The Case for The Defence.

Isn`t it nice to be able to do a (positive) case for the defence column for a change? Yes the Imps back four are doing well. In fairness, the changes have been forced upon us, largely due to injuries to Brown initially and this season`s resident sicknote Frank Sinclair; rather than a fundamental tactical realignment. Just as well given that the back four have had the direction of a derailed train in the early part of the season.

Certainly the policy of three central midfielders is also helping to cut out the danger over the top. Kerr, Clark, and on Saturday the exciting Brown, have given them some cover for a change. Frecks half time injury allowed Brown to prove that a left back he most certainly isn`t, but a great midfielder he most certainly is.

The main reason for the improvement is balance, belief, pace and togetherness. Hone and Beevers are cohesive on the left, both pocess pace and an understanding. Positionally both are naturals in those positions. Hone works well with Kovacs as a central partner too. The Giant of the Imps would stop a cannon ball in the air, yet is vulnerable against pace. Hone excels in this area, as does Green down Kovacs’ right hand side. At corners we now have 3 big lads in Beevers, Hone and Kovacs with Green able to cover the post and line.

Essentially we now have balance. Yet it is the courage and ‘oneness` of the defence that is really making the difference. All four have endured some shocking treatment over the last three to four games, of course unseen by referees. But you can see it working, and against some decent teams like Leicester and Brentford, Chester too are no mugs. If we keep this back four for most of the season we won`t go far wrong. Get Brown into the midfield more and we may be looking at a defensive midfield dimension beyond the wildest of even the optimists.