NW phantoms 3v 3 fleet town Vikings (EHE2, RD, motm JR). A big day today, first league game ever for Phantoms and there were a few butterflies before kickoff. The boys looked brilliant in their new kit. I was so pleased it rained just so that they could wear their new jackets.
Pitch, refreshments, gazebo, sweet shop and book stall setup, the boys were ready to play.
It was a subdued first half from the boys. They were wasteful with possession again and second to most 50:50s. However the boys scored first after a cross from EH on the right side. At this point we had the momentum and at least two more clear cut chances to scored but failed to capitalise. Fleet then equalised and suddenly their tails were up. We couldn't hold onto the ball in opposition half and eventually pressure told for Vikings to go 2-1 up. Not quite sure how we equalised soon after, but there was some precise setup play from TH as the boys accepted what was a rather soft equaliser.
Half time we changed from 3-3-2 to 3-4-1 to try and give us more width on quite a narrow pitch. Although we could have done with a 6-7-3 formation.
Phantoms had a bit more possession second half but Vikings looked dangerous on the counter with pace and their exceptional number 8 having plenty of time to run. Phantoms won a penalty for a push on RD to make it 3-2. Once again our lack of killer instinct allowed the opposition to equalise within a minute. Phantoms hung on for a 3-3 draw. There were glimpses of quality throughout and plenty of commitment from Phantoms in the second half.
Unusually, we've started the first couple of games with poor possession stats. Opportunities are being created slightly route one and we are more vulnerable to conceding goals. Moving to u12s there is now less time on the ball as players are quicker to close down. Therefore, it is imperative that players work hard to create space and improve the quality of passing and movement.
The boys have collectively decided that a top 5 finish in the division is their goal. I'm looking forward to the boys response over the next 3-4 weeks to find our 'passing game'.
