Match Report - OAKWOOD YOUTH

With players dropping out before the game and another having to leave shortly after half time on top of not having a recognised GK in the squad, this was always going to be a tough afternoon.

We had a good warm up, talked through the tactics and roles of each player and I felt we prepared ourselves the best we could.

When their squad started to arrive, it was clear to see that 9 or 10 players from the Whyteleafe Youth FC (the Oakwood coach helps out there on Sundays) we’re going to be playing a big part.

And that is how it started, 1-0 early on as Jack Crosby (made captain for the day) was dropping back without checking shoulders and Aidan was not so confident when coming off his line. No blame here, just highlighting things that could have improved.

The Oakwood game plan was to play out short from the back and retain possession and they did this brilliantly. We chased hard but only the front 3 of Rio, Ty and Tyler (until he was replaced by Harrison) were doing it. The midfield 3 were given an instruction to hit them hard early, let them know you’re there…. It took us 35 minutes to land a big tackle which Jack H did brilliantly.

We held on until the last 5 minutes of the half before we conceded another 2 goals in quick succession.

As we kicked off the 2nd half it took us a while to get used to another new keeper and also Aidan playing in a CM role that was challenging. When he paired up with Ty at the back we looked better.

We had a few chances and on another day we would have nicked one. But they were errors that we forced them to make. We have to chase hard as a front 3 and the midfield 3 has to push too. I know it’s hard lads but that is the job.

With a fully fit squad of 16, including a keeper, I believe we keep the score down to 3 or 4z

Well done to all the worked their ass’s off today ????