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| Football 1st XI Team 'Blog' |
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Squad: William Beedham; Hamza Rubbani; Shushil Tamang; Oliver Cook; Toby Barnard; Tom Cracknell; Thor Winkler; Reece Williams; William Kirk; Adam Dewes ©; Luke Orechoff; Netra Limbu; George Joslin; Pablo Martinez-Iborra; George Wilks.
Played 8 Won 3 Drawn 1 Lost 4 Goals For 22 Goals Against 14
Goals: Adam Dewes 12; Will Kirk 2; Pablo Martinez 2; Toby Barnard; Luke Orechoff; Reece Williams; Tom Cracknell; George Joslin; George Wilks This was a very skilful side more equipped for attack than containment. It was built around the athletic skills of a very fast back three defence in Shushil, Hamza and Ollie in front of the reliable Will Beedham in goal. Toby and Tom formed a very effective defensive midfield pairing just behind the attacking midfielders Reece and Luke on the wings with Thor and Will more central. Adam was the lone striker. There is no doubt that the team was geared to presenting Adam with scoring opportunities, and with twelve goals in eight games, he didn't disappoint. There was a bit of an imbalance in the side early in the season with preference given to skill over industry, but this was addressed as the term went on and I was very pleased with the overall quality of the team's play. There were many outstanding moments of skill and fun ranging from Adam's 'goal of the season' kick off v Ludgrove to Hamza's smashing defensive header on to crossbar. No team really got on top of you because you always seemed capable of scoring. You were a little unlucky to lose three very close matches by the odd goal but I really enjoyed working with this group of players and I was impressed with the flair and the confidence that they showed in their play. Adam Dewes, Will Kirk and Thor Winkler were reawarded Soccer Colours half way through the season. Toby Barnard, Tom Cracknell and Shushil Tamang were awarded Soccer Colours and at the end of the season. Will Beedham, Hamza Rubbani, Oliver Cook, Reece Williams, Luke Orechoff, and Netra Limbu were awarded half-colours.
Match 8 v Lambrook - Haileybury Wednesday 14th October 2.30 pm Away Lambrook - Haileybury 2 Eagle House 1 (Dewes 59)
Team Selected: William Beedham; Hamza Rubbani; Shushil Tamang; Oliver Cook; Toby Barnard; Tom Cracknell; Thor Winkler; Reece Williams; William Kirk; Adam Dewes ©; Luke Orechoff; Netra Limbu. This was a very evenly matched contest. Eagle House probably edged the balance on skill and tended to show more initiative in attack. However the Lambrook defence was alert and highly effective. Their goalkeeper also had a brilliant afternoon making a string of fine saves and using his siege gun clearance kick as a highly effective counter attacking weapon. Neither side could gain much of an advantage in the first half - Reece blasted a shot against the post from an acute angle but the ball flew to safety while Adam, carrying a foot injury and very well shackled by a huge, athletic defender, was unable to create much space. The Eagle House defence was also solid and dealt well with the threats that mostly came up the Blues left flank. Shushil had his side of the pitch tightly controlled, while Ollie and Hamza combined well in the middle.
In the second half Eagle House pressed to claim the advantage and for a period they set up camp in the Lambrook half. After a string of promising attacks, a long clearance from the keeper found the red team overcommitted in attack and, when Ollie struggled to deal with a difficult bounce, the home striker pounced to release a sharp shot. Will responded well to parry the shot away but the winger followed in to finish from an acute angle. The balance of play continued to favour the visitors, but the blue defence were composed in dealing with the threat. Toby and Reece were consistently starting to find space up the right flank and they were able to force a number of corners. From one of these, Toby rose to direct a sharp header low to the left corner of the goal. The keeper struggled to reach it but there was no one following in and a good chance was lost. From the next corner, Toby again rose to outjump the defenders and direct a shot on goal. This time to keeper had it under control and his clearance to the heart of the visitor's defence resulted in the most disappointing goal to be conceded this season. Hesitancy in the back line let the Lambrook striker get a shot in which was well saved by by Will. One thing Eagle House has not done this year is give away unearned goals, however Will's poor clearance struck Ollie in the back and ballooned into the path of the Lambrook striker - Will managed to get to the resultant shot, but somehow the ball dribbled under his body and the visiting team were two goals down.
