It's not often at this level you get a 1-0 score line and but for good
defending and excellent goal keeping the reality is we could have lost
this game by a bigger margin.
The game was played on the 3G astro at All Saints Academy, a fantastic
pitch and probably the biggest pitch we will play on. We coped much
better than in the summer where the heat took a tool. As we expected
Fintan started strong and came at us. Ben and George held firm in the
heart of the defence with the full backs covering as needed. Behind
them Will made a tentative start but was assured whenever the ball
came to him. Oa windy day his concentration to deal with long range
efforts was evident.
After an initial onslaught we had some possession and released Daniel,
playing as the striker, to chase. Against the towering Fintan defender
Daniel outpaced him only to see the ball run out of play. Just when we
were thinking that this would be a good outlet he pulled up injured. A
muscle injury in his back making it difficult for him to move and
breathe.
A quick shift of playing personnel to accommodate this saw Luca move
to the striker role, Sam moving to wide right and Max coming on it he
midfield.
With both teams playing neat football it was a game that was easy on
the eye although Fintan always looked more likely to score with a more
direct and energetic approach in the final third. Conversely we were
neat in possession but struggling to support the front player. Freddie
playing at full back for the second week had an excellent match.
Playing both left and right full back, he was able to use his
technique and control on the ball to great effect. This may yet turn
out to be he best position. He was man of the match following a solid
performance and excellent support play.
He was run very close by Dan G, also playing fullback, who had his
strongest game for us against very good opposition. Genuinely two
footed his confidence grows with every match.
The other candidate was, in goal, Will. In the second half
particularly Will made 3 or 4 saves to keep us in the game and his
save diving to his left to stop a free kicks going into the top corner
was excellent.
The only goal of the game came from our corner. We took it at the
right end but with the team pushed on and, in particular gaps down the
middle of the pitch, Fintan broke at pace and scored. 1-0.
We continued to defend deep with the game being played predominantly
in our half. We were neat in possession but when we tried to play
expansively our touch was slightly off and the move would break down.
Something we can work on.
With the game developing as it was the role of Jacob I the heart of
midfield should not be overlooked. His tireless work to tackle and try
and thread the ball through to the front players an exercise in energy
and fitness.
With players falling to injury and fatigue we had to call upon the
versatility of our players. With a number playing different positions,
Willbo played full back and centre-back, Freddie and Dan played both
full back positions with Fred also doing a turn in midfield. Sam
played a number of positions in midfield, Luca played wide right,
centre midfield and striker.
Late on there was a lovely moment where Max turned it on. Dancing into
the penalty like a salsa dancer, he dropped his shoulder and shimmied
his hips to get some space as two Fintan players went the wrong way.
He played the ball across the goal from the byline only to see Fintan
recover and the ball trickle out for a goal kick.
With Daniel succumbing to an early injury, Ben struggling with his
knee and George nursing a knee injury. Oh and Luca struggling with his
heels late on and Max picking up a calf injury late on there was a
strong case to get St Johns ambulance on standby. Maybe we will look
into that for future games.
This was a game that it felt like we could have got something if the
squad had been a little deeper giving us options. The lads on the
pitch gave it there all and, understandably, at the end were
shattered.
I do not think we will play like that and lose the match again.
Sent from my iPad
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