A frustrating morning, where again we were a good match for our well drilled opposition. Our pre-match training went really well, concentrating on positioning & shooting from distance as well as making space, controlling the ball and shooting closer to the goal.
Q1 was interesting; again we succumbed to two quick goals, which is something that we need to work on as we give the opposition too much room for them to play and we keep giving ourselves a hill to climb. Xander and Jack Broadhurst worked really well in their new positions; collecting the ball quickly and driving the play forwards. On one such run, which is quickly becoming a trademark, Xander ran through the opposition, placing the ball beyond the goalkeeper, making the score 1-2. Unfortunately, shortly after, SCB made another incisive play and scored another. End of Q1 1-3.
Q2 was great, a real battle, both teams fighting for the ball & some amazing saves were made from both Goalkeepers; this period ended 0-0, so overall 1-3.
I made quite a few changes in Q3, and unfortunately we couldn't keep our shape and started chasing the ball and clumping together, resulting in SCB scoring two additional goals. This was really unfortunate and had a palpable effect on the boys.
Q4 started similar to how we had played in Q3, so after some slight repositioning of the boys we regained some of our composure and started to play again. A few times though we started to play directly in front of our own goal (something we did a lot against Princes Villa last week) and this again invited pressure from the away team. We had quite a few chances in this last quarter but we just couldn't hit the target and on the break SCB hit us twice more taking the score to its final 1-7.
Overall we had lots of chances on goal during the match, we just aren't being clinical enough. We looked at this in training on Friday night and again during pre-match training and on the whole we were good, but we aren't taking this forward into the matches. We seem to be panicking and lashing the shots rather than keeping our composure and finishing like I know we can. Its easy though to forget just how far we have come though. I've said it before and will continue to say it - we are improving game by game.
Again the opposition coach said that the game was a real battle and the score-line didn't reflect the match.
Special mentions to a few of the boys from yesterday - the goalies were great - Oliver building on his performance from last week and Elliott making his debut in this position was fantastic - we have a real abundance of goal keeping talent in the squad which is really rare - a great luxury to have! Max also needs a mention for his control and dominance in defence; especially in the first two quarters - well done Max! Finally, Sam Curtis for his positioning and awareness again in a position which is fairly new to him in midfield - great work!
I said to the boys at the end - I am so proud of them. We will regroup, train more and be ready for next weekend which should be against Upton.
See you Friday - enjoy what's left of the weekend :-).
Carl
AFC Waverton U8 Arrows
07896 515717
No comments:
Post a Comment