Despite the sunshine, Crows didn't sparkle in the sunlight.
When you play away to Hollands & Blair at Star Meadow you know before you arrive that the pitch slopes from one end to the other and from one corner flag to the other on the diagonal. Add to that the recent wet weather we've had and the fact that the home side played Tunbridge Wells on it last week, then you know the surface will be a bit sticky and slippery on top.
Therefore, a slick passing game will not be on the cards and it will be easier to defend on, rather than create numerous chances and the fact that the home side play on it every other week will give them an advantage and suit their style of play.
The pitch is the same for both teams of course and cannot be used as an excuse by anyone as a factor on whether any team wins, draws or losses on it, all teams need to adapt to whatever surface they find and play accordingly.
With that in mind the Crows didn't start too bad and had the lions share of the possession in the first 30 minutes and the ball spent most of that period in the Blair half, although the chances created by the Crows ended up with efforts being from the edge of the area. The home side defended deep and in numbers, thus preventing the Crows from getting to the goal-line and putting crosses in to their box.
The Crows found themselves 1-0 down in the 29th minute after a good ball down the line was gathered by the Blair forward who then cut the ball back to the unmarked McDonald some 15 yards out and his shot found the corner of the net, Ellis standing no chance. Therefore, largely against the run of play, the visitors were losing with the home side's first shot on target.
The next 15 minutes up to half time was a bit more even which meant the chances for the Crows to equalise became fewer and the Blair now had something to hold on to and defend. The Crows definitely weren't playing their normal fluent football on the surface and their passing seemed to be laboured throughout.
The second half was a more even affair however the chances created by both sides would be considered half-chances in most games and whilst Lawlor in the home goal was the busier of the two, neither were troubled that much in all honesty.
The visitors did equalise in the 53rd minute with their best passing movement of the game, Crabb eventually sliding an excellent ball down the Blair right channel to McCreadie who was able to take the ball in his stride and fire the ball into the net, passed Lawlor, on the angle from 10 yards out.
That was about the best it got from then on as the Blair were happy to do what they'd been doing throughout the whole game, defend deep and fight for every ball, whilst the Crows just didn't have it in them to find the winner or create enough clear cut chances.
Therefore, it finished 1-1, the home side being happier with the result than the Crows and overall you'd have to say a draw was about right as neither side did enough to take all the points. From a Crows perspective the passing wasn't good enough, there were too many high balls just played in to areas, rather than being directed at a specific player. Also, the forwards were left isolated much of the time, the midfield not being able to get with them quick enough in support.
All in all, not the best day at the office for the Crows and they will definitely have to play better away at Canterbury City on Wednesday if they want to win and keep their promotion hopes alive. The Crows Man of the Match award went to Tom Vickers who did his best throughout to aid the defenders and drive the team forward when he had the opportunity to do so.