I was very impressed about how we went about our job today. We played very good football against a team that has improved quite a lot and were playing at their home ground. We defended well, made good choices and when we decided to try to always play forward and move the ball quickly we were very dangerous. The first three goals were simply beautiful football. Its great to see the players trying to play the ball into spaces like we have been practicing and three goals in the first half all came from that initial through ball.
I had to leave early but the first half showed me stout defense, with solid midfield performances and clever hard running forward work.
We could have had a few more goals and we need that composure still up front but that will come as we practice more.
I thought Liam Hayes was fantastic in goal and Nate and Rob N did great work in Centreback. Luke and Francesca gave us plenty of drive and Liam, Daniel, and Luis worked very well in the midfield - always trying to put balls through to Calum, Ethan, Alec and Daniel!
Next week we have a very tough assignment and we will have to work equally hard and use our strengths to continually unbalance the opposition.
Great job today folks - enjoy the moments!
Sunday, 10 August 2014
Sunday, 29 June 2014
Noah Seen Building an Ark
What a day! It was a very poor day for football and almost called off by the referee. I believe we were the only game that was played! We had no subs and were playing the other Chelsea team. They were primed for this contest as if it were a grand final. We were flat and lacked that intensity that we have come to expect.
Chelsea Red played well and had some fast runners outside that were creating issues. Our mids were all at sea, our defense playing out of position and sometimes I think they were not focused. The Reds had some good chances but it was Daniel B that finally put a good ball across to Liam who scored out first. We had so much room for improvement. We had one winner - Francesca who was doing a great job!
The second half we expected a whole lot more but we were giving the ball away too much in the midfield. This was probably our biggest downfall. We want to hold on and turn into trouble repeatedly and then dont have the physical strength to keep the ball. We obviously miss Liam and Alec and struggle without them.
Our defense needs more work on structure and they need to improve passing out of the back third. The Reds scored a goal as we lost possession in the centre and one player burst between our two centrebacks - who MUST LEARN TO COMMUNICATE - and he kicked it past the keeper and it trickled into goal.
To our credit, the goal seemed to act like a slap in the face and we dug deeper and worked harder. We scored again from a great pass by Liam H through a gap which Daniel B ran to collect and shoot past the keeper.
Our third goal was very lucky as Daniel shot and it slipped through the gloves of Max.
In the end it was a good tight tussle but we had too many players down - who make poor decisions. We need to be truthful and work hard during the holidays to be better.
It would be great to put the two teams together and train together as a squad. It might be something we look at in the following weeks. Hopefully the Reds play like they did today against all the other teams and help us along the way.
Chelsea Red played well and had some fast runners outside that were creating issues. Our mids were all at sea, our defense playing out of position and sometimes I think they were not focused. The Reds had some good chances but it was Daniel B that finally put a good ball across to Liam who scored out first. We had so much room for improvement. We had one winner - Francesca who was doing a great job!
The second half we expected a whole lot more but we were giving the ball away too much in the midfield. This was probably our biggest downfall. We want to hold on and turn into trouble repeatedly and then dont have the physical strength to keep the ball. We obviously miss Liam and Alec and struggle without them.
Our defense needs more work on structure and they need to improve passing out of the back third. The Reds scored a goal as we lost possession in the centre and one player burst between our two centrebacks - who MUST LEARN TO COMMUNICATE - and he kicked it past the keeper and it trickled into goal.
To our credit, the goal seemed to act like a slap in the face and we dug deeper and worked harder. We scored again from a great pass by Liam H through a gap which Daniel B ran to collect and shoot past the keeper.
Our third goal was very lucky as Daniel shot and it slipped through the gloves of Max.
In the end it was a good tight tussle but we had too many players down - who make poor decisions. We need to be truthful and work hard during the holidays to be better.
It would be great to put the two teams together and train together as a squad. It might be something we look at in the following weeks. Hopefully the Reds play like they did today against all the other teams and help us along the way.
Sunday, 22 June 2014
Best game of the Season
It was destined to be close and the prediction was that it would be the best game of the season. Both predictions were kind of correct - it was a 1-1 game and it was not a bad game that Chelsea actually played.
