On a wet Bomarsund pitch, in cold weather we went down to an excellent Cramlington Juniors side. The most dissapointing aspect of the day for us coaches was the attitude of the boys in the warm up and in first quarter. They just werent switched on, and too busy acting on in warming up. When up against such classy opposition it is hard enough anyway, but not to be focussed was not to good to see, and is something we have got to work on.
First quarter we backed off Flamenco giving them far too much respect, and made it too easy for them, players also didn't stick to the position we set out. First minute and probably the goal of the game, lovely one touch football from about 5 of the Cramlington lads, led to a good finish. We just didnt get going, and Flamenco were much the stronger side, picking up another three goals in the quarter. Joseph struggled in net with the wet conditions, but made a couple of saves, while Sam was working hard at the back. First quarter 4-0 down.
Some hard words at the end of this quarter, and credit to the boys because in the second quarter, they started playing and working hard. Started to get bits of forward pressure with Elliott, Josh & Dylan doing well in midfield. A through ball I think from Elliott left Dylan with lots to do, but he did it well taking the ball and getting away an excellent shot with beat the keeper. At the back Harry & Sam were superb, and Aaron worked hard when coming on for a rare outfield appearance. Only a nicely worked Flamenco goal near the end of the quarter stopped us from winning that quarter. Much better showing 5-1.
Third quarter and again we were much more in the game, Dylan having a good run being blocked, Elliott good long range free kick blocked and Dylan having another shot blocked. Joseph in midfield was passing well. Three goals at the other end were all a bit scrappy, a loose ball wasnt cleared and that slight lapse in concentration was punished. Second goal a long ball through which Aaron & defender went for and bounced over both, Third goal a long range effort from the right, floated into the net. This was a bit harsh on the lads effort in the quarter. 8-1
Fourth quarter - Again another excellent effort from the lads, Dylan was put through nicely again, and dribbled on well before another good shot which the Flamenco keeper despite getting a touch on couldn't keep out. At the back Aaron had his best quartter in a long time, back to his very best form, excellent handling, good goal kicks, and two or three super saves. Sam & Harry again worked so hard, while all the midfield in Joseph, Elliott, Dylan, Josh, James & Dane never let their heads down battling to the final whistle. Final score 9-2 to Flamenco.
After a disasterous first quarter we stuck to the task well, need to show passion and be focussed from the start. For man of the match, thought five players stood out, Aaron super last quarter, Sam really good hard game at the back, Elliott typically hard working fine display, Dylan got the Away coaches decision, after slow start worked really hard, took his two goals really well, for me the Home Managers MOM was Harry, stood up really strong at the back, cleared the lines excellently. When we play Flamenco in the Divisional cup in a few weeks time, lets be up for it from the start and give them a better game.
Training Tuesday 6pm - St Benet Biscop.
