We knew that the signs were there in the second half of the friendly against Russellers U18's last week, however even I didn't quite expect the result we got today.
The result was even more impressive considering Ollie, Sam and James were all out sick on the morning of the game. Three of our key defenders not there. Alex still to join us as our more natural left winger and our new goalie Joe not having even trained with us. So you can imagine I was a not totally sure how things would work out as we ended up with a very make shift team with no subs and players out of position.
However we said to the boys, they had to show character. Today was about playing as a team and winning as a team. We would learn a lot about their character and their flexibility to change positions. In particular George Wright, Jack Lofts, Joe Sarcone and Dav all of whom were asked to play in unfamiliar positions.
After an initial onslaught of 10-15 minutes we held firm and rode our luck a little as Elms were quicker out of the blocks. We probably got a goal a little against the run of play, but that was the turning point for us to settle into our game. What followed for the next 60 mins was a delight to watch. Without a doubt probably the best I have ever seen Russellers play. We dealt comfortably with their attacks, and whilst Joe showed safe hands and came out well off his line, they managed only a few shots on goal. That was credit to the rest of the players all over the pitch. We have talked a lot in recent weeks about PRESS IT - WIN IT - PLAY IT. A simple set of instructions but one which has seen our game improve. We now start defending far higher up the pitch, pressing hard to win the ball back and forcing the opponents to make errors which we then take advantage off. The net result of this means that our defence have a chance to regroup and not constantly dealing with the ball pinging back at them. I have no doubt that each one of the team I started this season has improved, and they know that to take us to the next level we had to build upon that. I wasn't prepared to have to ask players to leave, only to bring in someone just the same. Today I think we justified the decision to bring in the new players as they blended in to help the team and to show individual flare when needed.
There were smiles on everyone's faces at the end of 80 minutes, not just because we had beat the odds and won, but because of the way we went about it and the style we won it.
Today we did much better at getting the ball wide to our wing men. We switched the play from left to right and it was a delight to watch. Opening the game up in this way makes us far more dangerous in attack. Whilst all over the park we were awesome today I was particularly pleased to see the relationship grow between Liam, Nathan and Tom M. Always difficult for me, but I cannot deny Liam a mention with another 4 goals to make it 19 goals in 9 games. Nathan is named Man of the Match award for an awesome display, but actually today was TEAM OF MATCH because every single player was awesome.
Now we have to keep growing as we play a few more friendlies and get back to league games during March. What is encouraging is that we have more to give yet and players will only start to gel more and more every-time we play. My challenge is being able to choose the right mix of players as everyone is now fighting for a starting spot, and if not on the pitch then they should be fighting to get on there.
For me I now have a much clearer vision of where every player will be playing for the remainder of the season. That position may be shared (may be a number 2, may be a first choice). But we have at least 13 games remaining this season and as today proved it is important to have a large and strong squad.
So just so everyone is aware here is our team (as of today):
Joe Vincent James Deividas Grigas (Dav!) Ollie Connor Jack Lofts Sam Jack Collins George Wright George Rodwell Alex Nathan Tom M Tom C (currently injured) Joe Sarcone Liam Will
