S&L Juniors U11 Whites - Eversley & California Youth U11 Rangers

Home match on grass pitch no. 5. Grass was long so pitch was quite slow (protecting from damage in wet). Weather was windy with some drizzle.

Strange game this. Low scoring so never out of it. 0-0 until the 27th minute. Only 1 down until the 53rd. We all seemed a bit down in the dumps. Remember: keep channelling your inner Mbappe. We encourage you all to try skills and have fun. Just mix it up!

Today our defence was heavily relied upon. From kicking it out of defence we often didn't get it past the oppo's attacking line meaning lots of repeat attacks. We did need midfield's help a bit more, deeper in the pitch. Use dead ball time to get back, and try hard to get back and goal side to stop oppo's forward runs.

We often seemed 2nd or didn't try getting to loose balls or goal kicks, also letting the oppo have more possession. We will work on this on training Tuesday.

We did seem to dribble a touch too much often losing the ball, rather than making a pass interchange and potentially keeping possession.

Our usual danger is through passes that we run past defences with pace. The slow pitch didn't help here and their defence was very good - often having us covered.

There were a few loose legs to try and control ball or air kicks. It's very important to get our body behind the ball to get a touch, wherever this hits us (not arms hopefully!). If under pressure, look around us, and knock into the space away from the player's run. Then bring under control and look for a pass.

Thanks to all that helped in the kitchen, we appreciate some missed much of the game.

You all played well to keep the game close. Improving the above would have easily meant we could have won the match, so keep your heads up and let's always believe we can turn any result to a win. And have FUN always.

Prayagh shone out today in his help around defence. For these great efforts and general game management he wins this weeks MOM award. Well done Prayagh!