Today was a physical battle for the boys. They were up against a team that was very strong and very fast. They knew their strengths and they used them to their advantage. Where the past two weeks we moved the ball around quickly pulling the other teams apart, we found ourselves with very little space which I put down to the hard work and speed of Roman Rangers. I think the boys did very well to keep on going and to try and compete.
In the first half we found ourselves pinned back in our own half for long periods. We worked hard to keep them at bay and I suppose the only disappointing part of the first half was how we conceded the two goals. Both goals came from corners and all came down to us not shutting the player down in front of us to block or prevent the shot.
In the second half we managed to grab a goal of our own off a corner and we did not allow them to boss the near post which was some very good work from Scott and that then allowed the ball to travel through to Owen who did not panic and slotted it away. At that point I thought we had a good chance and we may have done if we had not allowed a long goal kit to travel all the way through. It was a good finish by the young lad but we should not have let the ball bounce through and with being within a minute of pulling a goal back I think it took the wind out of our sails.
Going forward, when we come up against teams that are bigger and more physical than us we must not allow ourselves to get bullied. We need to give as much as we get and not stand off and give them space. When we get the confidence of doing this I am sure we will use the ball better ourselves and then we can play more in the attacking half.
There is no match this week as I left this as a free week as a few of you may be running. We have a group game on the 20th and again there may be a conflict with the cross country so please let me know if you are involved and if we have to many out I will ask the league too move this game.
Training as normal Friday night so see you there.
