Reflections on a good win at the Academy

Posted on Sunday, October 11th, 2009

Mike says –

“It took us a while to settle yesterday but we eventually ran out good winners against an under strength Coldstream team. Missing four regulars the Streamers started with a more positive attitude than ourselves and when “Coco” Crawford lashed home the opening goal of the afternoon I guess everyone who have watched Spartans at the Academy this season could be forgiven for thinking “here we go again”. We did settle however and two goals before the break set us on our way.

At half-time Mike was happier with the performance than Sam or myself but the players responded to the co-managers pleadings and played much better in the second period. I thought in the first half we didn’t use the wide areas nearly enough and that trying intricate one twos through the middle was playing into Coldstreams hands. I also thought at times our passing was sloppy on a pitch which is still settling down. Despite recent rain and being watered the Academy pitch is very firm and the leads to a high bounce and a requirement to be more deliberate with our passing.

In the second half we used the wide areas, we passed the ball crisply and with more accuracy resulting in more crosses being delivered and more chances created.

On the playing side Sam and I know we have a good squad of players and with the Scottish coming up we want as many match fit as possible. Omar, Sean and Deano came in yesterday and did well as did every player and substitute used. Next week on a tight Home Park is a whole new ball game and it’s safe to say despite the good result and eventual performance yesterday there will be a few changes to the starting line up at Coldstream.   

With David away on “holiday” we yesterday re-signed both Mark Burns and Struan Preston, one as cover and the other hopefully for our future. I’ll let you guess which is which. And talking of David I actually spoke to him from Afghanistan on Flocks phone after the game which was weird. He was delighted with the result and is settling into is new surroundings. Let’s hope he enjoys his stay and returns home safely”

Mike