The Sharks were looking to extend their winning run to four games, but was going to be tested today with a number of players being called up for international duty or they were feeling under the weather and under the doctors orders they were sidelined. Whatever the reasons that these players were not available, I had the confidence that the players we had playing on this cold afternoon were capable of getting the result we needed.
So the team was as follows, Dylan in goal, Jack, Elliott, Harry, Liam, Giacomo, Josh with the subs bench only consisting of my daughter who was acting ball girl for the game. So it meant that some of the boys would be completing their first full game of the season, so a test for them and Sharks.
As the game got underway, it was made clear to them that they needed to pass the ball more, as they would tire quickly if they didn’t as the pitch was heavy and very boggy from the bad weather that we had had recently and the amount of games that have been played on it, but it was the same for both teams and we needed to get on with it and try our best.
The game started well for the Sharks, they took notice and with the first 5 minutes passing quickly the boys were passing the ball around nicely and creating chances, but it was proving to be a bit sticky and an uneven surface that prevented the ball to run as freely as I would have liked.
Both Jack and Elliott were once again looking comfortable at the back, protecting Dylan well who is growing with each game that is passing. With the Sharks quick start and possession, the opposition were slowly growing into the game, and causing a few problems for the Sharks. I more put this down to the pitch being heavy and not being able to freshen the team up when the boys got tired.
Then the opposition took the lead, against the run of play if I am being honest, the ball broke down our left hand side, with Liam trying to recover his position on the left of midfield they managed to get a cheeky shot off that lobbed up in the air and over Dylan into the back of the net. This was a bit of a body blow to the lads as they had started the game so well. and I feared that due to the pitch and no subs the Sharks were going to run out of steam or try to force for an equalizer that would leave gaps at the back for the opposition to exploit.
But I didn’t have to wait long for the Sharks to draw level, through some gritty play from Gaicomo, Jack and Harry. We managed to force the play and create some good space that was used perfectly. The ball was played out wide by Giacomo (who was now seeming to embrace my request that he pass the ball more and then look to get it back in a better position rather than trying to dribble the ball through the team) He passed to Jack who made a good run up the right hand side, exchanging passes with Harry before crossing the ball into the box, after some confusion, the ball fell to Giacomo who gratefully lashed the ball into the back of the net giving the keeper no chance.
Now the game was level, and we had managed to pull ourselves back into the game. The Sharks appeared to look for another chance that would give us the lead. With not many chances presenting themselves we had to try and be patient and support each other, because the game was there for the taking. A glorious chance fell to Josh, but unfortunately he slipped just as he was about to take a shot on goal, a shame because that would have been a well worked goal and team effort.
The first half finished and the boys still seemed to have energy in their legs, which was a positive sign, I would normally make some changes to try and give the boys a break but unfortunately this could not happen, so we took to the field for the second half with the same players looking to take the game to the opposition and try and take the lead for the first time in the game.
Again, it was a matter of trying to be patient, and we would get the reward that we deserved, it is like the big bad wolf and the three little pigs, we had to keep knocking on the door in the hope that something will give and the ball would end up in the back of net.
As we were half way through the second half some chances fell to the Sharks. Liam had a great shot saved by an impressive opposition goal keeper, Giacomo had another one saved well, and Harry also managed a shot that tested the keeper. But a special mention for Dylan, he managed to turn over a great shot, his reactions were great, it is good to see that his goal keeper training is paying off.
The game started to get a little scrappy, and wayward. With a few fouls that could have been avoided, I believe that this was down to frustration creeping into the lads as they stopped encouraging each other and passing the ball and tried to do everything themselves. This lead to the opposition retaining the ball in dangerous positions and getting more chances than I would have liked.
The game came to a close level, I believe that the Sharks had the better of the play, and if we would have maintained our passing and kept doing the right things, we would have probably come out with the victory that we deserved, but we were still happy to remain unbeaten and we can look to put things right next week.
Once again a massive well done to the lads, the effort they showed could not be faulted it was a hard game on a pitch that is more suited to a mud bath than a football pitch. Also a big thank you, to all of the parents that came and supported the Sharks on the cold afternoon and helped pack away the equipment at the end of the game.
