Southside Part 1

Southside FC (1) V (4) LRFC Cougars

This was an odd game to watch. Particularly the first half. We dominated possession, were camped in the Southside half and yet barely mustered a shot. We kept the ball well and if we did lose it won it back very quickly. But still those efforts on goal would not come. 

We did start to get some traction down the left through Will T who was able to fire some long shots but nothing that really troubled the keeper. Down the right Dan and Luca were starting to link with Sam, who was the MotM, providing a solid platform for them to try and get clear. With Southside only playing one up front our full backs were able to stretch the match and support the attacks, this was reliant on them staying wide to receive the ball. For the first half and then latterly in the second half Sam was able to do this to great effect.

The opening goal came from a corner. A Southside corner. On a rare foray into our half they won a corner. The ball was crossed and was met in a cracking header by the Southside midfielder. A really well taken goal. Totally against the run of play. 

The pattern of play continued and with the game still at 1-0 Southside won another corner. Detailing Dan to mark the Southsider that had scored previously the ball came in, Dan jumped and won the ball. A great defensive header. We did get back into the game before the half was up. George (G) in full Roberto Carlos/David Luiz mode (depending on your age!) was driving through midfield from defence and popped up in the left wing position where he won a corner. Dan duly took the corner crossing low from the left with the ball flying in at the near post from the boot of a Southside defender. A very odd way to get back into the game. 1-1 at half time.

The team talk at half-time was to keep playing the same way but also to try and get some zip into the play. Despite playing well there was a lack of energy in each of the lads. Perhaps a week using more internet bandwidth on Xbox games than most corporations would need was taking a toll? The 2nd half kicked off and very shortly afterwards the breakthrough goal came. Max threaded a ball between the centre backs for Dan to chase, his toe-ender rolling beyond the on-rushing keeper. This was, pretty much his first chance on goal and he took it well. 

There were two more goals both from Will T. The second of which a sliding finish from excellent work between Tom, Louis and Max on the left. Late in the game Southside lost a player to injury that meant changing their keeper and seeing out the game with 10 men. They remained resilient and keeping one player up front were still trying to cause us problems at the back. 

Today we played well against an opposition that was much stronger than in our previous two games, we played at the tempo we set and in the manner that we have been doing so. We kept moving the ball quickly and with purpose. When we play like this it is difficult for teams to get the ball. What was also pleasing today was that when we did lose it we were quick to get back into shape and win it back. The more defensive lads in the team doing this particularly well today, Lewis, Ben, George, Freddie, Sam and Jacob all competing and giving a platform for the team to attack from. That we also attack from so many positions will cause teams problems as if they nullify one of our wingers or our striker we have quality on the other wing too, and excellent players from midfield that can all strike a ball. That versatility is one of the great things about this team and it served us well again today. 

Next week we have Southside again, this time in the cup. As much as we learned from today Southside will also have seen how we play and what we do. We will need to do what we did today again next week and maybe even a little better.