Game 1 - Jaguars vs Eastbourne

Result - Loss - 6 - 0

Player of the day - Caleb, for great defence and communication

Strengths - Communication, 1 touches

Areas to develop - Positional play

The game

It was a sunny morning in Totara Park and the coach was there early to set up.

The team arrived and warmed up, thinking about their positions and how the game might unfold. The team is made up of a variety of players, some with positional preferences and different skill levels.

The positions were:

Forwards - Joshua - Vincent

Midfield - Andy - Josh - Amanda - Bosco

Defence - Sam - Caleb - Vinnie - Cody

Goalie - AJ

Our goalie, AJ was required to make a save after only 1 minute due to some defensive disorganisation and Eastbourne's first goal was scored after 2 1/2 minutes due to an excellent break down the middle.

Our defence strengthened and became more cohesive with some great work between Vinnie & Caleb in the middle.

We were looking like scoring with Josh and Joshua both having attempts but Eastbourne were able to turn around quickly and score again in the 13th minute. With their tails up, they looked like they were going to score again in the 14th minute, but scrambling defence saved a goal. In the 20th minute Eastbourne came close again but Cody and Caleb combined to clear the danger.

Just before half-time Eastbourne had another shot on goal which AJ saved and cleared to the wing.

The team looked close to exhaustion at half time, but a banana and water re-energised them.

Some half time changes to positions:

Forwards - AJ -Josh- Bosco
Midfield - Amanda- Vincent- Andy- Sam
Defence - Caleb - Vinnie - Cody
Goalie - Joshua

With fewer defenders there was always the risk of more goals, but without strikers we were never going to score goals. With mid-field getting tired there was no surprise that Eastbourne scored 4 more times in the second half at the 35, 38, 44 & 49 minute marks.

Our highlights in the second half were AJ's attacking runs, Cody's strong defence, Sam's relentless energy, Joshua's penalty save and other saves, Bosco's strong boot, Josh's control in midfield, Andy's ball skills, Amanda's passing and Vinnie's powerful tackling.

I felt disappointed about the result but proud of the many examples of good soccer skills that the team displayed. Having seen each player's strengths I have a better idea about which position they are best suited to that will ensure the best coverage on the field.

One idea I have is to take my subbuteo game to the next practice to illustrate some examples of positional play.

I will prepare well for the next practice, focusing on positional play and tackling so we can maximise the opportunity to improve for the next game.