Somehow, the boys picked themselves up and, driven by Tom and Toby, they forced a few more chances. There were several more corners and another goal line clearance denied them before a free kick was conceded on the edge of the penalty box. Adam, who hadn't really had a chance all game struck the sweetest of shots into the the top right corner, and even this keeper could only stand and watch. With this incentive, I hoped the boys might force the draw that they probably deserved, but they ran out of time and Lambrook claimed the victory. So, a disappointing result but a great, well-balanced game. You had to admire the fluidity of the Eagle House play along with the defensive organisation of the home side. Their strikers took their chances well and the game was played in the best of spirits - well refereed by Neil Lunnon (who dominated our parents match on Saturday). The boys can take some consolation from the fact that although we were well beaten here last year they were a tad unlucky to come away without at least a draw. Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: William Beedham 5, Oliver Cook 6, Shushil Tamang 8 , Thor Winkler 7, Hamza Rubbani 6, Toby Barnard 9, Tom Cracknell 8, Reece Williams 8, William Kirk 7, Adam Dewes 6, Luke Orechoff 6, Netra Limbu 6 .
The Gaffer lurks menacingly on the edge of the box - Staff v Parents (nice boots!) Mr South makes a fine save in the bottom corner. Match 7 v Pangbourne College Wednesday 7th October 2.30 pm Home Eagle House 5 Pangbourne College 0 (Kirk 12, Dewes 18, 34, 48, Cracknell 41.) Team Selected: William Beedham; Hamza Rubbani; Shushil Tamang; Oliver Cook; Toby Barnard; Tom Cracknell; Thor Winkler; Reece Williams; William Kirk; Adam Dewes ©; Luke Orechoff; Netra Limbu.
After a series of tense, very closely fought duels this season, Eagle House took the initiative early on in this match and dictated the play in the first five minutes. Toby, Thor and Tom were key figures in gaining the side forward momentum and a series of dangerous attacks threatened the visitors goal. A few of these early chances were snatched at and Pangbourne escaped this period without too many real scares. They then capitalised on a midfield error and Ollie found himself one on one with their dangerous striker. Will Beedham's excellent positioning snuffed out the threat, but this was an early warning on complacency. How quickly the game can change though. Adam's precise flick on from Ollie's kick found the alert Will Kirk surging into the space behind their defenders. The centre back was able to catch him and force him wide as Will released a speculative shot. His accuracy was rewarded with the opening goal, as the goalkeeper was caught wrong footed and failed to gather. A gift goal perhaps, but one earned by brilliant skill and anticipation even if the finish was slightly fortunate. The pressure continued, Toby and Reece finding spece up the right flank and offering a few more half chances. Tom smashed a half volley marginally over following a half clearance at a corner and Adam dragged a shot wide. Adam does not miss very often though and it wasn't long before he claimed a second goal for Eagle House, meeting the ball on the right side edge of the bow before beating a defender and sending a crisp shot low inside the near post. Pangbourne were still very much in the game at this point and they had clear chances to get level on the score board. Will Beedham had to dive at the centre-forwards feet to snuff out one threat. This was followed by an unwelcome back pass into danger which led to an indirect free kick from inside the penalty area. This was forced wide, but from the resultant corner, Hamza's attempted headed clearance smashed against an upright before being scrambled clear.
