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Easter bank holiday round-up
09 April 2012
Chris Davis rounds up on United's two games over the Easter break...
It was a very good game of L2 football, albeit with the most disappointing finish. Luck played a significant role in the game. We could do with a little coming our way on Monday. Although league tables rarely lie, luck plays a very important role in all football matches and in many incidents during matches. Northampton had their share last night and have probably saved themselves from the drop barring 5 defeats. Neither does luck even itself out over a season despite the old cliche. You just have to live with what Fate throws at you.
To be fair, Northampton threw quite a bit at United in the opening quarter and thoroughly deserved to be ahead at that point. Wilder does have injured players to think about and the centre-half position is a problem. He took a risk last night by keeping Whing back (remember he was injured at Cheltenham and only a sub for Worley at Accrington) because I'm sure he had doubts about Duberry's fitness for 2 games in 3 days and I suspect Worley is not yet ready. As it turned out, we are now likely to have a Wright/Whing pairing on Monday. It all meant a 3 man midfield with an anchorman deficiency with Hall expected to support the front line. It fell apart inside the first minute as no-one followed Gutteridge into the penalty area.
Leven's injury forced Whing off the bench earlier than expected but it did have the desired effect. From that point, United controlled the pace of the game and should have gone on to win it. Chances were created at regular intervals and despite Montano's nicely taken goal it's a pity he cannot see other players better positioned than himself for a scoring opportunity. The obvious occasion was when he turned on the edge of the area at 1-1 and didn't play a square pass to Batt who would have had time for several touches before shooting. But that's why he, and others, are L2 players, I guess.
Carlisle was an effective stopper for the home team. He needed to be because his defence was falling apart around him. It was not difficult to imagine a pacy, determined Shrewsbury team scoring 7 at Sixfields as they did earlier this season. But that sort of clinical finishing is not evident in this United team hence the reason why they have to battle for 7th spot until the very end, rather than claim a top 3 finish which much of the football warrants.
Despite the penalty miss, Chapman had his best game since his return. He has to take criticism though along with his team-mates for an almost gung-ho approach at the end. Williams was allowed to run 25 yards to the corner to retrieve the ball, turn back then forward again before shooting without a yellow shirt nearby to make a challenge. United were caught horribly short at the back when Pittman was ridiculously dispossessed in the centre circle. At times like that, you make sure you hang on for a draw! My mind goes back to the Crewe game 3 months ago when United refused to settle for a point in the closing stages despite a poor second half performance against a defensive-minded team.
Enough reminiscing. We are still clinging on and have a points advantage. 4 points from the next 2 games are required and just in case some players do not realise their importance I think someone needs to organise the giant flag to let them know. As for team selection, much depends upon player fitness but I wouldn't be surprised to see a Tonkin or a Capaldi in central midfield to slow down the Torquay attacks.
Whereas United were very unfortunate to drop a point to a late goal on Good Friday, today's dropping of 2 points to an equally late goal were the team's own fault.
Having dominated the second half with some bright football and excellent running off the ball from deep positions from Chapman, Hall, Batt, and Davis, United looked to have a good chance of reclaiming 6th spot. However, uncertainty, misjudgement, and panic at different times at both ends of the field allowed the win to slip away.
The first half was another of those all too pleasant affairs when neither side attempted to raise the pace of the game. Torquay had the better opportunities but were handed the first of them on a plate when Worley was being chased by Howe but hardly under pressure as the latter was 3 yards away from making a challenge. It took a while for United to regain any composure. When they did, the visitors looked comfortable and pulled 9 or 10 men almost to the edge of their own area. You could see from the way the half turned out how and why they were the 1-0 experts. By dropping so deep, there was plenty of midfield space but little danger to either goal.
The second half was totally different. Rendell looked a much better centre-forward than Constable. Admittedly, the speed of the game had picked up and United were looking to get behind the Torquay back line which ought to benefit a centre-forward. I have to say though that Rendell made a much better fist of controlling the waist and chest high passes and began to trouble Ellis and Saah in the air for the first time. The timing of the goals was no surprise. Chapman's effort may have been lucky but corners hit with such accuracy and pace are difficult to stop. I suspect some may attach blame to the goalkeeper but, if inch-perfect, you cannot always keep them out. Montano's effort was good and he saw his chance early by correctly judging the flight of the cross. I was heard to say 'you're asking too much of Batt there' as the pass wide to him looked short but he was more determined than Nicholson.
After that, opportunities were wasted. I don't know what Morgan was thinking of when he shot high first time when in the clear. He had so much time and the distance between him and Oligenko should have given him such an advantage. Footballers can be so frustrating. You see them taking 2 or 3 touches within 12 yards of goal when you know a challenge will arrive to block the eventual shot. Then, when touches of the ball are advisable to steady yourself as in Morgan's case, he hits it from 20 plus yards way over! Later on at 2-2 he delayed a square pass on the edge of the area and lost possession. Yet, he as much as anyone lifted United back into contention in this game with some skilful play when taking on defenders and when dropping deep and picking up passes in space.
Following his miss, Torquay had more of the ball despite having 10 men. United were not totally defensive. If they were, they might have held on. Hall stayed forward as much as he could but I would have liked him deeper. His combative style was needed alongside Whing, and Johnson should have been one of the attacking outlets rather than wearing out the white paint on the side line.
Nevertheless, I would have accepted a point at half-time. We are still 7th and there are various possibilities between now and 5th May. Crewe host Cheltenham on Saturday week and the former must also pay a visit to Torquay while, if the players get their heads right, Gillingham could be put out of the race when they visit us. And don't discount Rotherham (yet). 73 points could still get us there.
