Twin Oaks FC U13's V Three Bridges FC U14's

Handcross School

This was a game of three halves! The first third due to the personnel that we had available, was an experiment where we tried putting three players in defense at the beginning with Jason and Shaun tight marking and Elliott playing a sweeping role. We had a midfield 5 of from left to right Ellias, playing wide left Jerome holding in front of the back four, with Liam on the right and Louis and Josh playing in advanced midfield roles. Unfortunately this did not work too well defensively although with 5 in midfield we had plenty of possession and the passing was excellent once again. I was particularly impressed with Louis and how he linked with the other players in midfield and attack. Although we conceded 2 goals we had plenty of shots which unfortunately lacked either power or accuracy. The Three Bridges goals came when we were over run on the break.

In the second period we changed to a back four with Ryan replacing Elliot who went in goal in his place. With a back four of Jerome on the right , Jason and Ryan in the middle and Shaun on the left, things tightened up a little and the ball was still moving quite sweetly although without the dominance we had during the first period. Yet still Three Bridges picked up a third. We responded shortly after when Louis fed Tom with a short pass which split their defense for his goal. Again the shots kept coming in from Ellias, Tom, Josh and Liam but without result.

In the third period we were not winning the challenges that we had been earlier in the game, and we looked a little tired. A fourth goal came from Three Bridges and the game was over.

I do not feel that the victory was as comprehensive as 4-1, and due to playing players out of position, and in an unusual formation, without substitutes to replace tired legs, not too much should be taken from this game other than being useful to adjust back to 11 a side.

With more players being available this Thursday I will expect to see further improvement.

However I must make some comment as there were some excellent performances notably Jason with tenacious tackling and calmness on the ball, Josh who held the ball up well and found some excellent positions, and finally Louis who although playing out of position connected with those around him superbly.

Goalscorers -
Tom

Man of the Match -