TT MATCH VERDICT

Thomas Kelly – @tommyktufc

CHANGING TACT-ICS

Against Walton & Hersham, Jimmy Ball reverted back to the 4-2-3-1 formation which last season, which contributed to our strong end to the regular season which took us all the way to the Play Off Final.

Despite a few key absentees, Jimmy kept to the same system & saw United dominate the majority of the first half and score two goals to set us on our way to victory.

It has felt at times this season that Jimmy has tried to find a way to incorporate everyone at once rather than play to our strengths.

Without Deon in the team, I was wondering if Jimmy might tinker again, but I’m glad he didn’t.

Callum got his opportunity to play in his natural position and did well, despite not finding the back of the net. His work rate is strong and I have no doubts he’ll start scoring more regularly.

Cody did well when he came on, won most of his duels and was only denied a goal by two great saves from the keeper. It’s a team game and everyone will get a chance to contribute.

SKIPPER IMPRESSES

One player to benefit from the change of shape is Matt Worthington. It’s fair to say he was received his fair share of criticism within some of the Yellow Army since signing for the club, however in this 4-2-3-1 shape, he is able to showcase his attacking abilities, pushing forward and scoring goals.

He took his goal really well, controlling the ball calmly in the box before striking it past the Hemel keeper.

At Walton, I honestly thought he was playing as an additional striker at times as he was always in the Walton half of the pitch!

Every set piece he was always on the edge of the box and waiting for an opportunity to come his way. It’s clear he enjoys being further forward and takes confidence from it. Long may it continue.

THREAT FROM THE WING

Harry Shield continued to showcase his threat, contributing to both first half goals with fantastic skill and accuracy, leaving the Hemel right back for dust before crossing the ball to Worthington for the opener and then produced two wonderful touches before crossing for Matt Jay to double the advantage.

JBC also caused plenty of havoc to the Hemel defence in the first half, himself creating plenty of opportunities for the Gulls which we just couldn’t take advantage of.

Although his threat was nullified in the second half, it’s clear that we have two exciting prospects on our hands who are capable of replacing the likes of Morgan & Youngy.

DEFENSIVE COVER

When the team sheet was announced, there was one clear issue that had the potential to cause problems. Lack of defensive options.

With Jake Wannell out for four matches and Oludare Olufunwa unavailable, United entered Tuesday needing to get through unscathed.

Hemel only really had a ten-minute spell in the second half which gave us moments to worry and were denied a goal by a fantastic goal line clearance from Dom Bernard. I felt that was the moment that took the air out of the home side and allowed us to regroup and begin to control the remainder of the second half.

Whilst on this occasion, we were able to get the result, I’m sure it is one area that Jimmy has highlighted where we could do with reinforcements as we approach the second half of the month with four games coming up.

It does ponder the question however whether the funds are there to bring in new players, or perhaps it’s a case of priorities first with an FA Trophy and future games coming up against teams currently in a relegation battle?

FIGHT FOR THE NUMBER 10

Sonny Blu Lo-Everton’s return to the team was very welcome news to the Yellow Army, returning to the pitch after a troublesome foot injury. We all know the qualities that Sonny possesses and it’s clear in performances such as Oxford City & AFC Totton, that we were lacking control and creativity from a player of his ability.

Since reverting back to the 4-2-3-1, Jimmy has put his faith in Matt Jay in the number 10 role and it’s fair to say that Matt has taken his opportunity with two good performances and a cracking goal to boot. It was a goal of real quality, hit with precision, calm, collected, needed.

I’m sure once back to full match fitness, Sonny will take back the number 10 role, but it does give me hope that we have two players who are capable and are trusted to perform in that role.

As I say on Gulls Eye View, play to your strengths!

NOT GETTING AHEAD OF OURSELVES

Have we turned a corner? On paper yes. A clean sheet, five goals and six points clearly is welcome, however it’s also important to highlight that both our recent wins have come against clubs who haven’t registered a home win this season and currently lie bottom & 20^th in the division respectively.

We will have tougher games in our future to come, but you can only play what is in front of you and right now after the Trophy game with Horsham, we have league games against Braintree (19^th) & a welcome return to Plainmoor against Chesham (21^st).

Is the Trophy a priority? Probably not, but continuing to build on two victories with progression at Horsham would result in a good few weeks for our club.

The most important thing is to ensure that we take the opportunity to build on our recent league successes and continue to take three points against teams fighting at the bottom end of the division to give ourselves the best chance to get back into the play-off positions.

With a busy and challenging December approaching, United must continue to battle and work hard.

Up the Yellows!