Why Llanelli Town need to recognise poor disciplinary record after picking up EIGHTH red card of season
Strugglers Llanelli Town picked up their eighth red card in as many games as they suffered another defeat as they lost 3-1 at home to Aberystwyth Town at Stebonheath Park – and it goes to show why they need to notice how big of a problem their discipline is becoming this season.
Anthony Finselbach was the latest victim as Andy Hill’s side remain rooted to the bottom of the JD Welsh Premier League following their loss to the Black and Greens over the weekend.
They have by far the worst disciplinary record of any side in the league and it is something which needs to be addressed, and urgently.
In the game before Finselbach got dismissed, the Reds ended their 5-2 loss to Barry Town United with nine-man after having captain Joe Clark and Chris Thomas both sent off.
It hasn’t been the return all Llanelli fans would have wanted so far. But it has been a learning curve, that’s for sure. For them to push on now, they need better discipline – especially if they want to play to their full potential week-in, week out.
There have also been occasions this season where they have been without key players due to suspensions by picking up red cards. It also makes life a lot more difficult for Hill, who has seen his side implode on several occasions since the start of their campaign.
How can they cut down on their disciplinary record, then?
It is easier said than done, of course, but they need to ensure to be more well-organised moving forward and stay together as a unit. It is a very young squad which Llanelli have.
All in all this season, the performance levels have been to a good standard, however, their discipline has become a big problem and let them down at times this season, where they have been within a good chance of getting something out of the game.
They need to make certain to mature – and quickly. They face a tough run of games, which are coming up thick and fast, starting with Connah’s Quay Nomads, who the Reds were thumped at home by 7-0 at the start of their JD Welsh Premier League campaign.
If they can ensure to be well-organised, and not lose their heads against an experienced side, then they will give themselves a chance of getting something out of the game.
Llanelli Town are in a relegation scrap, there is no doubt about it, but if they were to cut out some of their errors at the back and improve on their disciplinary record, they would give themselves a fantastic chance of staying up in the Welsh top flight.
They are a big club, they will be desperate to stay up this season but they need to be pragmatic. The most important thing above all is sorting out and addressing their awful disciplinary record first. Once they have done that, they can concentrate on the bigger picture and hoping to sustain Welsh Premier League football at Stebonheath Park beyond this season.
(Featured Image: Rhys Skinner)
