Tempted to say 'Piece of cake this managerial lark' but that couldn't be further from the truth. Had to change the team three times from 4 o'clock last Monday, still came out with a strong line up every time and that's testament to our strength in depth.
Rewind to last Saturday and things definitely didn't go to plan, was happy with the preparations but the team simply didn't play to the level they are capable of, was disappointed with that but it's impossible to plan for. Did at least look dangerous second half but kept shooting ourselves in the foot as Stansted scored key goals at key times, were always chasing the game and in the end came up short. Can't expect to concede four away from home and get anything from the game, scored two and if we defended more solidly it should have been enough.
Some views aired after the game, at times it didn't make for comfortable listening but maybe it did the trick, defended solidly as a unit on Monday and just about edged a hard fought encounter. Bethnal rested some first team players, there's little doubt about that, but their players were hungry to get in the side and that made them dangerous opponents. Was pleased with the application of players, all put in a shift and the work ethic was there for all to see. Big performance from Mequel De Souza, led the line by example and both finishes sheer class.
In with a shout of qualification now and the boys deserve credit for that, destiny now out of our hand's but certainly gave it their best shot so hopefully results will go our way - maybe we deserve a reversal in fortune.
Travel to Mile End again Saturday and it could be a real cracker this time up, respect for all that Green have achieved in their first season but will be looking to overturn the apple cart, 11 v 11 on the day so anything could happen and no doubt will.
