Sharks scored first from some Phantoms indecision leading to a tap in goal. Phantoms responded with a really well worked equaliser. JRI winning the ball on half way, leading to RD cutting in and play a diagonal ball to EH, who hit the byeline and crossed the ball for HJ, coming from deep, to volley in. Halftime 1v1.
Up against it at the start of the second half with Sharks eventually scoring a great header from a good corner, something they'd looked dangerous at all game.Phantoms immediate response was to counter and with some clever play between RD and TH, the ball went across the area for JRI to score inside the box. In an exciting match, sharks had a corner that was half cleared to the edge of the box allowing the striker to hit it well into the corner. For the third time phantoms responded, breaking away with some clever play down the right side from GW, ball going across the box for RD arriving late to tap in. 3 v 3 final score.
There were so many positives from this game. The defensive positional discipline needed to be and was far better. Players starting to shuffle across the pitch as play moves from one side to another. There was a little bit more rotation and some well timed runs in final third, particularly third man runs.
Both new boys NM and JR slotted into the team well and brought a great attitude to the game. OK and JR controlled the centre of defence, with RE picking up the balls over the top. JF very positive going forward and JC in possession in midfield.
Hart sharks are a good team who played a very attacking formation. This caused us quite a few defensive challenges but left Sharks very vulnerable to the counter attack. Corners are an area of concern and opportunity. Yesterday Sharks looked especially dangerous from corners and we need to address this. Also, if the boys want to compete with prem teams then all the players need to play with total desire and react quicker and want to win those 50/50 balls.
