No. Squad  App
1
Kiana
2
Ellie
3
Lucy M
4
Polley
5
Katie
6
Holly
7
Ella
8
Lucy A
9
Abbey
10
Elisha
11
Elise
12
Maddie
14
Isobel
15
Beth
16
Heidi
17
Charlie
18
Millie

 

 

 

 

 

Date : 25th Sept 2011 Age Group  U12 Fixture  Friendly Wollaton Hall 5 v 1 White Socks
 
Wollaton Hall v White Socks  (25th Sept 2011)
Initial reaction, as an overview, was that I was very disappointed that we started so very slowly, I didn't see too much of the solid/organised team play that has been the trademark of our pre-season up to now. As a result were 3 down within 10 minutes - albeit a couple of the goals were absolute belters it has to be said! 
 
Once we got going we were able to match Wollaton, who are a good team with a couple of exceptional players. We managed to grasp the fact that their no. 12 was running things and we started to deal with the threat much better. And Elisha took her goal beautifully. (Note: Elisha took me to one side yesterday and said she's been practising with her left foot all week and then she pops up with a left footed goal on Sunday. Absolutely tremendous.)
 
However, having reflected further on the performance against Wollaton, in the context of where we are and the team's overall development I would add that what pleased me most was that we didn't drop our chins and we set about trying to restore some pride in the performance, which is a great attitude to have. 
 
Areas I think we need to improve are:-
  • Marking - we particularly need to be aware of strong individual players and look to be more effective at neutralising such players (that's a lesson for NIck and I as much as the players)
  • Starting quickly - this means we need to begin the match in a positive, focussed mood, applying a bit more 'aggression' in terms of closing down and tackling from the first whistle. We may need to look at the warm up routine to ensure we start games with a little bit of adrenaline in the system!
  • Better use of strikers - in the three games so far we've not really been able to get the most from the strikers in a 2-up-front system. Something to work on.
We have 2 more training sessions and a final friendly to work on these things ahead of the season starting proper. It is imperative that the girls come to these sessions with extra focus and if they do we will see further improvement in time for 9th October and the first league game.
 
Despite the result yesterday their were some good performances. Special mention to Elisha for scoring a lovely goal with her left foot. (For me, Elisha sets the perfect example of a dedicated player. She listens to every word of coaching at the weekend and whenever Nick or I talk to her about an area for her to focus on she then practices that during the week. She spent the whole of the training session on Saturday shooting with her left foot and then scored a leftie on Sunday.)
 
Holly, Isobel and Lucy M worked particularly hard throughout the game. Beth's throw-ins are looking good. Despite conceding her first goals in over 2 hours, Maddie still had another solid performance and it's looking an exceptional goal keeper. Kiana had another good 15 minutes and also proved what a good listener she is as she came off her line to to cut out three or four more chances for Wollaton, which is exactly what I asked from her.
 
Player of match: Katie who again put in an incredible amount of running and effort, created opportunities, closed down players and gave a very disciplined performance. A good all round display, which is now becoming the norm for Katie. Well done mate.
 
Thanks to all the girls for their efforts. Despite defeat I absolutely love working with this whole group of girls and I'm proud to be a part of the team.