Post by John Anderson on Aug 14, 2024 7:15:14 GMT
If you were to pick three tough games to open our 24/25 campaign, Bracknell, Taunton and Totton would have all been in the frame. With a new squad, I was worried that we would take a few games to click. However after 2 games, I could not be happier.
Anyone that has been on here for a while will know that I believe that a clean sheet is the first requirement of a successful team. However clean sheets alone only guarantees, or at least helps ensure survival. After Saturday’s draw at Bracknell, the defence was clearly going in the right direction.
After 70 minutes last night we did not look like conceding, but worryingly we had not broken our duck for the season. However the goal when it came showed two things, firstly that the team did not give up or settle for the point, and secondly that clean sheets are the basis for success. One goal in two games but 4 points proves the point that Weston Super Mare proved a couple of seasons ago.
Despite scoring almost 20 goals fewer than Bracknell, Weston kept clean sheets in more than half its games winning the league with some ease.
Last night we never looked like conceding and it felt line days of old. However there was a flair and style in midfield and that only needed a sharpness in the final third. Take nothing away from the goal. The cross for the goal was sublime, it went just behind the main defensive line while also going away from their keeper. The finish was just as good as the cross and you will not see a finer goal all season.
On paper the next game, at home to a resurgence AFC Totton would be a worry, the money men have a 100% record so far and as we know only to well, a frightening strike force. However I look forward to Saturday as the defence showed me last night that goals will be hard to get against Poole. Looking forward, the one change I would look for is playing two up front, at least if playing Toby Holmes. We have seen over the years tha Toby works best in a pair, something that provirus managers did not learn.
From what I saw last night, this is the strongest squad we have had for some time and certainly since relegation from the National League South. While we need more up front, while we keep clean sheets, we will stay in the mix. Anyone that was not at the game might think that this was a dour game, far from it. Two very good sides cancelled each other out for most of the game.
On Saturday we will see a lot of things. Tony Lee and Charlie Austin and the most expensive squad in this league. By 5pm we will not only have some idea whether Totton have spent well but also whether Poole are on the right track.
Anyone that has been on here for a while will know that I believe that a clean sheet is the first requirement of a successful team. However clean sheets alone only guarantees, or at least helps ensure survival. After Saturday’s draw at Bracknell, the defence was clearly going in the right direction.
After 70 minutes last night we did not look like conceding, but worryingly we had not broken our duck for the season. However the goal when it came showed two things, firstly that the team did not give up or settle for the point, and secondly that clean sheets are the basis for success. One goal in two games but 4 points proves the point that Weston Super Mare proved a couple of seasons ago.
Despite scoring almost 20 goals fewer than Bracknell, Weston kept clean sheets in more than half its games winning the league with some ease.
Last night we never looked like conceding and it felt line days of old. However there was a flair and style in midfield and that only needed a sharpness in the final third. Take nothing away from the goal. The cross for the goal was sublime, it went just behind the main defensive line while also going away from their keeper. The finish was just as good as the cross and you will not see a finer goal all season.
On paper the next game, at home to a resurgence AFC Totton would be a worry, the money men have a 100% record so far and as we know only to well, a frightening strike force. However I look forward to Saturday as the defence showed me last night that goals will be hard to get against Poole. Looking forward, the one change I would look for is playing two up front, at least if playing Toby Holmes. We have seen over the years tha Toby works best in a pair, something that provirus managers did not learn.
From what I saw last night, this is the strongest squad we have had for some time and certainly since relegation from the National League South. While we need more up front, while we keep clean sheets, we will stay in the mix. Anyone that was not at the game might think that this was a dour game, far from it. Two very good sides cancelled each other out for most of the game.
On Saturday we will see a lot of things. Tony Lee and Charlie Austin and the most expensive squad in this league. By 5pm we will not only have some idea whether Totton have spent well but also whether Poole are on the right track.
