Heaton AFC 0–1 Mancunia FC: Sinclair likes it dull
It is a rare thing to see Mancunia FC look comfortable while being utterly boring. Ellis Sinclair managed it on Tuesday. A one nil win at Heaton AFC is not a romantic result. It is a proper, working man's victory.
Sinclair had his players sitting deep and refusing to blink. He did not try to play the posh way. He simply ensured Heaton spent ninety minutes staring at a wall of red shirts. It was a performance of immense discipline. He kept the shape tight, even when the Heaton crowd tried to rattle the fence.
The tactical setup was honest. It was designed to frustrate and eventually punish. The single goal was enough. Sinclair will not be bothered by the lack of fireworks. He is not in the business of producing a show. He is in the business of points.
There is little room for a victory lap. The next matchday arrives tomorrow. Sinclair will likely spend the night staring at a chalkboard, wondering if he can make the next one even more tedious. He probably can.