Match Report: Goals needed to be put before the game and the penguins need to be be ushered off the pitch in the rather cool climate this morning. Some people sensibly opted to duck into the coffee area before kick off for welcome drinks.... A fairly one side first half in terms of possession with the opposition struggling to get hold of the ball. A lot of our play was thoughtful, going forward and backwards and then switching sides. Whilst our possession did not create a vast number of opportunities it was good to see the boys getting on the ball again. Emphasis was also on the defenders having options to pass to as opposed to just clearing their lines. Boca tended to leave one player up occupying 3 players. We've worked recently on two defenders covering the player (coming closer, on and behind) allowing the third defender to attack the space around. i.e .two can mark one player. ;-). It's not natural for them, but just like British Rail, they are getting there... Lot of passing first half, sometimes we needed to carry to draw out a heavily populated defence and needed to add a little more pace in our play in the final third. Being a little picky as they did play really well first half and should have been leading by a couple of goals. Goalkeepers swapped half-time, the impressive JR handing over the gloves to RD for his tern. Second half, first few minutes I wasn't sure if the lads had come back on the pitch. They seemed to be swanning around a bit.. We'd lost our possession play, everything far too narrow, with lots of long straight passes. It was quite a big pitch so it was a little bit of a waste not to use the space. Panthers looked suspect defensively in second half (midfield and defence) and Boca Juniors had some fairly good opportunities this half. Fortunately we managed to recover the situations...As the game opened up, Fleet looked a bit light in defence as they pushed players forward. After a couple of close shaves, JC with Eagle eyes, spotted EHE's run and played a lovely through ball.. EHE still had plenty to do, but noted his composure to place rather than wallop the ball into the net, for the first gull, as the keeper closed him down... In the last few minutes Boca looked more likely to score as Panthers had a bit of a warbler, but they held out as they themselves tried to counter attack.. JR - reassuringly in goal and excellent in his left back position. Couple of times need to take a touch before passing. JF - Very good first half, getting the ball down and playing, slightly out of position a couple of times in second half. OK - Like it when OK is calm and passing the ball, as he was in the first half. EH - defensive play was excellent, one super dead ball strike (after a fowl) and good use of body to shield. RD - Controls his penalty area so well as keeper, although some dodgy kicks from hand. We missed him in midfield in the second half. TH - Best first half I've seen from TH....Playing like a wise owl, excellent feet and moved the ball on quickly once he had attracted the opposition to the ball. JC - One of Josh's best games. Made a goal and was key to the passing tempo in the first half. ON - Some very strong runs forward cutting in from the left hand side. A couple of times his decision making let him down JW - Applied a 'receive and lay off' mindset throughout the game. With his pace just needs to carry the ball into space too GW - Very strong and swift running with the ball at his feet. EHE - Determination throughout, swooping down on the opposition like a Peregrin Falcon and showed some lovely touches in the first half. More effective when Panthers playing counter attacking football in second half. The good run continues - last 5 games, won 3, drawn 2...13 scored, 6 conceded.. Statistically this season, all teams in our division have lost this season, but we are only the team that have never lost by more than one goal..... Very pleased with the performance, first half was a delight to watch at times... However, I still feel I need to 'chat to them' during the game to keep the momentum to their play. :-o Thanks to John and Ian for linesman duties. . There is a friendly at home next weekend..I am aware there is no ON next week. After that we have a friendly on 11/4 and beyond. Our final league is moving around in May!! I will send through the latest dates this weekend and hopefully a view on tournaments too (or it may be early next week). Sorry about the rather long match report ...
