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| Football 1st XI Team 'Blog' |
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Eagle House 1st XI Michaelmas 2010 Squad: Borja Eizaguirre; Sven Winkler; Oscar Gaff*; Charlie Waters†; Ben Barnard†; Lucas Bamber*; Ali Tilmouth; Will Rowlands; Hassan Rubbani*; George Wilks†©; Mika Kenny; James Fowlie; Harry Rees; Aman Ale (* Colours † Half-Colours)
P 8 W 3 D 0 L 5 For 16 Agn 16
Last Match v Lambrook Wednesday 13th October Home Eagle House 0 Lambrook 2
Team Selected: Borja Eizaguirre; Harry Rees; Sven Winkler; Oscar Gaff*; Mika Kenny; Charlie Waters†; Lucas Bamber*; Will Rowlands; Hassan Rubbani*; George Wilks†©; Ben Barnard†; Aman Ale. Lambrook have had a terrific season and the team arrived at Eagle House confident after a big win at Crosfields on the weekend. The home side had also been playing well but without much reward. Although quite a skilful and well-organised group they had their work cut out to compete against the superior strength and pace of many of their opponents. Certainly Lambrook had a huge advantage in this area and they were a very competent side with a very strong spine to the team. In the first ten minutes of the game Eagle House were hardly able to get a foot on the ball as the visitors commanded the arena, setting their powerful and pacy striker through on goal three times. Oscar and Sven were forced to be on red alert to his threat at all times. The midfield were being outrun and Lambrook were the first to every ball. A scrappy goal was conceded, the least deserving strike in a series of chances and the situation looked ominous - it was difficult to see how the Eagle would be able to turn this around.
The captain, George, played a decisive part in getting his team back into contention. He dropped a little further into midfield and combined with Charlie and Lucas to battle for every inch of space in the midfield. Against bigger, faster players who were not short on skill, this was really tough and I was really impressed with this effort. Suddenly the momentum turned and the chances in the second quarter all fell to Eagle House. One brilliant move started with George finding a little space deep in his own half and rifling a precision pass to Ben's feet. Ben drew three defenders before laying off a nicely weighted ball the found Will speeding through from the right flank. He had half a second to fire in his shot before the challenge came in and he timed it beautifully. The strike arrowed towards the top right corner and drew an outstanding save from the Lambrook keeper who touched it over. This was brilliant football to watch at any level as the play was so well executed under extreme pressure.
The home team were able to set up three more chances before the half came to a close and were hopeful that they could keep the action in the opponent's half and force an equaliser. The second half was less exciting as both teams tired - Lambrook took a level of control in the game. Although Charlie, George and Lucas made sure that they were unable to exert the dominance of the early minutes and the home defence dealt well with the threats, Eagle House were similarly unable to work their strikers free. A second goal was conceded through poor communication and the win became an unlikely outcome. But full marks to the players for keeping on trying throughout the sixty minutes - they battled well against the odds and in the dying minutes a dangerous cross once again found Will in space - he sped in to compete for the fifty-fifty ball with the goalkeeper and did really well. The keeper won the challenge and Will took a few minutes to get up. That moment encapsulated the game - the home team tried their very best against another bigger, stronger, faster team with similar skills . . . they accepted the challenge, performed very well but just lost out. The big disappointment was that with such good strikes coming from both sides, both goals were a little scrappy. However, all the parents of both teams agreed that the game was contested at a considerably higher level than the international staged the night before. Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: Borja Eizaguirre 6, Sven Winkler 8, Oscar Gaff 8, Charlie Waters 9, Ben Barnard 8, Lucas Bamber 9, Will Rowlands 8, Hassan Rubbani 7, George Wilks 9, Mika Kenny 7, Harry Rees 7, Aman Ale 5.
