Lakeford Rangers Match Report 17/3/12

Another visit to Taverham, one of our favourite teams and one we are keen to beat again.

Lakeford game (final score 1 -1)

The league match was against Lakeford, a team we easily beat 4 - 0 last time. The pre-match warm up was based heavily on passing and the need to think about space and movement. We deployed the new piece of training kit - the tactic board, which was well received by the players and went a long way to giving them more understanding about positional play. Another new rule for the team is that the subs watch their team mates during the match to get an idea of who's playing well and what the other team are like.

HPR were straight into passing mode and soon had Lakeford on the run, although they had a couple of big players. Note to parents - more spinach for HPR members in future. Archie R made some fine runs forward with good passing between himself and Ted, but had to contend with a tall Lakeford defender so wasn't able to get a shot in. Sol in goal and Max and Felix in defence broke up any attacks. It was 0 - 0 at half time and the Jammy Dodgers were issued to the subs who were coming on.

The second half squad carried on the passing play brilliantly and were unlucky to get only one goal by Archie R despite some well timed passes from Luke into Frankie in front of goal. A bit more work on finishing required. Aidan and Evie frustrated the Lakeford forwards, but unfortunately one of their big defenders forced his way down the right wing and was lucky to squeeze a close range shot past Archie G. Final score 1 - 1.

The team decided to get as muddy and wet as possible in the break between games while we waited to play a friendly against Taverham.

Taverham friendly (final score HPR lost 3 - 0)

The first half squad started well keeping the Taverham attacks at bay - the ginger haired fella posing a big danger with some monster throw-ins (taken quickly, note HPR). Ted had a bit of work to do in goal (definitely the most acrobatic goalie in the squad) but the 0 - 0 score line at half time was promising.

By the second half, the team, the tactic board and the grown-ups were all somewhat damp. The main problem being the pen wouldn't work so we couldn't do a quick bit of tactic prep using the new board. The elements conspired against us and the good training work from earlier had seemed to have been forgotten as Taverham were able to get through and right in front of goal. Despite at least one spectacular save, they put three past Frankie from close range. So the team ended a bit dejected and very muddy but as ever seemed to take it in their stride.

Player of the match was Archie R for a fabulous strike and quick thinking passes.

The adults agreed that the gap between games in future needs to be more structured as a continuous training session as we felt is was during this time that the players focus slipped and left them unprepared for the second match.

Next games are at home on 31 March against Blofield and Old Catton Lions.

Norwich Corinthians Match Report 3/3/12

Today's two matches were always going to be tough, with the Corinthians 'hand-picked super team' and a determined Taverham side (as we beat them 3 - 0 last time). Although the final outcome could have been better, there are many teams in the league that have come off far worse. There were flashes of brilliance from all the players today and it comes when they are thinking ahead. That's the next step in training (if only to save the adults heated vocal encouragement - or shouting - from the sidelines).

No photos as I forgot to get the camera out. Any parents who fancy taking some snaps in future, please let us know.

Taverham game (HPR lost 2 - 0)

HPR soon had the Taverham side on the back foot but the play was end to end . A throw in deep into the HPR end resulted in a goal kick which was poached and soon back in the HPR net. 1 - 0 to Taverham. A painful incident for Ted and a chance for HPR from a free kick taken by Archie R was stopped by the goalie with Ted firing the rebound back going straight to the goalie hands. Evie did well to cover the goal as HPR noticeably weren't as hungry as usual. A Taverham corner produced their second goal, Frankie said it came off him as the big red haired player pushed him over - one of several physical challenges from the blues and this one resulting in a substitution as Aidan came on to cover defence.

The team were swapped around for the second half with some good coverage by Archie G in midfield, clearing a corner with a fine header. Frankie made a decent save to keep the score line the same.

Norwich Corinthians game (HPR lost 2 - 1)

A short break and a jammy dodger each and we were up against the 'wonderteam'. The HPR defence weren't having any of it from the start and we were soon putting pressure on the hand picked yellows. Max and Felix were holding the back and Ted kept his eye on the ball making some good judgements. Frankie put in some strong midfield play and quick thinking claiming the ball and getting it quickly up to Archie R, who popped one home, much to the delight of the team. The yellows pressed straight forward and forced a fine save from Ted from some tense goal mouth action. Frankie continued to make play in midfield and Archie R had two more attempts saved.

The second half played out differently, but some highlights included a mighty save from Archie G. The HPR defence needed to remain solid for this half to protect the lead, but Corinthians made the most of it and had two goals, one from a lucky (for them) goal kick. Sol felt frustrated in midfield and wasn't able to demonstrate his best skills, but his form on the pitch caused a lot of problems for the opposition. His developing speed and footwork will establish him as a midfield star. Aidan and Luke were able to make a couple of breaks forward but just couldn't out fox the opposition as they usually do. Aidan was unlucky with a fine run and shot that went just wide close to the final whistle.

Player of the match was Frankie for quick thinking and dynamic midfield play.

We had a good post match team talk where it was agreed that our team are all very good friends and we all get to play, and we all enjoy. As someone said "it's only a game". And we will deploy the 'Jammy Dodger' tactic before any future games!

Next match is against Lakeford at Taverham on 17 March (although we will probably play a friendly match or two that day against Norwich United and Taverham).