We probably should have buried Brighton in the first 15 minutes of the game - when we had ample opportunity to inflict damage - but we only came away with 1 goal to Alec D. We out-passed them and put loads of pressure on their defense but they were able to clear quite a few times to a deep option who gave us some problems up front. They too had a couple of chances - but I don't believe either team was playing to their potential. We certainly were not!
We had loads of play but kept losing it in midfield because we were not checking. When we worked it up front we had undisciplined play by players trying to beat 2 and even 3 players. There was hardly any passing back, and there must have been 5 or 6 opportunities to have had a shot with a left foot too, but we failed to take that chance. Instead we lost the ball anyway by trying to come back on to our right foot. It was frustrating.
As we made more mistakes in the midfield, we put more pressure on our defenders, who stopped then playing out wide. We had no runners out wide, to drive the ball in at angles. Guys failed to work the ball into space, because we lacked run out the side. We forced it through the middle when the play was simply not there and often kicked directly to an opponent.
Despite our errors and lack of run, we still had a 1-0 lead with three minutes left. Then we made a series of silly errors that somehow ended up in a penalty - which was taken brilliantly - and the game ended at 1-1.
Nathan B played great and was ably supported by Luke Strik and Olly Chadwick. Daniel B worked hard but gets tired quickly as we always go to him - we need someone to step up on the left side. Alec D played a strong game as did Daniel A and Luis. As a team, I think we have the best 3-4 in the competition and they need to continue to work together and gain chemistry.
We broke down in the attacking third as we often took too long to make choices, or tried to take on too many players. I would like to play them again on a bigger pitch as I think that would have helped us. I believe we outplayed them and hopefully we all learned that there is no need to put more pressure on oursleves in big games. We need to stick to our system. Next week we play Chelsea Red - and they will be really fired up to do well against us. We will have a few players missing next week - Olly, Liam R, Alec - and so this gives folks a big opportunity to show that they deserve their spot on the pitch.
We probably should have buried Brighton in the first 15 minutes of the game - when we had ample opportunity to inflict damage - but we only came away with 1 goal to Alec D. We out-passed them and put loads of pressure on their defense but they were able to clear quite a few times to a deep option who gave us some problems up front. They too had a couple of chances - but I don't believe either team was playing to their potential. We certainly were not!
We had loads of play but kept losing it in midfield because we were not checking. When we worked it up front we had undisciplined play by players trying to beat 2 and even 3 players. There was hardly any passing back, and there must have been 5 or 6 opportunities to have had a shot with a left foot too, but we failed to take that chance. Instead we lost the ball anyway by trying to come back on to our right foot. It was frustrating.
As we made more mistakes in the midfield, we put more pressure on our defenders, who stopped then playing out wide. We had no runners out wide, to drive the ball in at angles. Guys failed to work the ball into space, because we lacked run out the side. We forced it through the middle when the play was simply not there and often kicked directly to an opponent.
Despite our errors and lack of run, we still had a 1-0 lead with three minutes left. Then we made a series of silly errors that somehow ended up in a penalty - which was taken brilliantly - and the game ended at 1-1.
Nathan B played great and was ably supported by Luke Strik and Olly Chadwick. Daniel B worked hard but gets tired quickly as we always go to him - we need someone to step up on the left side. Alec D played a strong game as did Daniel A and Luis. As a team, I think we have the best 3-4 in the competition and they need to continue to work together and gain chemistry.
We broke down in the attacking third as we often took too long to make choices, or tried to take on too many players. I would like to play them again on a bigger pitch as I think that would have helped us. I believe we outplayed them and hopefully we all learned that there is no need to put more pressure on oursleves in big games. We need to stick to our system. Next week we play Chelsea Red - and they will be really fired up to do well against us. We will have a few players missing next week - Olly, Liam R, Alec - and so this gives folks a big opportunity to show that they deserve their spot on the pitch.
Sunday, 15 June 2014
Glen Eira Game - June 15th, 2014
A winter chill was in the air and a heavy waterlogged, gray set of clouds hung over the pitch minutes before kickoff. We were lucky and just caught a bit of misty rain which cleared quickly. The Italy and England game was still being played as we warmed up and just before kick off we heard that Italy had hung on to win 2-1.
But there were bigger worries - how would we go against Glen Eira Extreme - team two in our competition from that club?
