Holmes_and_Watson

Mother

It was never going to be a great second half, in terms of playing. But what a good half in terms of determination, positioning and team effort. Pretty much everyone had their moments, whether holding things up, smart passi g, good positioning or important tackles. Azaz was probably the standout, popping up all over the place across 90+ minutes. Every win is important in such a league. But extra lovely in the derby, in getting back towards the top and in putting a tough spell behind the scenes in the past.

We were pretty comfortable. Not creating lots of chances, but on top. Leo was drawing fouls, Azaz and Downes doing fine, and Bree an extra outlet. Bree took his goal really well, from a lovely Azaz pass. Sadly, Bragg got that red card. Two clear bookings so no complaints there. He'd been the weakest of our team today. The ball getting caught under his feet; not seeing a pass and getting caught in possession. We're still capable of winning this. Bishop's header right before the break and a shot that went close were worrying though.

Rumour

They did concede against 10 men, which is always harder to play against. Defector Luke Shaw getting a little head butt. To his credit, despite being around Bruno Fernandes, he stayed on his feet.

There's the cost against what rules are there for them this season. IIRC they kept on RVN until the moment the financial year ended. Because the compensation would have resulted in them breaking the PSR limits, resulting in points deductions.

Secret

Typical badger. Set(t) in his ways. 🙂

Since badgers have been in what would become England for more than 50 000 years, you can't be English as your roots aren't Celtic or Anglo Saxon. 🙂

Paperback

Watching the 2 min highlights on Sky:- The first 2 goals were directly from every opponent knowing the gaps Martin wants left at full backs. Both direct balls into those areas. On both occasions, the reacting defender has then been beaten, leading to the goal. Martin will blame the defender for not being strong enough in the challenge, smart enough to push him wide and for the others not to race back quickly enough to help cover. Both are known risks from RussBall. The third was a bit of a deflection. I only saw one of Leicester's "big misses" in there. Like with a lot of Martin's shots at goal, his reset strategy on every move allows for plenty of defenders to be around the efforts.

Lots of possession. More shots, and they've missed 3 big chances. Flashscore says they had a xG of 2.43 to Posh's 1.52 You can see they are working so hard, and are so close to it all clicking. Just the scoring and the conceding things to sort out. Then you'll see them race up that table. Will's nearly there. Just have to hold on through this spell.

If only they had got Baz and Will in early. A sweeper/keeper capable of helping out the defensive passing, and an all rounder capable of making all those Russ transitions work. Leicester got the right man, but have yet to give him the right players on the park. Hopefully Alex picked up some things from Baz, and Will isn't far away. Shame to see such a coach under pressure considering. But, after such a slide, they must give Russ the time. The players have to learn, or they are out. Russ will reshape that club, removing that scar tissue and make up them a real non league contender.

Can you get a release clause that kicks in, if the manager goes? Even if that's before you kick a ball for that club.

But Smallbone will help turn it round! Madness to change course now. 🙂