In an entertaining friendly against higher league opposition, we more than held our own after a slow start. First quarter and we struggled with the pace and the power of the Coast Soccer side, only some inspired defending from Josh kept the score down to 1 at the break. He was well assisted by James, Joseph and Aaron. At the other end, Elliott had a long shot, and Sam forced a good save from the Coast Keeper.
Second quarter and we really picked up the pace and the competitive edge needed against good sides like Coast. Our best chance of the game came, when Elliott was fouled in the box, and from the resulting penalty, Elliott just knocked it wide. We continued to battle hard, and had a number of other half chances, while at the back, Aaron & James made some very brave blocks. A good team move and nice finish resulted in Coast having a two goal advantage at the end of 2nd quarter.
Third quarter and it was pretty much end to end stuff, Coast making us pay a couple of times for hesitancy in the defence, first we got caught trying to pass out from the back, and second time breakdown of communication led to a deflected own goal. It was good to see trying to pass out from the back today to give more variety in our play, just need to do a bit quicker boys, but well done for trying new ways! While as we keep saying we do need to be a lot more vocal on the pitch to let your team mates know what you are doing. In between the two Coast goals, we got one of our own! Elliott won the ball nicely in midfield dribbled on, before putting Ben away who showed excellent composure taking the ball on and finishing with confidence, super first goal for the side Ben!
Fourth quarter and we had our best time of the match, Josh's challenge resulted in the ball breaking for Sam, who took the ball on with pace and finished expertly, great finish Sam. We then had a number of other good chances with Sam & Josh going close, while Jack making his debut also did really well getting stuck in and passing nicely . Elliott also went close with a freekick after Sam was brought down, but his effort just went to the left of the post. While at the back Joseph, James & Elliott were very composed at the back, clearing the ball with confidence, while Aaron made many brave challenges and pick ups. A very good end to the game winning the final quarter!
A very worthwhile exercise, and was pleased with the level of commitment shown against a very competitive and highly skilled Coast outfit, we didnt back off the challenges and stuck to the task well. Just a couple of lapses at the back, which got exploited by the higher league side. Having said that the defensive effort was generally excellent, just a case of concentrating for the whole match. In the middle of the park after the first quarter we competed well. Many thanks to Ben & Jack for filling in today for us, you can be really proud of your displays, and hope to see you regularly at training now, well done boys! There was plenty of positives from the rest of the boys, and if can we show that level of competitiveness tomorrow, I am sure we can get the right result. We pushed the higher league side close, so take lots of confidence forward to our league game.
A joint man of the match award for the whole team today. Next training to be confirmed hopefully this Wednesday GPMS 5.15pm.
Thanks to Paul & his Coast Soccer team for todays game, played in excellent spirit. Many thanks to Steven for helping me set up today, and for Zoe going round with the football card. The winning team scratched off was BURNLEY, which was my pick! I decided not to take the £10 prize, and instead the £20 raised all goes into team funds, thanks to everyone who bought a team!