Match 1 v Sunningdale Away Sunningdale 1 Eagle House 3 (Goals: G.Wilks 4, 42; A. Tilmouth 38) Team Selected: Borja Eizaguirre; Sven Winkler; Oscar Gaff; Charlie Waters; Ben Barnard; Lucas Bamber; Ali Tilmouth; Will Rowlands; Hassan Rubbani; George Wilks ©; Mika Kenny; James Fowlie
The game proved to be an excellent opener to the season for the Eagle House team in that each player was presented with a genuine challenge to their skill, spirit and determination. Although Sunningdale were unable to test Borja very often, they did compete very well in midfield and up the flanks. Only some astute and determined play in defence kept them away from the danger area. I think it was fair to say that Sunningdale probably shaded possession in the first half and were able to mount periods of sustained pressure. However, Eagle House crafted the more clear cut chances and went close with several great shots. In the second half the defenders were more familiar with their roles and played very well, this enabled the midfield to be more combative and Eagle House certainly finished the stronger side. For the second year in a row an Eagle House captain (George Wilks & Adam Dewes 09) was able to settle any early nerves, moving in on a good through ball from the right of midfield, to slot an accurate shot just inside the left hand post to beat the very capable Sunningdale goalkeeper. A similar move followed minutes later and Hassan's pace and tricky feet gave the home defence a real headache. One brilliant passage of play saw the goalkeeper save form Hassan beating the ball just clear of the penalty area. Lucas cleverly lobbed it back towards the top corner of the goal only for the Sunningdale left back to produce a miracle header to push it over the bar. Eagle House had much of the possession at this point and should have drawn away further, but some good saves and a tendency to run offside, helped the blue team survive the pressure and establish a foothold in the game.
Their committed midfield battled for possession and were consistently able to feed their tall and skilful left winger. This player was very swift and Sven did very well to contain him and keep his threat restricted to the wide areas. Nevertheless, Sunningdale used him as an outlet to probe forward and they had the bulk of possession in the second quarter. They made it very difficult to clear the ball and eventually their pressure paid off. A great tackle won them the ball which rebounded free across the penalty area where their powerful striker gave Borja no chance with a blistering shot into the right corner. James came on the second half and was able to make a difference, adding a bit of tenacity to the midfield effort. Oscar was imperious and he certainly made it difficult for the Sunningdale attack to get free. Charlie and Ben also got themselves into the game to make a more positive contribution. As a result the blue attack was largely subdued, however the Eagle House strikers were also struggling to find a way through on goal in the face of resolute defence. Ali was now the one who found himself in space before being shut out by two clean but crunching tackles. Nevertheless, when his chance came, Ali fired away the fiercest of shots which the goalkeeper parried but was unable stop, to put Eagle House a goal up. Soon afterwards George ran through on goal from another penetrating ball from Lucas to make the win a little more secure.
Just as importantly you looked and behaved impeccably and you were congratulated by the referee (the Headmaster) on the way you presented yourselves, your fair play and your manners. Manners cost you nothing but they win you respect and this means just as much as playing well. The same can be said of the Sunningdale team and consequently, win or lose, everybody goes home feeling good about the game. Well done to all. Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: Borja Eizaguirre 6, Sven Winkler 7, Oscar Gaff 8, Charlie Waters 6, Ben Barnard 6, Lucas Bamber 8, Ali Tilmouth 6, Will Rowlands 5, Hassan Rubbani 7, George Wilks 7, Mika Kenny 5, James Fowlie 6.
Match 2 v Cranleigh Home Eagle House 1 Cranleigh 4 (Goal: Rubbani 12) Team Selected: Borja Eizaguirre; Sven Winkler; Oscar Gaff; Charlie Waters; Ben Barnard; Lucas Bamber; Ali Tilmouth; Will Rowlands; Hassan Rubbani; George Wilks ©; Mika Kenny. The final score suggests a comfortable win for the Cranleigh team, but this was a very even contest and the scores remained level until the last five minutes of the game when the visitors managed to score three 'perfect' goals from long range. Unfortunately, there was little that the defenders and the goalkeeper could do about it. You could say that there was an element of 'luck' in these goals in that they were speculative shots that angled into the very top corner of the net, but only in the same way as a golfer is lucky with a hole in one. So well done to Cranleigh, they managed to weather the storm during a long period of the second half when Eagle House had the bulk of possession and made a number of good openings, to strike back decisively when chances came their way.
Midfield Wizardry Cranleigh got off to an impressive start in the first five minutes, winning most of the fifty-fifty balls and setting up a string of chances. Some good last ditch defending and rushed finishing kept the scores level before determined running and a crisp finish saw the home team fall behind. The outlook did not look good at this point as Eagle House struggled to compete physically with the commitment that the visitors were showing in their game. It was particularly pleasing that the Eagle House team were able to raise their game with a particularly strong piece of defensive play and a positive clearance from Charlie enabling Hassan to spin past two of his markers and hare in on goal. He then beat the onrushing keeper to finish with a delicate chip. This really raised the spirits in the home camp and the momentum started to swing their way. However, the neat passing and clever ball work often came to nothing as players rushed their passing or were indecisive as they reached the penalty area. Cranleigh were still a major threat on the break and their more direct approach created the clearer chances. Cranleigh lost a player through injury at the end of the first half and their opportunities were a little less common, but Eagle House were unable to assert their advantage where it counted and were severely punished by some outstanding finishes in the last five minutes that turned a very even match into a heavy defeat.