However, the home side were able to ride out this storm and a few early threats in the second half before countering with clinical precision. Disappointed by a miss from a good cross in from Reece, Adam siezed on to a good ball from Tom just inside the Pangbourne half and accelerated past the defence with great purpose. This time the powerful finish was perfectly placed to put his side three goals to the good. The Pangbourne threat fell away somewhat at this point with Eagle House playing with fluidity and confidence. Tom scored a fourth, seizing on to half clearance from a corner, his kept his head over the ball and blasted it into the top corner. Adam claimed his second hat-trick of the season with another unstoppable strike from just outside the penalty area. The result was a convincing win and the defensive unit must claim a measure of credit for their display. They managed to control a threatening attacking line up and keep a steady stream of through balls feeding their own attack.
The finishing was mostly very clinical today, with just a few snatched efforts. The main area of criticism was the poor contesting of the high ball at both ends and a tendency to dwell on the ball in midfield or to wait for the ball to come to you, allowing the opponent to sneak in ahead of you. A few players, on occasions, are not working hard enough off the ball and as a result they fail to capitalise on potential threats. Nevertheless, this was a pleasing win and there were some excellent moments of quite stunning play from both teams, which belied the conditions. Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: William Beedham 8, Oliver Cook 8, Shushil Tamang 8 , Thor Winkler 8, Hamza Rubbani 7, Toby Barnard 8, Tom Cracknell 8, Reece Williams 8, William Kirk 9, Adam Dewes 9, Luke Orechoff 7, Netra Limbu 5 .
Match 6 v Highfield Saturday 3rd October 2.30 pm Home Eagle House 1 Highfield 2 (Williams 20) Team Selected: William Beedham; Hamza Rubbani; Shushil Tamang; Oliver Cook; Toby Barnard; Tom Cracknell; Thor Winkler; Reece Williams; William Kirk; Adam Dewes ©; Luke Orechoff; Netra Limbu. After a very good performance in the midweek match the home side came straight into this game a little undercooked after a long day in the countryside near Box Hill. They were also facing a very competent Highfield squad and I thought they fought their corner well in the first half. The red eleven won their share of ball in midfield and were able to take advantage of a blustery wind in their favour to put pressure on the visitors goal. Some of the players were a little slow to respond to the potential that Adam's flick ons presented and there was an element of 'let's see what happens' to our forward play. Defenders were given time on the ball and the pressure that was exerted at Hall Grove was not there. Nevertheless, the Eagle House side is usually quite creative and one great ball from Thor found Adam in space down the left hand side. Intelligent runs from Luke, Will, and Reece, gave the striker a host of options. He duly found Luke at the near post whose early shot was turned in behind the keeper by Reece. This was a terrific goal, beautifully executed. Soon after, a fabulous break initiated by Hamsa's tackle and brilliant release, saw Reece hurtle down his wing before delivering a dangerous cross to the heart of the penalty area. Will the unguarded goal gaping Adam rose to meet the cross, but could not quite get above the ball - he really stretched to get there, knowing that this would bring a certain goal, but was just unable and the attempt looped just inches over the bar.
At this point the home side had definitely got the edge in the contest and they led by the solitary goal at half time. However the wind was against them in the second half and the decisive clearing of the Highfield defence and their brilliant keeper saw the pressure head more and more towards the Red area. Ollie, Shushil and Tom were brilliant when defending a series of dangerous corners and they all made decisive headed clearances. But as the red midfield tired the green side got on top and the pressure increased. A well taken finish from an attack up the right wing drew the teams level and when Ollie the defence missed the first header at a corner, Highfield capitalised to go one up. With only eight minutes to go and the tide certainly in the visitors favour, Will showed his determination and battled to win a few key balls in central midfield sending first Netra and then Toby into dangerous positions. Toby got a good cross in and the Highfield defence dithered for the first time all game. Eagle House forced a corner and Thor delivered a beauty to the penalty spot, the ball being scrambled clear with a hint of panic. Another corner - same again please - this time put harmlessly behind for a goal kick. The moment was gone and Highfield saw out the last few minutes relatively comfortably.
