A difficult game all round. Having multiple chances in the game but not being able to hit the back of the net was frustrating for the boys and myself as I felt we deserved more. Fortunately, in the dying seconds of the game, Rocco hit a wonder strike into the top corner followed by a brilliant celebration in front of the parents, which sealed us the draw after a tough morning.
My favourite moment was when Oli was able to pull off a double wonder save to deny them scoring. It’s now becoming a normal thing for Oli to do this so it’s great to see. My player of the match is Roka. His influence in the game was brilliant using the width to create space for others and having a few chances at goal and getting an assist. On another day he would’ve been adding to his stats this season.
The week’s training focused on us using our wide areas throughout the pitches thirds. This was effective in the game where most of our chances came from wide areas. This week I want us to learn the 3 D’s (Delay, Defend, Deny) this can help us further solidify our defensive principles in games.
A scrappy game all around where physicality reigned supreme over technicality. A couple of poor fouls from the other team was where I thought the boys would lose their heads. However, they were able to keep focused only wanting to beat them even more which was fantastic to see. Ezekiel scoring 2, Paulo scoring 1, Rocco scoring 1 and an own goal was the difference in the game.
My favourite moment had to been when Ezekiel, just before the game ended, dribbled past four of their players to slot in his second of the game!
My player of the match has to be Liam. His improvement in understanding defending duties has been brilliant to see. Examples being that he’s covered well at times when players go too high or are out of position and has made some crucial tackles to break up the play.
This week’s training focused on using the wide areas throughout the pitches thirds. At Coram’s it’s quite narrow, yet we did our best to try and implement this into our game. This week will be focusing on the three D’s (Deny, Defend, Delay). I would like us to do use these in the wide areas using the side line as our ‘best friend’
This Black team are unbeaten at Coram’s Field this season – only one draw with every other game won. The emphasis was for this team is to keep the unbeaten record going and continue playing at the high level.
The team started the game really strong – playing the ball around and getting some shots off at goal. Marlei then picked the ball up and played in Lachlan on the left, who then layed it off to Fallon who fired in the opening goal. The standards then dropped and we were making the game more difficult for ourselves. Struggling to keep possession, we let them start to get control and create some chances. Ilyas was brilliant making tackles and blocks with Jarvis making a couple of saves. The half ended with both teams very even.
The message at half time was clear – play our pass and move football. Stretch the pitch and show desire out of possession. The start to the half was lethargic and we were made to pay with Camden scoring in the bottom left corner to level the game. This goal was fully deserved. But it seemed to give us the impetus we needed to go out and attack the game which is exactly what we did and we got our goal soon after. Isaac on the over lap from defence got played in on the right wing and smashed the ball into the bottom corner for his first goal for the team. The boys were now playing their football and were showing their ability. Moaz scored next with an another finish from the right into the bottom corner.
For the final kick, Amir stepped up for a free kick centrally, just within the opposition half. He took his time and powered a shot straight into the top corner. A bit of spin on the ball, in off the bar. UNREAL! Undoubtedly the highlight of the match. The best goal from a free kick ever seen at Coram’s. Ilyas Shafiq was our player of the match. Ilyas played in defence all game and was outstanding. So many blocks and clearances, doing the dirty work. Composed when on the ball to play out from the back and strong on and off the ball. Excellent game!
At training our big focus was on playing a pass and the moving back into space. This wasn’t evident in the first half but started to do it more and more in the second half and scored more goals. Need to make sure that we get the ball down and play our football using the space. Also,, we need to make sure we are always checking the back post to mark effectively!
A tough game where things didn’t go our way. We had quite a few chances but just the final shot fell short. The opposition scored their goals through counter-attacks where the team were pushing up and the defenders couldn’t catch up. Great positioning by Deminy to take a shot on goal about two yards out, but the goalkeeper made a great save. It was so close! Bakita was solid in defence, and generously offered to go in goal where she made some great saves. Overall great performance where not much got past her.
