The crazy thing about the negativity on this forum last night is for good chunks of the game we were two goals up and on the ascendancy, were never behind, and had a pretty solid defence for the last couple of games.
I just don't understand it.
But we could easily have been 2-1 down at half time. Maybe even 3-1 on the run of play and chances created. We took every thing. And we scrambled and got lucky a couple of times to keep them out.
I thought we handled things pretty well after they scored. So with the lead and the way we were defending, I thought we were going to win it. But even with that it's possible and reasonable to think that we were somewhat fortunate to be in that position.
And late in the game, after the subs and with Krishna maybe struggling a bit also, I thought we might give up the lead.
We deserved the win because we took our chances and the effort was there on defence (if still lacking a bit in defensive organisation, and decision making from a couple of players). We also mostly nullified their point of attack with good work by Ridenton in particular, and McGlinchey did a great job constantly hurrying them higher up the pitch. I though he was a highlight of a good press accross the board. I thought we were pretty disruptive, and pretty potent making the most of what we created.
I think we still have three key players a bit short of fitness for a hard 90mins (including Krishna in that, i suspect he's less disinterested than knackered. Iirc he's been playing 90+ coming back from an injury while the new guys have not been starting or being subbed. I just think he's giving a 100 and that hundred is sometimes up before the game's finished).
So I think we'll improve. And we should get more cohesive as the players get more time together as well. More work to do on the defence though if we're going to be able to consistently win (or at least not loose) the tight ones.
And a lot will depend on injuries and cards from here. Fox back sooner than expected would be good.
Great to get a win against one of the league leaders. Some good signs, but still a fairly dodgy D and not the most fluent going forward, though potent when we are. Seems like a much better, disciplined work ethic and team attitude, so I'd hope we only improve from here, if we can use this as a base and keep tidying up all the small things that make a difference, get players fit, don't get critical injuries, spend more time with combos on the field. Sixth looks definitely possible with a bit of fortune.
Just the way I saw it.
COYN