S&L Juniors U11 Whites - Sandhurst FC U11 Royals

Away match, but played at Thamesmead School. Sunny and cold on a well used grass pitch.

WHAT A MATCH! This was one where it was great to watch and coach. We played so well as a group, and there was great respect between both teams. It was close and could have easily gone the other way. Franco, I and supporters are proud of you all.

Before the match we spoke about snappy floor passing and control, pressure on the ball, being goal side of nearest player (wherever on the pitch) and keeping 3 back. A few issues with listening again, but we got through it and onto the game.

Keeping 3 back was more organised and had a massive benefit in less oppo breaks on our goal (there were a few, but limited). When they did break past us, there was often a second CB to cover. Amazing!

Notable improvement in GK and defensive kicking. These were often falling to us. Much better pressure on the ball. Most of the time we was kicking short to maintain control. Excellent!

Whilst excellent we could defo get even better in better individual goal side positions, using dead ball time to reset to positions and owning space/ more pressure on loose balls. All upcoming training topics!

Everyone was great but one area was amazing today: defence. All had close to MOM performances, but Samuel was so intelligent; making covering runs into danger areas for cover, clearing balls when needed and generally playing super. This earned him the coveted Man of the Match medal. WELL DONE!

Happy birthday Jack for Sunday, thanks for the cakes.

What a team performance, win and super collaborative & great opposition. Well done Whites!