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MANAGER NOTES | Ashforth gives his thoughts on the past week and today's game

MANAGER NOTES | Ashforth gives his thoughts on the past week and today's game

Michael Barker20 Oct 2018 - 09:30
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https://www.clitheroefc.co.uk/

In-form Newcastle Town visit Shawbridge today

Newcastle Town are sat two places above us in the league and when you look at both teams you would think that we are both struggling to get a result. Yet our opponents are unbeaten in their last 8 matches, and we have lost only 1 in 7 so even though the league table does not show it, today could be the two in-form teams in the league coming up against each other.

Last week Newcastle won their FA Trophy game against Gresley who sit in third place in the East section of the league and we beat Pontefract who sit in 6th. In fact, when you look at the two leagues, the West had the much better of the day except for Ossett United who beat Colwyn Bay 6-0. So today should be a cracking match which seems to be the custom at Shawbridge at the moment.

Last week was a brilliant game and I’m sure by the reaction that the players received after the game that you went home happy. Coming back from a 2 goal deficit to win does not often happen in football and we must savour those kind of wins. I could not sleep on Saturday night!

I was asked in the bar afterwards a couple of questions about tactics and certain players, and I answered those questions openly and honestly and will continue to do so. I gave my opinion and also listened to the opinions that came back. I was asked what I said at half time and whether I gave the players a mouthful.

On the contrary.

We made a couple of tactical changes, changed our shape, and told the players we had confidence in them to turn the game around. I didn’t think we were that bad in the first half, it was just very difficult against a strong wind. No player at any level purposely plays badly, and I only get annoyed when certain instructions aren’t followed or I think players aren’t behaving in the best interests of the team.

I don’t believe shouting at the players gets the best out of them. Some may think as a manager we should be more vocal in the dugout, but isn’t that sometimes all for show? Does it actually improve the way you are playing? Sometimes instructions need to be shouted on and sometimes frustration gets the better of us, but I believe the best way for me to manage is to ensure that this group of players know I believe in them, and I do.

Also thanks to the supporter who bought me a bottle of wine after the game, it was greatly appreciated.

The draw for the next round of the FA Trophy has us paired us away against Ossett United, obviously a tough draw but one we will relish. For myself, Josh Snowden and Derek Ubah in particular, we will be returning to our former team with a point to prove. They will have a huge following and I hope some of you will make the trip over the Pennines to Yorkshire for what is a mouth watering cup tie.

Today also marks the day of our one month anniversary of being the official management team at Clitheroe. We’ve played 6 games, after having two in our caretaker role, which have seen us progress in the the county cup and the FA Trophy, as well as gaining 5 points from 4 league games, 3 of which were away from home. W3 D2 L1. After the start to the season I think we should be more than happy with these stats and even more so that we have doubled the amount of games won at Shawbridge in 2018!

However we cant look back now but only forward and its important we climb away from the relegation positions sooner rather than later. We have 7 games now in the next 4 weeks, which may increase to 8 should we draw at Ossett, so it will be a testing time and as we approach the December period when the league begins to take shape. It will be interesting to see where we sit in the league and how we can keep moving forwards.

Enjoy the game,
Lee Ashforth

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