Aigburth FC 2–0 Crookes United: Coverdale is cooking
Ellis Coverdale has finally stopped tinkering. To put two past Crookes United without a wobble is a result that feels honest. It was a disciplined bit of work. The lads looked like they actually knew where to stand for once, which is a luxury for Aigburth.
Coverdale has managed to instill a bit of grit. There was a moment in the first half where a Crookes player looked entirely bewildered by the shape of the back four. It was a nice touch. He didn't panic when the game stayed tight, and he didn't throw the kitchen sink at it. He just let a decent side do their jobs.
It is a quiet kind of success. No shouting into the cameras or frantic gesturing from the technical area. Just a clean sheet and a professional win. Most managers would be chewing their nails, but Coverdale looked as relaxed as a man on his summer holidays.
There is very little time to reset before tomorrow. The momentum is there, provided he doesn't decide to change the formation out of boredom. For now, he can take the credit. It was a proper job.