TT TALKING POINTS – Chippenham (h) by Chris Wade

TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade – @TufcChris

Chris discusses the Trophy

STARTING SLOWLY

Tuesday was another example of United starting a game slowly. Chippenham were sharper, quicker, more switched on and better than us for the first 25 minutes. Everything was so laboured and slow. We moved the ball so slowly that it all it did was go backwards and sideways. The two goals we conceded were everything that has been a problem all season. The first, where we were cut open and wide open spaces appeared in behind our back-line. The second, where we had repeated opportunity and attempts at clearing the ball. Such a poor start.

FORWARD OPTIONS

It was good to see Corie Andrews given an opportunity from the start. He has been badly short of match time due to a series of injuries and his fitness could be important, given an opportunity due to a slight hamstring issue for Aaron Jarvis. He made several intelligent runs but found himself on the periphery until a quick counter gave him the chance to spot Will Goodwin to pull one back. We have to hope that with fitness and sharpness his form will improve.

WIDTH – OR LACK OF

Torquay’s set up was so narrow and gave very little width. Dylan Crowe got forward on the right but Dean Moxey rarely did, which consequently left Stephen Wearne very isolated. It wasn’t until Dillon De Silva was introduced at half time that some pace and width was injected into proceedings. Chippenham couldn’t deal with the pace and that left Stephen Wearne to help himself to two second half goals to win it.

PLAYER RATINGS VOTE – Chippenham Town (h)

LACK OF CONTINUITY

The lack of consistency in selection week after week is a real issue. Whether it be injuries, tactics or lack of form, there are several changes for each game. Everybody knowing their roles is key and it changes every game. I think Shaun Donnellan has been good recently and he again stepped out and drove forward, breaking the lines of Chippenham’s block. But he has a different job every game. It cannot be easy.

THE FESTIVE SEASON AHEAD

Well, the next two games are important, aren’t they? A couple of positive results and we’ll be in a good position to crack on in the New Year and try and get out of trouble. Two negative results and we will be in deep(er) trouble. And the calls for a change of manager will get louder and louder. Here’s to Turkey, Mince Pies and 3 points on Boxing Day.