So a good even game - deservedly won by a slightly better side. You needed to take more advantage of the conditions when they were in your favour. I would like to see you win close games like this one through your determination and will to win. Some games you can win easily, some you will lose no matter how you try. But a game like this where the other team are just a little better - they are fantastic fixtures to win because you know you were stretched. Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: William Beedham 7, Oliver Cook 7, Shushil Tamang 8 , Thor Winkler 7, Hamza Rubbani 6, Toby Barnard 6, Tom Cracknell 8, Reece Williams 7, William Kirk 8, Adam Dewes 7, Luke Orechoff 6, Netra Limbu 4 .
Match 5 v Hall Grove Wednesday 30th September 2.30 pm Away
Hall Grove 0 Eagle House 3 (Dewes 29, 38, 42) Team Selected: William Beedham; Hamza Rubbani; Shushil Tamang; Oliver Cook; Toby Barnard; Tom Cracknell; Thor Winkler; Reece Williams; William Kirk; Adam Dewes ©; Luke Orechoff; Netra Limbu. This game proved to be a very evenly matched contest between two capable sides that have both struggled for consistency this year. A few changes were made to the Eagle House XI to introduce a balance between skill, pace and work rate. Oliver and Shushil returned at the back allowing Thor to push into central midfield. Reece added his pace to the attacking threat and Luke moved to the opposite flank. It took a while for the players to get familiar with their new roles and the visiting side was vulnerable early on. Hamza in particular played a vital role at this point, turning dangerous positions into counter attacking opportunities with his timely interceptions. Will Beedham was also kept busy early on and he made several important saves. Ollie and Shushil worked hard to ensure no attacker had an unchallenged shot at goal.
However, as the half progressed Toby, Tom and Thor got a real grip of the central midfield area and their tireless efforts made a huge difference to the outcome of this game. The Red team started to dominate possession and through balls found Will, Adam and Reece advancing to dangerous positions and unleashing accurate shots on goal. Luke was also linking play well from the left flank, but after five minutes of consistent pressure, just before the half time whistle, Netra placed a decisive ball perfectly into Adam's path on the edge of the penalty area. Adam finished clinically, giving the keeper no chance. This pattern continued into the second half. The work rate in midfield was exemplary and it made such a difference. Hall Grove were well organised and their marking was very tight so it was difficult to find space. They were very sharp on the counter-attack and the defence had to be right on top of their game to suppress this threat. The home side were found vulnerable when their attacks broke down and quick ball was released to catch the support players out of position. Will made particularly good use of this possession and Eagle House saw shots from Adam and Netra cannon off the post to safety.
I was particularly pleased with the circumstances of the deciding goals. First Luke pursued a back pass with little chance of reward, but his mere presence forced a mistake and the ball fell for Adam who was able to round the goalkeeper and clip in a second. A similar situation arose when Will put a defender under enormous pressure in an unpromising situation and once again a mistake saw the ball fall to Adam with exactly the same result. So, Adam claimed a hat trick and for once Eagle House earned a few 'easy' goals through pressing, enabling the team to play with a little more freedom. The home goalie was forced to make some spectacular late saves, with one stunning strike from Reece being touched around the post for a corner. Make no mistake, this was a match that could easily hasve been lost. Hall Grove were a dangerous and skilful side who were clearly worth their win last year. It says a lot for your concentration and determination that you were able to get on top after a slow start, to impose youselves on the game. There were very few 'ball watching' moments today. Mostly you were on your toes, preparing to react quickly to what would happen next. What a difference that makes! Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: William Beedham 9, Oliver Cook 8, Shushil Tamang 8 , Thor Winkler 9, Hamza Rubbani 8, Toby Barnard 8, , Tom Cracknell 8, Reece Williams 8, William Kirk 8, Adam Dewes 9, Luke Orechoff 8, Netra Limbu 8. (Interestingly last weeks's draw with Yateley earned the side 69 ratings points - this match was 99 - 2.5 marks higher per player. This sort of work rate wins matches)
Is this Fabio Capello checking out the Eagle House Striker?
