There were some moments when things could've gone in a different direction but they were relatively few. A lot of talk about potential upsets and defensive weaknesses and 19 game runs before the game. All part of the pre-match banter in the FA Cup. All designed to put psychological pressure on the "bigger" team, something that we ourselves have become familiar with over he years as underdogs.SKIPPER wrote: ↑Sun Nov 07, 2021 10:31 am A very professional and clinical display but for several heart-stopping moments. Farmans' brain-fart waiting for the ball to come to him instead of just wellying it into row Z. Zanzalas penalty area tackle which many referees would have instantly punished (well done Ms welch)-Zanzala and gordon should be fined for going within 20 yards of our goal as 75% of their 'tackles' result in dangerous free kicks-stick to what you are good at.Zanzalas goal and the ITV confusion. Everything seemed to stop for a moment and I was waiting for a linos flag wiping the goal out. Conor Browns insistance on 'wrestling' in the box on set-pieces. if a Banbury player had the brains to drop to the ground we could have been in trouble. He wouldn't get away with it in L2.Finally a thought on Banbury striker Chris Wreh. Anyone else think he has the aptitude for the full-time game.In a pre-match interview he said its his aim and he will definitely benefit surrounded by better players and greater fitness.
The stats will say that for every one match that turns out that way there will be three or four that just follow the expected path. Thats really what happened last night and when it does it can look pretty one sided and even a little frustrating for the neutral viewer. I though both teams played to their levels and three leagues does make a big difference.
Tactically I think Cooper got it spot on. Early goal, a lot of huffing and puffing and effort from Banbury, a killer early in the second half and let fitness over the 90 minutes do the rest. Thought we did our jobs really well but Banbury were simply not able to close down the space especially in midfield and we were allowed to play. Game was only going to pan out one way as a result. It was clear from the pundits on ITV (especially Ian Wright God love him) that they knew at half time that the game was probably dead even then.
Wing backs seemed to be a little cautious to start with ensuring that Banbury could not get in behind and the back three looked good. As the game progressed they felt comfortable with becoming more attacking. One other thing I would say is that our back line looks so so much more comfortable with Matty Platt in the middle of it. Thats not a criticism of Mark Ellis who does have a key role to play, but just a recognition of Platts wider skill set that includes his ability to feed midfield from defensive positions.
Hopefully the way that we played will do confidence levels some good going into the Carlisle game. Cant do any harm. So a good evenings work, a TV fee and an FA Prize pot. And another tie to look forward to. Good stuff.