Tough Game!
Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: Borja Eizaguirre 5, Sven Winkler 6, Oscar Gaff 7, Charlie Waters 6, Ben Barnard 7, Lucas Bamber 7, Ali Tilmouth 5, Will Rowlands 6, Hassan Rubbani 8, George Wilks 7, Mika Kenny 6.
Match 3 v Yateley Manor Wednesday 22nd September Away
Yateley Manor 2 Eagle House 0 Team Selected : Borja Eizaguirre; Sven Winkler; Oscar Gaff; Charlie Waters; Ben Barnard; Lucas Bamber; Ali Tilmouth; Will Rowlands; Hassan Rubbani; George Wilks ©; Mika Kenny; James Fowlie The game today proved that the will to win is a vital element in a sporting contest. The Yateley side had some very good players in key positions along the spine of the team but they battled hard to assert themselves in the first ten minutes of the game, establishing a pattern that the visiting side were unable to break. Oscar, Sven and Charlie in the Eagle House defence, backed up by the tireless Ben and Lucas, competed resolutely, defending wave after wave attacks and clearing well. They were not supported nearly well enough by their team mates who showed such little fight to retain the ball and to buy a bit of breathing space for their exhausted comrades. Ambitious first time flicks and casual touches all surrendered quick ball to the grateful Yateley midfield, and more pressure came to bear on the straining red defence.
Unsurprisingly, this continuous pressure eventually paid dividends when their powerful and speedy centre forward was put clear and, for once, Oscar found himself caught on the wrong side of him, unable to make up ground. Sven had also worked himself to a standstill chasing these players all afternoon and half time came with Eagle House hardly having managed to string two passes together and only one weak shot on goal. The half time talk had to be a 'Wake Up' call, and with James bolstering the midfield a little, things certainly improved. It was pleasing that you were able to step up your efforts and that you actually had the edge in possession in the second half. There were periods of severe pressure that the home side did well to survive, and their excellent goalkeeper had to come out bravely on a number of occasions to dive at the feet of the Eagle House attack. The howitzer of a clearance kick that he possessed was their major threat towards the end and Charlie had to be particularly sharp and strong to get in ahead of the tall striker and clear the ball under intense pressure. Full marks to Ben who really put in the yards today to help out all over the park. Hassan was a constant threat but few of our offensive players were able to influence the game with their skill and the commitment in evidence was not at a level I expect from first team players.
The exeat weekend is a natural time to look at team selection and to try out a few new options. Clearly the players who are chosen to control the very centre of the park do not work effectively together and something needs to be done to address this lack of pace and lack of determination in this area. There is not huge pressure coming from the second team squad this year, but we need to shake things up and some changes will need to be made. To start the season I try to pick the most skilful players on show and blend them into a side. However skill is not the only factor in soccer and this team needs more 'heart'. Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: Borja Eizaguirre 5, Sven Winkler 8, Oscar Gaff 8, Charlie Waters 8, Ben Barnard 8, Lucas Bamber 8, Ali Tilmouth 4, Will Rowlands 4, Hassan Rubbani 8, George Wilks 6, Mika Kenny 4, James Fowlie 6.
Match 4 v Hall Grove Wednesday 29th September Home Eagle House 2 Hall Grove 3 (Goals: J. Fowlie 12; H. Rubbani 35) Team Selected : Borja Eizaguirre; Sven Winkler; Oscar Gaff; Charlie Waters; Ben Barnard; Lucas Bamber; Ali Tilmouth; Will Rowlands; Hassan Rubbani; George Wilks ©; Mika Kenny; James Fowlie The sweeping changes that I planned to make for this match never quite came about, because there has been no early season pressure from the players in the 2nd XI. However yesterday's practice showed that there is competition now and it was up to those currently in the 1st XI to show their worth. The players tried their best today and I can't really fault any individual for effort. My major complaint is that so few of the things we cover in training have been put into practice on match days and basic errors are allowed to undermine the overall performance.