We worked on 1v1s to improve their ability and confidence to take on players in matches, which was shown with many players displaying skills and tricks to get past opponents. We’re going to ensure despite playing a high line, we give ourselves enough space to track back and make that crucial tackle.
Bloomsbury had some good moments all throughout this game with Janet making some super runs, Esther making some amazing tackles and overall the team fighting all the way to the final whistle. The score line does not show how hard the Bloomsbury players worked and played. However the opposition were quite good at stringing a few passes together that advanced them up the pitch and helped them to score. The BFA girls never gave up in the game and managed to get one goal which was scored by Abi after a brilliant ball from the wing after Janet dribbled the ball up the entire pitch form our box.
Coaches player was Esther as she was amazing in defence making tackles left right and centre. Players player was Muzique for her non-stop running and for making solid tackles and passes in midfield. This week the girls worked a little on how to play out from the back which they did successfully a few times in the game. The girls can be better next week by making sure the gaps between units isn’t too big.
A windy Sunday morning and a match at 9am with a terrible muddy pitch is not the perfect way to start your day. We knew that the opposition would be tough since they’ve won against us before. They are a great team, probably the best one we have to face in our league, but that did not stop us from playing our game and focusing on our performance.
From the off we we pressuring, creating a lot of chances and finding spaces. Our passes were on point. We were able to score first when Max stole the ball in the midfield and with a great pass, found Lorenzo on the left side of the pitch, who drove with the ball and scored the opening goal. Our confidence was off the charts and our performance was getting better and better. The opposition woke up after this and they created a lot of chances, causing us a lot of problems. Particularly their two fast strikers. After a while, one of their strikers found an open space to run with the ball, and crossed the ball in our box. The receiver was their second striker who did not miss the chance and equalized. The first half was very intense with both teams playing great football pressuring and taking lots of shots. Our goalkeepers making incredible saves. Half-time score 1-1.
During the break the players’ efforts were praised since their performance was exceptional. The difference between this match and previous matches was that we were more confident with the ball, we had a clear game plan and our decision-making was, most of the time, perfect.
Once the second half started we seemed to lose our tempo and we could not keep up with the opposition who did not stop. We were facing a lot of issues in the second half, especially in defence. Our levels dropped as we fatigued. The opposing side did not hesitate and took advantage of our mistakes scoring 3 more goals. We knew the match was over but we did not give up and we kept on trying to find the goal that would give us that confidence boost but unfortunately we were not clinical enough when it came to final third. Full time score 4-1.
After the match most of the players and parents were happy, and in my opinion, they should be because our team did an amazing job on Sunday and we are definitely pleased with our progress throughout the season so far. But, there is still a lot of work to do and we always want to become better and reach a desired level of football.
I cannot simply choose one favourite moment because I honestly believe that there are a lot of positives to take from this match. If I had to choose one player from our team it probably would be Max. Max on Sunday was simply phenomenal in midfield. Most of the decisions that he made (touch, pass, turn, movement) were flawless. His performance helped the team score (assisted Lorenzo) and win most of our battles in the midfield without getting out of shape or holding on the ball too much.
This week’s training helped our team positively. The players had the chance to see for themselves the mistakes they were making during the match and they were able to fix most of them. This helped them to understand more what their role is and the responsibilities that come with it and their performance level, their work-rate and their attitude was fantastic and they were praised for it! We could raise our fitness levels so the players can be sharper when it comes to match, because most of the times our players are struggling with fatigue and it is not easy for them. Also, our defence in the second half was not good enough if we compare it to the first half of the match. We need to be consistent and impeccable with our decisions and sometimes our communication needs to better between us, as we are always looking for ways to improve as individuals and as a team!
What a great way to kick of the year! A big win for the team putting 12 past HWH. Hat trick from captain Laura and four from star striker Kayla, scoring three in 4 minutes. Muzique scored two goals in the second half as she moved positions from defence into midfield. Janet and Tara also scored, both after great pressing from the oppositions goal kicks and taking the ball for a solo run. Amazing talent on display and a great way to gel the team!
