8:00am Friday 19th March 2010
By John Boyman
HE may have come to the Camrose as a midfielder but Matt Finlay feels his future lies in defence.
The 20-year-old joined Basingstoke Town from Bashley last summer. He began the season as a |central midfielder but soon found himself playing at left back, centre back or on the left wing.
Finlay has certainly had a chance to see which |position suits him best and now thinks that he is better off in defence.
“I came as a midfielder but did not really feel that I fitted in there,” the former Bournemouth and Salisbury man said. “I’m certainly more comfortable and confident at the back, whether that’s at left back or in the middle.
“I am getting used to |playing at centre back again. It’s where I started playing as a youngster and it’s just a case of getting back into it.
“I just need to improve my communication skills and be a bit more physical. We just need a big leader at the back and while I am not sure I am that person, if I had someone like that alongside me, it would |really help.”
Finlay played at centre back during the 3-1 defeat to Dover last week and admitted that he was |supposed to be marking Oliver Schultz when he scored the second goal.
“There were a few lapses defensively, one of which I was at fault for, and we gave ourselves too much to do,” he said. “In the second half we just needed to pick up and show the people of Basingstoke what we can do – and I think we did that.”
This weekend will see Town make the short trip to Woking. Finlay says the players will be looking to win for management duo Frank Gray and Gerry Murphy, who were sacked by the Surrey club two years ago.
“It would be good to get a result for Frank and Gerry but Woking have been struggling so it is going to be a battle,” Finlay added. “They beat us at home and it would be nice to get one back on them. It should be a decent crowd and I am looking forward to it.”
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