DENNIS THE FREE KICK MENACE
A good weeks work, four points in the bag and the unbeaten run still intact, four away wins on the spin so reasons to be confident as we travel to in-form Barkingside next Saturday. Hard won points as well, never a stroll against the Ramblers, in truth they played the better quality football over 90 minutes and may have felt a little hard done by not to take all three points. That they didn't was due to the spirit in the team at the moment, second best most of the night they did at least battle back last quarter, put a period of sustained pressure on the Burnham goal and in the end won a valuable point against the run of play.
Credit to Burnham, one of the few teams who have given us big problems lately, they were prepared to play through us and this always stretches a side. Once stretched our shape was hard to maintain and this was a lesson for the lads to learn. Saying that we did restrict shooting opportunities to a minimum, Burnham were unable to add to their lead and ultimately we were able to get back in the game. Could have even nicked it at the death and that would have been a real bonus.
Saturday and an altogether more comfortable display at the Terrence Macmillan Stadium, wasn't our most polished performance of late but we scored three without ever looking like conceding so even the Gaffer should be happy about that. He's been watching too many Brian Clough documentaries lately, wants us not only to win but to win better and that's not a bad philosophy-will be turning up in an old green sweatshirt next thing we know.
Changed the formation for this one and by and large it worked, tried to by-pass a very bumpy central midfield area by taking a more direct route, Armstrong and Whiteman both on the scoresheet so pretty much went to plan. Sam Dennis Man of the Match by a country mile and a wonderful free kick to boot. Defence getting meaner game by game, they're taking pride in their own 'Shut Out' statistics and that's very good to hear.
Onto Barkingside and a real test as they've been churning out results of late, Jared back for this one so attacking options and big selection headaches in the week ahead.
Final word for the supporters, out in force again and a valued ingredient in our current good run, only short trip up the A13 so bus passes came in handy (only joking). Seriously, always good to see us getting backing and the lads really do appreciate it, lifted us at a ground where the lack of atmosphere can sometimes reflect in performance - so well done to everyone.
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