We started off fairly well and we took the most possession. We were still making errors up front but generally our defenders and mids were doing a good job. We tried to force it sometimes but our speed kept us in the game. It was great to see the backs prepared to pass all the way to Olli Cam. as we utilise his ability to be in space. The first goal was a nice one - from Liam H and he soon followed suit with number two. We had plenty of opportunities but squandered quite a few. We just need to make better decisions in the 18 yard box because when we play really good teams we wont get as many opportunities. We need to learn to make them count. We also tend to get tired quickly and we all probably need to work on this our selves a little bit. It would be great to go to three and four sessions a week as we actually need it - but with holidays upon us perhaps we can squeeze some more sessions in.
At the half we went in with a 2-0 lead. There were still some things to fix and we spoke to the individuals and where they could improve. We asked Liam H to place the ball even though he had kicked two great goals. We asked some folks to show a little more intensity, or use their left foot more, or dribble across the pitch or check more.
To the team's credit - everyone came out in the second half and followed instructions. Liam put in a beautifully placed shot - one that might be spectacular but one that shows that players are prepared to listen. Alec played a brilliant second half as did Daniel, Callum, Francesca, Olly Ch. and Luis. Alec scored a goal because he was prepared to make the second and third effort and really this enabled him to make a goal from nothing! That is what we look for from all players - the ability to keep working the whole time - whether results are coming or not. We need this from everyone. Great performances were given by Daniel A for the entire game as well as a really good game from Olly Cam and Luke St.
As we got tired we tended to make some errors but as the game went on we became more and more dominant. Rob N really has a knack for scoring from a first touch and he scored two in the second half from crosses. Ethan played midfield and started to work well in there as we rested Liam and Luis. Nathan and Daniel played well in their respective positions and I reckon Daniels must have more assists than anyone else. They both work hard and their pace is very important to us as a team.
The scorers today were as follows -
Liam H - 3
Robbie N - 2
Daniel B - 1
Alec D - 1
The team won with a score of 7-0 but we have the big game this week!!! We play the Brighton team who are on top. Go Chelsea!!!
But there were bigger worries - how would we go against Glen Eira Extreme - team two in our competition from that club?
We started off fairly well and we took the most possession. We were still making errors up front but generally our defenders and mids were doing a good job. We tried to force it sometimes but our speed kept us in the game. It was great to see the backs prepared to pass all the way to Olli Cam. as we utilise his ability to be in space. The first goal was a nice one - from Liam H and he soon followed suit with number two. We had plenty of opportunities but squandered quite a few. We just need to make better decisions in the 18 yard box because when we play really good teams we wont get as many opportunities. We need to learn to make them count. We also tend to get tired quickly and we all probably need to work on this our selves a little bit. It would be great to go to three and four sessions a week as we actually need it - but with holidays upon us perhaps we can squeeze some more sessions in.
At the half we went in with a 2-0 lead. There were still some things to fix and we spoke to the individuals and where they could improve. We asked Liam H to place the ball even though he had kicked two great goals. We asked some folks to show a little more intensity, or use their left foot more, or dribble across the pitch or check more.
To the team's credit - everyone came out in the second half and followed instructions. Liam put in a beautifully placed shot - one that might be spectacular but one that shows that players are prepared to listen. Alec played a brilliant second half as did Daniel, Callum, Francesca, Olly Ch. and Luis. Alec scored a goal because he was prepared to make the second and third effort and really this enabled him to make a goal from nothing! That is what we look for from all players - the ability to keep working the whole time - whether results are coming or not. We need this from everyone. Great performances were given by Daniel A for the entire game as well as a really good game from Olly Cam and Luke St.
As we got tired we tended to make some errors but as the game went on we became more and more dominant. Rob N really has a knack for scoring from a first touch and he scored two in the second half from crosses. Ethan played midfield and started to work well in there as we rested Liam and Luis. Nathan and Daniel played well in their respective positions and I reckon Daniels must have more assists than anyone else. They both work hard and their pace is very important to us as a team.
The scorers today were as follows -
Liam H - 3
Robbie N - 2
Daniel B - 1
Alec D - 1
The team won with a score of 7-0 but we have the big game this week!!! We play the Brighton team who are on top. Go Chelsea!!!
Sunday, 8 June 2014
Getting there!
