Nettleham

Match Report
Well it was a learning experience lets just say that.
First of all lets look at excuses, 1) 4 team players had played a full game before, 2) 3 first team players were unavailable, 3) We are still inexperienced and in our learning stage,
Now to where it went wrong, well first of all they scored an early goal which immediately killed us off. I think the team were either discussing the tradgedy of bob the builder getting to no. 1 at the the weekend or pondering what theyve had or were going to have for tea (if this was the case then weetabix should have been on the menu). In the first half, Nettleham dominated the game they created chance after chance, after chance. They were the better side and have been playing together for 6 years but this is no excuse. To often the midfield were found wanting and to often they had 20 yards to run and do whatever they liked with the ball. Perhaps we played to deep or perhaps the midfield decided to watch the game rather than play it, or maybe a combination of both. The bottom line is that we didnt measure up. We let them play at us and we didnt keep it simple, we made hard work of an already difficult task. As a consequence we were 4-0 down at half time, one goal may I add was one of the best goals i've seen in a while at this level of football.
In the second half there was an improvement. We started to pass to each other and realised that we were playing in yellow and black rather than blue. We strung moves together, passing flowing moves that actually created chances. However these came to no avail. We didnt use the width enough and far too often the ball was given away carelessly. We didnt give options to each other and played like we had 8 men at times. As I said though it was an improvement, and there were glimmers of good football. In the end we lost 5-0, its a shame we didnt get a goal but maybe it just wasnt our day.
There were some good points though, one in particular. The lads kept their heads up, and a great deal of respect goes to them for that. It would have been easy to think 'we're 4 or 5 goals down, so we might as well give up', but you didnt, and credit to you all for not doing so. You battled, you committed yourselves and at times looked usefull. The defence resisted well in the second half and forced Nettleham to shoot from distance. The midfield, and in particular Jamie Gavin worked their socks off, to track back and get forward on the break. The front men again worked hard always offering support for the midfield and making run, but sadly they had a very strong back line that kept you at bay.
Next week we have Navenby and its an important game, because its the last before the cup match. We'll have a chat before the game, but in the mean time think about where it went wrong and how you 'as a team' can put it right. See you all next week..

Match Ratings
White - 6
Cook - 6
Miller - 6
Dawson - 8
Dodds - 7
Schlicht - 7
Williams - 6
Gavin -7
Blake - 6
Betts - 7
Nocivelli - 6

Subs
Edens - 7

Man Of The Match

Special Thanks
Thank you to Paul for running the line, it was most appreciated. A big thank you to all the parents for a fantastic amount of support. I look forward to seeing you all next week.

James