BRFC v Wrexham FC ... match thread.

Did enjoy the game last night and agree with most of what has been said, but i have to point out that Trotman was outstanding last night and covered for most of the mistakes Parkes made.

UTG

Quite the opposite!

We have a shocking recent history, of paying top dollar for absolute dross! 

Sorry, I wasn't ignoring these. What I was saying is that two of Wrexham's shots on target were not in any way troubling - to illustrate that you cannot read much from the bare match stats.

My view was that Wrexham were pretty good retaining the ball, without offering as much of a threat as their possession might suggest - they lacked the final ball and couldn't shoot. They also pressed very well, which meant Rovers couldn't hold on to the ball well enough, particularly in the first half and resorted to the long ball from Mildenhall far too often in my opinion. Cunnington and Monkhouse won lots of headers, but we barely got any second ball. However, Rovers actually posed more of a goal threat than Wrexham, particularly from corners. We also looked promising down both flanks, particularly down the left and effort was definitely there from everyone on the field last night.

One thing I like about Trotman is that he knows his limitations and works around them.  I don't image he would be all that good in a one-on-one situation, as he's a bit slow to turn, so when he recognises that may happen he either brings across his full back to provide cover, or positions himself so he can pressure the player's first touch.  He seems a clever player, who communicates and organises well.

My sort of defender who clears it into the next County - but I do think the continually critisism of Tom Parkes is both a little unfair and very unsettling for the lad. He is a better CH than most at this level but like Trotman needs to work out what to do and when to get the most out of his abilities.

Bath city were part time for both there conference seasons and the first season whipped a few of the top teams, newport, cambridge etc, but they did have hoggy, murrey, russell etc, it was nearly bristol old boys at one time, but i think they were all working and they finished tenth, so please dont expect us to walk away with the top spot. UTG

First time watching from one of the exec boxes last night... may have to go in there more often.

On the game I thought we slightly shaded it on overall play but we didn't look entirely convincing. I thought Cunnington looked strong again in the air and although he is a good out ball, we play it up to him far to often. Bizarrely we knocked it long to Matty Taylor quite a few times as well.

The Halifax game especially showed that we look a lot better team when we get the ball on the floor and play quick short passes with lots of movement (simple football).

If Monkhouse can keep chipping in with a few goals this season then that is going to be a useful addition to the team.

Parkes and Trotman are developing a good partnership and look like they are hardly going to lose anything in the air which is reassuring, as I'm sure we will face aerially bombardment at times this season. I would like to see Parkesy drive on a bit more and look for a short pass instead of hitting it long, I can only assume this is orders from management. In addition to that point I would like to see the central midfielders move towards the back 4 when they've got the ball to give ashort option, as we looked very predictable at times with the long ball. Short simple passing is very basic football and is effective in keeping the ball and making the opposition work for it. Even when Wrexham had 10 men, Browner was in acres of space but no we still went for the long option.

Overall we will take the 3 points and hopefully build on that performance. It was clear the fans and ultimately the players were edgey last night, and with a few more wins and decent performances then that should subside.

Onwards and upwards, and lets play the ball on the floor more often FFS.

UTG

P.s how did Wrexham not score? It looked a certain goal.

I can't relax whenever Parkes has the ball at his feet anymore. I swear he thinks he is John Terry, some of the passes be attempts out of the back (when he isn't blasting it up the pitch) are hospital balls and pretty much criminal! Time and time again, he helps put us under unnecessary pressure at the back and Mildenhall ends up tearing his hair out!

I rate Trotman highly, everything that needs to be said has been said above. The lad doesn't lose a 50/50 in the air and cleans up anything that comes his way! I am praying he stays fit, couldn't bare to see McCrystal back in the starting XI! His and Parkes partnership days were numbered after the Altrincham farce.