Match Report

4th November 2007

Long Melford 0 – Earls Colne 2 (C.Scorer, L.Lee-Allan)

We have now tripled our success rate compared to last year, which leaves a much more satisfying feeling in my tummy. The way we play at times still causes me indigestion, sore throats and ulcers, but a win is my Gaviscon.

We approached the match in ebullient mood, confident that we would overcome Long Melford, as they sat sadly at near bottom of the table. We introduced Daniel for his first match, moved Alfie to the left, but otherwise fielded much the same team.

What struck me from the off was how scrappy the game was and how narrow it was. On a number of occasions all players bar the keepers were within about 30 yards of each other, with the ball flitting about like hot fat in a frying pan. To be honest we were poor. When we did get control of the ball, we punted it over the top for Harry or James to chase, but they were constantly thwarted by the LM keeper, who was out of his goal like Habana with his pants on fire. James had a good chance, but just as he struck the ball it bobbled up, causing a horrible miscue. Harry was causing problems across the defence but struggled to deliver the telling cross. In fact James, Harry, Luke, and Louis all had opportunities to break the deadlock, but none did. Luke’s was the pick of the bunch – a fantastic header following a pinpoint corner from Jake, but the ball went over the LM goal. Daniel thought he had scored on his debut, but the whistle had been blown for offside. A repetitive pattern developed – the keeper cleared, Louis won it in midfield, the ball went over the top and the keeper cleared…

Half time came with no score. The players came off knowing that I was not happy, and that they should have been leading. James and Daniel were rested, and on came Sam and Cameron. The second half continued in much the same vein as the first. The boys were working hard, but in their haste they were mis-controlling or miskicking the ball. Time after time the ball was played through but usually the keeper beat us to the ball. Pace is not something we are over burdened with and this tactic was never going to provide fruit.
The deadlock was broken from a set piece. Jake drifted in an inch perfect ball to Louis, who broke through, but once again met the onrushing madman from Melford. Fortunately the ricochet fell to Cameron who prodded the ball home. We celebrated like we had won the cup. In the last few minutes Alfie played the ball from the left into space. Louis was onto it and had the pace to outrun his defender and strike the ball past the keeper.

So two nil it was. We were the stronger team, but we did not pass the ball the way we had against Boxford, and we were stifled by the defensive nature of Melford. When we lack pace we have to play in a way that does not play into the hands of quicker defenders. Still, it was a beautiful morning, Melford were kind and friendly hosts, and we won. Well done boys.

Man of the Match – Jake – his defensive work was faultless, his corners dangerous, and his free kick was responsible for breaking the deadlock.
Dave




		Under 12s Match Report



		4th November 2007 Long Melford 0 – Earls Colne 2 (C.Scorer, L.Lee-Allan) We have now tripled our success rate compared to last year, which leaves a much more satisfying feeling in my tummy. The way we play at times still causes me indigestion, sore throats and ulcers, but a win is my Gaviscon. We approached the match in ebullient mood, confident that we would overcome Long Melford, as they sat sadly at near bottom of the table. We introduced Daniel for his first match, moved Alfie to the left, but otherwise fielded much the same team. What struck me from the off was how scrappy the game was and how narrow it was. On a number of occasions all players bar the keepers were within about 30 yards of each other, with the ball flitting about like hot fat in a frying pan. To be honest we were poor. When we did get control of the ball, we punted it over the top for Harry or James to chase, but they were constantly thwarted by the LM keeper, who was out of his goal like Habana with his pants on fire. James had a good chance, but just as he struck the ball it bobbled up, causing a horrible miscue. Harry was causing problems across the defence but struggled to deliver the telling cross. In fact James, Harry, Luke, and Louis all had opportunities to break the deadlock, but none did. Luke’s was the pick of the bunch – a fantastic header following a pinpoint corner from Jake, but the ball went over the LM goal. Daniel thought he had scored on his debut, but the whistle had been blown for offside. A repetitive pattern developed – the keeper cleared, Louis won it in midfield, the ball went over the top and the keeper cleared… Half time came with no score. The players came off knowing that I was not happy, and that they should have been leading. James and Daniel were rested, and on came Sam and Cameron. The second half continued in much the same vein as the first. The boys were working hard, but in their haste they were mis-controlling or miskicking the ball. Time after time the ball was played through but usually the keeper beat us to the ball. Pace is not something we are over burdened with and this tactic was never going to provide fruit. The deadlock was broken from a set piece. Jake drifted in an inch perfect ball to Louis, who broke through, but once again met the onrushing madman from Melford. Fortunately the ricochet fell to Cameron who prodded the ball home. We celebrated like we had won the cup. In the last few minutes Alfie played the ball from the left into space. Louis was onto it and had the pace to outrun his defender and strike the ball past the keeper. So two nil it was. We were the stronger team, but we did not pass the ball the way we had against Boxford, and we were stifled by the defensive nature of Melford. When we lack pace we have to play in a way that does not play into the hands of quicker defenders. Still, it was a beautiful morning, Melford were kind and friendly hosts, and we won. Well done boys. Man of the Match – Jake – his defensive work was faultless, his corners dangerous, and his free kick was responsible for breaking the deadlock. Dave