It was good to get back on the pitch this week, after last weeks game. We welcomed Rayne Youth and despite weakening of storm Brian, the team were braced for a choppy game
With the league still not reorganised, Rayne's manager and myself went ahead with the game to give the players continued game time.
Jess started in goal, with Henry, Cullen, Maksim and William on pitch. We started the game well, the players passing and looking for each other and doing it calmly. However, we let Rayne into the game and quickly had 2 goals against us, as we backed off from tackling when we needed to. We made some changes, bringing Bastien on (back after his operation), Josh and Joseph. The team kept their heads and after a great run by Joseph, sucking in the defenders, he was cycnically upended - however, before the ref could blow for a deserved free kick, Bastien smashed in a lovely bottom corner goal. Bastien was tenacious in his tackling and no signs of the operation reducing his tackling ability.
Jess started in goal, with Henry, Cullen, Maksim and William on pitch. We started the game well, the players passing and looking for each other and doing it calmly. However, we let Rayne into the game and quickly had 2 goals against us, as we backed off from tackling when we needed to. We made some changes, bringing Bastien on (back after his operation), Josh and Joseph. The team kept their heads and after a great run by Joseph, sucking in the defenders, he was cycnically upended - however, before the ref could blow for a deserved free kick, Bastien smashed in a lovely bottom corner goal. Bastien was tenacious in his tackling and no signs of the operation reducing his tackling ability.
Hoping that this would continue, the team passing well. However, where we struggled was us bunching too much and not utilising the open areas. Also, too many instances of us being pushed off the ball or falling over it at vital moments cost us. Josh took one to the ribs and so we had an enforced substitution, with Cullen coming back on. Rayne added another 2 just before half time.
Second half and against the wind (Brian !) and the slope, the players upped their game. Josh swapping in goal with Jess. William and Cullen made a few strong dribbles both centre and right of the pitch and Rayne threw everything at them to try and stop them. Maksim got onto a number of passes and was unlucky in getting pushed off the ball just as he was about to shoot a few times. Henry continued to get the ball to feet and was always looking for the outlet, although our team do need to move more when not on the ball to make it easier.
With the deserved momentum, William got a goal back. Cullen, our Ronaldo on free kicks, also had a wonderful free kick saved top corner that come off the crossbar and goal line, and to be fair was a great save. William was then upended in the box and duely smashed the penalty into top corner to bring us back to within 2 goals. They responded with a goal before a dribble by William and cross was finished with aplomb by Maksim to reduce the deficit. probably one of our best goals this season, as great link up and finishing. Josh made a couple of double saves in goal which helped us, although we let them in with another at the end.
Really pleased with the passing and dribbling today, just need to get more movement into space, and not be out muscled. Well done Vikings.
Really pleased with the passing and dribbling today, just need to get more movement into space, and not be out muscled. Well done Vikings.
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