Whilst the three points we gained at the Abbey on Wednesday night have all but ensured safety with one third of the season remaining, the level of our performance slipped well below the standards that we have set this season.

Certain individuals did not do themselves justice, with Craig Bussens and Sam Beagle the only players to really enhance their reputations. Whilst we now have a team strong enough to win without playing well, especially against the teams from the lower reaches of the league, we operate in a developmental environment where performances are considered ahead of results but one invariably leads to the other anyway. Unlike last season, we will rarely play well in this league now and lose but we must never be satisfied with playing poorly and winning.

In trying to produce professional players by playing in a semi professional league, our standards must always be higher than any opposition and we will always be more critical and demanding than the paying public in our expectations of the players. Handling this mental intensity and flourishing rather than wilting as the bar is raised will often be the determining factor in the level of football each individual can attain.

The reasons for so many below par performances is something we will try to identify to help the players improve their mental approach to games. Was it a case of trying too hard to impress the watching first team manager? Was it a case of complacency because we were playing a team near the bottom of the table?

The way that players can add consistency to their game is by having a consistent mentality, understanding the basics of their game and how to get back on track when things are not going well. The final part of this equation can be very difficult for young players to see, let alone change, during the game as it often involves the roles of others. Football is a team game so you cannot play well in isolation. Everyone needs to be doing their job properly for each other to perform. Many of our players, especially when they are not playing at their best, operate in their own bubble and try to put everything right themselves. This leads to frantic work but ineffective play and then frustration.

The ability to see the big picture, understand the game and organise others remains one of our big themes and is particularly vital for the second years. They must also learn to function under pressure and perform when it matters. In stark terms, this means whenever the gaffer is watching, because he will be making decisions in the coming weeks on their immediate futures.

That we survived the opening half hour without conceding was a mixture of superb goalkeeping from Sam Beagle and profligate finishing from the visitors.

The term "great save" is overused as often you would question the goalkeeper if he had not made the save. However, Sam (pictured) made three blocks in the first half from shots he should not have smelt, showing great presence and reflexes.

They were truly match winning interventions.

Just as pleasing though, was his calm demeanour throughout and the positive way in which he dominated his box. He really is gaining in confidence and developing into a fine young goalkeeper.

At the other end of the pitch our prime attacking weapon was through the direct wing play of Craig Bussens. Although Adam Marriott had earlier struck the bar following a rare outbreak of football, our opening goal was the result of our first effort on target. 

Piers Wixon timed his run perfectly and struck a low drive through the home keeper, evidence once again that space - ball - player (in that order) creates goals.  Another fine run and cross from Bussens should have been converted by Michael Kirby at the far post but his weak header was drifting wide and Adam Marriott was offside in adding the final touch.

The second half was similarly scrappy but our defending improved sufficiently to not require any more heroics from Sam Beagle and we created more opportunities going forward. Craig Bussens was guilty of two misses - one blazing high and wide when composure was required and the other when although he was thwarted by the visiting keeper, he should have squared to any of four support players to add the finishing touch. These moments were out of character with his overall display though and Bussy was without doubt our most effective outfield player.

The result was put beyond doubt with fifteen minutes remaining. Adam Marriott gave us a glimpse of his talent by drawing a foul in the opposing box and winning a stonewall penalty.

Piers Wixon (right) despatched his 14th league goal in twenty eight appearances with a cool spot kick.

This now gives us a tally of 38 points. After the same number of games last year we had eighteen; this is a great measurement of our overall improvement. The next few weeks though will be all about measuring individual progress by way of decisions regarding contracts.

With a secure league position, we can also start to introduce some more first years to the starting XI so that we have a sound base to start next season.

Team: Beagle, Bowe, Collins (Patrick 45), Carr, Costello, McAuley, Bussens, Cutler, Wixon, Marriott (Hunter 75), Kirby.

Jez George

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