Hilltop 5 - 11 Celtic

As has been the case often this season, we struggled to find enough players to pay, nevermind play! So much so, I had to make an early return due to 4 first teamers out and some fringe players being unable to play. So with myself only having played one game in 3 and a half months, plus the likes of Gary who has only played once for the team. Well, it's not difficult to imagine an outcome.

The wet conditions didnt help things. We like to play counter attacking but with the ball skimming at every pass, it made things that more difficult to latch on to and make the chances count. If i'm being honest it has usually been this way anyway, regardless of the heavy rain. Our goals mainly came from 1-2's, interlinking from the wings or quick passing on the counter. Something we really need to do more often, as we can't rely on through balls when people are being lazy in defence.

We have in the past been able to rely on the long efforts and through balls because defensively, we could keep their score down. Half-way has fizzeled out a long time ago due to selfish individual defensive play. Mainly because the front defenders commit themselves early, by pushing up high and leaving the backline f#cked.

I dont know if these players are doing this intentionally so they don't have to work as hard or not, i aint sure but it needs to change if we want to avoid the drop. What's more annoying to see, is the times this happens, its those players who are first to complain when somebody gets skinned and a goal occurs. Our tactics are pretty simple, if your man aint involved in play (ie playing sweeper in their half as cover), then its your job to cover cross-field passes and when possible, double up on the man with the ball.

Individually nobody except graeme played well and for anybodys good piece of play, there would be bad control or lazy tracking.

This might seem a harsh review considering 2 players weren't match fit (myself & craig) and we were missing Rob but that doesn't excuse laziness, especially from players who should know better.

Goals: Craig (2), David (2), Ste H (1), Stimo (2),
Team From: Craig, David, Gary, Graeme, Ste H, Ste M, Stimo