Match analysis and interesting thoughts from club President Jeff Lenton
Watched our virtually new squad get the run around in the first half and thought that Wellingborough deserved their 1-0 half- time lead. We got exposed at the back more than we should have done but I don’t believe that it is because the players can’t cut the mustard – more that they need more match experience as a unit – Clippos pre-season was a wash out through no fault of his own.
The first 20 minutes of the second half saw a reversal of roles where our boys could/should have scored at least twice and forcing several good saves from the home keeper. But the stuffing was knocked out them with a sucker goal from an early taken free kick just outside of the penalty area. From where I was standing it was definitely a free kick and we showed our youthful inexperience by not getting a player in front of the ball … bet that will be burned into the lads memories for the rest of the season! We always see at least one goal on the telly every season scored like this.
In my opinion Wellingborough took 75% of the game and whilst it’s always disappointing to lose your first game of the season (and on average 40-50% of teams do) it’s not the end of the world. At this stage, it’s important to learn from mistakes, build on the positives and do better next time.
Everyone knows that we at Yaxley are not setting out to do anything other than improve on last years position with even less resources. Everyone at the club has faith in Clippo and his ability to build and maintain a great team spirit with Hamish alongside. Yes we are going to take a lot of hard knocks this season, especially as we bring our youngsters through from the U18’s. I’ve read lots of other peoples thoughts and views about what we are doing so for the record, those youngsters who in Clippo’s mind are able, will play in the first team. Relationships with Peterborough League teams are continually being fostered so that we have a route for players to also come in either on ability or returning from injury and for U18’s to go into if needs be.
On a slight aside, it’s interesting to note that many of the Chairmen and club officials I speak to share a common thought that not before time, there is a re-emergence of a prior era slowly spreading in non-league football where clubs will be going back to basics – just because they have to as the sponsorship (aka money) has dried up. I believe that players will increasingly play for the love of their local club and will be rewarded as best the club can afford until times change. Maybe it won’t be a weekly expenses payment – perhaps it will be a subsidised team trip to Holland/Belgium at the end of the season or a free end of season banquet – it could be anything really. It will be a painful period and some bitter pills will have be swallowed in terms of not having everything laid on a plate (even down to the half time sarnie!). As somebody famous (so famous I can’t remember who) once said "if it doesn’t kill you it makes you stronger".
In my mind a true non-league club at our level has the majority of players and supporters that help run the club and get involved – not just turn up for financial reward. That’s what we try and do at Yaxley and generally succeed and that’s why Yaxley is a great club to belong to and in spite of the challenges that like clubs like us face, we will always survive!
This season we have a crop of new players that will over the coming months become part of our club. Some will move on if we lose too many games, some will stay and show their character. Some like Ricky Hailstone will become an intrinsic part of the club and remain loyal to us for many years in spite of tempting offers from other clubs.
Sorry if I’ve rambled on … it’s my age! The real point of this was to say it’s early doors and team spirit can often bring more rewards than money.
Have a great season everyone – climb on board the roller coaster!
originally from the UCL message board
