Defensive Frailties

Today's preview begins with a modest statistical analysis of a worrying trend that threatens to plague the Sky Blues.

Spectacular capitulations have been the theme of their most recent matches. After almost losing from a seemingly unassailable position two weeks ago they went all the way in their disastrous defeat last week.

For a team scoring an average of 11.5 goals per match (an admittedly inflated statistic due to their large win in the opening competitive round) an even 2-2 win loss record leads to the inevitable conclusion: their defense is too porous.

The loss of the experienced Weaver after barely a minute had elapsed last Tuesday certainly did not help their quest for defensive surety and his manager's assertions that the key stopper may be weeks away from match fitness can hardly improve the outlook of disgruntled City supporters.

At today's media briefing Kevpello admitted that the Blues "have not settled as a defensive unit" and also conceded that their "use of the ball could have been better" in recent times.

"It's my responsibility to turn this around" the manager asserted. "There is really no excuse for conceding more than five goals in a match, and we've done it three times in four matches!"

He was however quick to point out the contrast at the other end of the field adding "Demarchi and the Jacksons have been in goal scoring form; Robin and Punton have been getting into scoring positions and producing plenty of shots. More goals will come. Hirt's goal the other day was well taken too and he's looking dangerous, with a range of passing and good finishing. We just need to organise ourselves a little better and tighten up in defense."

He dismissed the chances of signing of ex-Farsenal star Andrew Lorimer as "dead", who set tongues wagging with a fully uniformed appearance prior to the match last week. It is thought that contract negotiations hit a last minute impasse as the player took exception to the league's signing on fee.