Aside from the issues you'd expect from a bunch of guys not used to playing together, they looked good and in control. Atkinson and Platt stroked the ball around effortlessly in the middle of the park, finding their targets most of the time. Russell threatened constantly along the right wing. And Cuenca dropped off the attack to pick up loose balls time and time again.
But for all their looking the part, the team lacked penetration. In half an hour of football they managed just six shots, of which only two were on target. And the next twenty minutes failed to improve that statistic.
Only a poor finish kept the lads going a goal down shortly after the hour mark. I sat there, jaw agape, speechless at the utter failure to do anything of note in the final third. The Lincoln Reserves managed just three chances on goal in the second half, and they all came from corners (of which the boys earned five during the match).
How can a team filled with supposed Conference National and League 2 level players be so anaemic and utterly neutered in its attacking prowess? I told them to attack. I played the wide men in advanced positions. They dominated the midfield. I don't get it.
On a more positive note, Camaño and Sinclair performed well in the centre of defence—and they were our most impressive attackers, with a couple of headed shots each.
I scheduled another friendly for eight days from now, against Stafford Rangers. I'll be needing to see good performances from the trialists if they are to stand a chance at getting a contract offer.
Bradshaw gave an enthusiastic second look at Irish full-back Neal Horgan. Since he wouldn't be arriving until the new year, I figure we should scout him out more intensely before making a decision—so I asked the scouts to watch him play a few games and report back.
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