Rushmoor Community Cobras vs Hook Youth
2 - 0
21 October 2017 · North East Hampshire Youth League<br>U12 Division 3
Away league match played on 21 October 2017.
Kicked off at 9:30 AM
2-0
vs Rushmoor Community Cobras
Away league match
There was a storm brewing at Rushmoor as Hook travelled for the first time in over a month - but with the early KO there was time to get the match completed before it arrived.
Over the last couple of weeks or so, the manager has been pressing home the need for better positional discipline, especially defensively, and has kept in the players' mind that there will be tougher opposition to face than of late. However, if Hook play the way they have been, they should be able to cope with an increase in pressure and still string their passes, and moves, together.
This seemed to work in the first half - albeit, there was a nervousness throughout the team. There were some nice moves, and the players were certainly stretching the opposition. Unfortunately, none of the copious chances were able to be converted, including a penalty, mainly due to rushed (not early) shots. Had even 1 goal been scored, there would have been a very different outcome, I am sure.
In the second half, there was a complete change in the way the game was played. Defensively, there was a real lack of positional discipline - and given Rushmoor were playing 4/5 at the back to stifle Hook going forward, there should have been no concerns managing the few attackers they had.
A number of Rushmoor attacks coming from 'route 1', saw the midfield and defence not pick up that the goalkeepers' kick was consistent... and not once did Hook beat the bounce or drop deeper to win it after. Two second half Rushmoor goals and a lot of pressure against, saw Hook lack attacking potency as the organisation at the back waned.
Had Hook lost whilst playing the way they have done, and can do, the result would not have mattered... but when the simple things are forgotten or ignored, and the performance is below par as a consequence, it makes it more difficult to watch.
The next 2 weeks sees 2 matches against the Rushmoor Vulcans (1 league, and 1 cup), and a chance to recover the performances, and move on.
A huge thanks to Ryan for running the line, and thanks for the support despite the 10 minute deluge of rain in the second half.