Another kind of tactical genius: A Football Manager AAR

[johnhughthom]

Mid Ulster Times

Monday 1st October 2012

Villagers drop into relegation position.

Loughgall 1-2 Carrick

A return to Lakeview Park after three games on the road gave Loughgall the chance for a much needed victory on Saturday, unfortunately it wan't to be and they fell to defeat after going a goal in front. They have now failed to win in their opening six games this season, and pressure is beginning to mount on manager John Doggart.

Carrick took the match to Loughgall from the opening whistle and had a header cleared off the line from the first corner of the game, Mark Teggart getting his head to the ball just in time. That was the only clear chance that we saw in the first half, until, just before the whistle, Jarlath Branagan played a lovely ball through to Paul Heatley. Heatley played the ball across the keeper, aiming for the far corner, but Robinson managed to get his fingertips to the ball, diverting on to the post. Jeff Brady then belted the ball out of play just as the half time whistle went.

Loughgall came out for the second half with more impetus, keeping the ball and making a number of forays into the Carrick third without managing to conjure up the telling final ball. Just past the hour mark they finally came up with a moment of creativity, Kirk Brace played the ball down the right flank to Stephen Doyle, who played a perfectly judged ball into the Carrick box. Richard McCabe was running on to the free ball for a free shot, but was blocked by Branagan and the referee blew for the penalty. Marc Robinson stepped up confidently and slotted it home.

But, as has been the case so often this season, scoring only brought Loughgalls defensive frailties into the open. A period of Carrick domination after going a goal down saw them turn the match around.

Loughgall's lead lasted barely two minutes ans Paul Heatley made up for his earlier miss, with a neat finish after being set up by strike partner Mannion. A poor pass from Andy Devlin was intercepted by Mannion, who crossed for Heatley to finish.

Heatley was the architect for the winner, leading a driving counter attack from a Loughgall corner and crossing for Liam Hogan to sidefoot home from clase range.

Loughgall appeared shellshocked at letting another lead slip, and even three substitutions failed to liven the team up. Carrick were able to close the match out comfortably, with Loughgall failing to create a single chance for the equalizer.

The result drops Loughgall into the relegation zone, with the next match the proverbial six pointer, against bottom of the table Tobermore United. Doggart's position will surely come under even closer scrutiny if they fail to come out of the match with a victory.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Well isn't this embarrassing, the SI forums are full of people complaining the game is too easy and here I am sucking worse than Neil Lennon. I've never been sacked in any version of Football Manager, it would be hilarious if my first was in a public AAR.