Thought I'd better post my thoughts on the game itself, not just before, from a County perspective.
First 10-20, I thought we were really sloppy vs a good press by your team. We've changed our style preseason focusing on more control and ball players at centre mid but we were too slow playing out. We have two fullbacks out on both sides too so lacked pace and an out ball meaning you penned us in well. Though we've always got long to Wootton which has proven effective.
Once we get the ball in the final third though we have plenty of attacking talents who can change a game in a moment. Barry did that, which opened up the game, and then we gradually gained control with Norwood and Camps dictating the game and were relatively comfortable from there apart from switching off for the Sinclair chance. Horsfall got around the back at corners three times and almost created a goal 3 times so that has got to be a frustration for your management team, particularly as he's one of our main threats in the air.
I thought catching us in possession or set piece, which looked consistently dangerous for you first half, looked your best bet. Omochere looked a handful early to me and won plenty in the air vs our defence. Looks like he's got good raw attributes too. Much better than Martin for me (who I know isn't fit). Not sure he's 500k worth but he's young. I can see why you've struggled to score though without an attacking spark. Griffiths had another good game though and you only need to score 1 if you can keep a clean sheet.
Norwood grew into the game after being called in last minute with Bate being injured. Add Mingi's hamstring at the end that's 12 out for us. Looked you you had a couple too? Fevrier (no.10) caused problems and probably earnt himself a start. We're blessed with some pacey options off the bench despite our injuries.
All the best for the rest of the season other than when you play us. I think you'll be more than fine and were well organised and energetic first half but need a goalscorer to capitalise on moments and maybe an x-factor attacker/creator. Sounds like that could be Thomas further up the field? Hutchinson and Conteh have both looked good against us in L2, but Conteh was the better of those 2 yesterday.
Off the pitch, thanks for all the compliments about our success. I think it's a combination of momentum, good feeling within and backing by the fans, Challinor and a strong squad - it's no secret we've spent plenty - though also on infrastructure and the academy. We're definitely significantly loss making but the owner is covering that, and converting it into equity, with a plan to get us to the Championship from the NL in 7 years. We're into year 5 of that now.
We had a bit of an overhaul preseason too looking to bring in younger players to develop (mainly on frees but a few low 100ks fees) and have brought in 12 so far - Norwood the exception but arguably much needed experience as well as class. I think we see a lot of added value as a mentor. The consensus is we've recruited well complimented a very good core from the L2 title side. We've been slow starters previously so this is a nice change.
I've got no idea how we'll rank in the league though. Any thoughts? There's room to improve as new players gel and hopefully come back from injury too.
I look forward to the reverse fixture. You're better than Cambridge on the games at Edgeley. They were toothless and didn't cause us any many problems as you did in first 30 mins of our game.
