Good Afternoon, Hook Panthers 5 v 2 CPR Trojans (Rob 3, Jacob, Ellis) Well that was a worryingly good start to their 9 aside future.... Two teams keen to get the ball down and play led to some very attractive football throughout, oh and the 3G pitch also helped. We played 4 qtrs of 15 minutes, with the opportunity to take breaks and remind players of the offside rule in between play ;-). Actually that wasn't required. So how did the boys on? Offside
1/ We didn't try and play offside from our defense. However as observed by Richard, the boys naturally kept a very straight line and rarely allowed too much of a gap in front for attackers to turn. 2/ In the first 3/4s it was naturally a battle to stay on side.... Players would run forward and if the pass did not come through they found themselves offside as it was not natural for them to work themselves back onside. 3/ You could see the attacking unit trying to stay onside. They generally looking across the line.... 4/ CPR Trojans played a very high line, so as an introduction to offside it really was the ultimate test. 5/ As the game went on, you could see players timing their runs to break through the opposition line. Oskar did this on couple of occasions. 6/ In the final quarter, for the first time, players stopped passing to offside players :-) and the offside player sometimes indicated to not pass to them.... 7/ Extend understanding of offside rule, to exceptions e.g. throw-ins, corners, goalkicks.... Play 1/ First two quarters there was some real quality play in midfield, combative and we got very good width in our play too. 2/ Lost our way a little in 3/4. I think the boys were very cold and wet at this point.... 3/ CPR played some lovely passing football in midfield and looked dangerous on edge of box. 3/ We seem a little vulnerable at set pieces. RD tended to get a defensive head on the ball, but we need others to step up in this area. 4/ Vulnerable on the edge of the box....Attackers players have good chance of scoring due to the new larger goals. 5/ Final Qtr played some good football. Sun was out and we were back playing the ball on the ground. Opposition Finished 5th in Div 1. Great bunch, both coaching team and the supporters and it felt a very even game.. Be very happy to play another friendly with them in the future.
Keepers Well done to Joab and James for their exploits in the large goals today. Slippery ball but both looked secure. They are also two terrific examples of team players. Coach really appreciates that :-) Newbies Can you spot the newbies.... I couldn't. Welcome to the team GW and JS, some quality play from both, it's going to be exciting. Thank you for the support today in monsoon conditions. Well done, I thought the boys played fab in their first proper game of 9 aside with very good quality opposition and a really nice environment for the game .
