Match Report

Sunday 17th February 2008

Boadicea Dynamos 6 – Earls Colne 2 (H Chamley, J Burrage)

Sitting here now, having to recall this morning’s performance pains me. We were very poor indeed.

We started well – a huge punt from Jake sent Harry through and with his left foot he neatly lobbed the keeper. In fact this came fast on the heels of a similar break which was less successful, but did highlight that we were capable of creating chances. Just as I was thinking ‘That should give them confidence’ we gifted BD two quick goals, both from defensive howlers. In fact the lack of confidence that swept through the team started at the back and finally manifested itself in the shape of Louis’ missed penalty. It was telling to see the boys all walking away from the responsibility of taking the kick, whereas when BD were awarded one they were pleading to take it.

The story of the match was simple. At the back we looked in poor shape; we miskicked, lacked aggression, remained static and failed to mark. In midfield we were out muscled, and our attack was frequently pushed off the ball. When we did create chances we looked like we had rarely seen a football – in fact some of us hadn’t as we had not been to training for a number of weeks.

Harry looked the most dangerous, and James was working hard. Harry created a great chance, crossing from the byline but the open goal proved too difficult. Another move left us with a chance to shoot, but we just stopped…they retrieved the ball, swept upfield and scored.

As well as our own poor play I was not so impressed with the nature of the physical challenge BD presented. Shoves in the back and snidy kicks were common, but rarely seen by the ref. Our spy had heard the team talk and such tactics were encouraged. When I asked for some protection for our boys I was told that I would be sent off if I spoke to the ref again. Brilliant. I had even said ‘please.’ Football is a physical game, but I firmly believe that the reason our national game is so poor is due in part to our insistence on teaching kids that sheer aggression and muscle will win the day.

James scored a neat goal in the second half, chipping the ball in following a through ball from Louis. A rare moment to celebrate.

Harry was the man of the match. George was a close second. I thought James had another good game.

My email has changed to mailto: djla@talktalk.net. Training as usual on Friday – lets hope the numbers attending picks up this week.




		Under 12s Match Report



		Sunday 17th February 2008 Boadicea Dynamos 6 – Earls Colne 2 (H Chamley, J Burrage) Sitting here now, having to recall this morning’s performance pains me. We were very poor indeed. We started well – a huge punt from Jake sent Harry through and with his left foot he neatly lobbed the keeper. In fact this came fast on the heels of a similar break which was less successful, but did highlight that we were capable of creating chances. Just as I was thinking ‘That should give them confidence’ we gifted BD two quick goals, both from defensive howlers. In fact the lack of confidence that swept through the team started at the back and finally manifested itself in the shape of Louis’ missed penalty. It was telling to see the boys all walking away from the responsibility of taking the kick, whereas when BD were awarded one they were pleading to take it. The story of the match was simple. At the back we looked in poor shape; we miskicked, lacked aggression, remained static and failed to mark. In midfield we were out muscled, and our attack was frequently pushed off the ball. When we did create chances we looked like we had rarely seen a football – in fact some of us hadn’t as we had not been to training for a number of weeks. Harry looked the most dangerous, and James was working hard. Harry created a great chance, crossing from the byline but the open goal proved too difficult. Another move left us with a chance to shoot, but we just stopped…they retrieved the ball, swept upfield and scored. As well as our own poor play I was not so impressed with the nature of the physical challenge BD presented. Shoves in the back and snidy kicks were common, but rarely seen by the ref. Our spy had heard the team talk and such tactics were encouraged. When I asked for some protection for our boys I was told that I would be sent off if I spoke to the ref again. Brilliant. I had even said ‘please.’ Football is a physical game, but I firmly believe that the reason our national game is so poor is due in part to our insistence on teaching kids that sheer aggression and muscle will win the day. James scored a neat goal in the second half, chipping the ball in following a through ball from Louis. A rare moment to celebrate. Harry was the man of the match. George was a close second. I thought James had another good game. My email has changed to mailto: djla@talktalk.net. Training as usual on Friday – lets hope the numbers attending picks up this week.