Don’t read too much into the fact I have taken 2 days to put the result in and compile a report.

On one hand I am really disappointed to lose this game and then on the other I am really proud of the boys in terms of never giving up or dropping their heads !

At 10 in the morning, I was close to calling the game off as a layer of snow was on the pitch and the lines were not visible.
Back up at 1 and the pitch was in perfect condition, with a lovely blue sky.

A slow warm up and a few changes to the positions in the team, and within 30 seconds of kick off we had conceded. I didn’t see the goal as I was still setting my watch... by the way we conceded the 2nd just a few mins later, I know what happened with the first as it was a case of being slow to start, slow to react and not getting into good defensive positions, either as a single player or as a defensive unit.

Steph entered the game on 20 mins and his first touch was to receive a pass on the edge of the box, his second was a shot that was blocked and his third was a lovely placed strike into the goal.
At this stage I thought we would kick on but we conceded another when there was little danger as we had lots of players behind the ball but we missed with 3 weak tackles and let the midfielder stroke the ball into the net from the edge of the box. To be honest, I was grateful halftime came, as we had played poorly in the 1st 30 mins, with lots of individual errors and generally poor team play.

For the half time team talk, it was quite easy as I focussed on three things, which were defensive positioning, being quicker into the tackle and looking to play in behind the Colts defensive line which pushed up very quickly and tried to play offside. I was a bit disappointed that one or two of the lads decided that they knew best and didn’t listen to me as I spoke, and I hope I cleared that up.

Now the proud bits....
the boys did listen and then proceeded to put into practice the 3 things we spoke about at halftime and for the next 30 mins it was a different team that took to the pitch.
The only goal of the half came on 10 mins, when Jamie cleared long and Charlie timed his run to perfection and he left the defence standing to take the ball to the edge of the box and blast the ball past the keeper. Game on.

The next 20 mins was nail biting stuff as both teams strove for the next decisive goal. We couldn’t quite get that chance despite some pressure and at the other end the defence was considerably tighter and gave Jamie more protection than they had in the first half.

A griping end to another close match, and one that Colts probably deserved to win giving their dominance in the first half.

That first half was awful, as you know I don’t like bellowing out instructions but I felt like all I did in the first half was shout out negative rubbish (I should know I shout it)

By listening, and then putting into practice 3 simple things the 2nd half was a different kettle of fish... – it saved my voice as well. .

Challenge for me this week, is to make sure the boys are switched on at 2.00 and not 2.35 !

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