Over the last couple of weeks I have been asking the boys to focus on passing and positioning. Before kick off the boys and I walked around the pitch and imagined that it was four boxes and discussed where each position should be when the ball was in certain areas.
The match started and straight away I could see an improvement in their shape. With their continued improvement in passing the team were able to keep the ball for longer periods of the game which resulted in an exciting fixture against a very competitive team.
Corey wanted to play this match out of goal and even though the others were reluctant when asked, Charlie, Lucas and Gabriel did all offer to go in goal. In the end Charlie put on the red shirt and gloves and throughout the game put in some brave saves especially in the second half.
To ensure the players all had a go as striker we changed positions with each substitution. A special mention goes to Lucas who’s performance in defence was fantastic and when asked spent longer in this position than his team mates.
When the second half started the players were really focused putting pressure on the opposition when we were out of possession and passing the ball really well when we had the ball. I have never seen the players tackle as strongly as they had in this game especially Archie, Kayden & Corey. Gabriel and Leo both played really well up front and put themselves in the right positions at the right times. The ball didn’t always find its way to them but if they continue to play like this the opportunities will become more common.
The game was so tight all the way through the game both myself and the other teams coach were on tenterhooks throughout the game. The way the players, parents and the official presented themselves before, during and after the game was exemplify and as a result the boys had fun whilst continuing to develop.
Player of the match went to Gabriel for his positioning throughout the game and his extremely positive attitude.
Effort award was chosen by the match captain Archie, who awarded it to Lucas for his strong tackles and great free kicks.