County v Guiseley: Match Thread (14/08/2018)

We've previously struggled to deal with teams who use a long throw as one of their main attacking weapons and this game will likely be a test to see if we're any better at it this season. Given JG said we're lacking in physicality and size at the fans' forum, we can only hope! Guiseley can use Heaton from either side of the pitch to launch throws into our box so it'll likely fall on Palmer, Smalley and Keane to deal with it and for the other players to be alert for the second ball.

With the likes of Felix to call on to run the wing at 100mph, I wouldn't expect Cowan, even with his pace, to be out of position at LB in this one. Hopefully, with the opportunity to train, Askew will be ready to play LB and give some natural balance to that side of defence.

Other than that, it sounded from commentary that Dimaio and his dad were disappointed with his lack of game time so far. Perhaps we'll be seeing him in contention for a starting spot soon, especially given he has made an impact off the bench. Unlike last season, at least there's creativity beyond Warburton. I remember posting in March before the BPA game that Mulhern looked good and that he was able to play off a striker too, so options are a bit more varied this season in the search of the 'formula' that works best at home and away.

Three points but perhaps a tight one. (Cue it ending 4-3)

Andy Halls was one of my favourites -- always got stuck in and gave his all. It's a shame he's now reached our level. I hope he gets a warm reception.

Agreed, jimbos - he deserves one. As does Big Kay, if he plays.

Interesting, though, to see that Guiseley are using Halls as a centre-half thus far. Personally, I would have needed a lot of convincing that he was suited to playing in that position - but we shall see...! 

Sorry ARS, I don't know where they have been, all I know is FACTS!!! and that's what's going to happen!! :-)

I came away feeling it was a point gained (on the night's performance) rather than two points dropped. After a strong start from us, they got hold of the game and were playing to their strengths well. We had a period around, and after ,our goal, and ended with some corners, but they probably have more of the game than us and their play 'made sense' while ours seemed haphazard and as if one of our main tactics was Hinchliffe hitting super-long balls!

Big K pretty much had his own way for most of the match - the moaners in the Main Stand when he was with us suddenly appreciated what he does! He was too strong, too experienced and even too fast for our makeshift central defence. He was involved in their goal, using his body to let the ball run near the corner flag after a throw, thus ending with himself facing goal rather than back to goal as he should have been kept. Their left winger ran into the penalty box untracked and found Felix, playing the other wing, who slotted home. It was one of those 'slow motion' type of goals where everyone goes passive and it just 'happens' to us.

Aside from the goal, there were several examples of us being all over the shop from throws - mostly not even the long ones, although one long one near the end bounced its way through the penalty box, somehow avoiding being tapped in. Guiseley had a golden opportunity to get a second, again via Felix, but Hinchliffe saved well. It really should have sealed the game for them though given the quality of the chance. Hinchliffe's other work was mostly dealing with things from distance.

Walker was our big plus tonight. With not forcing their 'keeper to do much (if anything?!), his FK at least got us a point and he was rightly (in my view) given MOTM for his overall performance. Dimaio was the other positive. He has excellent feet and possesses the kind of quality that few have in this league.

The shape seemed a struggle again - Askew couldn't really provide much of a left side as he was vulnerable to Felix and had to foul him several times when they countered. With Stephenson trying to work off and with Mulhern, it brings all defenders bunched in as well as midfielders removing space for Warburton. Our best hope as the clocked ticked seemed to be Hinchliffe launching balls long (JG telling him for not going long enough!) in the hope something would come of it. It was a bit like a movie you put on for another viewing only to realise the same thing happens as when you watched it last year.

Anyway, this seems a nice way to end:

Cheers for the reports, guys. I listened on County Player -- or tried to. The service has hit new lows this season. A total rip-off.

Sounded like we were going long all the time again. We don't have the right players to do that, the opposition centre backs win every ball and it's a complete waste of time. Reminds me of the Chorley playoff game: Very dispiriting.

Also, I love innovative modern tactics and all that great stuff, but why can't we just play four at the back and try to build a familiar and solid foundation? There's still plenty of tinkering and cleverness to be had with midfield and attacking shape. Jim's desire to switch between three and four at the back several times during the game is even influencing selection: Minihan is a right back. He's not an attacking threat. We've got better attacking wingers / wide forwards.

I wonder whether it'd be possible to put Stephenson on a contract where he only gets paid if he successfully completes a pass, beats a defender or has a shot on target?

Probably not a terrible result considering we've lost three of our defenders to injuries within a week. It's nice for Downing to get his first start. I just think this is a make-or-break season for Jim and for many players in the squad. So far, it all feels very familiar. We need to step up.

Match Report- County v Guiseley with over 30 Photos now published....

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