(There have been a few changes to the side for this match. The side has looked a little one paced in recent games and I felt it needed an injection of speed in the centre of midfield and on the wing. Ollie's return after injury at centre back, means that Thor can push into central midfield and Reece has been rewarded for some excellent performances for the 2nd XI. Shushil has also been in good form in practice, so he gets a start at left back tomorrow. The two Georges are skilful players but have struggled a little with fitness in recent matches, so they are getting a run out with the 2nd XI tomorrow. Pablo also starts for that team as he has played sub in all the matches so far and I thought it would be good for him to get a full match.)
Match 4 v Yateley Manor Wednesday 23rd September 2.30 pm Home Eagle House 3 Yateley Manor 3 (Dewes 11, Orechoff 14, Kirke 20)
Team Selected: William Beedham; Netra Limbu; Thor Winkler; Hamza Rubbani; Luke Orechoff; Toby Barnard; Tom Cracknell; George Joslin; George Wilks; William Kirk; Adam Dewes ©; Pablo Martinez-Iborra
This was the first home match of the season and after a physically demanding start to the year many of the players are some way short of the match fitness you would hope for at this stage of the season. Two losses in succession in close matches have left the players a little nervous and they need a little success to grow in confidence. Yateley arrived in a similar position and both sides looked fragile when defending. The midfield battle was therefore the key to the outcome of this game. Win the 50 / 50 balls in this area and force the other team into their areas of weakness and your areas of strength.
Yateley made the better start and an early through ball split the home defence - Will Beedham did very well to come out early and smother the danger. But the lesson wasn't learned for the Yateley striker was very fast and strong and he bustled through onto another half clearance. This time Will stayed on his line and was easily beaten. Going behind so early in the game could have been demoralising, however it had the opposite effect and I was delighted with the determination shown by Tom Cracknell, Toby Barnard and Will Kirk at this point. They really started to battle and to anticipate wrestling control of the attacking midfield and presenting a string of chances to our front men. Now the Eagle House side cannot claim to be world beaters but one thing they do really well is finish and that is such a great quality and we work on it really hard. For a 10 minute spell, they completely dominated the midfield area and they were rewarded with well-worked goals from Adam Dewes, Luke Orechoff and Will Kirk.
Another 5 minutes of this pressure would have broken the Yateley resistance, but suddenly the attitude changed, the work rate disappeared and the Yateley midfield were allowed to dwell on the ball unchallenged - as a result, the flow started to head the other way with a series of balls put into dangerous areas behind our defenders. Time and again Thor was left one on one with their powerful striker and it was no surprise when Yateley snatched a goal just before half time to get them right back in the game. The second half was a very even contest and there were many good periods of play. However the urgency of the Yateley side gave them the edge and their striker found he was able to run past Netra as though he wasn't there. This is always a problem when you mark a player who is a lot faster than you and a good deal stronger. You have to concentrate really hard and make sure you are always placed between him and the goal. With about ten minutes left on the clock, their centre forward brushed aside one challenge and homed in on goal. Thor tried hard to force him wide but once he was up to pace it wasn't easy. Will saved the first shot but as he pushed the ball wide into a melee, a back up striker got their ahead of the scrambling defence to slot home an equaliser.
For the last five minutes the home side was under pressure as our midfield all but siezed to a halt, while the supply of balls through to our own lethal strikers dried up. In the end Eagle House had to be happy with the draw, having once again been outfought in midfield. Yateley too will be happy to get their season going but they will be happier with the initiative that they showed whereas the Red Team must be concerned that the have lacked the appetite to force a win from a promising situation. There are many excuses - injuries, absences etc but in the end the score sheet doesn't lie. If Ollie returns next week I must juggle a few players to get some energy and stamina into the centre of midfield - we really look one-paced in that area. Skill but no gas! However, once again your clinical finishing got you out of jail. Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: William Beedham 7, Netra Limbu 3, Thor Winkler 6, Hamza Rubbani 5, Toby Barnard 7, Luke Orechoff 6, Tom Cracknell 8, George Wilks 5, George Joslin 4, William Kirk 6, Adam Dewes 7, Pablo Martinez-Iborra 5.
