S&L Juniors U11 Whites - Meadow Sports U11 Youth

Home match on Pitch 5 on a fine Autumn day. It had been raining over-night so the pitch was playing slower than normal, but great condition nether the less. Steve as Ref and Paul as Line-o did awesome jobs as always.

We can consider that this team has just been demoted one or two leagues as their coach mentioned they had only won one match so far. We have just gone up. That means we was likely playing a team two divisions higher than our last match.

Before the match we spoke about starting faster (being in the game quicker to stop early oppo goals), snappy floor passing and control, being touch-tight (especially defending corners), long throws and calling (at the right time). We displayed great signs in all areas.

We scored on 13 minutes, then held leading to 22 minutes when they scored. We finished the first half at 1-1. It was only then the first 6 minutes of the second half we conceded 3 goals that took them away from us. We kept ours heads up, played great football and got another back. At 4-2 I though we could come back. Challenging, but great game guys - the hardest oppo of the season without a doubt.

We witnessed some great moments through the match: General shape was excellent - especially at the back, Dexter in goal made some amazing saves (and was voted player of the match as a result - Well done), some good control of the ball (when we had the ball) and we are always dangerous when running to the oppo's goal.

I suspect we know where we can improve, and we will...

- Kicking our of defence (from all really) was often down the centre and often didn't clear the oppo's attackers. This brought them straight back onto us.

- Whilst defensive shape was great, their forwards were also. When they ran they often got in behind us. We may be ready and track back sooner, staying goal side and slowing down the runs.

- Not sure how they score 3 in 5 mins, just pressure I suppose and them having more confidence.

- I saw a lot of players all over the pitch blocking by turning their backs on the ball. We have no idea where the ball goes from here, often letting the oppo just run past. Lets try and stay in a good defensive stance - facing them or just side-ways.

- When the ball was kicked and falling from the sky we was often second to it or gave oppo time to get it under control. If we pressure these loose balls we'll win more possession for sure, potentially changing the balance of games.

Hard game against the best oppo this year, be proud of your efforts.