Match Report

21st October Under

Earls Colne 6 – Boxford Rovers 0

With my heart heavy following the rugby the night before, I hoped that our football would lift my spirits, and indeed it did.

On a beautiful autumn morning we took the field against Boxford, aware that they had lost two key players from previous seasons, but also painfully aware of our own propensity to misfire.

The first half started brightly. Luke had been given strict instructions to deliver more crosses this week, and within the first five minutes he delivered four decent balls, but each time our attackers were found wanting, either scuffing shots or missing the ball completely. The frustration on the sidelines mounted as it became clear that we were much the stronger team yet we were not scoring. Time after time we worked out good opportunities, but our final ball was weak. We were rushing and not looking up to see who was in a scoring position before we crossed, or we were resorting to just kicking the ball somewhere when we had the time and skill to play more intelligent football.

Finally Luke thumped a shot at goal that the keeper did well to parry, but only into the path of Harry, who just managed to scramble the ball over the line. So we went into half time one nil up, despite Boxford visiting our half on only a few occasions.

The team talk was about confidence and communication. The boys responded superbly. Right from the kick off the big boot upfield was replaced with simple effective passing – Louis to Jake, Jake to Cameron, Cameron to James, James to Harry and a shot that was saved by the keeper. So much better and it signalled the way the game was going to be played.

Now please forgive me if I forget the order of the following goals – I am not in the habit of remembering more than one or two per game. Cameron struck his first for the club, collecting the ball to the left of the penalty area, steadying himself then drilling a neat strike into the far corner. I am looking forward to telling the League that the scorer was Scorer. Luke claimed two, both from his position on the right, his second a peach of a strike following a through ball from Louis. His goals were thoroughly deserved as his distribution throughout had been a key feature in our threat to Boxford. He nearly claimed a third with a spectacular volley following a corner from Jake, but he didn’t quite catch it properly. Louis also scored two, his first driving in from the left and then unleashing a bullet that the keeper could only help into his net. His second contrasted how we played in the first half. Good work from Luke and Harry on the left Harry in a good crossing position. Whereas in the first half this might have been wasted, this time Harry looked up and played the simplest of balls to Louis, unmarked in the six yard box who passed it into the net.

Across the field we were paying good football – controlling the ball, passing making space. Thomas was a spectator – a most welcome sight. Cameron did well, passing with accuracy. Our defence was untroubled and was able to support the midfielders, allowing them in turn to take up more attacking positions.

In summary we were much the stronger team but it took us a whole half to believe in ourselves. When we did, we were very impressive.

Thanks to James for running the line, and to the dads who helped with the goals – hopefully the wheels will arrive from Mars next week.

Men of the Match – Louis and Luke. Louis controlled the midfield and constantly turned their defence with accurate passing. Luke listened to instructions and delivered, crossing the ball quickly and accurately, and thoroughly deserved his goals.

What rugby match?




		Under 12s Match Report



		21st October Under Earls Colne 6 – Boxford Rovers 0 With my heart heavy following the rugby the night before, I hoped that our football would lift my spirits, and indeed it did. On a beautiful autumn morning we took the field against Boxford, aware that they had lost two key players from previous seasons, but also painfully aware of our own propensity to misfire. The first half started brightly. Luke had been given strict instructions to deliver more crosses this week, and within the first five minutes he delivered four decent balls, but each time our attackers were found wanting, either scuffing shots or missing the ball completely. The frustration on the sidelines mounted as it became clear that we were much the stronger team yet we were not scoring. Time after time we worked out good opportunities, but our final ball was weak. We were rushing and not looking up to see who was in a scoring position before we crossed, or we were resorting to just kicking the ball somewhere when we had the time and skill to play more intelligent football. Finally Luke thumped a shot at goal that the keeper did well to parry, but only into the path of Harry, who just managed to scramble the ball over the line. So we went into half time one nil up, despite Boxford visiting our half on only a few occasions. The team talk was about confidence and communication. The boys responded superbly. Right from the kick off the big boot upfield was replaced with simple effective passing – Louis to Jake, Jake to Cameron, Cameron to James, James to Harry and a shot that was saved by the keeper. So much better and it signalled the way the game was going to be played. Now please forgive me if I forget the order of the following goals – I am not in the habit of remembering more than one or two per game. Cameron struck his first for the club, collecting the ball to the left of the penalty area, steadying himself then drilling a neat strike into the far corner. I am looking forward to telling the League that the scorer was Scorer. Luke claimed two, both from his position on the right, his second a peach of a strike following a through ball from Louis. His goals were thoroughly deserved as his distribution throughout had been a key feature in our threat to Boxford. He nearly claimed a third with a spectacular volley following a corner from Jake, but he didn’t quite catch it properly. Louis also scored two, his first driving in from the left and then unleashing a bullet that the keeper could only help into his net. His second contrasted how we played in the first half. Good work from Luke and Harry on the left Harry in a good crossing position. Whereas in the first half this might have been wasted, this time Harry looked up and played the simplest of balls to Louis, unmarked in the six yard box who passed it into the net. Across the field we were paying good football – controlling the ball, passing making space. Thomas was a spectator – a most welcome sight. Cameron did well, passing with accuracy. Our defence was untroubled and was able to support the midfielders, allowing them in turn to take up more attacking positions. In summary we were much the stronger team but it took us a whole half to believe in ourselves. When we did, we were very impressive. Thanks to James for running the line, and to the dads who helped with the goals – hopefully the wheels will arrive from Mars next week. Men of the Match – Louis and Luke. Louis controlled the midfield and constantly turned their defence with accurate passing. Luke listened to instructions and delivered, crossing the ball quickly and accurately, and thoroughly deserved his goals. What rugby match?