Match 3 v Ludgrove Saturday 19th September 2.30 pm Away Ludgrove 4 Eagle House 2 (Dewes 30, 58)
Team Selected: William Beedham; Netra Limbu; Thor Winkler; Hamza Rubbani; Luke Orechoff;Toby Barnard; Tom Cracknell; George Joslin; George Wilks; William Kirk; Adam Dewes ©; Pablo Martinez-Iborra While the players will be disappointed to lose another game, it was plain to see today that three matches on hard pitches prior to this game have taken its toll and the midfielders, all carrying niggling injuries, struggled to keep in touch with the game. As a result, Ludgrove held a clear size and pace advantage and were able to dominate this area of the field for long periods. Our makeshift defence had been cobbled together to cover for Ollie Cooke's injury and battled well to keep their side in the game and Will Beedham showed his worth between the posts, but it was not easy. However, the creative play was once again beautiful to watch and it is amazing how many clear chances you create despite having so little of the ball. Adam and Will were worked through on goal several times in the first half and it took brave saves from the Ludgrove keeper and then a goal-line defender to deny them.
However, Ludgrove were also making chances and they were rewarded with three goals. There is no doubt that they deserved to be ahead but three nil seemed very harsh just seconds before half time. Adam and Will realised the situation when their quick thinking and consumate skill took some of the wind out of the sailds of the home side. Will slipped the ball to Adam who flicked it up before sending a soaring volley goalwards. The unfortunate keeper was understandably caught a little off his line and could only palm the ball into the top of the net - A fantastic opportunist's goal, brilliantly executed, really lifted the spirits at the break. However, George Joslin had already left the field with a knee injury, while Will Kirk, George Wilks were far from fit, so an unlikely turnabout wasn't really on the cards. Nevertheless, I was very pleased with the application in the second half. The boys could easily have been run ragged as the skilful and athletic Ludgrove right winger produced some powerful runs up the flank. Another goal was conceded, but once again the red team made chances. (George had to return as George Wilks was unable to carry on) I was delighted with Hamza and Tom's application, despite being turned in and out by the right winger who was now putting a real show on for the home crowd, they kept trying to keep him under pressure. Hamza forced a loose cross and Tom picked up the ball to start a sharp counter. One simple touch in midfield presented quick ball to George Joslin, who sent Adam through on goal to score a great goal.
This led to a few nervous moments for the Ludgrove side who had now lost their goalkeeper to injury. However they held on well to secure their win. Once again the result was a fair reflection of the game. Eagle House are a very fluent attacking side, but the boys lack physical presence and they really need to be firing on all cylinders to compete in the midfield battle. With a small pool of players to choose from and mounting injuries, they were very much up against it today. I may have to bring Thor into midfield as we are very one paced in that area at the moment. Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: William Beedham 8, Netra Limbu 7, Thor Winkler 7, Hamza Rubbani 7, Toby Barnard 7, Luke Orechoff 5, Tom Cracknell 5, George Wilks 5, George Joslin 5, William Kirk 6, Adam Dewes 9, Pablo Martinez-Iborra 5.
