Management Thoughts on the University Challenge

Posted on Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Mike says –

“The twice we have scored 7 goals in 90 minutes  recently we have struggled to find the net the following game. When the goals come the players relax and express themselves but be sure there will a hangover the next game as we saw last night. The goals flew in against Selkirk last time out and after taking the lead against the students in the 10th minute there was a sense of anticipation at the Academy.

I’m sure it was more a sense of concern in the away dugout and with the students on the park but we didn’t press home our advantage. It may sound strange but I’m sure Sammy was happier at half-time than Sam or myself. Our players have set themselves high standards as this season’s progressed and last night they failed to reach them. Don’t get me wrong, no-one played badly but as a team we didn’t fire on all cylinders.

As I spoke to the players at the interval I could sense “what’s he going on about – we’re well in control of this game” coming back at me and well in control they were. The problem is at 1-0 it only takes one slip or one piece of genius from an opposition player and it’s another 2 points dropped.   

As it was we didn’t give the Uni many chances in the second half although they did force a couple of corners which our dug-out was relieved to see cleared. I told the players before the game that it didn’t matter how or when we won but we had to get the three points. From that point of view it was mission accomplished as we try to put the pressure on Whitehill and Lothian who are the only two teams who can now catch us.

Despite being well up on our required games we have two mid-week fixture in a row. Sam and I will check those who started last night for knocks and strains before deciding on a line up for Crichton. More about that game tomorrow.”

Mike