HOME AGAINST SOHAM 04/05/10
Tuesday evening saw the U11B team play their last game of the season at the Paddocks against Soham in front of a fairly large crowd. I really wanted the lads to get stuck in and to see if they could end this difficult season on a high.
In the first half the team found it hard. This is mostly down to Soham (who grow all of their players using the best compost) using their height to keep the ball away from our lads. The Soham team are the tallest team I have seen at U11’s. Because they kept the ball in the air this caused Chatteris problems, as our boys are probably the smallest team at U11’s. We just couldn’t seem to get hold of the ball for long enough as it turned in to a defensive battle in front of Billy’s goal. Slowly Soham found ways through and the goals started to slip in. Every member lead by the skipper George Barker was trying to break up the Soham play, but their strength was too much. It was looking like a very one sided affair at the approach to half time, but when we were able to use our pace and broke in to their area Charlie Sibthorp was on hand to get his 10th goal of the season. Not bad considering he only signed for the team in October last year. HT 4-1 to Soham.
The second half was a lot better and the team had finally woken up. Shame we had a mountain to climb but the performance was pleasing to see. We were making a lot more chances and battling away well. Unfortunately the lads just couldn’t find the back of the net and the time was drifting away. Attacking so much left us slightly exposed at the back, which resulted in Soham scoring again. FT 5-1 to Soham. Man of the Match went to Sam Unsworth for working hard when he came on at right back.
This season has been very harsh on the team, but there are no excuses. We all knew it would be hard work for them but vital for them all to learn about the bigger game, positions and rules etc. Every player has learnt a lot from this season and I hope they will remember it for next. I know that next seasons league will be better for them to work hard and push on up. They have all learnt why it is so important to bond as a team and to work hard and support each other. They also should now understand about self-discipline, commitment, determination and motivation, values that are important in day-to-day life and not just in football. I hope that I have helped coach you all well and that I have made some difference to your football. I wish every one of you the very best in the future and hope that you will all be around next season playing together. I look forward to just being a spectator and watching you all play. Please work hard for your new manager and please remember to listen and take everything in. All the very best and good luck.
Thanks to all of the parents and supporters I have met along the way. Your help and support to the team has been outstanding, especially those that have volunteered like I do to give up time for the sake of the team. They are: Rob Unsworth, Dave Chapman, Martin Lynch, Andy Shaw, Julian Nutter and most importantly Tracey Baker. See you at the bar!!!
Note: I will continue training every Friday evening (apart from presentation night) as we get the lads ready for the CTYFC 5-a-side tournament in June. I will then step down from the team and move on in July. |
