Hill wants Daisies to get back to good habits against Darwen
Daisy Hill will be looking to bounce back from last week’s disappointing home defeat to Thornton Cleveleys when they host Darwen in the North West Counties League First Division North at the Plumb Factory Stadium on Saturday (3pm).
A 3-2 loss after being two goals up in the opening 35 minutes was a tough result to take for a Daisy side who had been on a good run of form going into the game, and manager Lee Hill is now looking for a response from his players.
“Thornton Cleveleys had been on a bad run then had a break, whereas we had been on a good run and had a break, so the break probably suited them more than us,” Hill reflected.
“We had a few players missing, but our running stats were a lot lower than they had been in the previous three games, so we addressed that in training this week.
“We have been getting the intensity levels back up, and we also reminded the lads that if you don’t put the hard physical work in you are not going to get rewards, and I think the lads know that now.
“I don’t think they turned up last weekend thinking it was going to be an easy game, it’s just that sometimes complacency sets in subconsciously, and those types of performances can creep in.
“There weren’t any big tactical errors from the lads, it was more a case of them forgetting the good habits they had shown in the weeks before.
“I am a big believer in looking forward and not backwards, so this week has been about reminding them about and reinforcing what our style of play is.”
Saturday’s opponents Darwen had been on a good run of form themselves, until losing at home to Maghull two weeks ago.
Nonetheless they are just six points away from the promotion play-off positions.
And although Hill is aware of threat they will pose, he insists that won’t be his main concern.
He added: “We obviously have to keep an eye on Darwen’s strengths, but we have been saying in recent weeks it should be more about us and focussing on our game plan.
“It’s about what we do and not about just stopping the opposition.
“They have players who need to be watched, but we need to be trying to stamp our authority on the game, playing our way, and making sure that Darwen have to focus on us.
“Darwen’s good run came to an end recently, so like us they have had a recent reminder that anyone can beat anyone in this league if you are not fully on your game.
“I feel that our lads are back in a good place now, after the sessions this week, Saturday gives us the chance to show once again the way we expect to play.”