Gee blasts sloppy defending

WHEN Kevin Gee arrived to take the managerial help at Evo-Stik NPL Division One South club Rainworth MW last week he stressed that he had no magic wand.

Nevertheless, Wrens fans were hoping that he could produce a rabbit out of the hat. That looked an unlikely dream against league leaders Ilkeston, and so it proved, but Gee is now much more aware of what he needs to do to turn the club’s fortunes and lift them off the foot of the table.

Despite the 4-1 margin of defeat there were plenty of positives to be taken, but at the same time Gee is not the sort of man to gloss over the deficiencies.

Reflecting on Saturday’s match, and looking forward to Tuesday’s home game against Leek Town – another difficult fixture – Gee insisted that there were lots of positives to be taken, citing in particular the overall work ethic, and some pleasing individual performances.

But he also said: “Unfortunately sloppy defending cost us against a very good side, making it hard to come back from 3-0 down at half time.

“The first goal was an unlucky own goal when the ball came off the back of Ricky Hanson’s head, but the free kick which led to it should have been dealt with properly before that. We went to sleep for the second goal leaving Gary Ricketts to get goal side and score with a good header, and third rebounded kindly off Tommy Hannigan’s leg and fell kindly for Daryll Thomas who doesn’t miss those.

“After that the second half was more about containment, but it would have been nice to win that half 1-0. We drew it 1-1, and we move on.

“We’ve conceded four at home, yet overall we have one of the best defensive records in the league. But defending alone doesn’t win matches. You’ve got to be solid but you also need creativity. Staying in this division is about scoring goals, which is why we went with three strikers.”

Gee had words of praise for one or two individuals, adding: “Ricky Hanson did well, as did Danny Bacon, while the front three did everything I asked of them. But sometimes when you are in our position and you concede an unlucky goal confidence dips, and then you tend to forget what you have been told, do your own thing, and become a group of individuals.”

Looking forward to the Leek game, he continued: “Yes, there will be a few changes. I said I would stick with anyone who started well, but you’ve got to look at the situation when you’ve conceded four at home, albeit against the top of the league.

“I’ve seen Leek a couple of times this season, and they have a big, strong centre-forward who has been a proven striker at this level for many years. Then again, this league is all about being physically strong, and about maintaining mental concentration.

“We’ve got good players, but their mental concentration let us down, and it was the senior players who conceded the goals against Ilkeston.

“I’m under no illusions about how tough a task it is coming here, but I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I was up to the challenge. I have to be loyal to the current group initially, but will start to put my own stamp on the club.

“There was great support for both sides against Ilkeston, and it would be good to see 300-plus crowds every week. But before that can happen we have to start winning games, so all I can say to the supporters, once again, is ‘please be patient’.

“This is a fantastic league for Rainworth to be in, it’s the highest level the club has ever been, but now it’s about stabilising the ship.

“We have 25 games to go, and my only objective this year is to keep the club in this league, then we can begin to look at things again in the summer.”

Two in, one out

Rainworth have parted company with striker Sean Cann by mutual consent.

Despite the goals drought afflicting the club, Cann had the highest total of what goals have been scored, but has become the first player to be released under the Kevin Gee regime.
Gee said: “We’ve agreed mutually to part company with Sean and have released him to enable him to find another club quickly. We would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him well wherever he goes.”

However, Gee has also made two early signings, in attackers Stephen Akers from Mickleover Sports and Ben Spargo from Belper Town. Unfortunately Akers pulled up in training on Thursday night and was unable to figure against Ilkeston, but Spargo made his debut, coming on from the bench for the final half-hour.

Coach to Brigg

After Tuesday’s game against Leek Town Rainworth are away to Brigg Town on Saturday, and a coach will leave Kirklington Road at 11.30am.
Supporters are welcome to travel, and the fare for the return trip is £10.
Anyone intending to travel should see commercial manager Steve Peat or secretary Les Lee.