The last game of the round robin saw Weekenders pitted against Collegiate 1st XI on the knee breaking no.9 ground. Collegiate were beaten 2-0 last week by Thirstys, so a rebound performance was expected. The division is to be split up after this game, the Weekenders knew that a win could have them in the top division, not particularly where they wanted to be! Weekenders started with 10 men due to injuries and unavailability. Pete Kinnerley was back in goal with a 3 man defence in front of him consisting of Jamie Wilsher, Geoff Smith and Brad Muirhead. In the middle was Tarf Pohio (who doesnt look a day over 40), Kane Thomas and width from James Yates and Regan Leslie. Darko Mostarac was again in his favoured spot in the hole in front of the midfield ,and the whippet Brad Townsend upfront. Pete Ellicott showed up after kick off, getting away from his newborn son briefly, to make it a full complement. For the first time this season Weekenders started the better of the two teams, even with only 10 men. With Collegiate playing a high line Brad Townsend was able to get in behind them. He soon had the first goal of the match, after being put through one on one with their keeper. Collegiate looked a poor team, nothing like that of which had them sitting in 5th place on the table. However, Weekenders soon started to revert back to bad old habits. Hanging on to the ball, getting pulled out of position and not tracking back. Collegiate were soon back on level terms with a nice goal. Disaster then struck with keeper Kinnerley having to leave the field with an injured calf. Phil Douglas replaced him in goal. Half time the scores were level at 1 each.
Without wanting to be too harsh, the second half was an abject display of how not to play football. Collegiate used their superior pace and skill to rip Weekenders apart. Weekenders lost all their shape, which compounded itself by making the players work harder, therefore tiring quicker and being dragged out of position. On the sideline the loyal supporters tried to spur on their team, but it soon became clear all hope was lost! Weekenders basically had 6 at the back and 4 up front, with a huge hole in the middle. Weekenders worked hard but lacked the nous to shut the game down. Collegiate had the run of the game and banged in 5 quick goals. Weekenders struck back late on after Ellicott was brought down in the box. Mostarac took the penalty with typical style and popped his cherry for the season. Thankfully the refs whistle blew for full time, a 6-2 defeat.
Lessons need to be learnt from this performance. First off is shape. We must keep our shape. There is no point having 3 players chasing the ball. This means that players will be pulled out of position. The midfield battle is one that you have to win, we cant just give it to the opposition. Next up is passing the ball. Too many players are taking too many touches with the ball. All that does is shut down your team mates, who are then put under immediate pressure. One touch to control, then pass early, using the easiest ball. Then move in to space, providing a passing option. Communication, good positive calls are needed. It is too quiet out there. The Weekenders have our own style, one that is very unpredictable. We have a good bunch of guys with a great team spirit. We arent particularly quick or skilled, but we work hard for one another. We need to use our brains more. We have a chance at winning the 2nd division, but only by playing as a team.
MOM
3- Jamie Wilsher
2- Geoff Smith
1- Darko Mostarac
Mentioned in Despatches
Kane Thomas, Brad Townsend, Brad Muirhead, Pete Ellicott, Tarf Pohio
Results
Braves 3 v City Development 3
Thirstys 1 v Casuals 3
Celtic 14 v Collegiate 2nd XI 0
Cosmos Classics 1 v Cosmos 1
Castlecliff 0 v Hammers 0
