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by DeePeeNCAFC
Just registered, first post.
I'm a reasonably new County supporter, watched half a dozen home games this season, same last year. I coach one of the NCAFC junior teams. I'm also a qualified local league referee so often watch the officials' performance as much as the players. My 'main team' play in Lge 1 and generally I prefer Div 1/2/non league to any Premiershi* teams because of the fanbase, rapport and all-round honesty. So, that's me.
Went Friday and was impressed by a good performance. Pre-match entertainment and that 'made to feel welcome' ethos was good. Great to see loads of kids about, they're the future on and off the pitch.
So, my feedback on the team's performance can be taken or left, you guys have been following the County longer than I so probably know better.
Keeper Joe - didn't have an awful lot to do but stayed alert to preventing his defence scoring an OG.
Butler and Pipe - both immense and 110% committed. Pipe would have got my MOTM award if only his crossing was better - seemed to knock it in the box without looking but he was colossal and a real leader. I've watched him at FGR and Eastleigh and he has always worn his heart on his sleeve. Micky also deserves a mention, should be playing at a higher level.
Midfield - this is where I feel MF can improve for next season. Wilmott did really well, covered a lot of ground, put the tackles in and tried to get forward against strong Coventry full backs. But as a unit the midfield were overrun which shouldn't happen if you're playing a 532. Can't knock any of them individually but Coventry were better and bypassed the midfield too often. I don't get the Love him/hate him issue with Wilmott - he's a Lge 2 utility man who played 2 levels lower last season. Some fans on here (one in particular) need to be mindful of that I feel.It's all about opinions I suppose - I referee local parks games as I'm not good enough to officiate at a higher level, in my 'day job' I do OK but won't be company director as I'm not good enough. Think sometimes we need to be realistic - can County really attract/afford a better midfield and, if so, who?
Up front, Hayes did well holding up play first half and I felt he had a goal in him. Nouble wirked hard when he came on - retained rhe ball too long and can't cross but I think he's a good/experienced CF.
Amond I like, always followed his progress. Worked his socks off for the team but is never going to be a 15+ goals a season man without getting a partnership going up front with 1 other.
Effort and commitment 100% yesterday. Good to see the forwards deliberately standing beyond the last man when the opposition take a GK. Long throws from Tozer - can be a useful tool if chasing the game a goal down but I think County need to mix it up with a few quicker, sharper throw-ins as they were a bit laboured and achieved little TBH.
Will see you Saturday - wave at me as I parade the County kids round the pitch before the game.
Best wishes all
Dee