‘The Edge’ - Away League Match vs Tonbridge Juniors ‘B’ March 11, 2008
Posted by editor in : Matches , trackbackSome say, he’s a striker for Portsmouth and Barnsley and Cardiff, all we know is that he provides anonymous match reports and calls himself ‘The Edge’…
This weeks performance secured the result and could be described by that old spring saying of ‘In like a lion, out like a lamb’.
If anything I suppose it was good to see the intensity at the start of the match, as opposed to the usual hang around for ten minutes, before realising the reason why the opposition have started running about on the same patch of grass, and those adults on the side are hollering at the top of their voices, dropping to their knees in despair, and trying their utmost not to widen their vocabulary in a totally inappropriate manner, is because the whistle has gone and the match has actually started!!
Anyway, impressive it was, with a first minute goal from Jarvis setting us off and then 15 – 20 minutes of great football from the whole team, aside from the football the most impressive part, was the communication amongst the team. The volume of chat could actually be heard from the touchline, particularly amongst the defence, which was led in no small part by the back four general, Harry Coleman. It seemed that the others fed off Coleman’s enthusiasm and in no time everyone was keeping each other right. It was great to see this side of the team develop and credit must be given to Richard, Nigel & Andy for introducing a buddy system to promote communication within the team. An imaginative bit of coaching that was showing it’s dividends in the early part of the game.
As the game wore on however it became like an awkward first date when you had run out of things to say, that embarrassing silence sets in and it is simply glances that are exchanged. Still it was a good start and hopefully that aspect of the lads game will develop, and like any relationship that gets beyond the first date, will ultimately lead to incessant chat and at times will be like a marriage, with one party being nagged from time to time….. For the time being however let’s all keep it positive and encouraging, oh and that include’s you Mr Woods!
The impressive communication was matched in no small part by the play on the pitch. On a good flat surface the lads were able to show the intention to play the game how it should be played, on the ground with good passing, vision and movement. The interplay between Fergus, Toby and Jarvis being particularly impressive down the right flank. The important learning point for the team is to make your passing positive and timely. When you see it pass it. On occasions the ball gets carried a couple of yards too far which allows the opposition to close down and prevent the pass getting away cleanly. It’s better to see the pass early, lay it off and move into position to contribute further. Let the ball do the work.
Tommy and Brandon both battled hard winning 50/50 balls and setting the bar for others who sometimes hang off when the ball is there to be won.
Goals were forthcoming but special mention must be reserved for Josh ‘Di Canio’ Holden (or for the younger generation Josh ‘Van Persie’ ) who thundered a rear post volley into the net from a Jarvis corner in the 14 minute and which must challenge some of Jarv’s long range efforts for goal of the season. It was a strike that Arthur Scargill would have been proud of. Not to be out done Jarvis followed up to make it 3-0 after 15 minutes, a rout looked on the cards but credit to Tonbridge they got a goal back just before half time and kept themselves in it.
It was business as usual in the second half, but as I’ve already mentioned with the volume turned down. Freddie came and showed his continued improvement in playing some sensible layoffs and avoiding the temptation to take on one player too many. It is this team play that’s improved the overall performance of the team and made us a force to be reckoned with.
Tonbridge were right back in it and were a much better side in the second half, with constant pressure and a number of good chances created, Henry made a great, one handed, diving save in the 36th minute to keep the score at 3-1. Having ran his legs off all day it was a well deserved goal from Toby in the 45th minute to make it 4-1, having chased the ball in after a Grasshoppers shot Toby picked up the rebound off the keeper to calmly put it in the net. Again I know this is something the coaches have been saying all season so good to see the boys finally starting to follow up on their shots on goal.
With 10 minutes to go Tonbridge made it 4-2 and continued to keep on the pressure, with an offside goal it could have been a very tight last few minutes but the performance from the opening 20 paid off. We did defend too deeply, stood off in midfield and got a bit narrow to invite the pressure but the game was won and these are all areas to work in training.
Individual player development has also increased competition for places so nobody is guaranteed a starting place, everyone now needs to battle for their place both in training and in matches. It’s everyone’s individual responsibility to do their best at all times, put in 100% effort 100% of the time and display a positive attitude to improving in drills and practice games. If you put in less than 100% in effort or attitude then you stand a good chance of loosing your place, with no one to blame but yourself.
The second half also saw the introduction of a bit of entrepreneurial genius with the Grasshoppers fruit and veg stall. Andy Crisp was seen setting up shop and distributing banana’s amongst the back four during a break in play. Andy informs us that next weeks special is Tomatoes 50p a pound. Get in early as sales are bound to be good.
One final special mention from Saturday’s game has to go to Patrick McM. who on being introduced to the game made a breathtaking run from the edge of the box to meet a cross with a new means of scoring…..‘a noser’. On this occasion he was cruelly denied by a goal line clearance. The coaches were not convinced with this tactic so let’s stick to the head Pat. Good effort though!
The march continues and finds the lads at the top of the League, still a long way to go and tough games ahead, but if key players are available and with performances like the first half, we have a very real chance of taking this League.
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