hat a match!
We were expecting a tough game today. Grayshott were clearly boosted
by knocking out a premier league team last week in the cup..
Grayshott started really brightly and scored within the first couple
of minutes. Their attackers were clever and lively and scored after
creating pressure from quick interchanging of passes. Everytime
Grayshott attacked they looked dangerous, not helped by a very sleepy
looking Panthers team that were sluggish at closing down and playing
the ball. At 2-0 down I sensed the boys realised they need to get into
gear...they certainly did that..There were good passing triangles,
wall passes and setting back... We also switched the play
intelligently allowing JC and GW to show their quick feet and
get balls across to the danger area. EHE directness was causing
problems for Grayshott, whilst ON carried on where he left off last
week, creating a couple of chances that were blocked just as he was
about to shoot.
After a shaky start the defensive line got into play. OK started to
slow it down and keep possession. JF was linking really
well with JC and recovered to put in a brilliant last gasp tackle to
save a certain goal.. In first half JR was having a really physical
battle with the right winger.
With a few minutes before halftime Panthers got one back. Good play on
left, shot/cross from EHE with JW alert to put in the rebound..
Second half was nearly all Panthers. TH and RD dominating and
dictating the midfield, with Grayshott looked dangerous on the counter
with long balls over the top. Players have a tendancy to jump in
creating the risk of missing the ball. Second half RE was alert to
the ball over the top and played the last man role that is needed...he
also put in a couple of reactive saves, something RE is good
at..However, defensively the ball should have been cleared long before
then...
We are working quite bit on the attacking unit maintaining the ball,
allowing the midfielders to support. GW and JW did this really
well today.
EH showed what a great team player he is. Asked to play a more
defensive role to sure things up, he worked up and down the line,
carrying the ball well. EH free kick from edge of the box was
driven across the goal, with RD sliding in to score.. 2-2. Last 15
minutes was just an onslaught on Grayshott goal. Chance after chance
came but despite most of us trying to will the ball in, it just didnt
happen. 2-2 final score.
Fab game of football. Shame we just cannot score the
goals.. An issue all season as defenses in div 1 allow less time for
strikers to shoot. We will continue to practice final third and
finishing in training...
Support was extra noisy/encouraging today especially last 15 mins..
Thank you to SC and RW for doing the line and also helping me
setup in the morning so that I can get the boys warmed up..
