Wem Town

We realise we are nowhere near our best at the moment, and there are several reasons
why, the obvious one, is the massive step up in levels promo=on has brought. The opening
fixtures were not too kind to us, being drawn to play against two of the teams many are
predic=ng for promo=on was always going to be a massive ask to get anything from either
game, but to take a point from Pershore and be disappointed with only that was the
almost the perfect start.
Whereas if we had been drawn against two teams predicted to be towards the bo@om of
the table, perhaps we might have six, seven or nine points on the board like some teams
that’s the luck of the draw. We have always said the table lies in the opening weeks of the
season. A8er eight to ten games you should be able to get a much be@er picture as to
where we are likely to be at the end of the season.
I men=oned our poor form, earlier this is only measured against our results and the level
we have performed at last season along with the standards we have set. All we ask of
players is that they give 100% on the pitch, no one can legislate for mistakes, because
these will always happen, usually at the end of games when players are =red. Also we
have ques=oned work rate, given the hard pre-season that the players have been through,
where they have been monitored by Mike and Amy they should definitely be fit. So the
only logical reasons are either lack of concentra=on or lack of responsibility by individual
players. Either way we will work hard to put it right and work on our weaknesses.
All of the above are the reasons for last weeks performance against Smethwick Rangers.
With respect to our opponents this was one of the fixtures we had highlighted for a
possible three points. To lead twice and surrender the lead as we did is simply not
acceptable, I can assure you that point and plenty of others were discussed a8er the
game.
In saying that I thought some of the passages of play from back to front in the first half,
showed how well the players had listened and taken things in, especially when we talk
about and demonstrate passages of play. The squad are at such a level they should never
panic when on the ball, many don’t but on Saturday I am sorry to say some did.
The two goals we gave away were poor, over commiFng players going forward for the
first one, leaving the central defenders and keeper exposed. The second, lack of closing
down and pressure in key midfield areas, both could have been avoided, however you
cannot take away the good finish by either Smethwick player.
We welcome Wem today, the last =me we met at the Paycare Ground they were chasing
promo=on and won Division One enabling them to go into the Premier Division. Last
season was their first ever at that level, so they have been through the adjustments we
are having to go through at the moment. Let’s hope that a8er the management team’s
chats with the players and training, we start to see a Darlaston performance that you have
come to expect.
Hope you enjoy the game
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