Match Review - 28/11/15

What a day to play football, weather was a challenge. The parents that are new this season certainly were shocked but as always the boys couldn't wait to get started.

Signol Reds Vs StalyBridge

Was lovely to welcome back Caleb to the team after breaking his arm a few weeks back! Shame it wasn't a more pleasant day! The team was lead by Louis this week. Sporting the captain arm band he sat proudly in defence. I think we were very taken by surprise buy this team, they move the ball like lightning, passing from the center line and bagging two goals almost instantly. Playing a defensive mid field works for some teams but not others, we will look at this in training. The wind was on their side and some like giants. We have the smallest team in the league! 1st half had Louis defending our net, Louis works this position perfectly. He reads the game and holds position down to a tee! His good solid stance and power on a volley almost bagged him a goal but this doesn't stop him plowing away. Kian on the left working hard at keeping the ball forward, unfortunately their wingers were faster. None the less he kept on pushing and kept the ball in fantastically. Keeping it wide is Kians specialty, He knows where our danger zone is and he never lets it go there! I realised on Calebs return he didn't know the format we play in as its changed. A quick brief, a nod of his head and he was in the game. Working center mid with style. His foot work and skill is spot on. It was nice to have him back with us. Harry out on the right as always plugging away, winning the ball, absolutely rapid too. Few attempts and he bagged himself a goal. Absolutely fantastic and he improves week in week out. Ethan saved some fantastic goals, no fear from him atal. He was all over it today. On the floor in the air and in his stomach at one point. he is another that improves week in week out. It was clear from this first half though that our passing needs to be quicker and dive straight in like they do, the second the ball was in play.
Second half was similar, being caught out over and over and losing the ball. Caleb still on but in left mid, proving him self as an adaptable player. Bagging two needed goals it was a great return. Kobe out on right, never stops, always winning tackles and keeping them on their toes. At one point it was just him with 4 other players around him and he still kept the ball at his feet. Nyle in center showing some nifty foot work and consistency in position. He also bagged him self a goal from a free kick! When he went down i think we were all wincing at the sound of his foot being kicked from the opposition. He got back up wiped his snot and scored! George, a bull in a china shop and a very firm defender. Nothing takes George down. He uses all legal parts of his body defending including his head! You always know when that balls heading towards Ethan that George has it! Reliable and consistent. Absolute game for him today and he even received praise from the oppositions coach! Ethan again saving some cracking shots and nothing went passed him in this half. Well done Ethan.

Man of the match and Captain next week went to George. Brilliant performance George well done mate.

Signol Blues Vs Fletcher Moss

The weather was gradually getting worse and i was freezing haha but never the less we had a match to play and the boys needed warming up, as did i! Id never heard of the opposition as we have never come across them in the previous 2 seasons but they arrived running a drill down to a tee. Set up on pitch they were very well organised. We started out great, i thought ok this isnt too bad, we had them on the back foot, chasing them down, pushing them wide and defending superbly. Then we seemed to make a few mistakes and they began pounding them in. Lead by Thomas today the team tried their hardest against, what i was told by the groundsman, an "elite" team. Thomas as always perfect in defence. Big and strong he moves in and fights to keep the ball wide. The only thing i want to see from Thomas is confidence because i know he has huge potential. Fin was in net for the first half, i tried to rotate the boys on and off the pitch as it was so cold. He saved a few goals and was really pleased with himself. Then out on the wing on the left, hes gradually becoming faster and faster and confidence is showing as he goes in for the ball. But keep those arms down Fin :) Daniel on the right for the team, he has pace and chases them down at speed. Not afraid of the ball or the opposition he tries his best. Harvey started Center and second half was in center too, he has mastered this position. He reads the game and falls back when required and pushes up when needed. Rio out on the left in both halves. Although an age group younger he shows no signs of it. His long legs stride him up the pitch and into their faces putting pressure and making them make mistakes. Josh as always, a one man team machine. Face covered in astro turf balls and bright red cheeks he makes himself a danger on the pitch. If the balls at his feet he fights to the death to keep it, even if hes on the floor! Kieren is another who grows week in week out, mid field seems to sit well with him and he is also picking up speed. Fights for the ball and knows when to kick it clear. Jackson new to the team, i don't think he knew what hit him when the heavens opened up! He is fast becoming a great player. He is very good on the ball just needs to work on keeping his head up and relying on others too!
Over all it was a very tough game and once you start conceding it is very hard to keep your self up and carry on. The opposition picked on all our mistakes and took advantage of our lack of positioning. This is something i am going to focus on at Training on Tuesday with the blues. Other than that they play a good game. The change in this team since the summer is fantastic. We have gone from shy to confident, slow to fast, individuals to a team! Today may not have been a good day but the season overall for them has been great and the learning they are showing grows week after week.

Man of the match was a tough one as i had two in mind, Daniel for his beautiful save and his movement in the net and Josh for his pace and persistence. So they both got it. Daniel is away next week so Josh will captain that game and Daniel The next. Well done boys!


I hope your all dried and warmed up now. Note to self: get a waterproof coat and some gloves! I think a few lads could of done with that today too!

See you Tuesday

Hayley