U16 Girls Monday, January 26, 2009
U16 Girls - Isla scoops it!This week (24/01/09) we should have been away to Branksome Utd but due to their pitch being waterlogged they asked if we could hold the fixture at the Rec. I was impressed with this so respect is due to Daz and the girls for making the decision to do so (otherwise we’d be playing our league fixtures at Christmas!)After last week’s horrific game against Weymouth I was really impressed with the team spirit and positive attitude displayed by every single member of the squad and delighted that it continued throughout the whole of the game.So it was with instructions to ‘pass and move’ and a new formation featuring Isla at the back, Hannah in midfield and Kat up front that the game got underway and this week we had the luxury of 3 subs to support the team effort. As the ball moved from one player to the next an excellent through ball was sent deep into Branksome’s half which was intercepted by Rhea who finished the attack with an excellent strike. I looked at my watch to find that we’d scored in 1min 51 seconds which has got to be an all time record – nice work team and congratulations to Rhea (and everyone else involved in the movement) on a job well done!The pass and move tactics were working well and everyone was contributing to an exciting match. Branksome had some good possession play and at one point way too much time in our half! Again the team took stock and after an interception deep in our half Isla sent a driven pass down the centre of the field. The ball was received by Kat who accelerated towards Branksome’s goal and carried out a text book finish. 2-0 up!Throughout the first half we were busy making tactical changes to the team and ensured that everyone got time on the pitch. It was great to see the team responding to the challenge and making the match flow so well. Then, the half time whistle blew.The chat at half time was all about the team’s ideas about where improvements could be made and with these points in mind we kicked off for the second half.Again, some really thoughtful moves and good communication ensured we remained dominant. Branksome responded well and showed great determination but after a short, sharp clearance from Lucy to Emily (Capt) and then on to Hannah they were in trouble. Hannah took the ball wide towards the corner flag then timed and delivered a perfect cross right into the path of Jaggi and Kat who by this time were well into the 6 yard box. It really was a question of who was going to score and on this occasion Kat bagged her second! Not bad in her debut role as striker.The pace was maintained throughout but it was clear that tired legs were creeping in which, to a degree, comprised the pass and move tactic and a few too many random punts started making it look a bit scraggy. However despite that, Hannah dug deep into her reserves to create the space to receive a well timed through ball (from Rach?) and ran like a scalded cat to their goal. With everyone screaming their support she rewarded herself and all the rest of us with a carefully struck shot at the far post. Fantastic finish.By this time the game was running out of time and it was in the dying stages that the Branksome girls were rewarded with a well hit shot that managed to get by Lydi (who once again has done a great job throughout) and 4-1 was the final score.As I said to the team at the end of the game, when we play like that its really difficult to award the MVP and if I had 14 trophies to hand out they’d all have had one. However, it was agreed by Steve, Shelly and me that it should go to our latest recruit Isla for a brilliant, committed display of defensive runs throughout the game (and for collecting the most mud on her kit).I realise I haven’t mentioned everyone by name but you all played your part and should feel proud of the effort you have been putting into training and playing.Next week it’s a match with Poole Town Wessex.
PS sorry about the photo but someone (shelley) pressed the wrong button on the camera on saturday!! :)
U16 Girls - Isla scoops it!This week (24/01/09) we should have been away to Branksome Utd but due to their pitch being waterlogged they asked if we could hold the fixture at the Rec. I was impressed with this so respect is due to Daz and the girls for making the decision to do so (otherwise we’d be playing our league fixtures at Christmas!)After last week’s horrific game against Weymouth I was really impressed with the team spirit and positive attitude displayed by every single member of the squad and delighted that it continued throughout the whole of the game.So it was with instructions to ‘pass and move’ and a new formation featuring Isla at the back, Hannah in midfield and Kat up front that the game got underway and this week we had the luxury of 3 subs to support the team effort. As the ball moved from one player to the next an excellent through ball was sent deep into Branksome’s half which was intercepted by Rhea who finished the attack with an excellent strike. I looked at my watch to find that we’d scored in 1min 51 seconds which has got to be an all time record – nice work team and congratulations to Rhea (and everyone else involved in the movement) on a job well done!The pass and move tactics were working well and everyone was contributing to an exciting match. Branksome had some good possession play and at one point way too much time in our half! Again the team took stock and after an interception deep in our half Isla sent a driven pass down the centre of the field. The ball was received by Kat who accelerated towards Branksome’s goal and carried out a text book finish. 2-0 up!Throughout the first half we were busy making tactical changes to the team and ensured that everyone got time on the pitch. It was great to see the team responding to the challenge and making the match flow so well. Then, the half time whistle blew.The chat at half time was all about the team’s ideas about where improvements could be made and with these points in mind we kicked off for the second half.Again, some really thoughtful moves and good communication ensured we remained dominant. Branksome responded well and showed great determination but after a short, sharp clearance from Lucy to Emily (Capt) and then on to Hannah they were in trouble. Hannah took the ball wide towards the corner flag then timed and delivered a perfect cross right into the path of Jaggi and Kat who by this time were well into the 6 yard box. It really was a question of who was going to score and on this occasion Kat bagged her second! Not bad in her debut role as striker.The pace was maintained throughout but it was clear that tired legs were creeping in which, to a degree, comprised the pass and move tactic and a few too many random punts started making it look a bit scraggy. However despite that, Hannah dug deep into her reserves to create the space to receive a well timed through ball (from Rach?) and ran like a scalded cat to their goal. With everyone screaming their support she rewarded herself and all the rest of us with a carefully struck shot at the far post. Fantastic finish.By this time the game was running out of time and it was in the dying stages that the Branksome girls were rewarded with a well hit shot that managed to get by Lydi (who once again has done a great job throughout) and 4-1 was the final score.As I said to the team at the end of the game, when we play like that its really difficult to award the MVP and if I had 14 trophies to hand out they’d all have had one. However, it was agreed by Steve, Shelly and me that it should go to our latest recruit Isla for a brilliant, committed display of defensive runs throughout the game (and for collecting the most mud on her kit).I realise I haven’t mentioned everyone by name but you all played your part and should feel proud of the effort you have been putting into training and playing.Next week it’s a match with Poole Town Wessex.
PS sorry about the photo but someone (shelley) pressed the wrong button on the camera on saturday!! :)
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