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Today we faced League leaders Waterlooville boys in what I expected to be a very
tough match but winable. This is a side that has strengthened considerably from
last year when they dropped from the B div and I knew that it was a toughie.
Firstly being remembrance Sunday I have to give credit to both teams who
observed a minutes silence before kick off, and did so impeccably.
So the match kicked off and I had a game plan in mind especially with our
midfield, so a rotation of three players would be needed to cope with the amount
of effort that would be needed in there.
The game started fairly even with both sides trying to get a feel for the game.
Waterlooville settled quicker but were stopped by the committed Falcons defence.
Falcons then started to get into the game a little more, some good attacking
play looked promising. Waterlooville got a foothold once again trying to play
several through balls but every time Todd was too fast to claim. Both sides
were working really hard trying to create openings but also both sides were
breaking up play with good defensive work. I have to give credit to all four
defenders first half but in particular to Charlie and Ryan who were playing out
of their skin.
The midfield was as expected a cauldron of tackles with no respite so the plan
of rotation was working well. A ball from James onto Brad almost found a goal
but the shot from close range skewed wide. This really was two very organised
hardworking teams battling it out. A little bit of tiredness started to show
and we began to try and use the left hand side more. Ryan and Lewis were linking
well with Lewis chasing onto the loose balls but again we were closed down very
quickly.
Slightly against the run of play we concede, a ball played through the middle
finding a forward who hit the post, nobody reacted and Waterlooville got the
break to score. Gutted as we didn’t deserve it but the Falcons looked up for
it. We were starting to pick up a few knocks and the game was becoming a little
scrappy. Suddenly a great ball from Carl out wide found James who had already
had some luck getting round the back but he hit a great shot to beat the
Waterlooville keeper. It was nothing more than we deserved and Falcons,
although looking a little tired, fought it out to half time.
Half time 1-1
Half time team talk was easy, keep doing what you have been, lets try not to
concede and try and put a chance away. Everyone had worked hard who had played
first half and the scores were level.
The
second half saw a couple of changes Charlie, who had very honestly let me know
he was struggling, had come off late in the half replaced by James P. Charlie
had been great and is only just returning to the side after a long absence so I
couldn’t expect any more and was more than pleased with what was given. Keenan
who had run a Marathon had already been changed late in the half. Dylan was
brought on as left wing to offer a different wide threat.
And
the game continued. Much of the same, back four looking composed, Carl and
Harrison battling really hard but denied any real time on the ball, Callum up
top winning the out-balls with Brad running off him and hustling defenders.
Both
teams were in the game and both looked dangerous, it was a question of who could
score? Falcons always looked a threat and some balls in behind were played
well but slightly heavy allowing the keeper to get there just in time. Everyone
was working hard and in my opinion trying to play how I had asked. There was
some good passing between Dylan and the midfield on the way out from the back on
the left, Ryan once again was tracking back well with his man and stopping
crosses going into the box. James B was looking lively down the right.
This
isn’t to say Waterloovile were not attacking also as the game was quite end to
end.
Falcons had another attack but a double save form the Waterlooville keeper kept
the scores level. Falcons defence was resolute, some excellent work was on
display, the centre backs of Aaron and Tyree are now starting to form a great
partnership. Aarons pace was required several times, almost acting as sweeper,
but Tyree had some lovely touches, looking composed, winning the ball, getting
it down and using it well.
Callum then had a shot saved by the keeper.
Then
we get hit with a sucker punch as Waterlooville score again, hit a little on the
counter attack and then even Aaron not being able to get back in time.
The
Falcons still had belief, I feel we should have scored with just a bit of vision
lacking around the box. We had players in good positions and calling for the
ball who should have been found but the chances went begging. Then we almost
conceded again with Ryan clearing off the line with a good strong header.
Waterlooville then hit us again, you could see the players flagging a little and
pushing forward for an equaliser was always going to leave us a little more
open. Now 3-1 down we needed something back quick and we got it, Waterlooville
were tired also and Callum was given too long in the box, enough time to take a
touch, look up and chip the keeper.
Falcons back in it.
An attacking change of Lewis for Brad for fresh legs almost paid off straight
away with Lewis getting a flick on and the shot from one of our players going
wide. (sorry can’t remember whose shot! Can only remember so much in an hour).
With two minutes left we had run out of steam really and conceded late in the
game to confirm Waterlooville as winners.
Final score Gosport Falcons 2-4 Waterlooville boys.
Well I sometimes don’t know what to say, the boys are playing well, they are
passing the ball quite well, the defensive play is looking quite solid now. The
centre midfield was tough today but all three used there worked their socks off,
up top we won the ball early and hustled. On the wings we had some good play
also and although denied the opportunity to get crosses in today we had plenty
of width.
I don’t want to take anything away from Waterlooville as they played really well
today but if I am honest I feel we matched them and just left ourselves more
open than them as we were continually chasing the game.
I am disappointed FOR our players today as they all played well and gave 110%,
but got no points to show for it. What they did get however was a very tough,
competitive game of football.
As a manager there was not much wrong with the performance, yeah a few little
things I have logged especially positional stuff and picking the right pass in
the box but I will speak to individuals about these.
If one of our players reads this what I will say is that although the results
are going against us, your football is improving. Even compared to last week
when I felt we had played well, I think we were even better this week so well
done. Yes it’s frustrating to play well and lose but everyone feels that,
Players, parents and Coaches alike.
This months player of the month is going to be very interesting at the moment,
but still 2 more matches before that gets picked!
Report by U12's manager, Gary Dawson
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