Match Thread vs. Eastleigh 17.04.21 [NL]

[MAD_MAGPIE]

To be honest, we’ve looked chaotic ever since NA changed the formation to 3-5-2 (was it away at Wealdstone, maybe?). We were largely dull before that and I think still underperforming on a regular basis, but generally difficult to beat at least.

Best thing that Burchnall could do for now is to be pragmatic and put that team back together. Brindley/Rawlinson/Lacey/DKE across the back four, Reeves and Doyle plonked in front of them and then some combination of four players in front of that.

I completely agree and a case of back to basics and for me certainly a flat back four is where we have been our strongest defensively. The four you mention was the strongest defence in the league. Although Chicksen, Lacey, Rawlinson, DKE should be good enough.

What's happened by going to three at the back is it keeps morphing into five at times when we are pressed and subsequently stifles any attacking threat and has done under both managers because either by nature or design the two wing players and three defenders just don't or can't sit high enough when in possession because of high press and as such we play safe in our own half and have nowhere to go thus leaving the strikers isolated.

Whether that is by nature or design who knows? One thing it is, is a very demanding role up and down the touchline whenever in defence or attack.

What I will say is that Doyle has come in for a lot of criticism this season on here and a big focus has been on his age. However we have and do miss a player of his ilk and what he brings on the field in terms of leadership and organisation. What it has demonstrated to us is that if we don't have someone like this in midfield next season and bring in someone like a Ravenhill, Bishop a box to box midfielder who can win the ball and break up play and spoil things for the opposition we will struggle as we are currently doing.