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Another Big Test Today

- 22/08/2009

There is no doubt that our Premier League campaign got off to the best possible start last weekend. To come away from Lewisham Borough with three points was a fantastic achievement, as I firmly believe they are serious title contenders this season. Before reflecting on last week’s game from a playing perspective, I would just like to thank all the players, management team, club officials and supporters of Lewisham Borough for their exceptional hospitality last weekend and for making us so welcome. It was a big day for everyone involved with Canterbury City and our hosts made it an immensely enjoyable occasion.

Looking back on the game it really did hit home that we have stepped up a level this season. Lewisham Borough are an excellent footballing side who love to get the ball down and play at a high tempo. They were good technically and very fit. This came as no surprise to me but confirmed that this league will really test us this season. If you make silly mistakes you will get punished and if your performance is below par you will get nothing from the games. With this mind I am keen that to eliminate the number of unforced errors we made last week that did cost us two goals. As good as we were going forward, you cannot gift goals on a regular basis and get away with it over a season. To some extent I believe we did sharpen up significantly defensively in the second half and removed the complacency that was clearly apparent in the first 45 minutes. It is vital that we carry that forward to today’s game against Fleet Leisure FC because they do play a very direct offensive game that is designed put the opponents defence under pressure.

I did come away from last weeks game with a lot of positives. As I have stated we were excellent going forward and in the first 20 minutes of the second half we adopted a “power play approach” that allowed us to seize the game and put us in the position to go on and win the game. From the first 45 minutes it was evident that Lewisham Borough were stronger offensively, so a tactical change in our formation was made to put them under more pressure in the last third and allow us to get the ball forward earlier (the formation change is a trade secret I’m afraid). This in effect allowed us to play to our strengths on the day and the home defence simply could not cope with the pace and power of Lee Austin, Wayne Fittall and Scott Lawford running at them.

Our midfield played higher up the pitch which kept Lewisham defending deep in their own half. In truth we could and should have gone on to win the game comfortably at this stage, but the quality of our opponents meant they did in turn adjust their shape to come back at us strongly and create a grandstand finish (not good for my blood pressure).

I was particularly pleased with the team spirit last weekend, the players collectively showed a determination and will to win the game that was vital. They worked hard as a team and remained calm and composed even when things did not go to plan. The temperament and attitude of a team is as important as ability and fitness at times. Last week we showed a great attitude and the players rolled their sleeves up and worked hard, showing they have the desire and passion to win tough games. We must show that consistently week in week out in this league to be competitive.

Moving onto today, our squad will again be tested to the full. My preferred choice of 22 players in the senior squad does raise eyebrows with some people and does present an exciting challenge in trying to keep everyone happy. However, my view is very simple in that at this level you will always have a number of players unavailable on a weekly basis due to injury, work, suspensions (those irritate me!) weddings, holidays etc, etc. A strong squad of 22 is necessary to retain the necessary quality and strength in depth across a season. Yes there are some weeks when we do have 20 players available. I will take