Match 2 v Cranleigh Wednesday 15th September 2.30 pm Away Cranleigh 3 Eagle House 2 (Wilks 11, Barnard 50)
Team Selected: William Beedham; Thor Winkler; Oliver Cooke; Hamza Rubbani; Shushil Tamang; Luke Orechoff; Toby Barnard; Netra Limbu; George Joslin; George Wilks; Adam Dewes ©; Pablo Martinez-Iborra It's a long way down to Cranleigh and the boys always find it difficult to get a foothold in the match early. Missing the calm initiative of Will Kirk and the presence of Tom Cracknell, the team struggled to assert themselves and with the wind in their faces they struggled to clear their lines. Goalkicks were barely leaving the penalty box and the defenders faced wave after wave of first half pressure. Cranleigh showed the Eagle House boys how to compete in that they were regularly first to the ball, winning most of the physical battles and almost all the ball in the air. They did have a slight physical advantage in height and pace, but it was their determination that really showed. However, one area that Eagle House balanced the books was in the last third. Once the red side got to the danger areas they always threatened the goal and it was a well-worked move up the right flank developed by Toby and Luke that presented George Wilks with a tough chance from the edge of the box. He took it with aplomb, curling a shot just beyond the keeper's reach to dip under the crossbar. A wonderful finish that saw the away side take the lead against the run of play.
The home side had been very wasteful in front of goal and despite their pressure Will Beedham never had a real shot on target to deal with in the first half. The team hoped that with the wind behind them they could turn the tables and force the blue defence back into their danger area. Sadly, Adam fell under a heavy tackle and had to leave the field with a strained hamstring, and the loss of another key player was a big blow to morale. Immediately after the restart some very careless midfield play up the left side gave the ball away and one simple pass put their left winger through one on one with Thor who was too easily brushed aside as the Cranleigh boy finished crisply to level the scores. Confidence surged through the opponents ranks and they dominated possession, while the dangerous Eagle House breaks all but dried up in this period. A good through ball left the Cranleigh striker one on one with Ollie. This time the home player was brushed aside, falling a tad theatrically under the challenge to claim a penalty which was awarded - I don't dispute the award because I know that I am as one-eyed as the next man, and Cranleigh are as fair as you get - it was just ironic that this was the one physical confrontation that had been won all game while Pablo, Netra, George, Adam and Thor were all hobbling after losing out in challenges. The penalty was well struck and this saw the boys behind in a match for the first time. They responded really well to the position. Will's powerful clearance kicks with Toby and Luke's efforts up the right flank combined to produce a good through ball to a rickety Adam (now returned) who took it wide and swung a crosshot across the face of goal. Toby who was being feverishly encouraged to follow in on the shot, strained every sinew to get there and after a few despairing efforts to clear he was rewarded with a tap in equaliser.
It would have been good to hold on for the last 5 minutes and claim a battling draw, but some very sloppy, hesitant play in midfield saw the visiting side punished. The loose ball was prodded forward speculatively and Ollie's clumsy attempt to clear laid on a nice ball to their striker who finished confidently past Will who had stayed rooted on his line. This was not a great performance. With Will and Adam off the field you lacked leadership and there was too much hesitancy. You have skill but your work rate will not hold up against the stronger sides and you need to battle more to earn the right to play your attractive passing football. I am pleased that you kept the result quite close in difficult circumstances but you had the chance to come away with an undeserved draw and I want to see you develop the character to turn losses into draws and draws into wins. The marks are lower today not because you lost but because the work rate and responsibilty was below par. Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: William Beedham 6, Thor Winkler 4, Oliver Cooke 5, Hamza Rubbani 5, Shushil Tamang 4, Luke Orechoff 7, Toby Barnard 8, Netra Limbu 4, George Joslin 4, George Wilks 8, Adam Dewes 7, Pablo Martinez-Iborra 5.
