Credit should be given to Field Lane, they had obviously remembered Emmanuel dominating the first game between the two and set about turning the tables. They did this well, and with solid defence, busy midfield and dangerous attack they demonstrated why they are close to the top of the table.
There were however a few positives to take from the game. With no recognised goalkeeper available Josh Cooling pulled on the gloves and did a fantastic job. He covered his area well, made some smart saves and was consistent throughout taking no blame for any of the goals conceded. The fact that Josh went between the sticks despite his preference sets an excellent example of sacrifice for the team. His attitude will not be forgotten. Also, regular goalkeeper Rob "Safe Hands" Barrow, unavailable for goal due to his recent wrist break, was very good on the right of midfield using his excellent pace to good effect and leaving the Field Lane left back for dead on a few occasions. Barrow also held the position well and for the first time this season we had genuine width down the right flank. Something to think about for future matches.
A special mention also needs to go to Captain Awesome Isaac Timson who never stopped throughout. I think the league may well want a urine sample at some point. The desire from our captain right till the end was superb and if any evidence was ever need as to why Isaac is our captain then this match is exibit A. Most notably Timson won a penalty after a driving run into the box ended in a cynical trip from a desperate defender. The penalty was excellently saved by the Field Lane keeper however near the end after a, let's say, poor challenge from the Field Lane keeper on Bucknor who subsequently went off injured, Timson stepped up again and slotted home brilliantly. It takes a special individual not to bottle such a situation but Timson showed that he is made from strong stuff. Well done Isaac!
Emmanuel need to forget about the heavy tackles and weak refereeing. It is gone, done and should be consigned to history. The most important lesson to learn from this defeat is that despite our obvious ability and improvement from last season we cannot forget our basics. We didn't pass, and when we did they were weak passes, we didn't talk (shouting come on lads isn't talking it's cheerleading), we didn't win enough tackles, we didn't back each other up and we lost our shape. We know we can do these things, we've done them before, we know we can be the better team versus Field Lane, we've done that before, but turning these things into results requires that little extra. There is far more to Emmnauel than this result shows, every player in the squad knows it and the disappointment around the squad afterwards should tell each of us that we know we can perform far better, including both myself and Ed. We are all in this together and we ALL take responsibility for both success and failure. We definitely will perform better, starting with the game versus Barton next week.
From now on however I think we should ban the phrase "last season". I've been guilty of using this myself (see above), comparing us to ourselves a year ago. It needs to stop. We can't go forwards if we keep looking back.
Enjoy half term, take it easy, and show up to training on Wednesday with determination, focus and confidence.
Goals: Timson (PEN)
Man of the Match: Josh Cooling
Squad: Barrow, Telfer, Rahman, Al-Zubayel, Callan, Cooling, Trebski, Timson, Grainger, Tourki, Bucknor, Parton, Brown, Richardson,
9 comments:
Never mind lads - something to learn from - well done Josh for going in goal especially as there were players in the squad (other than Rob who is still injured) that have in the past regularly played in goal and well - your spirit in stepping up to a position that you never normally play is to be admired!
Luke why you didnt put the squad picture???? and i want to say that they played very rough and nasty; but we didnt played good so we need to forgot about every matches we played. and we need to start thinking about the maych on saturday!!!!
My camera is busted, cry cry (not the camcorder)
oh...... luke when you gone give me the 2 dvd's with the matches on it????? cheers???
I'll get them to you Wed.
Praise to the team for the continuing team spirit showed this season & especially to Josh for taking the role of keeper when asked. It is time to listen to Luke & forget about whats happened last season & concentrate on what we need to do this season. More talking amongst the team, simple passing & holding your positions is a good way forward. You are a very good unit & this was an off day. Take the defeat on the chin & more importantly take all the positives you've achieved this season into the game against Barton. We know you can do it, focus & a bit of hard work & we might just start another winning run!
Good and fair report Luke. I think we have all remembered just how much we hate losing. They had a fairly solid defence and as the game went on we relied a lot on putting the ball over the top and chasing it rather than passing and moving. Remember preparing for our next match starts now and getting a really good training session in on Wednesday.
I play for Field lane and i think you've not told the whole story. What about the spitting incedent, your number 8,spitting at one of my tean mates!! Another point i want to make is that you lot dive alot, ok some of are tackling was bad. But do stay on your feet.
I'll be fair. It was a very rough game, and you've improved a complete mile. So well done! I remember last year we won 10-0, so you have improved.
My fianal point, I hope you win your fair share of games Good luck for the season
Thankyou for your comments. To be fair it's not an essay so we can't include everything. As for unsavoury incidents I could've included more details on certain incidents from BOTH teams but it is best to put these things behind us and consign them to history. We like to look forward at Emmanuel.
Good Luck with the rest of the season.
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