Pitchero Non League

.....sluggish performance was almost punished by Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North side Mossley at Seel Park on Tuesday night.

Despite leading through a crisp strike from second half substitute Ryan Brooke, a misfiring Alty were caught napping from a quickly-taken free-kick and could have few complaints about being held to a 1-1 draw.

Wrexham seem certain to field a full-strength at Moss Lane on Saturday, just seven days before launching their Conference Premier campaign, and Sinnott has reminded his side there can be no repeat of Tuesday night’s shortcomings. “I’m sure Wrexham will bring the team they intend using the following Saturday, and I’ll be expecting a reaction from my players. The Mossley game showed me a few things, and certain things were said afterwards. They were said behind closed doors, and that’s where they will stay, but the players know where they went wrong and will be keen to put matters right.

“We were OK for the first 10 to 15 minutes but, after that, we didn’t pass the ball as we should, we were not composed enough in possession and our movement was not good enough. We were playing individually, rather than collectively.

“In a way, I don’t mind it happening now. Better to stand by the dug-out getting more and more frustrated in a pre-season friendly than when there are league points or cup places at stake.”

Sinnott was at least encouraged by a more convincing 3-1 win at Trafford last Thursday and by the way his summer signings were able to integrate with the rest of his squad at a weekend get-together at the town’s Cresta Court Hotel.

“We trained Saturday and Sunday, and the players met some of our supporters at the club on Saturday evening, and, all in all, it was a very worthwhile, beneficial exercise,” he said. “It is something the club have been doing for a few years now, and I’m all in favour. I think it’s a great idea.

“It was good to see Damian Reeves open his account at Trafford, and there were two very well-taken goals from Simon Richman and James Lawrie. But there are always lessons to be learned in pre-season games, and I want the players to recognise that when you are 3-1 up near the end, it’s time to shut up shop a bit.

“I don’t mean go ultra-defensive, and if we still manage to score a fourth, all well and good. But we have to make sure the opposition don’t sneak a second goal, and I just hope they have taken that on board.

“Pre-season games are about using sixteen or seventeen players, not eleven or twelve, and things can get a bit disjointed. But I am getting close to deciding on the line-up I want for the opening Conference game against Brackley. The good thing is, we have real competition for places, and I can double up all over the pitch.

“That’s what you want, and it’s good that players are pushing each other all the time, but I am beginning to formulate things in my mind.”

Tags: News | Altrincham

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