MR U9 NL 2025/2026 (Market Road League) - Bloomsbury

This was a great match from both teams and our players worked incredibly hard.

We deserved to win even though it was close, and mostly dominated the game for chances.

We hit the crossbar and the post from good chances, and even more frustrating: the referee awarded us a last minute free kick in a very dangerous position - but then didn't let us take it because he ended the game. We were very disappointed.

For improvement, please deliver this information to the boys:

The only chances we conceded came when we accidentally allowed attackers from the other team to get goalside for a moment, in space behind our defense.

I have discussed this point after every game so far, as it is a key area of improvement for us. It is improving, and happens less often, but it still costs us occasionally now.

Parents, it would be great if you could remind your sons that they need to be looking back at our half to see if we have left anyone unmarked. The players need to shout to any defender that has moved up the pitch and left an attacker free in their position.

Otherwise, we all could do well to be more physical with our presses and tackles, using our bodies more in the tackle and being brave/strong.

We will continue to work on shooting in training to improve our conversion of chances.

We will also be working on fitness and stamina, so we can keep up intense pressing for more of the game, and have energy spare to allow the boys to be sprinting into space to be options for their teammates - to prevent them from losing the ball.

Please make sure to send your boys with shinpads, as they aren't allowed to play without!

Thank you everyone for your commitment to the progress of the team.

Everyone should be very proud of the effort and performance today.