy. When there is a minute to go there is nothing wrong in working the ball to the opposition corner flag and keeping it there. Okay, it was a friendly but we almost threw the lead away by giving the ball back to them, getting caught on the break, giving away a free-kick and almost conceeding with the last kick of the game, in which case you'd have all come off the pitch deflated...
I want to instill a winning mentality boys...and win some trophies!
The least I want from this season is a cup final for us to enjoy.
Keep it up. Things are looking good.
Radfall will be another tough test on Sunday...
There you go – I should add that my old school mate Danny, the oppo's manager, told me after the game that the key difference from last year to this is that we are now are much more well organised unit, far harder to break down. Good to hear, given that this has been a key area we've concentrated on for some time now! Should also add that we've tentatively been invited to Herne Bay for an away tie, probably in May 2012. Could be good!