The Chelsea Magic played a decent Berwick team today - and we played them with only one substitute! We wont see Rolly for 4 more weeks, Luke Strik was ill and Ethan was indisposed. If Berwick was going to be a tough team - today was the day to do it! We needed to make some positional changes and this would necessitate some folks playing in challenging conditions. But we took a chance and went to work.
We have often talked about, and practiced, moving the ball well, moving it quickly and moving through the outside spaces until we could R1 and L1. We practice passing all the time and there is a reason - no team can play well unless they can pass well. Hopefully we would be able to put all of this together.
The game started with Alec in the 10, Francesca in the 11, Daniel B in the 7 and Liam H in the 9. Daniel A and Luis were in the 6 and 8 and then we had Ollie Chadwick in the 2, Nathan in the 3, Luke Shelley in the 4 and Callum in the 5. Ollie C was in goal. A bit different but nevertheless we took to the field against a bigger, rangier Berwick!
From the outset we could see that the Red team was going to work through their key players. They had a stout defense, and they dropped 5 back and left one up front. Within the first few minutes we had Daniel running an R1 and our two holding mids were doing a terrific job for us.
They were clearly showing their skills in the middle and Berwick had no answer. Luis and Daniel continuously fed the ball out wide to Callum and Ollie Ch. and Daniel B and Francesca.
Callum was doing awesome running the ball down the wing but we were still struggling with a couple of areas. Our defense was not in synch, a lack of talk was evident, and we were holding the ball too long before getting it out wide. But we broke again and again and finally a great cross from Daniel B was met by a really good shot from Alec D who put in our first goal.
We had chance after chance but could not finish. The game was fast paced with Berwick breaking on the counter quite often but Nate, Cal, Ollie and Luke managed to mop up and get the ball to our mids who ran the ball down. However, at the half, we were only 1-0 up and were now kicking against a breeze.
We asked the full backs to move the ball quicker, the Centrebacks to stop taking on players in 1 V 1 situations, and to feed the ball wide asap. We talked about the 9 and 10 positioning themselves properly and making appropriate runs to a zone. We asked defenders to use the keeper when we could.
The second half was exceptional! Everyone tried to do what we asked. Some people just started playing wonderfully. Ollie Chadwick moved the ball very quickly and played Daniel on about 15 times! Nate never took anyone on - but instead passed quickly to the Ollies or Cal or even Luis and Daniel A. Liam and Alec worked better together and Francesca came into her own. Robbie passed quickly, Luke did as well - and we just moved the ball - as a team - beautifully! Berwick made some runs but Ollie Caminiti was positioned really well to take any chance away from them.
Goals flew from the boots of Liam H, Daniel B and Daniel A. We were excellent and yet, still have a long way to go. Today was good because it proved that it is better to play a system rather than simply rely upon single players. Anyone can play any of the positions and know what is going on. It was a very good effort.
Well done Magic!
We have often talked about, and practiced, moving the ball well, moving it quickly and moving through the outside spaces until we could R1 and L1. We practice passing all the time and there is a reason - no team can play well unless they can pass well. Hopefully we would be able to put all of this together.
The game started with Alec in the 10, Francesca in the 11, Daniel B in the 7 and Liam H in the 9. Daniel A and Luis were in the 6 and 8 and then we had Ollie Chadwick in the 2, Nathan in the 3, Luke Shelley in the 4 and Callum in the 5. Ollie C was in goal. A bit different but nevertheless we took to the field against a bigger, rangier Berwick!
From the outset we could see that the Red team was going to work through their key players. They had a stout defense, and they dropped 5 back and left one up front. Within the first few minutes we had Daniel running an R1 and our two holding mids were doing a terrific job for us.
They were clearly showing their skills in the middle and Berwick had no answer. Luis and Daniel continuously fed the ball out wide to Callum and Ollie Ch. and Daniel B and Francesca.
Callum was doing awesome running the ball down the wing but we were still struggling with a couple of areas. Our defense was not in synch, a lack of talk was evident, and we were holding the ball too long before getting it out wide. But we broke again and again and finally a great cross from Daniel B was met by a really good shot from Alec D who put in our first goal.
We had chance after chance but could not finish. The game was fast paced with Berwick breaking on the counter quite often but Nate, Cal, Ollie and Luke managed to mop up and get the ball to our mids who ran the ball down. However, at the half, we were only 1-0 up and were now kicking against a breeze.
