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The Traditional Slow Start
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Why the lack of points isn't so bad this time.
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By:
Eric Hitchmo
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16/08/2009
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More On Shrewsbury Town
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We always start slowly. Or at least it seems like forever that it has taken us ages to get off the victory mark. The last time we won on the opening day, it was 2004 against Forest Green Rovers. Hmm. Though the last few years have set a precedent for the season to come, this time around feels a little different. Three games so far, two defeats and a draw. On the face of it, you'd look at it and think 'same old Barnet', but with some luck and a little more application in some areas, it could quite easily have been three wins.
Rather than being disappointed with the results, the performances on the pitch so far have been encouraging, especially going forward. It bears well for the season ahead. Tuesday's game against Morecambe is a great chance to get the ball rolling. They shipped five to Burton yesterday, they can't be very good really. Whilst looking a little susceptible at the back, four of the five goals we've conceded so far have come from set-pieces, we are very strong going forward and have a number of options.
Saturday's starting debut for Jake Hyde was a tweak to the starting line-up which gave us more impetus in the final third. The two strikers worked well and troubled Shrewsbury's back four. Realistically though, John O'Flynn will resume his starting place on his return from injury and the quality provided from the wings could reap massive benefits.
In the middle of the park, Mark Hughes is looking like an absolute monster. His strength in the tackle, tireless workrate and excellent distribution have been in plentiful supply in the first three games. He's off for an x-ray on Monday however, according to the OS, which could be troublesome. The again, when you've got a perfectly acceptable replacement lined up by the name of Nicky Deverdics, the squad is well covered in that department.
As I said above however, I am not yet convinced about the back four. Ryan O'Neill has settled in nicely at right back, but the pairing of Daniel Leach and Ismail Yakubu is looking a little shaky so far. You could say they are 'gelling' in the middle there. Give it time perhaps. Leach is absolutely no-nonsense and I like that in a defender, though his completely obvious desire to win every ball is sometimes his achilles heel. With guidance he'll be a real asset in my opinion.
So that's the football covered, but the Morecambe game will be spent mostly being very excited about the imminent trip to Torquay. Oh dear oh dear, it'll be a massive wallet buster but it just has to be done. Add to this the fancy dress attire that some will be donning and you've got yourself a great weekend away in prospect. Yes indeed, the long awaited Friday morning train will be the start of two days of wonder, undoubtedly!
It's been planned from the moment the fixtures came out two months ago. I've been hearing many comments from around The Pavilion and various social networking websites about the weekend away. Our group of fourteen will not be the only ones down there lapping up what will hopefully be hot, sunny weather with copious amounts of beer and cider being consumed.
This week will mostly be spent like it was two weeks ago in the run up to the Lincoln game, though of course this one's a little different. I remember the Friday night game in 2005 and there must have been well over 50 Barnet fans out and around the town after the game. It was superb. I expect to see many familiar faces, that's for sure. Some of this excitement will continue to spill onto this website, I'm sure. How wonderful!
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