Two powerful strikes within five minutes of each other, one from Tom B at a short corner and one from Jordan W in open play half way through the second half, finally put some daylight between ourselves and a Repton team which didn't quite measure up to some of their stronger sides in recent years - definitely U14 'B'/'C' rather than 'B' with the odd 'A' team player. With our defence being caught out on occasions and with some gilt edged chances going begging in front of the Repton goal (shoot with power from the top of the 'D', placement is vital when close to the goal!). This wasn't the most accomplished of performances, but one which relied on past experience than present form - just one match in October and one practice on muddy Monday (yesterday!) …
We looked at our best when we were attacking through the midfield. The work rate of James C and John B down the wings, including some good pace too, and the control shown by Tom B, holding up play well and putting through some well timed balls, saw us in our best light. It would have looked even better if our defence had been able to link up with the midfield or the attacking duo just coming back to win those 50-50 balls which the midfield provided. William S was effective too - just get that right hand lower down the stick to bring more strength to those tackles. Good stickwork, especially when playing on the right impressed though.
Repton didn't use the wings nearly as effectively as S.Anselm's, but did prove to be a threat through the centre. It was a cross from the right wing which saw Jordan W open our account but Repton equalised fairly soon after when we failed to clear our lines at a '16' : indeed, until we're more confident and in practice and good form, the longer ball is the safer bet.
The defence otherwise did a good job, if a little flat and not involved when we were attacking. Charlie T looked a much more composed player than last year. Importantly in the right position at the right time, he also made very few mistakes which can prove to be so costly in front of goal. His first touch was excellent too, on one occasion taking the ball first time just away from the prying forward. James B did well, though a few more long balls might have suited the occasion as our forwards were often to be found in space and the Repton stopping wasn't as good as usual (surprising to find myself saying this - though I did say don't over do the long ball beforehand!). Robert H had the legs to catch up with any quick right winger whilst Jake P distributed the ball well, though a few balls were missed that ought to have been stopped! George M was called upon quite a few times, though nothing too acrobatic was necessary from him on his 13th birthday. Alfie H proved to be a good addition in the second half on the right wing, whilst we must find Max H's best position - he ran into space well, but his touch let him down a little.
It all comes back to our midfield. We just had the extra strength and quality of stick work, not to mention the ability to stop the long balls coming from the Repton defence (often Alex Annable or Charles Perera no less!) and, on this occasion, Tom B was outstanding today in keeping the game under control for S.Anselm's. This match proved to be excellent experience, as ever, the 5th floodlit match we've played in January at Repton, but, obviously, there are a lot of areas to work on as we endeavour to reach and, perhaps, surpass the standards that have been set on the hockey field at S.Anselm's over a number of years now.
JMHF
Posted on
Tue, January 13, 2009
by admin