We asked the full backs to move the ball quicker, the Centrebacks to stop taking on players in 1 V 1 situations, and to feed the ball wide asap. We talked about the 9 and 10 positioning themselves properly and making appropriate runs to a zone. We asked defenders to use the keeper when we could.
The second half was exceptional! Everyone tried to do what we asked. Some people just started playing wonderfully. Ollie Chadwick moved the ball very quickly and played Daniel on about 15 times! Nate never took anyone on - but instead passed quickly to the Ollies or Cal or even Luis and Daniel A. Liam and Alec worked better together and Francesca came into her own. Robbie passed quickly, Luke did as well - and we just moved the ball - as a team - beautifully! Berwick made some runs but Ollie Caminiti was positioned really well to take any chance away from them.
Goals flew from the boots of Liam H, Daniel B and Daniel A. We were excellent and yet, still have a long way to go. Today was good because it proved that it is better to play a system rather than simply rely upon single players. Anyone can play any of the positions and know what is going on. It was a very good effort.
Well done Magic!
Monday, 2 June 2014
Langwarrin Cop the Blues!
The Chelsea blues made the journey down to the peninsula to play Langwarrin, who were celebrating their 50th anniversary this weekend.
It was damp, but the rain had stopped, there was no wind and we were lucky to play on a very good surface - the Langwarrin first pitch!
Langwarrin had lost some players lately and were struggling. They has a couple of u10s and U11s to make up the numbers but our focus was to do the best we could as Liam R was leaving for 5 weeks to travel overseas. But today would be the first day we would have the two midfielders together - Luis and Liam - even if it was for one day!!!!!
The Blues started off brilliantly controlling the game making attack after attack. The first half was almost played in our attacking third except for about 5 or 6 times. The 25 minute halves seem to fly by and it feels as if you have not even played! We managed to score 4 goals in the half but I was not too happy as we were resorting to selfish play and abandoning the team structure. We were trying to go straight through defenders instead of passing so I asked for more systematic efforts from the players.
the second half commenced and we attacked again. We played much better and Langwarrin - to their credit - never quit. But we worked the outside of the pitch far best and put another 8 on the board to get a 12-0 win. It was a much better team effort and we actually scored some great goals. But we cant get carried away as the opposition was missing plenty of players! It was great to get Luis back and as the game progressed his performance got stronger and stronger. Liam R was excellent in the second half and I thought Luke STRICK was awesome all day and read the ball well. Overall, everyone played very well.
Goalkickers were Liam R (3) Liam H (2) Daniel B (2) Robbie N (2) Alec D (1) Daniel A (2)
We wish Rollie all the best and we will miss him and his family. Hopefully we can keep intact while he is away. Next week we play a tough Berwick team so we need to focus on certain aspects of our game and look to improve quickly!
It was damp, but the rain had stopped, there was no wind and we were lucky to play on a very good surface - the Langwarrin first pitch!
Langwarrin had lost some players lately and were struggling. They has a couple of u10s and U11s to make up the numbers but our focus was to do the best we could as Liam R was leaving for 5 weeks to travel overseas. But today would be the first day we would have the two midfielders together - Luis and Liam - even if it was for one day!!!!!
The Blues started off brilliantly controlling the game making attack after attack. The first half was almost played in our attacking third except for about 5 or 6 times. The 25 minute halves seem to fly by and it feels as if you have not even played! We managed to score 4 goals in the half but I was not too happy as we were resorting to selfish play and abandoning the team structure. We were trying to go straight through defenders instead of passing so I asked for more systematic efforts from the players.
the second half commenced and we attacked again. We played much better and Langwarrin - to their credit - never quit. But we worked the outside of the pitch far best and put another 8 on the board to get a 12-0 win. It was a much better team effort and we actually scored some great goals. But we cant get carried away as the opposition was missing plenty of players! It was great to get Luis back and as the game progressed his performance got stronger and stronger. Liam R was excellent in the second half and I thought Luke STRICK was awesome all day and read the ball well. Overall, everyone played very well.
Goalkickers were Liam R (3) Liam H (2) Daniel B (2) Robbie N (2) Alec D (1) Daniel A (2)
We wish Rollie all the best and we will miss him and his family. Hopefully we can keep intact while he is away. Next week we play a tough Berwick team so we need to focus on certain aspects of our game and look to improve quickly!
