Well, what a difference a week makes. We have never beaten that team before!!
On a cool windy day, playing on an oval we have not played on before, against a team we have not beaten before, the match could have gone either way.
We started off a little slowly but were quick to get into the game. Once we did, with the wind at our backs, we really started building momentum and dominated possession.
I was REALLY pleased with the increase in talking this week and it definitely showed by the time we had on the ball and our smart passing decisions. The first goal came about as a result of our forward pressure and really fighting for the ball up forward. A great shot that hit the crossbar x 2, followed up by scrambling for the ball resulted in it falling to Nick Chard who forced it over the line.
From the resulting kick off we nearly got caught on the quick break, because we were NOT READY. But, from there the rest of the first half was ours and with continued possession we pushed them back and I am VERY happy to say that Dylan was in perfect position for a cross and SCORED his first goal. Great work Dylan!!
A half time lead of 2-0, then going into the wind is very difficult to mentally stay on top of, especially against a quality side. Even though they came out firing in the start of the second half, our defence was rock solid (lead by Captain cool, Matt Johnson), and they never really looked like taking that game away from us.
Because of our composure in defence, we were able to continue playing good possession football and as a result, a smart cross across the box was met by Cormac, again in perfect position, to net our third. From there it was all about keeping a clean sheet and whilst I made some tactical defensive positioning, we still continued to play smart out of defence and that left Nick Chard open on the 18 yard box for a well taken chip shot over the keeper. 4-0!!
Team Work, team work, team work. I was very pleased with the way you played that game AS A TEAM. Whilst we all did our own jobs well, we played cohesive talking, passing football. Best effort for a long time.
BUT, it was only 1 game. The test is to see if we can back it up week after week.
I am very happy to say that awarding a Man of the Match this week, is very difficult. There were many who played excellent football.
With the wind and the pressure in the second half, I felt it was crucial that we stayed calm and composed under pressure and no-one showed this better than MATT JOHNSON. Matt, you played a fantastic captains game yesterday. Not only being a rock in defence and reading the play so well, but also, it could have been very easy to panic and lose control but by leading by example and showing the whole team that it is still important to remain calm, you not only helped keep a clean sheet, but also set up a number of attacks. Well done indeed!
Defence – great job all round. Bastien, moving into the centre of defence, you have picked it up really well. Zach, you are such a terrier at right back and even though your man got around you a couple of times, you chased him down and stopped him getting in a number of crosses. Nick at left back, we are glad to have you back. Rock solid and with that left foot of yours, really helps the team.
Great job EVERYONE, lets keep that going and try to improve each week.
Also, a special thanks to John Pellicori for volunteering to referee. THANKS
Chris, as always, thanks again for running the line.
Boys, a great present for Mothers Day!!
See you all Wednesday 6pm to 7.30pm at Shipston Reserve.
Jonathan Hill
