Many of the boys needed to be scraped up at the end of the game after the enormous effort they all put in. Our first 'proper' 11 aside game today proved to be an evenly contested match, with Phantoms perhaps looking slightly more dangerous in final third. 11 in the squad as HJ sadly unwell Friday night and the other boys still playing for their clubs.
'Newbie' MB had quite a start, with some clever play down the left side leading to the opener from ON. A dink pass from JF setup a lobbed goal from GW. Soon after, some slight positional issues and reluctance to clear led to Yateley getting a deserved goal. 2-1 went to 3-1 with GW hitting an unstoppable shot. Half-time
Second half phantoms were clearly under pressure and struggling to get into the game. JR and OK were doing really well protecting RE and TH composed sitting in front. However, Phantoms always looked dangerous on the counter as Yateley committed a lot of players forward. Some interchange between MB and RD to then feed GW to make it 4-1. Yateley pushing hard finally got the second, a ball played across our defensive line was tapped in after a really well timed run from the attacker. Game was wrapped up with 5 mins left, EH with the Hammer scoring from a free kick after MB was fouled 25 yds out. 5-2...
No subs and for a chunk of the game we were down to 10 players (JR and then GW off the pitch). Poor JC took a knock just after half time and was limping around the pitch for the rest of the game (he had no interest in coming off pitch without sub).
Given this was their first 11 aside game we had the honour of Jon coach the boys today. He kept the boys engaged and constantly thinking about their game. I wanted the Phantoms to start the new format being aware that we've still got much to learn. The key points at the end were:
1/ big pitch - positional discipline, roles and responsibilities is critical. The central players then need to trust and allow those around them to do their role.
2/ we are good in possession. Passing and movement is swift and tend to play with heads up. This is our strength. Our game today however was more counter attacking because of Yateley's very positive approach to the game.
3/ Improvement required when out of possession. Need to be compact and ensure players understand where the danger is. i.e. prevent forward passes that go through us
It was a wonderful effort from the boys, full of spirit and character. Most of them would have benefitted from a break during the game, but there was no such luxury :-o
However, I think they enjoyed it, I know I did.
