S&L Juniors U12 Whites (JS) 26/27 - Windlesham United U12 Vipers

Home match on grass pitch 5, weather was overcast and still. The pitch had benefitted from the recent rain so was playing well.

6-0 loss in the end. 2nd half we certainly played better with only one goal conceded and more changes. 1st half we conceded 5, and we have a recent trend on starting slower and loosing our heads a bit. Lets warm-up well and start fast next time.

Before the match we spoke about slowing the game down, getting your foot on the ball for better game control, and team mates tracking back to give us two good passing options (about 6 metres for floor pass). We don't always need to get the ball and go forwards.

in defensive areas we made a few mistakes today by not clearing the ball so well and putting it dangerously across our area. About three of their goals in the 1st half were very simple. We also seemed to loss the flight of lofted oppo passes, over-commit and run past the ball. Remember you body is the biggest part of you use this to take control of the ball and hold off the oppo from getting the ball.

Playing out from the back was a challenge. Many had attempts at goal kicks, these were often down the centre and straight to the oppo's attackers. Get these out to the wingers or short to the LB/RBs. Admittedly, we also need good options to pass to, with team mates running back to good passing positions for options. We could also have improved here.

We were dribbling/ skilling a bit too much. A pass is so much quicker than a run and it moves the oppo about more. We need to get to a better stage of pass and move.

Wavy legs, standing off the ball to wait for control and turning our back on tackles were also evident. Remember to run through the ball to take control, it will give us so much more possession!

There was some poor listening in the coaches briefing and when the times were hard we mentioned team mates and their performances/ mistakes. Please improve on this and play as a TEAM. We need to take this better listening to training and expect some drills to work on technique.

In refereeing I had a new perspective in the middle of the pitch. I did hear some brilliant calls/ warning from some more than others. This is less obvious on the touchline so well done! Remember: call loudly WHEN you want the ball as it's hard to see everything when you have the ball under control. There should be continuous options of players dropping their marker and offering themselves for a pass.

There were some good passing moves and triangles, and these often led to out best parts of the match.

Through balls were also good, as we normally do so well. They had a few fast players that seemed to keep up and deal with this threat well.

I appreciate there's a few negative bits above, but this gives us plenty to get working on. The good results will come soon, I promise!

For his great defensive efforts and leading on giving good calls to team mates, Leo is the well deserved player of the match. Well done.