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.