Saturday, 16 June 2007

Game 9 - Jaguars vs Stokes Valley Stingers


Result - Draw- 1 - 1

Player of the day: Vincent L - for useful positional play, linking well with the strikers and attacking in defence.

Areas to develop - Continuing to focus on passing (& receiving passes) without giving away possession. Players also need to develop their skills to become confident and competent in different positions.

Our team played much differently from when we previously met (and lost) to the Stingers. We had a lot more structure, stronger defensively and formidable in attack.

Our first goal was after 8 minutes when Aaron bet the defence and booted the ball past the keeper. Although Aaron had a few more shots none went in. One went agonisingly close when it hit the crossbar though.

The subbing seemed to work well, with 3 subs each quarter.

Stokes Valley's goal came with 9 minutes left on the clock after a lucky bounce over the keeper's head, although midfield & defence shouldn't have allowed them to have the shot in the first place.

There were many positives to take from the game:

Josh kept another clean sheet in goal.

Cody is a skillful and strong defender who didn't let anybody get past him.

Vinnie moved from striker to defence and made some great clearances to turn around the opposition attacks.

The pressure Aaron exerted on their goal through the entire game was tremendous.

Vincent was a useful link when he was on his wing and made great interceptions as the first line of defence when they were attacking.

Bosco was simply brilliant in defence. He has the power to get the ball up where it needs to be.

Sam was busy on the field, keeping up with the play and making some good passes.

Cameron was in the perfect position throughout the game and read the game well. Stokes Valley's goal was scored while he was off the field. His talent certainly shone through.

Amanda made some great passes and is looking more confident with her tackling.

JD was more aware of where he needed to be on the field and made some positive passes and tackles.

Andy made some excellent passes and dropped back well when the run of play was moving against us, or when a defender had moved up.

AJ put himself in good positions but the defence had him well covered.

Caleb organised the defence well and was also off the pitch when Stokes Valley scored. He also has a mature awareness of the game and is able to read the play to close down attacks.

Liam moved from striker to mid-field in the second half. He had the ball at his feet a number of times as striker and was unfortunate not to score.

In hindsight I probably should have had 4 defenders in the second half to protect our lead.

Practice will again be focusing on tackling, shooting and passing so we can keep possession and score more goals.

Hopefully the future games aren't as intense as today's. I'm not sure my blood pressure will cope! :-)

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