It was a bitter cold morning in Milford on a rather boggy pitch that we were convinced had farmers pigs churning up the pitch beforehand.
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> I've never been so upbeat after a defeat against a team that we were on paper meant to beat. Captain for the day was Joab and he alongside Robbie did the goalkeeping duties today, enabling Ryan a rare run out on pitch. Goals were Josh and Oskar I think....
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> 1 v 0 up, we came close to getting second, before Milford start to attack through middle and eventually scored. Just prior to half-time a rather soft goal put Milford 2 v 1 up. Second half Hook continued to press and got the equaliser. As we searched for the winner we got caught on the break (on more than a couple of occasions) to take the gloss off the game slightly.
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> That pitch was virtually unplayable, but I think it is really important that the boys get to play each week regardless of conditions. The control, passing and composure was quite exceptional today. Virtually the whole game through, they controlled the ball, passed or carried the ball, rarely did we play the ball without it being under control first. The last 15 minutes of the match, whilst we conceded goals was the best possession football they've played all season. Giles and myself also appreciated the effort and tenacity they showed. It was like running in sand dunes....
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> Ted - The first 10 minutes of Ted was an incredibly composed passing game from the back, but suffered from the cold later on in the game.
> Owen - Another that really felt the cold, but he worked his socks off, even though he was sinking in the mud.
> Joab - one super athletic save that reminds me what a good goalkeeper he is.
> Sam R - Some good runs and crosses when in the left midfield position.
> Ryan - some darting runs from left wing back, really adding to the attacking play. Also impressed by his thrown ins.
> James - strong first half, running hard and importantly tracking back at vital times. Seems to be improving game by game.
> Oskar - His best game of the season. Read the game well and contributed in defence and attack.
> Robbie - Very mature second half performance, tracking back, but also linking up well with Josh and Oskar.
> Sam D - Played striker and oh so nearly scored. Shifted back to defence and played it very safe (I had to catch my words when I remember I tell them 'if in doubt kick it out!".) Also as ever, still smiling at the end!!
> Josh - Second half in particular looked very dangerous and also put real pressure on the defenders to steal the ball....Second half was probably his best performance of the season.
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> No man of the match this week due to the team effort, but Giles has kindly sorted a fab new man of the match trophy that we are desperate to hand out next Saturday!!!I also want to mention that Giles and myself believe we've seen improvements in the positional play. How some of them pick things up so quickly is beyond me...!
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> There was definitely a pattern of performance with the substitutions today. Those that came off the pitch, found it more difficult to perform as well when they returned on the pitch. I will look to see if we can get subs process changed this week, but it will mean that a number of players may only play half a game...Please let me know your thought if you not done so already as this affects all of us...
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> Thank you to the parents for the great support and good to see Lisa and Maddie in the crowd. Just off to continue scraping mud off the inside of the car....
