Match Report

Sunday 30th September

Halstead Town 4 – Earls Colne 0

Another week, another big effort, but a collection of mistakes that let us down.

Halstead presented a big challenge, ( who doesn’t these days…) having drawn with Tempest the week before. Halstead fielded our old striker Joe, and a number of players were keen to renew acquaintances. What they certainly didn’t need was any help, but we gave it to them. In the first couple of minutes a simple ball was let through, under the boot of a defender and despite Calum’s best efforts to retrieve the situation the ball trickled into the net.

For a brief period we played good football in midfield, with a number of good passing combinations between Luke, Louis, Harry and James, but we struggled to break through. On too many occasions our efforts were hopeful balls over the top, which the steady Halstead defence easily soaked up. The sloping pitch seemed to suck the play over to the left, with little materialising in other sections of the dry and bumpy surface.

Then another mistake doubled their score. Once again a ball played through should have been cut out, but was missed, leaving their striker free to run through and score. Moments later Calamity Jane made another appearance. Hesitation amongst the defence resulted in a ball that should have been easily cleared bouncing around the penalty area. Another half clearance landed at the feet of a Halstead player who lobbed the ball hopefully towards goal. Thomas was only able to palm the ball onto the crossbar and into his own net.

We had two notable chances, one from Harry who from outside the box poked the ball wide following a ball from Louis, and some rare Halstead panic resulted in Cameron arriving at the back post only to see his effort blocked.

Half time came and we re-organised, With James and Harry dropping into midfield and Louis and Freddy up front. Alfie came off suffering from a blister, and Callum replaced Sam.

This was a better half for us, as we contained their attacks with more assuredness. We still tended to panic and kick the ball back to them, and we struggled to make any realistic chances. Considering their skill level advantage, I thought we contained them well, and our organisation was good. A goal line blunder left Calum having to clear the ball from under the posts, but other than that Halstead struggled to make an impression.

As is our habit these days, we undid all of our good work by allowing a throw in to drop between four defenders to an unchallenged Halstead striker, who gleefully accepted the present and swiped the ball home.

Throughout the game a number of players worked extremely hard, notably Jake, Calum, James and Luke. However, we finished the game without really making the Halstead keeper work, and whilst I cringe at the manner of the goals we repeatedly let in Halstead deserved the win.

Having said all of this, prior to the match, I again marvelled at the atmosphere amongst the boys. They deserve better, but will need to iron out the mistakes if they are to get it.

Thanks to Martin for running the line, and to all the support.
Dave

Man of the Match – Luke Tzanos – tireless, determined and invaluable.




		Under 12s Match Report



		Sunday 30th September Halstead Town 4 – Earls Colne 0 Another week, another big effort, but a collection of mistakes that let us down. Halstead presented a big challenge, ( who doesn’t these days…) having drawn with Tempest the week before. Halstead fielded our old striker Joe, and a number of players were keen to renew acquaintances. What they certainly didn’t need was any help, but we gave it to them. In the first couple of minutes a simple ball was let through, under the boot of a defender and despite Calum’s best efforts to retrieve the situation the ball trickled into the net. For a brief period we played good football in midfield, with a number of good passing combinations between Luke, Louis, Harry and James, but we struggled to break through. On too many occasions our efforts were hopeful balls over the top, which the steady Halstead defence easily soaked up. The sloping pitch seemed to suck the play over to the left, with little materialising in other sections of the dry and bumpy surface. Then another mistake doubled their score. Once again a ball played through should have been cut out, but was missed, leaving their striker free to run through and score. Moments later Calamity Jane made another appearance. Hesitation amongst the defence resulted in a ball that should have been easily cleared bouncing around the penalty area. Another half clearance landed at the feet of a Halstead player who lobbed the ball hopefully towards goal. Thomas was only able to palm the ball onto the crossbar and into his own net. We had two notable chances, one from Harry who from outside the box poked the ball wide following a ball from Louis, and some rare Halstead panic resulted in Cameron arriving at the back post only to see his effort blocked. Half time came and we re-organised, With James and Harry dropping into midfield and Louis and Freddy up front. Alfie came off suffering from a blister, and Callum replaced Sam. This was a better half for us, as we contained their attacks with more assuredness. We still tended to panic and kick the ball back to them, and we struggled to make any realistic chances. Considering their skill level advantage, I thought we contained them well, and our organisation was good. A goal line blunder left Calum having to clear the ball from under the posts, but other than that Halstead struggled to make an impression. As is our habit these days, we undid all of our good work by allowing a throw in to drop between four defenders to an unchallenged Halstead striker, who gleefully accepted the present and swiped the ball home. Throughout the game a number of players worked extremely hard, notably Jake, Calum, James and Luke. However, we finished the game without really making the Halstead keeper work, and whilst I cringe at the manner of the goals we repeatedly let in Halstead deserved the win. Having said all of this, prior to the match, I again marvelled at the atmosphere amongst the boys. They deserve better, but will need to iron out the mistakes if they are to get it. Thanks to Martin for running the line, and to all the support. Dave Man of the Match – Luke Tzanos – tireless, determined and invaluable.