Our 8th game of the season

U15s eight game of the season was at home to Stockport. We had 16 girls to field, so had 4 subs.

We did not start well (does this sound familiar opening to the game analysis!). We attacked well and passed the ball around well near their goal but our final pass or shots (actually lack of it) was evident at the beginning. On the other side Stockport attacked with confidence and calm plus we gave them too much space to make their passes and shots. We were 0 - 5 down after 15 minute play and we did not have any shots on goal. Then we started playing a bit better and managed to score two goals versus their four. First half finished 2 - 9 for Stockport.

At half time Steph pointed out what needed to be done and we had a much much better half. We loss the second half 4 - 6. At one point Stockport was attacking and passing the ball around but our girls stood their ground marked their player ensured any Stockport girl darting into the danger area was tracked and the end result was that Stockport lost the ball. Five minutes later similar situation and we were doing well until one or two of us just switched off or was not focused enough and let a Stockport player free to shoot on our goal and score. We can do it but we need to do it all the time.

This game was much closer then the previous game against them. We need to be sharper and hungrier from the word go. Keep focused the whole game. Need to stop silly passes to crowded areas or inaccurate ones. If you look at how many of those Stockport did you would not need more than one hand. With us you would need your toes as well to add up.

Defence did well, but we need to learn better how we can eliminate the key players of an opponent. As usual we need to talk more not just at defence but as a whole team. Midfield supported the attack very well, but some find it still difficult to track back to help defence. Attack, some good play as mentioned above but more shots on goal. In total we had over 12 shots on goal and scored only 6 goals from these shots. A very high goal percentage from shots.

Goal scorers: Elise Humblet (4x), Ellie Racle (1x) and Madeleine Lord (1x).

Things we need to work to make our play even better are:
• SHOOTING ON GOAL (like the U13). Confidence in shooting when it is the right time. Need lots of shooting practise.
• All of the midfield has to come back to help defence, like for the U13. We are now fine tuning to be even better.
• Passing. Tighter and more accurate passes, like for the U13. Eliminating silly and dangerous passes.
• Some talking going on but need to talk more.

Player of the day:

Defence - Tanja. Great blocks and staying with her player.
Midfield - Libby. Worked very hard. MVP
Attack - Emma Coghlan. Worked hard.