Sunday, 11 May 2014
Tough Game at the Comets
The weather was pretty good and the field was not too bad - a great way to start Mothers Day!! We started the game well and were passing better than the comets but were still making too many simple mistakes. We wanted players to pass out wide and use the width of the field instead of taking on Cranbourne players on 1 v 1 all over the field. Then sometimes we found space and instead of attacking space we tried to shoot from too far out! It was frustrating to say the least - seeing we had the ball in our attacking half for about 80% of the first half.
When we follow instructions we play so much better - we keep the ball on the ground, pass in quickly from the corners to the penalty spot and finish hard! That is exactly how we scored our first - assisted by Daniel Barnett!
Liam Hayes finished a nice shot across the front of the keeper who just managed to get finger tips to it with his outstretched hands - but athankfully could not get enough to deflect it away.
We had another goal denied with an amazing off side call but its no point complaining.
We went in with a 1-0 lead but had outplayed the opposition clearly.
The comets came out harder in the second half but we started to play more to the structure of the 4.3.3 with quick switching and using the width of the field more. We started to play some great football and gave our forwards many more good opportunities to score. Liam scored and Alec D scored and we got to a 3-0 lead and were working comfortably. They won a goal back when we allowed their big striker to run through and score 1 v 1 against our keeper.
We still have miles to go but that is of course expected. We need to work on opening up, passing and staying true to our structure. Our defenders need to work tighter and assist each other. We also need to come to training as every time we miss we fall a little behind.
Some of us will need to make the trip again down to the Comet ground for SSV games tomorrow!
It never ends!!
When we follow instructions we play so much better - we keep the ball on the ground, pass in quickly from the corners to the penalty spot and finish hard! That is exactly how we scored our first - assisted by Daniel Barnett!
Liam Hayes finished a nice shot across the front of the keeper who just managed to get finger tips to it with his outstretched hands - but athankfully could not get enough to deflect it away.
We had another goal denied with an amazing off side call but its no point complaining.
We went in with a 1-0 lead but had outplayed the opposition clearly.
The comets came out harder in the second half but we started to play more to the structure of the 4.3.3 with quick switching and using the width of the field more. We started to play some great football and gave our forwards many more good opportunities to score. Liam scored and Alec D scored and we got to a 3-0 lead and were working comfortably. They won a goal back when we allowed their big striker to run through and score 1 v 1 against our keeper.
We still have miles to go but that is of course expected. We need to work on opening up, passing and staying true to our structure. Our defenders need to work tighter and assist each other. We also need to come to training as every time we miss we fall a little behind.
Some of us will need to make the trip again down to the Comet ground for SSV games tomorrow!
It never ends!!
Friday, 9 May 2014
Glen Eira Select play Chelsea U12
Under 12 Magic
This weeks report is brought to you by the little Master - Georgie Perpina!
"Both Paul and I had the privilege of taking charge of
the game his week, while the master coach is completing his training. Congratulations Rob on having a piece of
paper that tells you what we all knew; SUPER COACH!
Well we definitely had soccer weather; it was cold, windy and
raining for most of the match. The players
felt it. At half time, I was tying up
shoe laces because fingers were too cold and wet to work properly. Parents struggled as well, still trying to
get used to the change in weather. Not as many towels, coats umbrellas as
required, but we all managed well. It might be a good idea to pack an umbrella now in the car and also think about bringing a change of clothing and a plastic bag for the wet muddy stuff - or your car will smell like coach Robs vehicle - wet socks, boots and balls!
We did not have the best of starts, conceding a goal
in the first 3 minutes. Lack of
concentration and shape, assisted in them scoring an easy goal. To our credit though we did lift our
intensity as we put pressure on the ball carrier. Great work from Rolly to pounce at the right
time and steal the ball. His move initiated the counter attack that saw a string of
passes, with Daniel Barnett crossing the ball over to Liam Hayes for an easy header. It was a joy to watch and the part of the game that brings the crowd to cheering and clapping. The scores were 1-1 at
half time.