On to next week now and fingers cross another positive result
So the team was as follows, Dylan in goal, Jack, Elliott, Harry, Liam, Giacomo, Josh with the subs bench only consisting of my daughter who was acting ball girl for the game. So it meant that some of the boys would be completing their first full game of the season, so a test for them and Sharks.
As the game got underway, it was made clear to them that they needed to pass the ball more, as they would tire quickly if they didn’t as the pitch was heavy and very boggy from the bad weather that we had had recently and the amount of games that have been played on it, but it was the same for both teams and we needed to get on with it and try our best.
The game started well for the Sharks, they took notice and with the first 5 minutes passing quickly the boys were passing the ball around nicely and creating chances, but it was proving to be a bit sticky and an uneven surface that prevented the ball to run as freely as I would have liked.
Both Jack and Elliott were once again looking comfortable at the back, protecting Dylan well who is growing with each game that is passing. With the Sharks quick start and possession, the opposition were slowly growing into the game, and causing a few problems for the Sharks. I more put this down to the pitch being heavy and not being able to freshen the team up when the boys got tired.
Then the opposition took the lead, against the run of play if I am being honest, the ball broke down our left hand side, with Liam trying to recover his position on the left of midfield they managed to get a cheeky shot off that lobbed up in the air and over Dylan into the back of the net. This was a bit of a body blow to the lads as they had started the game so well. and I feared that due to the pitch and no subs the Sharks were going to run out of steam or try to force for an equalizer that would leave gaps at the back for the opposition to exploit.
But I didn’t have to wait long for the Sharks to draw level, through some gritty play from Gaicomo, Jack and Harry. We managed to force the play and create some good space that was used perfectly. The ball was played out wide by Giacomo (who was now seeming to embrace my request that he pass the ball more and then look to get it back in a better position rather than trying to dribble the ball through the team) He passed to Jack who made a good run up the right hand side, exchanging passes with Harry before crossing the ball into the box, after some confusion, the ball fell to Giacomo who gratefully lashed the ball into the back of the net giving the keeper no chance.
Now the game was level, and we had managed to pull ourselves back into the game. The Sharks appeared to look for another chance that would give us the lead. With not many chances presenting themselves we had to try and be patient and support each other, because the game was there for the taking. A glorious chance fell to Josh, but unfortunately he slipped just as he was about to take a shot on goal, a shame because that would have been a well worked goal and team effort.
The first half finished and the boys still seemed to have energy in their legs, which was a positive sign, I would normally make some changes to try and give the boys a break but unfortunately this could not happen, so we took to the field for the second half with the same players looking to take the game to the opposition and try and take the lead for the first time in the game.
Again, it was a matter of trying to be patient, and we would get the reward that we deserved, it is like the big bad wolf and the three little pigs, we had to keep knocking on the door in the hope that something will give and the ball would end up in the back of net.
As we were half way through the second half some chances fell to the Sharks. Liam had a great shot saved by an impressive opposition goal keeper, Giacomo had another one saved well, and Harry also managed a shot that tested the keeper. But a special mention for Dylan, he managed to turn over a great shot, his reactions were great, it is good to see that his goal keeper training is paying off.
The game started to get a little scrappy, and wayward. With a few fouls that could have been avoided, I believe that this was down to frustration creeping into the lads as they stopped encouraging each other and passing the ball and tried to do everything themselves. This lead to the opposition retaining the ball in dangerous positions and getting more chances than I would have liked.
The game came to a close level, I believe that the Sharks had the better of the play, and if we would have maintained our passing and kept doing the right things, we would have probably come out with the victory that we deserved, but we were still happy to remain unbeaten and we can look to put things right next week.
Once again a massive well done to the lads, the effort they showed could not be faulted it was a hard game on a pitch that is more suited to a mud bath than a football pitch. Also a big thank you, to all of the parents that came and supported the Sharks on the cold afternoon and helped pack away the equipment at the end of the game.
On to next week now and fingers cross another positive result
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