Afternoon,
Hook Panthers 3 v 1 Sandhurst Reds. Captain - RE, Man of match - TH, Best communication- EHE, goals ON, RD, TH. Ref - JH.
Rain overnight and persistent rain this morning did not bode well for the match. However, the large Mayhill pitch was in perfect condition for football and the rain ceased as the game began. Sandhurst Reds play in East Berks so we adopted their rules of 4 * 12 mins and opposition retreating to half way for goalkicks. Two great rules that benefit football at this age.
Very slow start from the team, second to most balls, but also struggling with the size of the pitch. Liked the fact that they were trying to pass but were not using the flanks and space on the pitch to carry and drive forward. Opposition deserved their 1-0 lead as they were the dominant team, particularly from the left wing. Better second 1/4 from our team as we started to play more dynamic passing but still remained 1-0 down at half time.
Second half Panthers played some nice football, with more options for the passing player and the game played at much faster pace. I'm gound to sound miserable but lots to improve, particularly the basics of passing and receiving ball. Scoreboard didn't interest me, only the performance of the players and it was very good in parts. Boys again happy but very tired....
RE - good communication today and assertive coming out to anybody in his area.
OK - defensive positional play was generally good today and put in a couple of headers too.
JF - after first few minutes, found his position and understand where to play his football. Good pace in defensive and also brought the ball forward to set-up one of the goals.
JR - first game for James and a little quiet to start with. In second period took up some excellent positions on the right side of midfield but final ball didn;t quite come.
TH - sat in front of the back two and played simple passing football to get the team moving. Also showed some clever quick feet a couple of times.
RD - Linked up with TH, EHE and ON...
EH - Lot of energy in midfield, rarely allowed opposition to settle on the ball. Played some good through balls and also found some good attacking positions, but we failed to get the ball to EH.
ON - Quiet start, but linked up well with EHE in second half. That's a lot of speed between those two! Found good positions on left hand side.
EHE - Tenacious display from EHE, showing strength and speed and not letting the other team settle. Last quarter was his best performance as he start to link up well with the players around him. Unlucky not to score.
Well done to Jon for refereeing, very impressed. Thanks to everyone for the support today. My wife Clare has reminded me that I've not introduced Mike and Rachel (EH parents) to everyone. My apologies I'll do that next time round.
