East Thurrock (Away)

After a late cancellation of 2 matches planned for this Saturday, coack Mick and Stuart were left making some last minute calles to get some new fixtures in place. In the end we ended up with 2 teams going to Brentwood and then Team Sigma heading over to play East Thurrock. Over at East Thurrock the weather was just perfect for playing football, the pitch was a good size and in good condition, and overall the boys had a good training game. The final score was something like 7 or 8 to Forest Glade and 5 to East Thurrock. To be honest the score line could have been a lot more one sided if we had a bit more discipline in our positions and kept a defender back to protect for counter attacks.

 

Every player on the team had some good moments during the game and everyone also had some bad moments which we need to work on. Alfie stepped up to play in goal during the first half and did a grand job giving his limited goal keeping match experience. Max took the second half in goal. We only had six players (Max, Josh, Ryan, Alex, Ethan and Alfie) and therefore only had one substitute. This actual worked out very well as there was minimum disruption of the team and the formation during the play. It also meant that we decided that everyone on the team would get equal playing time and subsequently every play had one 6-7 min spell on the subs bench.

 

During the game there seemed to be a lot more tackling on both sides and several players starting to o down holding various parts of their bodies and even crying. This is something we have got to drill out of the boys to ensure we aren't moulding the next group of premiership actors who are willing to dive and roll around in pain at the slightest little touch.

 

Team Sigma : Max, Josh, Ryan, Alex, Ethan and Alfie.

A very early goal from Forest Glade left us celebrating and for a moment thinking the game was going to be very 1 sided.

Ethan striking a corner kick.

Ethan showing some good step over ball skills to clear the box. Max and Alex marking the near post to support Alfie in goal.

Joshua used his power and strength to clear a few balls from back in defence.

Ethan seemed o be covering everywhere on the pitch and made some great runs.

Ummm, sandwiched between Joshua and Ethan is going to leave the East Thurrock player in a spot of trouble.

Another run from Ethan down the wing.

Alex taking on a defender to get a shot on goal.

Its no good Eat Thurrock putting your hands up to surrender. That isn't going to stop Alfie!

Little power house Ryan charging through chasing the ball.

Ryan in action. Not sure why Joshua is putting his hand up calling for a back pass?

Joshua looking to pass the ball on to the strikers.

To be honest myself and coach Lee really struggled to pick a Man of the Match this week. The whole team did some really good things, but like I said earlier everyone made some mistakes as well. There wasn't really one stand out player on the pitch as it was a good all round performance from everyone. However we came to the decision that Ethan would be this weeks MOTM for his maximum effort, great runs, some good corner kicks and simply covering the pitch from back in defence all the way to attack. When it was his turn to be substituted he didn't moan or complain about being taken off of the pitch, he simply waited patiently and then got straight back into the action once his time on the bench was over.

Coach Jason with MOTH Player Ethan.