Overall this was an improvement on our last meeting with Ironside but resulted in a similar scoreline. With the league splitting into two distinct groups, Ironside are well placed in fourth and we soon found out why. A well delivered chip from right to left dropped kindly to Ironsides centre forward to slide in from close range with the game only a few minutes old.Their second came shortly afterwards, direct from an in-swinging corner. Only a slight deflection was enough to elude our two remaining players on the line.
We failed to make much impact upfront although towards the end of the half we began to find some space with our best hope looking to come from wide positions.
A fantastic save from Terry kept us from going in three goals down.
The second half was more open although Ironside added to their tally after the defence were split by a pass to the right that was tucked away. We were really limited to the odd long range effort or free kicks just outside the area that were easily dealt with by Ironsides physical superiority and a very commanding goalkeeper whose kicking would have been well placed in the old Wimbledon team.
Ironside are a physically stronger side which they use fairly to their advantage. They don't have any outstanding players but work hard for each other with a good blend of age and experience.
I do not wish to criticise certain Torres players as the work rate, skill and battling qualities are second to none but we have a problem that needs addressing. We have good and very important players that unfortunately show frustration that is often picked up on by opposing teams and used to their advantage. Re-acting to every challenge, whatever the offence should not be equalled out with physical or verbal abuse. This is often detrimental to the team. It serves as an irritant and incentive to the opposition whom we as team are often not physically strong enough to compete with. Often when a foul is committed, the decision is given our way. We have to learn to accept this and in truth, however late the foul, if a player can get up and react then they can't be that badly injured in the first place. We have been fortunate at times that we have not been reduced to 10 men because of such responses.
It is part of football that you find the oppositions weakness, which this really is. The following is a general comment of human nature and not aimed at any of the teams we play but a bully will continue to antagonise an individual if they know they are stronger and that they get a response. Of course we must not be scared of teams but we have to trust that the referee will protect players from bad tackles. Incorrect decisions are inevitable but I believe that the minimum we can should expect from a referee is that the players are protected. A reaction nullifies any sympathy and protection that a referee may have given.
We have a tough close season but the squad is being strengthened as players return from injury. We can play some good football and this is our best hope of gaining further points.
I have written this report after time to reflect and whilst away from the heat of the game. I do not wish to upset the players involved today but hope they think about what and why these flashpoints happen. It important that all the squad pull together for our remaining fixtures so that we can avoid relegation.
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