Devs vs Breightmet

3-1 win in the first game back, after a few weeks off, for the Devs who faced fourth placed Breightmet United.

Managers asked for the team to come back with purpose, impose authority, showcase quality and be constructively aggressive. And that's what we got, the squad all showed relentless effort for 90 minutes. They deserve praise for the focus and desire to work for each other.

The first half saw us hit the bar three times, force saves from their GK and put chances wide as we blew the cobwebs off and pushed for the opener, limiting the opposition to a small number of chances, Oli G made an unbelievable save when called upon, showing great focus. Si Riley entered the last ten mins of the half, to take advantage aerially and physically - he didn't waste any time making sure he put the ball in the net after great work from chewy to put the ball across the six yard box.

In the second half the opposition had their phase to push as they grew in confidence and needed to be more offensive so we needed to show character, dealing with injuries, rusty touches and lack of match fitness - which we did. A high press from the team forced a mix up at the back for Breightmet which saw it's way in, doubling our lead.

They pulled one back from a good arrowed finish to the bottom corner from throwing bodies forward.

We finished the game through one of our trademark moves. Danny Rea long through to Si Riley at the near post who flicked behind to Webby who was positioned to nod home.

I was impressed with the determination, positive aggression and togetherness more than anything yesterday. It's very obvious the team is there for eachother and unquestionably commited to pushing as high as possible.

We need to work on managing and adjusting our width and proximity to each other in and out of possession and making sure we impose a higher defensive line as we get fitter and gaining momentum playing every week again. Build up play patterns need to be reviewed and see if there is a way to be more efficient in progressing the ball in a controlled way.

All of us appreciated the support from the lads who watched.