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27 Jan 2008: Grasshoppers 0:4 Hove Rivervale February 2, 2008

Posted by editor in : Uncategorized , trackback

This was the quarter final of the Cup, against opposition from several leagues above us (again).  Hove were the best side we have played this season by a long way, but our performance was so far below our normal standard that it’s hard to judge how much better than us they were.  There is of course no disgrace being beaten at any sport by better players, but we have never before lost a game because the other team showed more commitment than us.  And as someone who really enjoys watching this group of boys, I hope I never see that again!

 

 

 

The first part of the match was fairly even.  Cian was put out wide right, with a view to putting them under pressure with his pace.  Unfortunately that didn’t work because of the simple oversight that no one tried to get the ball wide to either Cian or Robert, both of who resembled lonely lost sheep.

 

 

 

We also played the first half with three at the back, as Harrison decided that left back was too boring and decided to play everywhere except where he was supposed to be.

 

 

 

Hove were also the most physical team we have played, which resulted in a few of our players getting hurt from challenges which we are not used to.  Nick was first to suffer, and while he was limping around trying to shake off the knock, they scored their first goal. 

Hove really should have scored more in the first half, but the guys rallied and Danny especially did very well to keep the score at half time to 1-0.

 

 

 

Nick had to come off at half time and was replaced by Connor, who went up front, with Miles going wide right, Cian coming back into the centre and Tom dropping back to partner Thomas in defence.  For the first few minutes of the second half, we looked a bit better, although the forwards never looked like getting hold of the ball and doing anything with it.  Then tragedy struck.  A long range shot, which Danny looked to have well covered somehow managed to jump over his dive and we were 2-0 down.  Freak bounce or goalkeeping error? Only Danny really knows and he isn’t saying!

 

 

 

At 2-0 our confidence took a visible knock- as well as most of the players who went anywhere near their number 17, who at one stage ran 30 yards to barge Harrison over while waiting for a free kick to be taken.  No one seemed too bothered though, so we let them attack again and gave away a needless penalty, which Danny got a hand to, but couldn’t keep out.  Great attempt or goalkeeping error? Only Danny really knows and he isn’t saying!

 

 

 

Our midfield and defence kept trying, but it just wasn’t our day and before long we were 4-0 down.  This time we don’t need to ask Danny!

 

 

 

Most of this report has concentrated on the goalkeeper, defence and midfield, who were all perhaps a bit below what we have come to expect.  We lost 4-0, so surely the blame must all lie at the back.  But you couldn’t be more wrong. 

 

 

 

The reason we lost this game, was because the other side showed more commitment and energy than we did.  And nowhere was that more evident than with our strikers.  I’m afraid the most positive word I can find to describe the performance of all of the strikers is awful.  They didn’t control the ball, didn’t make any effort to win the ball, didn’t have any shots, didn’t run, didn’t try and didn’t seem to care. 

Taylor is exempt from the criticism, because he came on late and by then the game was lost, but the others all need to take a long hard look at themselves.  I am writing this report after seeing the midweek training session following the game, and I can safely say that if any one of the strikers had put half the effort into the match that they did in the training session, then we probably would have won.  Miles and Connor tore lumps off each other in the one on one exercise.  Oskar ran his heart out.  So we can all be confident that someone in authority has had a word with them and told them exactly what is required.

 

 

 

Not many honourable mentions this week I’m afraid.  Danny was excellent in the first half and Tom, Cian and Harry worked hard throughout.  Keith gave Man of the Match to Max, which Max seemed embarrassed about- but at least he cared enough to be embarrassed.  The CRAP award this week- and this is the first time it has been awarded on the basis of poor performance- goes to the three forwards who did so little to help their teammates.  We can’t give it to more than one person, so Oskar can have it on the basis that he hasn’t had it before and he’s a United fan.  But Miles and Connor earned every bit of it with him.  Oskar can clean Max’s boots, but my suggestion would be that the three of them should clean the whole team’s boots before next week’s game.

 

 

 

Sorry this report has been so negative.  There was plenty said in the changing room afterwards and again on Wednesday at training and this game will never be mentioned again.  Maresfield next- let’s show them what we can really do.

 

 

 

Still no feedback from anyone re the tour.  If you don’t want to go we won’t, but that would be a shame for the boys, as it’s a great experience.

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