Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Rushall At Home In The League On Saturday 30th November At 3.00pm

Friday, January 06, 2023

Everyone In The Box

It is noticable that whenever opposing clubs have a corner Hereford bring all their players back into or close to the box.

Some supporters feel this may make counter attacks that much less likely because there is no one half way up the pitch to receive the ball.

Manager Josh Gowling gave his view on the subject after it was suggested that this approach 'stopped an outlet'. 

"No because if you look at stats the more people in the box less goals, that's why we do it," said Gowling.

"Last year we had quite a small team and we went through a period of conceding quite a lot of goals, so we had to change something.

"So we went to the way we mark now from set-plays and I think since half way through last season until now we conceded, I think, five goals from set-plays. So it's working."

It was put to Gowling that one of his players left out of the defence takes two of the opposition players to mark him.

"There's more goals scored when there are less people in the box.

"I know it sounds weird but from set-plays the more bodies you can get around the box the less opportunities there are for goals.

"We've looked at it, I haven't just made it up!

"The problem is because we have a zone if you don't have everybody back there are going to be two or three people spare in the box so we have to have everybody back.

"That's why we do it."