‘The Edge’ - Away vs Jarvis Brook…and Ashurst Wood October 29, 2008
Posted by editor in : Matches , trackbackSome say, he got out the wrong side of bed, all we know is that he provides anonymous match reports and calls himself ‘The Edge’…
WARNING – For those who think of their ‘Little Soldiers’ having a jolly kick around on a Sunday do not read on as the content may offend. I have tempered the report in light of an improved performance at Ashurstwood but it is with Jarvis Brook in mind that I have written this, as there was no doubt that the 5-0 defeat at Jarvis Brook flattered US!
There were notable exceptions with the one most worthy of praise being Henry, who was kept busy for the entire match, controlled his area well coming off his line and preventing an absolute avalanche. Well done Henry a magnificent performance that drew great praise from the opposition coaching staff.
Regan, Henry, Callum, Charlie and Toby are worthy of note for trying to do the right thing, but like Marks and Spencers undies they were lacking support and generally all the good work came to nothing. Fergus ran all day again but that effort is only effective if the end result is something that can be built on and options are made available by players thinking off the ball. Had there been any support play I would comment on it but sadly there was none on offer and again like the Lehman’s Brothers balance sheet there was nothing there.
Now it’s time for my rant…..if I owned a hair drier it would be set to maximum temperature and power and if I was still able to lift my leg more than two foot off the ground, tea cups would be kicked into the middle of next week. So here goes…..
The will be many, like myself, who will stand on the touchline and have opinions about what went wrong, who was to blame etc. and I know that some will be more vocal of their criticisms than others, saying selection, tactics, positions etc are wrong. Nothing could be further from the truth. I’m afraid as having watched training on the Wednesday prior to the match and then the match itself, the problem lies in the attitude, application and individual discipline. These are the qualities that are lacking. The excellent performance of the previous week meant nothing when we don’t build on positive performance, recognising and applying the good aspects of play.
Comparing yourselves with Jarvis Brook, individually you are technically as able and in some quarters more so. Where we fell apart however was not performing as a unit. That’s not down to coaching, that’s down to individuals not doing the jobs they are asked. On several occasions there were six players in the front line, even when we didn’t have possession. Andy was screaming at the midfield to drop back and they all looked at him as though he was some sort of loonatic singing Latvian folk songs, and then have the audacity to give him back chat. Unacceptable !
I have seen the effort and thought that goes into devising some of the drills only to hear lads say that’s easy, why are we doing that. Can’t we play a game. On the Jarvis Brook performance apparently it’s not too easy as you couldn’t do it. That was plain for all to see. Holding a position, passing and moving, simple passing even. All absent. If you want to see the problem look in the mirror and ask youself if you performed, tried your best, did what you were asked, encouraged your team mates. If you can honestly say yes, and there are a few of you then well done keep it up. To the rest of you, you get out what you put in. Stop whinging, knuckle down and work a bit harder, do what you are being asked in training, train hard and the rewards will come on the pitch. That’s what we all want to see. If all you’re interested in is a kick about with your mates, then buy a ball and go and do that, and good luck.
The most important thing is enjoying your football, enjoyment accompanies success and success comes with hard work. I know of the hard work that Nigel, Andy and the others put in behind the scenes to provide you with the opportunity to play. I know how much you all want to play and do well but, as good as you all are, individual talent is not enough (Look as Spurs!!!!) good individuals win nothing, good teams win everything.
At Jarvis Brook you weren’t beaten by better players you were beaten by a better team. Learn from that.
Here endeth my rant.
It was good to see the positive response at Ashurstwood with the return of the unsung, yet no less influential players. You can only build on that if you maintain the team ethic. I am glad to see the coaches recognising effort and wholeheartedly support them in the decisions that they make and thank them for the continued efforts they put in their own time unpaid for the benefit of all the kids.
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