Two of the three goals conceded today were a consequence of the naive play. After a good start when Eagle House took the contest forward into the Hall Grove area and mounted a good early spell of pressure, James hit a good strike from the edge of the penalty area which flew into the top left corner of the goal. However, long clearances kept posing a threat and the visiting forwards found it easy to get 'goal side' of their markers. Sven did not look at all comfortable and the ball seemed to ricochet all around him most of the day. Oscar did a great job covering as usual but made an error that led to the equaliser. Trying to clear across your own 'box' is fraught with danger but our defenders have all been culpable this season. This time the ball struck Charlie who was getting back in support, the rebound cannoned sweetly for the Hall Grove striker to home in on goal and clip the ball past Borja. Hall Grove started to sense that they could gain a victory here and their direct play was well suited to the rainy conditions today. The extra long throw in of their huge centre half was a great asset and this repeatedly put the home defence on the back foot. Their players certainly had the edge in size and pace and this served them well as Eagle House struggled to adapt their fantasy football style in the heavy rain. The two goals that earned Hall Grove their win both came from well struck corners - the first flew across goal and would have run through safely if Mika had let it do so. However his attempt to control the ball on the 5 metre line as the rain swept down, was dangerous and the loose ball was pounced on by the alert striker to earn the visitors a slender lead. This is where defenders have to talk to one another - team mates (and especially the goal keeper) need to inform the player on the ball that he can let it go without danger, otherwise he is compelled to play a difficult ball.
Hassan scored the goal of the game soon after. George Wilks received a pass from Will and he conjured a delightful chip to turn the defence. Hassan was clearly held but he still ran on to beat three defenders to the ball and clip his strike past the keeper's brave dive to level the scores. Both keepers had put in very brave performances and they could not be faulted on a difficult day for defenders. In the final minutes the Hall Grove defence were stretched to breaking point and only a fine save and an extraordinary goal-line clearance denied Eagle House the lead. However, a brilliantly struck corner and a towering header unchallenged at the near post meant that the home side were behind with only five minutes to go. This heralded a spell of all out attack in which two clear chances were made, but excellent goal-keeping and dogged defending saw Hall Grove hand on for a brave victory. Luck is a factor in sport. This was a game that, on another day, might have been won. However, at some point you players on the pitch have to take a game by the scruff of the neck and make your own luck. This comes from effort and concentration - being prepared to make that extra effort to put opponents under pressure - refusing to accept that your direct opponent is going to get the better of you. Our record is not good this year. We cannot lie down and accept this. Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: Borja Eizaguirre 8, Sven Winkler 4, Oscar Gaff 8, Charlie Waters 6, Ben Barnard 6, Lucas Bamber 7, Ali Tilmouth 6, Will Rowlands 6, Hassan Rubbani 8, George Wilks 8, Mika Kenny 5, James Fowlie 6.
Match 5 v St Pirans Saturday 2nd October Away
St Pirans 0 Eagle House 2 (Goals: H. Rubbani 32; B. Barnard 40.) Team Selected : Borja Eizaguirre; Sven Winkler; Oscar Gaff; Charlie Waters; Ben Barnard; Lucas Bamber; Ali Tilmouth; Will Rowlands; Hassan Rubbani; George Wilks ©;Mika Kenny; James Fowlie; Harry Rees; Aman Ale. This game was played on quite a small pitch with junior goals, so the players had to adapt quickly to the circumstances and find ways to create space by using all the width available. Clear opportunities to shoot on goal proved hard to come by and although Eagle House had the lion's share of possession in the first half, there were only three strikes that showed a genuine threat. When a side has most of the initiative they are often prone to being caught on the break, but full marks went to the back four today. The skills they have seem to compliment each other. Mika is starting to learn his trade at left back and had by far his best game this season. Oscar continues to be a dominating figure in the centre of defence and Sven was back to his best today. Harry Rees came into the side at right back and he immediately impressed with his composure on the ball and his ability to make the correct decisions in tight situations. Aman also made his 1st XI debut and he too showed flashes of his genuine potential.
The one serious danger that gave the visiting team a scare came late in the first half when the St. Pirans midfielder advanced unchecked towards to right of the Red penalty area and was allowed to have a speculative pot at goal. The looping shot caught Borja off his line and he was only able to palm the ball onto the cross bar. Decisive action from Harry allowed Oscar and Sven to scramble the ball clear and they were able to stay in charge for the rest of the game. At half time the scores were still level and it looked like it was going to take something a little special to open up the home defence. Ali came on as a substitute and he looked back to his positive form at the start of the season. He conjured a brilliant diagonal pass from wide on the right and picked the lock to find Hassan bursting through the middle. He drew the goalkeeper and coolly placed his shot in the corner of the net.
