Score 5-3 (Win)
U18s – New Salamis Reds vs Aldenham
Summary:
Started on the front foot with a reverse of fortune where the red Salamis scored the first goal and took control of the game. Some of the best football played by the team this season with everyone pulling together for the good of the team. The team seemed to have the right balance and organisation and if not for some minor lapses in concentration we would have won by a larger margin. Great work by the whole team.
Game Positives:
Jaden : Always hard working and willing to work hard for the team. We as coaches have seen him toil and try to push that metaphorical rock uphill sometimes without reward and recognition. Yet still he comes to games and training with a positive and hardworking mindset. It was inevitable that he was going to get his rewards and in this game he got it. Not just working hard but working smart. Jaden utilised the support from his midfield team mates. In the future I would like to see Jaden go forward more and work on his technical ability to link the front players with though balls and have more shots on goal. Great game Jaden and a much deserved award of man of the match and Captain for the game.
Caleb: SAVED A PENALTY!!! This is not déjà vu this ACTUALLY HAPPENED!!! Caleb has once again saved a penalty. AMAZING WORK CALEB WELL DONE!! The team were happier with his ball distribution and his command of the goal area. Without making a few minor mistakes he would have had the perfect game. Caleb needs to apply full concentration to his games so that he does not make these errors that mar his near perfect performance.
Jamie: One of the unsung heroes of the team. There are many games where Jamie makes those critical challenges that save the team. Very dependable and hardworking and is able to pre-empt danger and intercept it. Jamie has very good reading of the game which has helped the team when the opposition is bearing down on the goal.
Michael: I know this is not Michaels preferred position, BUT, he is exceptional in it and each week he seems to get better and better. Not only strong in the challenge but very good at bringing the ball out and distributing. His fiery temperament can lead to him giving away free kicks in dangerous areas but it is his passion for the game that makes him battle so hard for the team. If we can find the perfect balance with his temperament we will near enough have the perfect defender.
Nelson: One of the most intense committed and hardworking members of the team a man of action and very few words. ALWAYS works hard for the team. Today he made very few errors and was one of the star players of the team. Today Nelson was strong in the challenge and made the right decisions. Keep up the good work!!
Brian: It’s that man again, he can’t stop scoring. Not only that but worked hard for the team and put in challenges where he needs to. Very accomplished performance.
Matteo: Always wanting to improve and be better and once again unsurprisingly on the score sheet. Matteo is devasting when he is direct and attacks the opposition. Both Brian and Matteo have different styles of play but both players are very effective in front of goal. The biggest improvement with Matteo is how hard he battles for the team. Having said that Matteo needs to be more aware of his team mates and link the play with his team more when they are in better positions to attack than himself.
Tyler: (Aka the General): Was happier with the support he had from his fellow midfield team mates and for us it was great to see the harmony in the midfield. Did a great job of assisting the defence and linking the play with his midfield and attack. Solid performance as usual.
Game Issues:
Beautiful one touch passing to release the ball. Loads of communication, hard and committed challenges, a very, very good game played by us. We just need to stay concentrated and focused and stop making costly errors, but to be fair a very, very well-played game by the team. Team, you should be very proud of yourselves keep it up.
Room For Improvement:
The team showed heart, commitment, execution and application. There were moments where we had a lapse in concentration but a very accomplished performance by the team. Now that we have raised the bar at this level let’s keep it there. Well played team!
Match Ratings:
Nelson 9
Michael 9
Jaden 10 – Man of the Match : Jaden
Rory 8
Jamie 9
James 9
Matteo 9
Jeron 9
Tyler P 9
Brian 9
Andoni 8
Caleb 9
Dylain 9
Marlon 8