Heigham Park Rangers Match Report 24/9/11

Saturday saw our first home match of the season and what a way to start it!

Having 8 players available to play meant that we could have 2 players substituted each half and then everyone would get an equal go. Although we should play 5 a side according to the league it seems that most sides want to play 6 a side and more players have a go.

We kicked off against Hillside, who looked a handy team with some very nimble attackers plus a good goalie. We started off with a superb 1 - 2 from Aiden on the wing who knocked it in the box for Archie to put away, very professional! The second came after a strong attacking run of play, with Frankie and Luke working their sides well. The result was an own goal with Archie getting in on the act and forcing the defensive mistake.

Half time saw Ted out of goal and take over up front. Again Felix and Luke worked their sides well, Aiden also having many good shots at goal. We did get a bit muddled at times and out of position. Ted eventually worked the ball over the line. 3-0, the final score.

We then watched as Blofield took on Hellesdon, this was a very even match, which Blofield won 2-1.

Blofield were up next, but had a suitable rest before we started! Again Archie took a lovely long shot and got us on the scoreboard, Luke followed, taking advantage of the goalie fumbling the ball. Evie then scored after several excellent attempts, Archie followed. Frankie also contributed to a lot of goalfront action. Ted, Felix and Aiden followed to make it a final score of 7-0.

The final match saw Hellesdon lose to Hillside in a bit of a one-sided match. One had the feeling that the Hellesdon team were a bit dispirited.

These 2 games highlighted the fact we are a strong team and have really developed positional awareness and passing abilities. Evie and Max were outstanding in defence and it is very noticeable that the coaches don't need to remind them what to do as they were doing it instinctively.

Well done to all the volunteers in goal, without a player ready to take on this role we need everyone to have a go in this position. The new goalie shirt is also an incentive, thanks Michael.

Man of the match: Archie for brilliant ball skills, unselfish play, 3 goals and well, he's the birthday boy!

James

Friendly Match Report 17/9/11

Pre season friendly at Hellesdon.

What a superb start to the season!

The game started with the squad watching Firside and Hellesdon play. It was a very entertaining game to watch with a couple of players obviously very talented and the boys took notes on what they saw especially how easy a big shot at goal from distance could be worth a go! I ref'd and nearly missed the flurry of goals at the end. Final score: Firside 5 Hellesdon 4

We had a squad of 9 players and quickly found out who wanted to play in goal, making sure any goalies also had the opportunity to play out field as well each game, partly as a reward for stepping up to the plate!

We decided to let all players play one half for each game which would ensure everyone played equal time.

We played Hellesdon first who took an early lead despite Ted's acrobats in goal. We did seem to be a bit muddled to start with and needed a better passing game. The second half Aiden and Ted came to our rescue with 2 fine goals. Result: Hellesdon 1 HPR 2

Firside followed and Aiden seemed to sniff the possibility of easy goals. He was quickly to the fore and made a hatrick in the first half. Felix, in goal, let one through but also made a fine save. Half time 3-1.

The second half saw Archie up to his old tricks up front with a well timed shot and goal. Ted followed and then in a supreme act of teamwork (when he could have scored himself) Archie passed to Ted, who scored after the goalie dramatically fumbled the ball and it went over the line! Result: HPR 6 Firside 1

The shape of play was one up front, 1 defender and 2 midfield. It was nice to see, as the match progressed, midfielders starting to play on the LEFT and RIGHT. (That's with a little encouragement from adults).

Well done Luke and Frankie who are starting to keep their positions and show really plucky tackles! Frankie also went close at times in scoring. Max and Evie are to be congratulated for their excellent defensive presence and timing.

Evie was the unanimous stand out player from the managing team and PLAYER OF THE MATCH! Thanks for the good turn out from parents and support.