Train Hard - Fight Easy ?

Not so much a match report, rather a reflection. After all, it is pre-season and it can be easy to choose "soft" oopposition. Very much a tough ask today for the Mighty 4s, who took advantage of playing a much stronger (and younger) side to learn more about where they need to shape up for life in a higher division.

The positIves - the second half, more continuity, some well-worked chances, two clearances off the line, making the keeper go down quicker than Crystal Palace, the workrate of Jack Morris and James Gregory, the consistency of Simon Russell, John Harrison and Tony Jamieson (when he eventually turned up). And getting rid of a pitch full of bad luck, best illustrated when Rushy's goalbound strike was acrobatically steered off the goal line to safety by an Edge defender.

The points for improvement and reflection (1) possession. Value it, or it will beat you like an egg (2) confidence. Believe in yourself, hold the ball and take your time (3) Space. Use it or lose it. (4) self-awareness. We play tougher teams to get better, not to get better results (always). Remember, you learn more when you lose than when you win (5) the future. Ask yourself what will you do better next week, and (if it's a good idea) "do it".