5th September 2010

First game of the season took us off to Mangotsfield United

First Half

The game started well with all the boys working well, passing the ball around and forcing the opposition’s defenders into some panic clearances. A great pass from the midfield saw Ben take on the goal keeper who was very unlucky not to see the ball roll under the keeper. The rebound found Joe‘s left foot, who struck the ball sweetly, sadly it went wide. The boys continued to press and looked the stronger side with some great channel passes they all worked for each other, even Stef had a hand in helping by pulling off magnificent stops to keep us in the game.

Half time Score 0-0 (60 /40 possession to Stoke Lane)

Second Half

The second half started except Stoke Lane allowed Mangotsfield to get settled and failed to shut down the Mangotsfields midfield this allowed them to settle into the game. The ball went from end to end with the Stoke Lane defence holding out well. Stoke Lane appeared to go from calm mode to panic mode more so in the second half. The first goal came from a lack of concentration and a lucky deflection, the striker being in the right place at the right time. The Second goal came from a nice piece of footwork from the Mangotsfield striker who somehow managed to dance passed our midfield passing the ball a diving Stef. Even 2 nil down Stoke Lane never gave up and pressed to the end, both Rhys and Dean both coming close to scoring.

The final score Stoke Lane 0 – Mangotsfield United 2

For a first game of the season the first half started well and everyone worked well for each other. Sadly we failed to carry this into the second half and paid the price.

We need to learn from this game and stop the mistakes, stop the panic, we need press the opposition and keep the game tight .Lets try to learn from our mistakes and make sure we try and stop them from happening again.

Defenders – Working well and kept the back lines tight – Lack of concentration cost us the first goal.

Midfield – Started well, passed the ball around well, except we went into panic mode which sent the rest of the team into the same mode. This mode cost sadly cost us the second goal

Forwards – Again started well, except we never really pressed the defence and gave them too much time to clear the ball

Positives to come out the game

Some great passing in the first half, lots of working and helping each other , great calling, fantastic corners and lots of communication (especially in the first half)

Players who stood out during the game

Stef – Some great stops!

Chris – Plenty of calling for headers and some great corners

Rhys – Played the Captains role and led from the back, fantastic header at the end

Man of the Match (chosen by Savy)       Rhys Watkins