Simon Says; Harrogate Town youngsters gave uplifting display

Harrogate Town’s gaffer Simon Weaver writes down his thoughts from the dugout
Simon Weaver (1407218AM14)Simon Weaver (1407218AM14)
Simon Weaver (1407218AM14)

One good performance doesn’t suddenly make everything right after a disappointing season so far but Sunday morning certainly felt so much better having enjoyed Saturday’s game.

Whilst I am well aware that I am purely judged on results I wanted the players to concentrate solely on putting in a performance that lifted the supporters and everybody at the club.

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A few people may have questioned the team that was selected against Boston as it was our youngest and least experienced line-up this season.

Four players were selected that were playing football for teams at least two leagues below only a fortnight previously and a further two players started the game that were also playing in leagues below last season.

We’ve learnt many things this season but certainly there is no substitute for pace and hunger. We have missed Ashley Worsfold this campaign for his willingness to hunt defenders down and then scare them with his ability to take them on.

It was uplifting to see Jack Emmett and Jordan Thewlis express themselves and beat a man, get to the bye-line and generally hurt the opposition with pace.

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We could have scored more than the two goals that we did against Boston but we were guilty of missing good chances. The fact is however, that we created a lot more chances than we have done of late. Overall though I was proud of all the players. There was honesty and endeavour throughout.

We have another tough game at Solihull on Saturday.

They out-paced us in the game at the CNG earlier in the season and there are a lot of pro clubs having a look at their striker Omar Bogle at the moment.

If we can set our stall out again and remain organised and determined throughout we know we have the pace in the team now to counter-attack.

Watching the football over the weekend on the television it was interesting to see Arsenal defending deep in order to counter-attack. They absorbed, delayed and broke down all that Manchester City could throw at them and then sprung forward quickly and looked dangerous on the break.

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Chelsea are another team at the top whose composure and pace allow them to counter-attack at lightening speed exposing opposing defences by exploiting the space in behind. Possession is good as you have the ball but it’s possession with a purpose that is the difference between the teams that are incisive and those that leave themselves open to being countered.