A SUPERB TEAM PERFORMANCE

Subs

• Powell for Evans

• M.Doyle for M.Barber

I really enjoy writing these ones.  A really good win against a decent Coldlands team who I’m sure will beat some of the good sides this season.  We gave the perfect defensive performance today and even if we were still playing now I doubt that they would have scored past us.  When I say defensive that doesn’t only mean the back four.  Everybody in the team defended great.  Graham and Paul were closing down well and the midfield won the battle.  The back four were fantastic and all contenders for Man of the match.

After Tuesday’s pathetic training session the lads owed us a performance and were told in no uncertain terms that we expected one.  We brought James back in the side for the slightly unfortunate CJ.  Mark continued to deputise for the injured Scott and otherwise we were unchanged.

I felt we started fairly well and it became quite obvious that Coldlands strength was up their right wing.  James and Matt would have their work cut out for them today.  Attacking wise we hadn't settled and we struggled to use the spaces and our final ball often let us down.

We were under the cosh at times with a hill and strong wind in our faces and our back four were keeping us in the game.  James was having a great battle with the tricky winger and Mike and Mark were everywhere to cover the danger.  Deano seemed to have the right side under control.

One of the huge differences this season is that we are playing football from the back rather than lumping it up field.  The vast majority our attacks our now starting with a pass into midfield from the impressive Deano and James.  Mike and Mark are also footballers rather than stoppers and they always look for a pass.

Our heading was again good with both Mikey and Deano cutting out dangerous balls with solid headers.  Ryan was alert to anything over the top and we never really looked in any danger.

As the game progressed we started to look more and more dangerous.  Graham had the beating of their defence and Paul was looking sharper than he has done.  Phil gave good width and Alex was getting into the box well.  On that note Alex has been a revelation for us.  No matter where he plays he has added something to our side.  His determination in the tackle, his bravery in the air and his willingness to get forward are something we have lacked. Add to that the fantastic ability to strike a football and you have a pretty big asset.

Alex would not be able to do his job so effectively if Captain Henners wasn’t so disciplined in his midfield play. Henners is always filling gaps left by forward runs of other players and that is crucial to our success.

The goals, well Graham latched on to Marks through ball and continued his fantastic run of form with a tremendous finish.  Paul had a good 2nd half and had missed 1 or 2 chances before following up when Matt Barbers shot thumped the bar to score.  Finally, Alex was rewarded for his hard work with a super goal.

3-0 could have probably been more with Graham also hitting the bar and having other chances saved.

Well done lads, I’m the 1st to tell you when you are not performing but I am more than happy to praise you when you are.  Today you were all superb.  A great team performance.

That’s 1 defeat out of the last 6 games and we have progressed into the next round of both cups.

We have stiffer tests to come but on today’s performance we will give anybody a run for their money.

Steve