O’miya’s goal was the pick of the bunch, sprinting back post to stretch and reach a perfect ball in from Laura. For this moment and excellent footwork throughout the game O’Miya received coaches player of the match. Big shoutout to Janet who went in goal for the first half when it was so cold and then Shola for completing the clean sheet. Incredible to watch the team play and build up the field with ease, controlling the game brilliantly, which is what we have been working on in training. Our corners are sometimes wasted so we need to remember to keep the ball low on such small pitches for 7v7.
Due to a few players being ill, Bloomsbury had 9 players for this game with all 9 playing excellently and giving it their all from start to finish. 3 minutes into the game Kayla fires the ball past the goalkeeper to give Bloomsbury an early lead, Bloomsbury then continued to apply pressure and were linking up well in the middle of the pitch to progress the ball. Janet managed to beat the keeper twice in the first half 3 minutes apart to take the score line to 3-0.
The opposition never gave up and managed to get close to goal but our super defenders put some strong challenges in. However, on a few occasions the opposition managed to get shots away that Shola saved spectacularly. The highlights of the match. Overall a very good game from the U14’s with all players putting an absolute shift in.
Coaches player was Shola for her unreal performance in goal, stopping multiple shots and playing some good balls. Players player was Kayla for her amazing performance at striker, starting the scoring 3 minutes in and then continuing to fight for the ball and playing some good football with the players around her. This week we worked on playing out from the back which was done well a few times in this game. We can be better next week by talking slightly more on the pitch.
It was a scrappy game from the first minute, with strong tackles and plenty of aggression between both sides. However, our team maintained our play style and effort levels throughout. John started the goal scoring with a great blindside run behind the left centre back, as Yacine Gharouz played an excellent through ball and John finished coolly beyond the keeper. The roles were reversed for our second goal as John chased onto the ball from the right side, seeing Yacine making a run forward. John plays another quality ball into the on rushing Yacine, to then finish expertly and give the team a 2-0 advantage.
The second half turned into a basketball game as both teams were taking turns launching several counter attacks. However, neither side was able to score in the second half. My highlight was captain, Levi Falade, taking a team talk right after our first goal. Despite taking the lead, he loudly stated, ‘We’re not playing the football we’re meant to be!’ It was fantastic to see our captain lead by example and demand more from himself and our team. He is moulding himself into exactly the type of captain that James and I were hoping he would become when we handed him the armband alongside Seb Darnell. A young man maturing into a confident leader who his players and coaches trust and appreciate. Our captain!
Gavin Donkor was our player of the match. From one centre back to another, Gavin joined the team in the new year and has been a breath of fresh air. Since joining, we have won 3 WFL matches on the bounce, conceding only 2 goals and playing with a solid foundation at the back. His blend of great athleticism, knowledge and composure has allowed those around him to play with more confidence. A nightmare to play against as the opposition strikers couldn’t get around him, and a great partnership is forming between Gavin and Levi as the core of our defence.
We’ve had two great weeks of training, as the consistency of the players and the effort applied has been extremely strong. Our work on playing under pressure and improving the quality of our passes resulted in two great goals to give us the win. To improve we want consistency from every player and coach. Another week will allow us to continue honing our skills on and off the ball which will allow us to thrive as individuals and as a team. The boys have had a great 2024, but they are hungry and eager to push on!
It was a tough game for us to get going. We spent much of the game behind and struggled to string together passes and win tackles, going 2-0 down with 12 minutes left. We’ve been in this position and have struggled to create any impact in the game.
However, the team created a new energy and belief as we continued to push. John pouncing on a parry from the keeper to finish from a tight angle, getting us back in the game.
Seb Darnell was fouled on the halfway line and handed the freekick to Alex Dhoot.
