Tranmere Rovers 2-2 Kidderminster Harriers - Match Summary

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I don't think you need to be a rocket scientist to realise the substitution on the 84th minute was the key moment; i.e putting 5 at the back to defend the lead. However, from where I was sitting in the Town Paddock - and level with the defensive line the look on their faces was an absolute picture...collectively they went from 'I haven't a clue what I'm supposed to be doing now' to blind panic. Tactically naive and not schooled in the art of game management.

I have been tempted to post something like this since the start of the season.
However I met a old friend who has contacts throughout football and especially the conference.
He even played in it for a few seasons a while back.

He basically said that the conference is the hardest meanest tough division to play in! The players have to have a strong mental attitude and a fight and determination to go out and put their life and career on the line every week.
He told me that Rovers don't have the right to win anything despite bringing in quality at this level, quality is not enough.
It is a battle every game, not for the weak hearted and will be found out!
There are some real good players in the conference and they would be in league two but the contracts are better and some are financially better off.
He said, that we will struggle to get in the playoffs unless the players attitude changes.
He said it wasn't the place for kids to play in.
Also, most teams play direct football and target the weakest with long diagonal balls, to hit their strikers.
These teams will be well rehearsed in this having spent more time together, as there isn't the movement of players like there is in the football league.
Some of them may be part time, but with a professional background, they know what it's all about!

I myself have seen better players than in league two last season. I do think we are better but have not quite got the hang of this league. I'm hoping for a play off spot but I'm coming to realise that it's going to take time for the squad to gel. Brabin has got to get this bunch playing with more resolve and finding ways to grind out results.
We have had a double lesson in conference football and at Altrincham, you seen why you have to learn quickly!

Quote:

Ingleboro08
I have been tempted to post something like this since the start of the season.
However I met a old friend who has contacts throughout football and especially the conference.
He even played in it for a few seasons a while back.

He basically said that the conference is the hardest meanest tough division to play in! The players have to have a strong mental attitude and a fight and determination to go out and put their life and career on the line every week.
He told me that Rovers don't have the right to win anything despite bringing in quality at this level, quality is not enough.
It is a battle every game, not for the weak hearted and will be found out!
There are some real good players in the conference and they would be in league two but the contracts are better and some are financially better off.
He said, that we will struggle to get in the playoffs unless the players attitude changes.
He said it wasn't the place for kids to play in.
Also, most teams play direct football and target the weakest with long diagonal balls, to hit their strikers.
These teams will be well rehearsed in this having spent more time together, as there isn't the movement of players like there is in the football league.
Some of them may be part time, but with a professional background, they know what it's all about!

I myself have seen better players than in league two last season. I do think we are better but have not quite got the hang of this league. I'm hoping for a play off spot but I'm coming to realise that it's going to take time for the squad to gel. Brabin has got to get this bunch playing with more resolve and finding ways to grind out results.
We have had a double lesson in conference football and at Altrincham, you seen why you have to learn quickly!

Really good post and on the nail. It's not therefore unsurprising that any team that then gets promoted from the Conference invariably perform above average in League 2 the following season.