Should the defence be playing such a high line?

[GillsBluenose]

I was just reading another thread where Nitram mentions the high line we play defensively. He points out that system only works well if as a team we constantly press the ball.

That was what struck me at Bolton where we did stand off the ball too much and it could then be played through or over our centre backs who are not quick enough to recover.

It was noticeable when they showed the goals from the Bolton v Shrewsbury game at the weekend that the Shrews were instead defending deep in their area. I know this invites pressure but they only lost 2-1 and both Bolton goals came from their centre back.

I appreciate that we are doing much better than Shrewbury overall so maybe their system only works against sides that play like Bolton but I am not sure whether the high line is the best system for us tactically. Thoughts?

 

[nitram77]

As I said in the other post, there is no problem with playing a high line if you maintain pressure on the ball.
Cody might not be everyone's favourite, but he works hard at being our first line of defence, Nouble replaced Cody on 74 minutes and they scored on 78 minutes. That isn't intended as a criticism of Nouble, he's a different type of player and work rate isn't his greatest asset.

 

[DBtheGill]

Accepted Nitram but surely replacing a forward just shouldn't have that effect rather points to weakness in the midfield.

We need a better defensive midfielder to partner Wright.

 

[bathnightattheminogu]

Agree DB and I am still hopeful that Chris Herd could fill that role, though on this seasons form alongside Hess rather than Wright.

 

[Trev_GFC]

Definitely agree with getting Herd back and back into midfield could really strengthen our whole team.

 

[Razorpound]

I think getting Wright was a wrong move.

 

[Gillsbmc]

Its always a risk when you have centre backs as slow as ours

 

[The Roone]

Many of us criticised Jed for defending deep and the midfield surrendering the midfield to fall back to the eighteen yard line. Now some are complaining that we are not able to defend a high line, but since we changed we have actually conceded less goals. I agree a good holding midfielder is needed be it Herd a more focused Wright or a new face. Let's hope an improvement in the midfield happens very soon.

 

[bathnightattheminogu]

I actually think that Herd and Hessie sitting just behind Bradley, Waggstaff and JET could be a bloody good midfield for this level, especially away from home.
With the likes of Nouble, Knott and Wright on the bench it also gives plenty of options to change if things are not working out or we need to chase the game a bit.
By the way, in my humble opinion Aaron Morris may well be the best holding midfielder we have at the club. Bloody shame he is injured.

 

[fan_of_mulligan]

bathnightattheminogu, I agree with you that we are missing Aaron Morris a lot this season, because Aaron Morris was Mr Consistent for Gillingham Last Season no matter what position he was playing in.