Post by applefootball on Apr 3, 2011 7:26:45 GMT
Very disappointing to lose and although we did not play particularly well at times we still created enough chances to win this game 3/4 times.
I think this is a good learning curve for next year and beyond for the players - teams from the lower reaches who play us now will treat it as a 'cup final' and work and put in efforts that normally aren't there. Clubs will tactically do what they can to stop us playing (both with team set up and having a pitch which is rock hard -when we have only had one days sun so would suggest not been watered at all - and the grass has not been cut strangely in certain areas of the pitch!) and we have to learn to solve these problems and be efficient to grind out a win, especially when we get into a winning position early in the game.
I have told the lads they need to expect this more regularly now but what they must remember is that they are good players and I would not swap them for any others yesterday or from most other clubs.
On a final note and those that watched will understand, whilst we can not blame referees for losing he certainly gave Walsham a helping hand with two of the goals. After the game the officials who had invited me in to discuss any matters after the game, to his credit admitted he had made the mistakes after consultations with the linesman and apologised for missing the decisions. it does make you wonder though and was the question I asked, why couldn't the assistant referee intervene at the time and discuss it with the referee then - to which was replied, I over ruled him and got it wrong and I am sorry! Doesn't make my weekend any better though especially with Mr. Rooney also making it worse!
I think this is a good learning curve for next year and beyond for the players - teams from the lower reaches who play us now will treat it as a 'cup final' and work and put in efforts that normally aren't there. Clubs will tactically do what they can to stop us playing (both with team set up and having a pitch which is rock hard -when we have only had one days sun so would suggest not been watered at all - and the grass has not been cut strangely in certain areas of the pitch!) and we have to learn to solve these problems and be efficient to grind out a win, especially when we get into a winning position early in the game.
I have told the lads they need to expect this more regularly now but what they must remember is that they are good players and I would not swap them for any others yesterday or from most other clubs.
On a final note and those that watched will understand, whilst we can not blame referees for losing he certainly gave Walsham a helping hand with two of the goals. After the game the officials who had invited me in to discuss any matters after the game, to his credit admitted he had made the mistakes after consultations with the linesman and apologised for missing the decisions. it does make you wonder though and was the question I asked, why couldn't the assistant referee intervene at the time and discuss it with the referee then - to which was replied, I over ruled him and got it wrong and I am sorry! Doesn't make my weekend any better though especially with Mr. Rooney also making it worse!