S&L Juniors U12 Whites (JS) 26/27 - Pitshanger U12 Red

Reversed, away Middx Cup match against very friendly and competitive opposition. Played on Grass pitch 5 in sunny but windy conditions.

6-2 loss in the end. Funny one to review as I thought we were the better team from the start, and certainly even in main spells otherwise. They seemed to have a few very good players who were direct and accurate.

They scored 3 goals in 4 first half minutes from 16 in. First was a great goal, second I think from a corner. We seemed to get ourselves down/ in a bit of a panic. Then we steadied the ship...

2nd half saw an early beautiful through ball and goal from Louie to Jack had us back in it. The oppo then immediately scored 2 more in 3 minutes. Overall the 2nd half was 3-2 to them so much more resolute. Penalty save from Toby and a great goal from Ishie, set by Legrand, to finish. Remember to keep your heads up, we need to remain positive.

I saw some great passing moves today, retention in the middle of the pitch was generally very good.

Passing from goal, mainly being available to receive the ball, does need work; and we will get some good drills over the coming weeks. The oppo turned over the ball more times than we would like from our control.

Still some turning backs on the oppo in challenges from some and wavy legs to bring the ball under control. Please remember the run-through the ball drill, 95% of all attempts the ball was straight under control. We give the oppo time to intercept/ get there first if we hang back.

Throws and corners were good.

Great teamwork on display. You all clearly get on well, and even the listening to the manager's pre-match briefing was better. Not perfect, but better. Let's keep this FUN and play some nice football.

Anyway, we move on to Horsley next week. We've never played them, but they’re matched in our league, so we've a great chance of getting a great result!