KJM SPORT REPORT Millbrook AFC 0 Wellington AFC 1
- Details
- Last Updated on Monday, 30 January 2023 10:27
- Published on Sunday, 29 January 2023 10:11
Saturday was their fourth successive league game without finding the net, and they also drew a blank in the Les Phillips Cup defeat against Helston.
Their last goal came in a 2-1 defeat at Keynsham - and the drought is starting to cost them, although they won’t be changing their principles as a club to pay for somebody to help the situation.
After Jake Quick’s 67th minute goal had settled the game at Jenkins Park, manager Macca Brown said: “Our lack of goals is a concern and we certainly haven’t found that balance yet between attack and defence and we need to sort that.
“Some clubs can flash three figures at that problem, even if that includes bringing in help on a part-time basis. Operating with no budget won’t let us do the first bit, and our integrity won’t let us to do the second, plus we believe in the quality we have we just need to find that balance.
“I’m lucky to have (assistant managers) Britch (Lee Britchford) and Gary (Jeffery), who dissect things as much as myself, and at the moment we feel like chefs tinkering with their ingredients every week in order to get that perfect recipe.
“We are nearly there, now it’s just about getting the right blend of spices at the top of the pitch, but we aren’t far off.”
Brown felt the Brook were unfortunate to come away from the game with no reward.
“It was another game where we looked so solid defensively,” he said. “The players worked their socks off and one mistake and the game was lost, but that of course is the level.
“Wellington are a really good side and we rode our luck at their place at the start of the month. Their front players are all lively and their big centre back wins everything but I don’t remember them really having a clear cut chance before the error.
“Ben Goulty was absolutely superb as he has been all season, and he just got his timing on the ball wrong in that moment.
“He thought he had longer than he did and was pressed hard, his clearance then ricocheted straight into the path of their striker (Jake Quick) who punished us.
“It always looked like one of those games where one goal would be enough, and I felt it maybe a set piece job or a mistake from someone and that proved to be the case.”
“The first half was really even, neither team created too much and I felt we were more of a dangerous threat, although Wellington perhaps edged possession, but we were happy with things at half-time.
“I was disappointed when we conceded, I felt we made some positive changes to get back into the game but we didn’t see it on the pitch. It was a limp finish rather than going out all guns blazing trying to find an equaliser and that isn’t how you lose.
“In the end it felt like we almost saw the game out for them, and we weren’t happy with that. You’re better off losing 2-0 in the last minute while going for it like we did against Helston last month than being cautious.”
Brown said there needed to be perspective about Saturday’s match, with key players Ryan Knight, Ed Goodman and Sean Thomson all missing.
He said: “I can’t imagine there were too many younger teams fielded across adult football, particularly at this level. The average age of our outfield team was just 21 years old, including half the team being either 17 or 18.
“The players are doing amazingly, not just those young lads but the older heads guiding them through it as well.”
Next up? WESTERN LEAGUE FIXTURES
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