(With Will Kirk and Tom Cracknell injured and Ollie Cook having a late fitness test, it's a good job we have players of the calibre of George Wilks available to slot in so seamlessly. We also have Toby Barnard back in the side which is a big plus. Despite the missing players, I still like the look and balance of this side. The injured players are welcome to come and support if there is room in the bus. Hopefully they will be back in action on Saturday and I will have a (good) selection problem)
Match 1 v Sunningdale Saturday 12th September 2.30 pm Away Sunningdale 1 Eagle House 5 (Dewes 11, 15, Martinez 35, 48, Joslin 52) Team Selected: William Beedham; Thor Winkler; Oliver Cooke; Hamza Rubbani; Shushil Tamang; Luke Orechoff;Tom Cracknell; Netra Limbu; George Joslin; William Kirk; Adam Dewes ©; Pablo Martinez-Iborra
With the fixture coming so early in the term, there was little time for both teams to prepare for this game. So the fact that this was a fluent and well-structured contest said much for the composure of all the players and the quality of the refereeing. The Eagle House attack had looked quite menacing in our single practice match with the Second XI and the great pace shown by Thor, Oliver and Hamza in the back line was also an obvious asset. However there is always a nervousness going into the first school fixture and it was good to see our senior players showing such initiative early on to establish a forward momentum. With Toby Barnard unavailable today the midfield was a little disrupted and when Will Kirk had to leave the field after only two minutes it was inevitable that we would miss their drive and invention. Nevertheless, the players on the field: Netra, Tom, George and Luke, took responsibility and contested this important area well. Sushil protected our backline well, working tirelessly in the first half to snuff out moves early. Meanwhile the back three and goalkeeper Will played sensibly, dealing competently with most threats - particularly the corners.
The Captain settled any early nerves, moving in on a good through ball from the right of midfield, to beat one defender and really smash the ball past the very capable Sunningdale goalkeeper. A similar move followed minutes later with the same result. Eagle House had much of the possession at this point and should have drawn away further, but a few near misses and some good saves kept the home side in the game. Players became a little sloppy, trying to control the ball without moving into position and Sunningdale started to get a little more possession in the Eagle House half. Just two goals down at half time, their coach could assure them they had a chance to get back on terms. Soon after half time one lazily contested ball in midfield was followed by two miskicked clearances which directed the ball into a dangerous area from which the two Sunningdale forwards were able to take advantage, one threading a simple forward ball beyond our backline from which his partner scored. I was very pleased with your reaction to this set back. It was good to see you calmly step up your work rate and spread the ball a little wider to get your wingers beyond the tiring full backs. Three excellent balls from the wide areas were clinically finished with headers and volleys from Pablo and George. In the dying minutes when all the other teams and parents were watching this game on their way in, Adam nearly bagged a hat-trick with his beautifully weighted lob from thirty yards that beat the keeper but bounced back off the crossbar. So, a very pleasing result - but lots of little things that you can tighten up before the next matches. Cheap and Tacky Newspaper Ratings: William Beedham 6, Thor Winkler 6, Oliver Cooke 7, Hamza Rubbani 7, Shushil Tamang 6, Luke Orechoff 6, Tom Cracknell 6, Netra Limbu 6, George Joslin 6, William Kirk 6, Adam Dewes 8, Pablo Martinez-Iborra 6.
Well done to all those players selected for this first fixture. They have performed very well together in practice matches and while I hope one or two other players in first game will continue to press for selection as the season progresses, I do not foresee many changes. Toby Barnard would have played but is unavailable due to a wedding - the talented Pablo Martinez takes his place. Captain of 1st XI Football for 2009 Adam Dewes, who played in all last year's matches and was comfortably top scorer with a strike rate of a goal a game, has earned the armband this year. 1st XI Selection Selection for the various senior teams is ongoing this week. The Senior Section Tournament gave players a chance to show their worth and a few individuals made a strong case with their performances in that competition. I believe that the boys effectively pick themselves by their 'on the field' play and our job is to find the best blend of skill, strength, pace, concentration and character. The coaches of the teams are in constant communication and the blogs are usually quite thorough - so, over the season, our players should find a level best suited to their ability. Overall, we want the boys to develop a really strong team spirit and to enjoy their game. Here's to a great season!
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