Alex then looked to play a lofted ball into the danger area, with a number of players acting as a distraction, the keeper misjudged the ball as it bounced, hit the post, and ended up in the goal. First time in my coaching career that my keeper has scored. It had to be the moment of the match. A fantastic end to the game where we played with great aggression and intensity, winning the midfield battle and pushing until the last minute, as we secured our first points at Market Road.
Vinnie Maguire was our player of the match. Vinnie is a player who epitomizes consistency and effort. Rarely does he have a poor game regardless of the result and he is a player who is an unsung hero for us. He continued with another fine display, tirelessly working up and down the pitch, always protecting his goal and working hard for his team. A good couple weeks of training where all are focused and eager to improve. We want more consistency!
We kicked off our Friday evening game against Regents Park. Regents come out of the blocks quickly, their number 6 having a shot blocked from a corner. We clear the resulting corner and try to counter but it comes to nothing. 10 minutes in, the game begins to settle, with both teams having possession but not creating much. We win the ball following a loose pass from Regents. Andrea drives with the ball and finds Dillon, he cuts inside and tees up Bilal who shoots just wide!!
We begin to take control of the game, but Regents are in a really low block and we are finding it hard to break them down. We decide to make four changes to freshen things up. 20 minutes in we win a corner, its whipped in by Markus, it falls to Lamin who heads just wide. Tom sends a long ball into Regents’ half, their defender misses the ball, it falls to Lamin but he lashes wide!! Last 5 before the half ends, Andrea finds Naison, he drives with the ball, beats 4 players and lashes home!! What a goal! The highlight of the match! 1-0 Blooms!! We go in up at the break.
The second half begins, we continue where we left off. Dillon finds Bilal who shoots but its saved by the keeper. Regents quickly react. The ball is crossed in by their winger, their striker heads but its saved by Tom. Regents needing a goal begin to press more, leaving gaps for us to exploit at the back. Felix wins the ball, drives down the line and crosses for Bilal who’s shot is saved. Midway through the second half, Willem picks up the ball in our half, drives forward beating their whole team and shoots, but its saved by their keeper. Regents continue to press but don’t create much. We hang on for a fully deserved win!!! 1-0 Blooms!!
Naison was our player of the match. Naison was very direct and it was what we needed to beat their low block. We worked on combination play and it was good seeing the patterns coming through in the game. To improve, and I feel like I say this every week, we need to be more clinical in front of goal!
Following a Friday night break, and ready to bounce back after a first defeat of the season last time out, BFA came into this League Cup semi-final feeling refreshed and reinvigorated, making our intentions clear from the very first whistle. The tempo of our play in possession, coupled with some good off the ball movement was a nightmare for the Omonia defence to contain. The breakthrough came midway through the first half; Yotam side stepping past his marker after receiving a pass from Sam, to rifle his shot into the top corner!
Jayden Irish, nursing a hamstring injury, and filling in as goal keeper, as we were without a regular goalkeeper, pulled off a miraculous save when their striker found himself through with a 1v1. Moments later Eliot continued to show why he is such a constant goal threat, beating his defender with sheer strength to slot past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. Omonia managed to claw one back just before half time as we looked to keep a clean sheet til the break. But a lapse in concentration allowed them in behind once again. This proved to be their last meaningful attack.
Early in the second half, one of the moves of the season came to fruition. Alexey dropped his shoulder to whip a cross in from the left hand side, which was deftly flicked on by Eliot into the path of an onrushing Tristan who volleyed home emphatically! We rang the changes and gave some players key minutes as we continued to apply pressure and ultimately close out a well deserved victory!
Yotam’s first goal of the season was the highlight of the match – an absolute beauty! Eliot Hyseni, once again, despite playing through pain, turned in a player of the match performance. A goal and an assist epitomised the hunger he displayed coming into the fixture! This week we worked on passing and movement combinations in the middle areas of the pitch, focusing on our attention to detail in terms of the weight and direction of the pass as well as the timings of both the passes and the runs. Let’s get a good turnout at training and continue to build relationships on the pitch.
HARD WORK PAYS OFF!
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