Hoops manager Derek Hares highlighted his side’s defensive record in home league games so far this season after Saturday’s goalless draw with Corinthian.
“It’s another clean sheet and means we’ve only let in four goals in six league games here this season,” he said. “We would have liked the three points but I think a draw was probably a fair result and I can’t fault the boys’ effort or commitment in any way while Kane Smith was outstanding in defence.”
The Hoops, however, have only scored seven goals in those same six matches and once again they were unable to convert plenty of promising situations into an end product, with Hares admitting: “We didn’t show enough quality in the final third but, considering the number of players we were missing, I’ve got to be pleased with a point.”
With the two sides having very similar league records so far this campaign a tight game was always a possibility and that’s the way it turned out with clear-cut chances few and far between. In the first half the Hoops saw a couple of goal-bound efforts blocked by Corinthian defenders while James Billings pulled a good chance wide at the other end as half-time approached.
Connor Coyne went close with another of his long-distance volleys soon after the restart and then Corinthian almost broke the deadlock when Billings struck the bar with a 63rd-minute free kick, but with neither side able to produce a “killer” ball into the box they had to settle for a hard-fought point apiece.
Deal: Tonkin, Paxman, D Smith, Scott (Zureiqi), K Smith, Hark, Miller, Walsh (Anderson 88), Coyne, Adams (Beesley 60), Alexander.
3 Responses
A big effort from the team once again and considering
the players that were mising a clean sheet has to be applauded. The final third and chances created is a problem but can be fixed once players return.
It’s frustrating because now the defence are looking really reliable. I have to mention Danny Smith who has
stayed loyal like every Deal player and when called upon has done his job and done it well he put in a fine performance and deserves applauding.
Need to see more of Joe Anderson who only got a few minutes of playing time. He is improving and is more physical and good in the air.
I’m looking forward to see a more settled side its a great shame that we don’t have a reserve team so players can
get a feel for it before being brought straight back into the team.
Come on Deal.!!!!
Good comment about Danny Smith, I totally agree.
Got to admit that with the likes of Wilson,Philpott,O’Brien,Reeves and Hill not playing,it was a point gained,rather than 2 dropped, in my opinion.
Lets hope that some,if not all of those names are available for the next two fixtures(especially the Vase game on the 21st),as these will be tough games for the team.
Finally,anyone know about the new face who came on(BRISLEY?)
Permanent,on loan,dual registration?