To Boreham Wood to play Enfield F.C. They have started slowly this season with 1 win (last Saturday against Basingstoke) and 3 draws from their 9 outings and are in the relegation zone. Among their ranks are former Saints, Stuart Maynard, Lee Doherty and, just out of retirement, Greg Howells. City top the League, on goal difference from Aldershot, but are looking for a victory after a draw and a defeat from the last two games.
The Dynamic Duo selected Wilmot in goal; 3 at the back: Brown, Townley and Campbell; 5 in the midfield: Moran, Challinor, Evans, Smith and Naylor; and up front: Martin and Crawshaw. On the bench were Oakes, Keen, Hollenbach, De Souza and Roberts D.
I am not a fan of 3-5-2, and on this performance, neither are the players. They looked generally out of sorts and, in particular, it seemed to me, unaware of the role that they were expected to play. There was little shape to the game and, when in possession, The Saints seemed anxious to get rid of the ball as fast as possible. The fluid passing game that contributed to the fine start to the season was a distant memory.
Enough of this tactical stuff and on to the match report.
The first half passed without incident. H.T. 0-0.
With 25 minutes left, The Duo brought on Castle for Evans and Oakes for Townley, switched Moran to the back line and reverted to 4-4-2. the change was immediate and the whole team seemed to relax in to the more familiar formation. Castle is a steadying inluence. Chances were rare for both sides although, on balance, Enfield had slightly more possession and position, without overly troubling Wilmot. De Souza came on for Crawshaw.
The game seemed destined for a disappointing 0-0 draw until, with 7 or 8 minutes left on the clock, a free kick richocheted off Brown, was half cleared by the Enfield defence but collected by Martin just inside the box who hit a sharp shot inside the right hand post. A well taken goal, probably the only shot on target of note by either side during the game. 0-1. F.T.
It's 3 points, back on the winning trail and City top the League. The Duo will know that it didn't work tonight. There are no fundamental problems to be resolved, however. It's selection and strategy, and we are top of the League. Enfield will be disappointed and probably think that they deserved at least a point. They work hard, and play a long game well, but the breaks don't come often at the bottom of the League. They need firepower.
The crowd was around 250 with 150 or so of the Travelling City Faithful. MotM? I don't think so. Once again, I would drink the champagne myself.
Entertainment 5/10. Atmosphere 4/10. technical Merit 4/10. Referee 4/10.
Match report by Awayday |
