Here We Go Again!

**spireitematt** · 24-11-2018, 20:20

Another draw, another 2 pts dropped and now in the relegation zone. Late November and we are already in a relegation battle (again) to stay in the National League and not go down to National League North. This is very worrying now! If we go down again for a third time in a row I think it will mean the end especially with the debt hanging over the club and a stadium like our's will be very costly to run and maintain.

SaltergateBorn · 24-11-2018, 20:43

What`s your point, Matt?

Dancingwilldoit · 24-11-2018, 21:23

We really do need to start winning now. Tuesday night is probably our best chance.
Sounds like Amanchi had another good appearance. He needs to start Tues but probably wont.

**spireitematt** · 24-11-2018, 22:13

(24-11-2018, 20:43)SaltergateBorn Wrote: What`s your point, Matt?

My point is something needs to change and quickly otherwise we may end up with no club.

SaltergateBorn · 24-11-2018, 23:04

Okay, Matt; what do you suggest changing? And when?

**spireitematt** · 25-11-2018, 00:49

(24-11-2018, 23:04)SaltergateBorn Wrote: Okay, Matt; what do you suggest changing? And when?

Sacking Allen would be pointless and it could even relegate us if that happened.

I would change the style of football we play, strengthen up the defence, when we go up 1-0 we shouldn't sit back and defend we should be looking for 2 or 3.

We've only scored 17 goals in 21 games which is the lowest in the National League so that needs addressing.

SaltergateBorn · 25-11-2018, 12:11

I agree 100% about the goals, Matt, and wouldn`t argue for a second about going to kill the game off when we`re ahead rather than sitting back and surrendering midfield. That`s definitely cost us in some games. I don`t agree with pulling everybody back for corners, either; if we leave 1 or 2 up, they have to leave 2 or 3 back to cover them so there`s less chance of conceding in an almighty scramble like we did at Harrogate. We came close a couple of times on Tuesday as well, as I recall. That`s just my opinion.

A few weeks ago, I would have agreed as well about our style of play, but I honestly think it is starting to evolve. I didn`t see or listen to yesterday`s game so can`t comment, but in the recent games I have I can`t remember any where we were outplayed; in most of them we deserved to win (against some of the best teams in the division on some cases) and have played some decent football. It`s more the tactics I would like to see changed, rather than the style of play AND get that final third sorted out.

I`m still reasonably confident it`ll come together soon, but I admit it`s a bit alarming to see us in the relegation zone.

Dancingwilldoit · 25-11-2018, 12:15

Matt, we have changed our style of play. We are not playing long ball anymore and are playing some decent stuff. All the pieces are there, we just need to get them to click together and get some confidence running through the squad.
It was a brave move making Rowley captain on Tuesday and maybe its a sign of things to come. We just need that break IMO.

Devongone · (This post was last modified: 25-11-2018, 13:45 by Devongone.)

I think we possibly need to concentrate more on what we can do than what we can't ......... and use the abilities we have in a positive way. Everyone concentrates on what Evans can't do for instance, but he is a defender who carries real attacking threat. Everyone's obsessed with Muggleton not being a footballer, but he can certainly shoot, we don't seem to concede any more when he plays ...... Joe Gomez makes England a goal by nearly throwing in to the NEAR post, and Muggleton can reach the far post and we don't seem to have grasped how to use it.

Our defence isn't conceding alarmingly, our midfield doesn't get over-run, and though we aren't scoring we are playing Lee Shaw who scored over 60 in the last two seasons, Denton got a hat-trick this week, Hallam has been scoring at Sheff Utd at a lower level, Hines if he's fit can score a few, Amantchi needs a goal to get started, Carter has to be fit one day, even Fortune is scoring more than we expected - and we could always recall Gozie. There IS far more goal potential than for the last two seasons if we actually maintain a little more pressure on the opposition. Personally I'd like to see us press our opponents much more to keep the ball in that final third and force mistakes in dangerous areas. I reckon it is more about tilting the balance of our play towards the slightly-more attacking than radical change.