Marcus far from satisfied with Heathens’ work ethic
Heath comfortably beat Oxhey but boss questions professionalism
Another weekend brought another victory for Flackwell Heath in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division, but manager Marcush Richardson was far from satisfied with his side's work ethic in the 4-2 victory over Oxhey Jets at Wilks Park.
The Heathens comfortably won the game with goals from Jack Taylor, Adam Thomas, Simeon Weeks and Kane Guy, however, Richardson believes there was a lack of professionalism shown by his players against a team who were beaten 11-0 by Wembley FC the previous week.
He admits he's probably nitpicking a little bit, but the Flackwell boss felt it was a
chance missed to bolster the side's goal difference.
“Oxhey Jets are probably the worst team we’ve played all season and I feel we did not go about the game in the way we should’ve,” said Richardson.
“We knew that they had lost the week before, so I believe we went out there with the wrong attitude if that makes sense. The boys didn’t play with the same commitment, I never saw any ruthlessness, and we were still missing that killer instinct I have spoken about before. Yes, we scored four goals and we picked up the three points, but it’s not a performance I’m happy about.
“I think if we never knew
about their 11-0 thumping, we would’ve most probably scored that many.
“Overall, I don’t think we gave a professional account of ourselves – we went down to their standard.”
It's been a mixed start to the season for the Heathens who sit 12th in the table following six matches, having won just two of those, but Richardson firmly believes they'll climb the table if they regularly show the right work ethic.
“I don’t want my players to take their foot off the gas,” he said. “All I’m asking for is 90 minutes of work.
“If the gasket is blown after an hour, come off. I’ve got people on the bench who are
willing to give me the last 30 minutes of all they’ve got. I suppose I’m nit-picking a little bit here, but I’ve set such high standards for my squad over the last couple of years.
“I want Flackwell to get as high as possible. We missed the bus last season because of COVID, I want us to get the train this time.”
W It was another tough week for Holyport in the Combined Counties Premier Division North as they lost 4-1 to league leaders St Panteleimon on Saturday. Forward player JC Etienne is also to undergo surgery in January after rupturing his Anterior Cruciate Ligament. Port host CB Hounslow United on Saturday.