Media Watch - Evesham United

As we pass the half-way stage the South and West League table is beginning to take shape. Our recent poor run of results has certainly opened the door to the chasing group and we need to get back on track quickly. With games in hand to be played by other teams only a handful of points could separate the top six.

Our recent ‘mini-implosion’ has become something of a concern. Until players return from injury we need to re-think our formation and tactics, with an inspired burst of form needed to improve our performances into something more recognisable.

So confident seemed the narrative of our supporters’ that cynicism has now invaded our early season form from all corners (even deepest Devon!). This collapse must have undermined the confidence of some of the players, with only 1 point from a possible 9 in tough encounters against Mangotsfield, Cinderford and Tiverton now being viewed as the ominous shadow of Mordor.

Momentum inevitably fades at some point during a long campaign, it’s just a case of whether it stalls gradually and bursts into life in the same manner. Were we going to maintain the fizzing champagne style of the first three months for the entire season – very unlikely.

Titles are generally won through implementing a damage limitation policy – by minimising how disruptive the ‘blip’ in form can be when it inevitably hits you, relegating those disappointments to a dark corner of a long forgotten cupboard drawer. That is the Martyrs task now. In that respect, any result at Evesham will be a promising start. There are a number of potential catalysts as we head into the second half of the season that could help us rediscover our mojo.

The coaching staff has to ensure that the right balance is utilised from the depleted resources that we currently have, confidence has to be re-stored, the thought of fatigue banished for a few more weeks. Not an easy task.

Evesham have been mediocre this season, unable to win any back-to-back league games, but the appointment of Paul Collicutt as manager six weeks ago saw a temporary improvement in their form. Even after their latest 6-2 mauling against Wimborne, they will still relish the opportunity to play against a team that has conceded 12 goals in the last three games. It will probably need a huge team performance from us, hard work and the right application to see any improvement in our recent results.

The players will understand the hurt it feels to drop from top of the table back into the chasing pack, so there’s very little margin for error.

With so many games played in the last eight weeks its no doubt that fatigue would have been a contributory factor to the heavy defeats at both Cossham Street and Ladysmead, but injuries to keys player including Paul Keddle, Jack Howe, Gary Colbourne and Dan Summerfield (all defenders), Kris Leek and Nathan Davies (key midfield players) has also prevented any rotation.

Surely we weren’t top of the league by accident, and prior to the recent blip we had won 8 games in a row. There are experienced players in this squad who will know what’s at stake and what a positive result would mean.

It’ll be interesting to see what Shep and Carts do with the set-up of the team. Jamie Rewbury serves a one game suspension but hopefully Gary Colbourne will be fit enough to take his place. The midfield is going to be the most tricky puzzle to solve. I suspect they will be keen to play both Harris and Newman, but perhaps Alun Griffiths or Steve Williams should be pushed further forward with Marcus and/or Dan at the back. But this all depends if Kris Leek is fit.

That just leaves the decision to make about who to play up-front? Should it be our two leading goalscorers Prosser and Traylor?

There will nearly be as much to be learnt from how we start as how the game ends, but ultimately we need to discover whether we can begin to administer that knock-out punch again. There’s more than enough quality in this team to do what’s required, let’s hope they can rise to the occasion.

Lets hope it doesnt rain their last home game was passed fit after a pitch inspection!!! Looking forward to making the journey and an historic day as my Brother in Law will be making his Martyrs debut from a fans rather than player perspective of course lol, Mind you if we keep shipping in goals Im sure hed do a job for a pint and some sandwiches.  

Wandering wrote:.
Evesham have been mediocre this season, unable to win any back-to-back league games, but the appointment of Paul Collicutt as manager six weeks ago saw a temporary improvement in their form. Even after their latest 6-2 mauling against Wimborne,

It's worth mentioning that in that game Evesham had their goalkeeper sent off for conceding a penalty on the stroke of half time which made the score 3-1. I don't know if they had a substitute goalkeeper on the bench, but at any rate they played half the match with 10 men.

The match could be in doubt as I believe bad weather is possible for NYD. It may give us a little breathing space if it is off. I think Shep and Carter will shake things up on the field ready for the 2014 challenge.

Looking at the weather forecast for Worcestershire, it doesn't look like anybody will be making the trip to Evesham on Wednesday.  

And a bit early for fruit-picking..

Never mind. There's always the consolation prize of a good drink on New Year's Eve, and not have to worry about driving the next day. The only down side is that the missus wants to go to the local club tomorrow evening, and there's a c**p artist playing there. More than a couple of pints of Guinness called for!   

