Soccer coach wants better performance

Press, 26 May 1984, Page 72

Soccer coach wants better performance

By

DAVID LEGGAT

A tightening of the defence and more depth in attack are the main priorities for Christchurch Brother United’s coach, Laurie Blyth, when his team meets University Cowan in its Rothmans Soccer League match in Auckland tomorrow. Mr Blyth made no secret of his disappointment in United’s performance last week-end against Papatoetoe. However, he will not be making any significant personnel changes. His squad of 13 to travel north consists of the 11 which started the Papatoetoe match, Graeme Archer, who came on as a replacement, and Marcel Verweij. The first two goals United conceded were a result of the defence being “too flat,”

said Mr Blyth. The problems at the other end of the pitch stemmed from a lack of support for the front runners. “I want more movement and more flexibility from the players,” he said. “And I will be looking for a lot better understanding on how to maintain the team’s shape.” The match will be Steve Wooddin’s last before he appears before the Canterbury Football Association’s judicial committee on Monday night. He faces probable suspension. One player University will not be fielding is the former England international midfielder, Trevor Brooking. He does not arrive until the middle of June for a two-month stint with the Auckland club.

However, University can

boast a central defence of Ricki Herbert and Glenn Adam, both internationals, and the talented Peter Henry. They are sure to cause problems for the defence. In the other national league matches tomorrow, Dunedin City, still to win a point, will meet Manurewa; Gisborne City will play Napier City Rovers, in what is sure to be a physical battle; Hanimex-North Shore, the competition leader, will face National Mutual Miramar, Papatoetoe will play Mount Wellington; and Wellington Diamond United will meet McKee Nelson United. The Adidas Chatham Cup second-round matches take priority in Christchurch today. The. crunch tie is between Nomads United and Shamrock, at English Park.