Padiham Saints J.F.C

I'm going to put some comments in general chat so they don't interfere with my objectivity of the game.
There will also be some pictures posted either later today or tomorrow.

This is hard critisising a team that's just won 2 - 0 and the league championship as well but sorry lads, you just didn't turn up today. Me and James were both of the same mind in as much the first half was the worst you've played all season. There wasn't anything, no passing, no vision, no challenging, second to every ball and the corners where we are normally dangerous just never developed a threat at all. We could have been at least one down were it not for a good save from Kurt, I think today if that had happened you might have folded.

Second half was a bit better but not by much, there was some good individual skills specially down the right and the passing was a little better but the challenging again was poor. Our first goal direct from Bens corner may have been a bit fortunate but just reward for the way he put in a dangerous ball.
Second one from Curtis was as good as you see at this level, hit on the volley from outside the box and if truth be known I don't think the keeper saw it.

I appreciate that today was a bit of an anti climax in as much as the league was won and there wasn't that much to play for. Tell you what though lads, Knuzden wanted to kick your backsides today and playing like you did they could just have well done with a few breaks. They defended very well and didn't let us settle in midfield and I feel that if they'd have just been a little more adventurous and pushed us back another ten yards the result could have been different.

We did come close again, in both halves but they were mainly from longish range shots, earlier in the year they'd probably have gone in but today it wasn't to be. As you progress with your careers it will become more and more obvious to you that sticking that chance away can be the difference between winning and losing.

Overall it's been a great season and you really need to work hard to improve on this years achievements. None of the other teams will be standing still and it's down to you to at least match them in fitness and football skills. Well done to all the lads.

Yet again I agree with your comments hopefully there will be a time when I can pull you for your critiicism ah ah.

Totally right what jon said today lads there just didn't seem to be any sparkle there today and if we want to win the league again next season we will have to start listening to what your managers are telling you without any back chat and also I thought we lacked speed today as well as urgency for the ball we seemed to pass then stand still, next year you won't get time to do that you will have to fight for every ball and really want it.

That said you've had a great season nobody can take that away from you and hopefully after the 2 week break you will come back in a good frame of mind and get ready for the new season ahead of you. You have a lot of support out there with the parents and other family and friends so let's go out there and try and do it again for them next season.

Paula

I just wish Paula I could get it so horribly wrong and a dozen people come on to give me an earbashing.

As I've pointed out many time I critisise to be constructive but in a case like today I think the lads knew they weren't performing well.
That was it Paula, lack of speed, I hope it was just 'Well we've won the league' mentality and not a general lack of fitness. We need to win or at least compete in midfield to give ourselves a chance.

Support today was extemely good, sure the lads appreciate it.