Team work. What makes being part of this great group is the teamwork throughout. Ellis kicked off the day with his amazing effort in the Great North Run, then there was Woodlands' version of the Great British Bake Off (I think, like the game, the honours were even!), Kevin and Stuart took to the referee and linesman roles superbly (thanks chaps) and seeing Mark on Kev's shoulders to put the net up was, well, a sight to behold! Seriously, it is tremendous that everyone gets so involved in supporting the team and it means that Nick, the coaching team and I can then focus on the job in hand in preparing the team through training and on match day, so thank you and thanks for being so vocal and supportive on the touchline.
The team work is best shown in he way the girls play and that was evident again on Sunday against West Bridgeford.
The sun shone and made it a great day for watching an entertaining, hard fought match between two teams that did well together in Division 2 last season. WB had the edge in the two games we played them last year, but I think White Socks edged the performance this time around, which shows the development we are making.
The defenders maintained good shape, with some solid (trade mark) tackling, supported by midfielders when we were under pressure. Isobel and Heidi (and Charlie and Millie when they came on) showed me how dependable they are in the full back roles and Beth and Ellie showed what a good partnership they are developing, Ellie in particular was (again) a stand out performer in the way she managed the shape of the back line and covered brilliantly across all positions. When WB did manage to get through Maddie was superbly brave in snuffing out the few half chances they created. One of my favourite moments from the match was when WB broke in the last couple of minutes and the ball was played into the box, with the centre forward chasing...up steppedKiana to confidently drop on the ball and secure the draw.
In midfield Katie again worked tirelessly and showed also what a great passer of the ball she has become, a feature of her game that is now making her such a great player. Holly and Elisha dazzled with some great runs, crosses and shots - everything I want from the wingers was evident in this game and Elise did well in this role in the second half too, showing how much she's come on in just 12 months.
Lucy M has been asked to take on a role playing just behind the front two and she is now starting to show that she understands this position and the importance of linking play on the attack and taking advantage of shooting opportunities. Abbey and Lucy Aare forging a good understanding and working hard as a pair to share the duties of tracking back and helping midfield/defense when necessary.
Player of match: Elisha Gourlay, showed tremendous skill and confidence on the left wing and created some great opportunities. Goals will come Elisha, keep working on that left foot!
Winning matches is all about demonstrating heart, working as a team, maintaining shape when defending, creating opportunities and then scoring from the chances we create. For me, the only thing lacking today (and to some extent last week against Bingham) was scoring the goals. I think we are about 4 or 5 goals short of what we should have scored over those two games and that is something to focus on this Saturday.
Thanks again to EVERYONE associated with White Socks - parents and players alike - for making it so enjoyable. Thanks also to Black Socks for coming down and cheering us on, which was greatly appreciated.
