The way a team loses can often tell a coach more about the players’ character than at any other time. Likewise, when a player is faced with difficulty or uncertainty. Throughout the season we have had some defeats that have looked and felt very frustrating. Key moments in games where we’ve either been bullied or intimidated and subsequently allowed the opponent to take advantage. We were really pleased to see that this was not the case in our recent loss to Wyberton. Don’t get me wrong, none of us like losing and never set up in a way to accept defeat before kick-off but this one felt different.
We kicked the game off with noticeable absences due to illness and first team call ups. Fortunately, we’ve trained several times on having a plan B; our alternative way of playing. This consisted of dropping deeper to create space to counterattack into and is particularly useful when we don’t have the aerial threat of a recognised number 9. We also had players returning from injury so were not at full levels of fitness. As the game got underway, we had to make sensible decisions and implement the tactical plans without being drawn into the battle of the competition. The absence of fixtures over Christmas made for a buzzing environment as friends were reunited. Then, as we conceded a couple of goals, the nerves kicked in.
Shortly after the hour mark, we found ourselves 3-1 down having missed a few chances and had allowed pressure to build against us. Wyberton’s coach took to the field in celebration; mocking us for our unfortunate situation. A couple of changes were made and that saw returning faces bolster confidence in our group as they took to the field. We continued to exploit the spaces around and through their defensive units, utilizing the ample pace we possess. A belief and desire to get back into the game had developed and, but for a dubious off-side decision, we could have taken the lead just before the 90-minute mark. However, we found ourselves at 3-3 entering the final kicks of the game. A corner conceded, a mele in the goal mouth, our goalkeeper on the floor and an easy tap in for the Wyberton poacher to make it 3-4.
The resilience the boys showed was pleasing. Three months ago, very few people would have backed us to stay in the game against last year’s champions. We have come a long way! In previous editions I’ve talked about character and finding a way to produce the skill level within the environment. There was clear evidence of that as the younger lads continue their maturity. A core group of players are now getting themselves much closer to ‘first team ready’ than some of their peers and this will force some difficult decisions in terms of selection. That said, every player in the squad offers something to the group. We are fortunate to have players who display traits such as: hard working, credible, honest and they show a decorum and a way to act when in a difficult situation. Behaving in such a manner sets a culture that enables all players to know what is expected and it is through having these lads around that we have learnt to not-fold, to keep-going and to find a way to compete. Although gutted to not grab a point or more, there was still a pleasing sense of achievement in the progress being made and that has to be described as a win in development football.
Comments