Eh, what does a "c**p artiste" do?!! #verystrangementalimage!

Solihull Martyr wrote:Eh, what does a "c**p artiste" do?!! #verystrangementalimage!

He goes around the stage making a sound like a horse.
Happy New Year.  

Wales international Gavin Williams signs for Southern League Merthyr Town and set to make a New Year's Day debut
Wales On Line

FORMER Wales international Gavin Williams has signed for Merthyr Town and makes his debut in their Calor Southern League match against Evesham United away on New Year’s Day (1pm). The signing is a major boost for the Martyrs as they work towards earning promotion. They are second going into the match against Evesham.

Merthyr Tydfil-born Williams has been playing for Conference club Woking, but was keen on a return to South Wales and the club agreed to cancel his contract by mutual consent.

Williams started his career at Hereford United, having trained with Cardiff City as a schoolboy, moving onto Yeovil Town, West Ham United, Ipswich and Bristol City.

“Gavin is going to be a great addition to the squad,” said Merthyr manager Garry Shephard. “His quality is going to give us something extra. The squad have done well to reach second in the table, but we are always looking to improve. Signing Gavin shows our intent and it will be a massive boost for the whole club moving into the New Year.”

Merthyr Town sponsors Aquarius have worked with Merthyr Town to make the signing possible.

Williams played a major role for Yeovil Town in three promotions, helping them win the Conference title and he played until Christmas when they were crowned League Two champions. He moved on to West Ham United and played a part in their promotion to the Premier League.

Williams was back with Yeovil when they won the League One play-off final last season, although he was an unused substitute at Wembley Stadium as they won against Brentford.

He had scored five goals in 16 appearances for Woking this season.

After the New Year’s Day clash with 15th-placed Evesham, Williams will make his home debut against North Leigh at the Cigg-E Stadium on Saturday (3pm). His arrival is a timely lift for Merthyr, who earned only one point from their final three matches in 2013 and conceded 12 goals.

After being top of the table entering the festive period, the Martyrs enter the New Year two points behind current leaders Cirencester Town. The Gloucestershire club have a game in hand after their Boxing Day match against Swindon Supermarine was postponed. Merthyr badly need a win at an Evesham team who have lost five, drawn four and lost three of their 12 home matches this season.

Following their New Year’s Day trip to Worcestershire, the Martyrs have three home matches in a week. North Leigh are visitors to the Cigg-E Stadium on Saturday followed by Yate Town for a Red Insure Cup tie next Tuesday and Paulton Rovers on Saturday, January 11.

Merthyr Town sponsors Aquarius have worked with Merthyr Town to make the signing possible.

Massive thanks to Aquarius for making this possible.

Indeed. But who are they?

Solihull Martyr wrote:Indeed. But who are they?

Judging by the weather forecast, water carriers.

I knew Egyptians were into their worship of all things astrological but didn't realise that included weather forecasting too....are you expecting frogs and locusts in the Worcester area too Nubis ?...if so Holy Moses....Boz

Sorry to say, my good lady friend, Tefnut will be making an appearance tomorrow, and not my old mate, Ra.  

Brother in Law lives near Evesham said its been ok weather wise there today but the talk is heavy rain moving in tonight and strong winds until early evening new years day. The pitch held up on their last home game lets hope and keep fingers crossed tomorrow will be ok !!!

Everyone was hoping the mangotsfield and tiverton game would be on even though the weather had been bad and look what happened.If the conditions are heavy lets hope it is off as we like to play football on a good surface it suits us

Nubis really impressed with your knowledge of Egyptian mythology...if I didn't know better I would assume you had been reincarnated ...let's hope Evesham proves a watershed moment for our lads tmz and we can tomb raid the three points .....wadi u think?....Boz

Boz1964 wrote:Nubis really impressed with your knowledge of Egyptian mythology...if I didn't know better I would assume you had been reincarnated ...let's hope Evesham proves a watershed moment for our lads tmz and we can tomb raid the three points .....wadi u think?....Boz

Can I palm that question onto someone else? I don't feel all that good this morning.
Should have stuck to drinking soft drinks like Oasis, instead of half a barrel of Guinness! 

I agree with Scamp - not sorry the game is off. It also gives players like Gary Colborne and Kris Leek more time to get properly fit, and it means Gavin Williams will be making his debut in a home match.

New year...new incarnation....best to stay off the Liffey Juice and stick to the Blue and White Nile water instead....that way you won't have to cover your smiley face with a bandage....Boz