Glen Eira like to keep possession and today was no
exception. While at times in the first
half we were exposed, in the second half we saw a very committed defense that held
strong throughout the match. Equally we
started to create more chances on the counter. We created chances through
Callum, Liam Hayes, Daniel Alston and Robbie Nunez. While we had less possession, we did look
more likely to score when attacking. We
were finally rewarded with an awesome finish by Rolly early in the second half
to put us ahead. The game was close, but that score was the final result. The Magic overcame a poor start and fought back with good soccer and ended the game 2-1 for our second win for the season.
While we all agree that the signs are positive, we
still have heaps of room for improvement.
That means lots of work at training.
Thanks to our marshals and lines-persons, and very
special thanks to Connor Hayes for an awesome job refereeing.
So my record stands at one win from one match, so
happy to hand it back to the master."
Yes we have lots of work and we want to establish a strong defensive unit and will be working a lot on defensive shape in the coming weeks. It was great to have Victory players join in on our drills this past Thursday. They thought the drill was pretty cool and admired the way you guys set it up and participated.
This coming week we have a tough assignment - Casey Comets at their home ground - so all the way to the wet and wild location that is Cranbourne!
We will need to work really well as a team to be competitive - so ball movement will be our focus again as well as retaining defensive shape!
Tuesday, 29 April 2014
First Game of U12 Season - 2014
Chelsea Versus Hampton
Well the first game of the season saw Chelsea U12 Blue Magic play Hampton Soccer Club. Both teams seemed a little underdone and the game began in scrappy fashion with lots of missed passes and both defenses struggling. We had a first time junior referee officiate so it was really an unknown for all with all of us seeking to see where we sat on the ladder of development.
The first three to five minutes were quite tight with both defenses scrambling to clear the ball. Structure and shape for both teams were a struggle with no one being able to get some flow. We started to string two and three passes together but lack of communication stopped us driving forward. After about 10 minutes we began to move the ball quickly into our forward region and with a quick cross by Alec Dovaston the ball found Daniel Alston who played first touch outside and struck the ball with magnificent precision to record the teams first official goal in FFV competition! It truly was a 'pearler.'
It seemed to give us confidence and we started to play much better, but then a lack of communication saw us lose the ball and Hampton drove forward where a dubious penalty was given. But we cant say anything as the referee was new and without referees we have no game. Hampton buried the penalty with such force it gave our keeper no chance. This goal gave Hampton a bit of impetus and we defended as well as we could but great work by Olly Caminiti kept us in the game.
We made some changes and then - as is usual - it creates a little unbalance as new players find their feet. It seemed as if the game see-sawed up and down for a while with both teams looking dangerous. Suddenly the ball was delivered to Liam Hayes who also took a touch out wide and then - as a true striker should - he took an opportunity to shoot from about 25 metres out and honestly sent in a rocket - similar to Daniel's first. It was quite impressive and I love the courage that both boys showed to actually have a ping! Its the most spectacular part of the game and we dont give it the credit it deserves!
At the half we found ourselves 2-1 up but the game was still in the balance. The boys were asked to improve their passing and to use diagonal balls more and use the outside. The defenders had been all at sea in the first half so we asked them to stay more compact and move the ball quickly.
The team followed the instructions very well and the second half saw a huge improvement. Daniel Barnett was super on the outside as he played the 7. Ethan, Nathan and the two Lukes were really solid in defense and turned many Hampton Attacks into Chelsea counters. Liam Rolleman moved to midfield, Alec up front and Olly in the 11. Francesca also played some up front with Callum, and Rob started to work well in the midfield. We gathered some synergy and with Daniel always open out wide, he was able to send in cross after cross and Liam became the first beneficiary when he tapped in a great ball. We were 3-1 and it seemed to demoralise the Reds. Again we had crosses coming in and Alec Dovaston shot a real beauty but it boucnced off the crossbar and to the feet of Liam who calmly slotted his hat-trick! We were now 4-1 but it was the way we were really starting to move the ball through our structure - out wide and then quick in - that was impressive.
We were playing team football, and players were doing what they had been asked. The defenders were attacking space when they had it and the mids were distributing. Our outside players were looking in and our forwards were presenting themselves as good targets. As the game went on we looked better and better.
The whistle blew and we had engineered a solid display. The great thing is that we have SOOOOOOO much more improvement in us and that makes it pretty exciting!
Go Magic!!
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