CRC 2 - 0 Debenham LC

This was a disappointing display with the team showing very little quality going forward and lacking tempo throughout. Whilst we gained the three points, I have said it before and I will say it again, winning is not enough. We are in the business of developing players not becoming solely fixated with accruing points. Results look after themselves when the performance is right anyway, so we always concentrate on the performance. It is rare that we have the performance and not the result. At the moment we are getting results without the performance and whilst that might suffice for first teams, it does not interest Nolan and me. We need the players to perform at a consistently high level to show the potential of being able to achieve the same five leagues higher.

At present, we are taking advantage of a friendly early fixture list and some of the players may be guilty of thinking they are doing enough. It's not the case. Being happy to be average will only lead to one thing; being average. We cannot judge the players against the standard of teams we play against because our young players say they want a career in professional football. Unless they start to apply themselves better in training and matches so they can improve at the rate we need, then they will be judged against teams in the Ridgeons League or its equivalent because that will be the level they end up playing. The world is full of "could haves" but the fact is "they haven't" and there is always a reason. Unfortunately, it is usually too late that players realise the reason is looking back at them in the mirror. Some of our young players need to honestly assess where they are and take ownership for their development rather than kidding themselves, adopting an "excuse culture" or an "I know" attitude. All of our players have ability, so those with the maturity and humility to accept criticism openly and apply it will be successful. Put simply, those who don't, won't.

The highlights of the first 44 minutes were two poor left footed finishes by JP, some wayward set plays and the forward runs of Luke Berry. In other words, we were flat. We didn't pass the ball quick enough or with sufficient quality to create any clear cut chances against a resolute but limited team. The breakthrough came courtesy of a penalty for a foul on Liam Hughes, who latched onto a Jack Eades cross at the end of a powerful and direct run by our makeshift right back. Luke Berry duly obliged from 12 yards.

The second half saw a slight improvement but most of our chances came in the latter stages on the counterattack when the visitors became more adventurous. The biggest moment in the game was a fantastic reflex save by Martin Davies when their player eluded our attention from a wide free kick for a free header from 6 yards. Bad miss or great save? A bit of both but Taff is a great example to the youngsters in terms of concentration, application and therefore consistency.

The introduction of Blaine Hudson at the back (following an injury) which allowed Liam Hughes to move up front improved us at both ends of the pitch. The two also combined for our points clinching second goal. Blaine's raking long pass found Liam on the left flank. His pass inside found JP, who beat the keeper with a 20 yard strike.

In the closing quarter, we had a number of chances, most notably to Luke Berry who shot wide when 1v1 with the keeper and Ryan Ingrey who got the ball stuck under his feet in a similar position meaning he got too close to the keeper and was denied by his trailing leg. Jack Eades also created havoc with a number of dangerous free kicks, one of which Alex Bevan should have converted from close range, and other shooting opportunities were met with damp squibs. Our technique must be better in front of goal. That said, with my thoughts on the game confirmed by watching the DVD, our technique must be better in all areas of the pitch.

There are not many disciplines you need to master in each position but they must be executed consistently well, especially in games like this when we are not under too much pressure. The best players do the basics right all the time. We spend too much time complicating the game and creating our own problems. Then even our ability to do the basics goes out of the window.

It's hard to make the game look easy and easy to make the game look hard. We strive for the former but, in this game, achieved the latter. The magic word is application and it can't be switched on and off at will.

Without a doubt, we will need to be better on Tuesday as we face Wisbech Town at their new ground, followed by another away day test at newly promoted Great Yarmouth Town next weekend.

Team: Davies, Eades, Brighton, Bevan, Hughes, Hannant (Allen 60), Bennett, Berry, Ingrey, Patrick, Cooper (Hudson 60) 

CRC are next at home to Mildenhall Town on Wednesday 8 September. Admission is £5 for adults, £2 for concessions and CUFC season ticket holders.
 

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