The view from an exile on the touchline

By 70s Stalwart (v2)28/9/2024 19:17Sat Sep 28 19:17:49 2024In response to Re: HT Bridgnorth 0 v Boro 1

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Today, I watched my first Boro/Town game since pre-Covid times (Bromsgrove Sporting away in 2019, if you're asking). Initially, I was quite shocked by the quality on show, but as the game progressed I figured that was partly due to the bumpy, sloping, long-grassed pitch. Bridgnorth were young and keen, but that’s about it. Boro’s more experienced defence coped well with their kids and Bache looked sound in goal, so I was never worried that they would score. Boro’s attacks were disjointed though, with too many misplaced passes when chances to push forwards arose. Again, the pitch could be partly to blame for that, but it was no surprise that both goals arrived after corners had caused confusion in the Bridgnorth box. I liked that the ref kept talking to the players, explaining his decisions (even if they were wrong) and letting the game flow. A PL ref would have been blowing his whistle every 15 seconds. Overall, I enjoyed the experience, once I adjusted my expectation of the players’ skill levels and took account of the pitch condition. See you again in another 5 years…….