Woods Cup Finals – Batten Down The Hatches

Few will doubt that the Mariners were the masters of their own destruction yesterday against a game Hayes side. But in truth Woods must address something we will face in three quarters of our matches this season, Cup final syndrome.

That is to say that visiting teams will raise their game on a comparatively huge stage against a former Football League side. Bar the Luton`s Darlington`s etc most home and away games will see us viewed as a giant killing for this season at least.

When sides come to Blundell Park it will be seen as a cup final with us as the trophy. Our opponents will battle for their lives and contest every first and second ball as if it were their last. Hudson and Leary are not the answer on yesterday`s performance against battlers giving 10% for every second ball or 50/50. Indeed a midfield viewed as an embarrassment of riches not long ago is fast becoming one that will struggle to even flatter to deceive.

It`s too early to start panicing but Woodsie certainly needs to address things and fast with the storm clouds forming. To use a maritime phrase first used by John Badcock, in Domestic Amusements, 1823

’tis time to batten down the hatches and fast.