09 April 2012
Chris Davis rounds up on United's two games over the Easter break...
Northampton Town 2 - 1 Oxford United
It was a very good game of L2 football, albeit with the most disappointing finish. Luck played a significant role in the game. We could do with a little coming our way on Monday. Although league tables rarely lie, luck plays a very important role in all football matches and in many incidents during matches. Northampton had their share last night and have probably saved themselves from the drop barring 5 defeats. Neither does luck even itself out over a season despite the old cliche. You just have to live with what Fate throws at you.
To be fair, Northampton threw quite a bit at United in the opening quarter and thoroughly deserved to be ahead at that point. Wilder does have injured players to think about and the centre-half position is a problem. He took a risk last night by keeping Whing back (remember he was injured at Cheltenham and only a sub for Worley at Accrington) because I'm sure he had doubts about Duberry's fitness for 2 games in 3 days and I suspect Worley is not yet ready. As it turned out, we are now likely to have a Wright/Whing pairing on Monday. It all meant a 3 man midfield with an anchorman deficiency with Hall expected to support the front line. It fell apart inside the first minute as no-one followed Gutteridge into the penalty area.
Leven's injury forced Whing off the bench earlier than expected but it did have the desired effect. From that point, United controlled the pace of the game and should have gone on to win it. Chances were created at regular intervals and despite Montano's nicely taken goal it's a pity he cannot see other players better positioned than himself for a scoring opportunity. The obvious occasion was when he turned on the edge of the area at 1-1 and didn't play a square pass to Batt who would have had time for several touches before shooting. But that's why he, and others, are L2 players, I guess.
Carlisle was an effective stopper for the home team. He needed to be because his defence was falling apart around him. It was not difficult to imagine a pacy, determined Shrewsbury team scoring 7 at Sixfields as they did earlier this season. But that sort of clinical finishing is not evident in this United team hence the reason why they have to battle for 7th spot until the very end, rather than claim a top 3 finish which much of the football warrants.
Despite the penalty miss, Chapman had his best game since his return. He has to take criticism though along with his team-mates for an almost gung-ho approach at the end. Williams was allowed to run 25 yards to the corner to retrieve the ball, turn back then forward again before shooting without a yellow shirt nearby to make a challenge. United were caught horribly short at the back when Pittman was ridiculously dispossessed in the centre circle. At times like that, you make sure you hang on for a draw! My mind goes back to the Crewe game 3 months ago when United refused to settle for a point in the closing stages despite a poor second half performance against a defensive-minded team.
Enough reminiscing. We are still clinging on and have a points advantage. 4 points from the next 2 games are required and just in case some players do not realise their importance I think someone needs to organise the giant flag to let them know. As for team selection, much depends upon player fitness but I wouldn't be surprised to see a Tonkin or a Capaldi in central midfield to slow down the Torquay attacks.
Oxford United 2 - 2 Torquay United
Whereas United were very unfortunate to drop a point to a late goal on Good Friday, today's dropping of 2 points to an equally late goal were the team's own fault.
Having dominated the second half with some bright football and excellent running off the ball from deep positions from Chapman, Hall, Batt, and Davis, United looked to have a good chance of reclaiming 6th spot. However, uncertainty, misjudgement, and panic at different times at both ends of the field allowed the win to slip away.
The first half was another of those all too pleasant affairs when neither side attempted to raise the pace of the game. Torquay had the better opportunities but were handed the first of them on a plate when Worley was being chased by Howe but hardly under pressure as the latter was 3 yards away from making a challenge. It took a while for United to regain any composure. When they did, the visitors looked comfortable and pulled 9 or 10 men almost to the edge of their own area. You could see from the way the half turned out how and why they were the 1-0 experts. By dropping so deep, there was plenty of midfield space but little danger to either goal.
The second half was totally different. Rendell looked a much better centre-forward than Constable. Admittedly, the speed of the game had picked up and United were looking to get behind the Torquay back line which ought to benefit a centre-forward. I have to say though that Rendell made a much better fist of controlling the waist and chest high passes and began to trouble Ellis and Saah in the air for the first time. The timing of the goals was no surprise. Chapman's effort may have been lucky but corners hit with such accuracy and pace are difficult to stop. I suspect some may attach blame to the goalkeeper but, if inch-perfect, you cannot always keep them out. Montano's effort was good and he saw his chance early by correctly judging the flight of the cross. I was heard to say 'you're asking too much of Batt there' as the pass wide to him looked short but he was more determined than Nicholson.
After that, opportunities were wasted. I don't know what Morgan was thinking of when he shot high first time when in the clear. He had so much time and the distance between him and Oligenko should have given him such an advantage. Footballers can be so frustrating. You see them taking 2 or 3 touches within 12 yards of goal when you know a challenge will arrive to block the eventual shot. Then, when touches of the ball are advisable to steady yourself as in Morgan's case, he hits it from 20 plus yards way over! Later on at 2-2 he delayed a square pass on the edge of the area and lost possession. Yet, he as much as anyone lifted United back into contention in this game with some skilful play when taking on defenders and when dropping deep and picking up passes in space.
Following his miss, Torquay had more of the ball despite having 10 men. United were not totally defensive. If they were, they might have held on. Hall stayed forward as much as he could but I would have liked him deeper. His combative style was needed alongside Whing, and Johnson should have been one of the attacking outlets rather than wearing out the white paint on the side line.
Nevertheless, I would have accepted a point at half-time. We are still 7th and there are various possibilities between now and 5th May. Crewe host Cheltenham on Saturday week and the former must also pay a visit to Torquay while, if the players get their heads right, Gillingham could be put out of the race when they visit us. And don't discount Rotherham (yet). 73 points could still get us there.
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