The midfield was a little off the pace early on with Lucas carrying an injury and Ben seeming a little below par. With Aman and Will playing so wide, it did leave quite a lot of work to be done and many of the half clearances fell to the sky blue team. Charlie worked very hard in this area to gain a measure of control and as the game progressed he and Ben asserted themselves more on proceedings. The second, crucial goal came when a decisive cross from Harry turned defence into attack. His perfectly placed curving ball was met by a firm header from Ben at the far post, he angled his strike across the goalkeeper into the bottom right corner of the net to put the visitors two up. Eagle House continued to threaten towards the end of the game and the home team were forced to concede a string of corners. Despite the mounting pressure St Pirans were able to hang on without conceding any further scores.
I was pleased with most aspects of the game today. Borja has started to call more clearly and to come to meet the ball with more confidence. The back line dealt well with threatening balls and the attack looked skilful. You still need a lot more industry in the centre of the field - those midfielders should be like a pack of ravenous wolves hungry for the ball and keen to 'get there first!' Will and Aman provide genuine threat from the flanks while Hassan and George have worked up a good understanding. It was nice to earn a win after a few decent performances but disappointing results. Let's hope this sucess can trigger a turn around in fortune for you. Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: Borja Eizaguirre 7, Sven Winkler 7, Oscar Gaff 9, Charlie Waters 8, Ben Barnard 7, Lucas Bamber 6, Ali Tilmouth 7, Will Rowlands 7, Hassan Rubbani 8, George Wilks 7, Mika Kenny 8, James Fowlie 6, Harry Rees 9, Aman Ale 6.
Match 6 v Pangbourne Away Pangbourne 1 Eagle House 7 (Goals: A. Ale 10; B. Barnard 14, 38, 45; H. Rubbani 18, 46; W. Rowlands 22.) Team Selected: Borja Eizaguirre; Harry Rees; Sven Winkler; Oscar Gaff; Mika Kenny; Charlie Waters; Lucas Bamber; Will Rowlands; Hassan Rubbani; George Wilks ©; Ben Barnard; Aman Ale. Eagle House were full of running right from the start today, and the passing from midfield was fluent in the early plays. Hassan was like a racehouse and his team mates were able to exploit his pace with shrewd distribution, drawing the tackle and then making the pass into space. The Pangbourne defenders struggled to contain their opponents but repeatedly got back to make a critical nudge or half challenge - just enough to make shooting a little more difficult. The goal keeper also played well, diving at the feet of the visiting strikers as wave after wave of red attacks rolled in on the home goalmouth.
After eight minutes the scores were still level and then a sharp counter attack from a goalkeeper's clearance caught the EagleHouse team out as they had become overcommitted in attack. A quick chip from midfield sent the Pangbourne striker clear on goal and Borja was a little slow to come off his line. Somehow against all the run of play Pangbourne were in the lead! This turn of events filled the home side with belief and suddenly it was the red team that were struggling to contain their opponents. Mika had to battle to keep out a number of threatening moves up the left flank and Oscar had to make some critical interventions. Soon after though the 'biter was bit' . . . Pangbourne were similarly caught on the counter and although the keeper was able to beat out Hassan's sharp shot, Aman was following in and he calmly struck the rebound sweetly in from the edge of the penalty area. With the scare over, Eagle House started to build up momentum. Hassan was finding space while Aman and Will beat their markers to set up a string of chances from both wings. Ben was enjoying his new role behind the strikers and he showed his calmness in front of goal to earn the Eagles their lead in the 14th minute. Hassan and Will added further goals in a dominant period up to half time.
The second half was a little more subdued, Lucas, Charlie and Hassan had run themselves to exhaustion and their forwards, who had got used to a steady supply of dangerous through balls, were waiting for more in a feeding frenzy. However Pangbourne had other ideas and their midfield came more into the game. The Eagle House backs: Harry, Mika, Sven and Oscar, were not going to be caught out again though, and they played with great discipline, holding their positions and maintaining a solid defensive line throughout. When the midfielders got their second wind, a few more chances were made. Ben and Hassan were clinical with their finishing, Ben claiming a hat-trick in his first match up front. The team has developed well over the last three games and there has been a better balance to the side. There is still much that can be improved but you have had a measure of success in reward for the many things that you do right. If you can work on those aspects of the game that you know are still weak, you can make yourselves a tough team to beat.
Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: Borja Eizaguirre 7, Sven Winkler 7, Oscar Gaff 9, Charlie Waters 7, Ben Barnard 9, Lucas Bamber 7, Will Rowlands 7, Hassan Rubbani 8, George Wilks 7, Mika Kenny 7, Harry Rees 7, Aman Ale 7.
Match 7 v Papplewick Saturday 9th October Home
Eagle House 1 Papplewick 3 (Goals: G.Wilks 10)) Team Selected: Borja Eizaguirre; Harry Rees; Sven Winkler; Oscar Gaff; Mika Kenny; Charlie Waters; Lucas Bamber; Will Rowlands; Hassan Rubbani; George Wilks ©; Ben Barnard; Aman Ale. The Eagles started this match very strongly and used their clever one touch link play to good effect, moving the ball all round the field quickly to stretch the defence before finding the through ball when defenders were pulled out of position. After a good deal of probing, a gap opened between the two Papplewick central defenders and Lucas' thoughtful ball put George and Ben through on goal. They both seemed to take the shot which flew crisply into the far corner leaving the goalkeeper stranded. I think it was George who claimed the goal.
Papplewick were clearly a competent side and they too used the ball well when they had possession, however the home defence has developed a good understanding and the back line dealt well with some clever play from the visiting attack. Papplewick were the most physical side Eagle House has met this year, combining athleticism and determination to good effect, however they mostly played fairly, within the laws, presenting a great challenge to the home team. They also had an additional weapon in the goalkeeper's immense siege gun kick which presented defenders with a serious problem. It took a while to adapt to this and by that time the visitors had gone two goals up. That is not to say that the blue team were playing 'kick and rush' . . . far from it, but this clearance was able to turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye.
As the first half came to a close Eagle House were desperately unlucky when Will's clever run up the right wing fashioned a chance for Hassan. The goalkeeper saved bravely at full stretch, but Hassan pounced on the rebound and smashed his follow up shot against the post. Aman then followed in and his shot was cleared by a defender of the line and then scrambled away. Oscar had gone off injured at this point, but although he has been a mighty figure for us all season, the team had adapted well and were getting the better of the play. However, a moment's hesitation cost the home team dearly when after a series of threatening moves up the right the Eagles surrendered possession a little easily and Papplewick worked the ball around beautifully to exploit the stretched defence and send their striker through on goal.
I was really pleased with the Eagle House midfield at this point. Charlie and Lucas worked themselves to a standstill to contain and eventually get the better of two very good players who were bigger and faster. I was really impressed with their spirit. George too had his best game, fashioning some great balls under real pressure. Hassan is so fast over 20 metres that he is always going to be a menace in any game he plays. Over the last quarter Eagle House made several more clear chances, hitting the post once again and the goalkeeper making two excellent saves while near the end the home supporters bayed for a penalty. The Papplewick central defender also earned his corn in the second half, dealing well with a steady stream of dangerous balls. I thought this was easily the best game of the year and I have no doubt that Papplewick are the best all-round team we have met this season. I think they would have beaten us comfortably a few weeks ago, but this set of players have become a good unit and they work well together and it is a measure of their progress that I felt that they were unlucky not to win today. I don't say that lightly - I'm usually happy to point out their shortcomings to them.
Although as a group they are a little short on the athletic side of the game: size, strength and pace, the Eagle House side has a good blend of skills. Borja is a brilliant shot stopper and he has worked hard to develop the tactical and technical side of his play - Oscar and Sven have the pace and skill to cover at the back - Mika and Harry are good ball players who read the game well, can tackle and find a good pass. Lucas and Charlie will run and battle all day and can play a bit! - Aman and Will can beat players with ease, cross and shoot - Hassan has pace to burn - George and Ben can find the killer pass and are deadly in front of goal. So - a disappointing result today, but a lot to be proud of. Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: Borja Eizaguirre 7, Sven Winkler 6, Oscar Gaff 7, Charlie Waters 9, Ben Barnard 6, Lucas Bamber 9, Will Rowlands 8, Hassan Rubbani 8, George Wilks 9, Mika Kenny 6, Harry Rees 6, Aman Ale 5.
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