The team: Anupam, Thomas S, Nass, Ryan, Richard, Sajid, Robbie, Cedrick, James, Kirk, Ahmed, Matthew, Bradley, Kieron

THE GOOD

The first half. The 3-0 scoreline was harsh in what was a very even half.
Nass – First half full back performance was top drawer.
Thomas – again quick and alert in goals.
Cedrick – (Substitute of the week) – only a superb save from the goalie denied Cedrick his first ever goal. Next time mate.
Richard and Ryan at centre back, never gave up, even when they were numerically overwhelmed in the second half.
Goal kicks – What a relief to go a whole match without conceding a goal from a goal kick. Ryan followed in Josh’s shoes with some solid kicks and Richard & his teammates were alert in covering the opposition strikers. Well done.
James – (special skills award) coming off the bench again to score a goal. Sheer determination.
Matthew – (Man of the match) – never gave up. Played the pass for James’ goal, and played in every part of the pitch. If other players can start finding the space that James found, Matthew, Kirk and Ahmed are good enough to make the killer pass.
Bradley’s Mum - has got the jaffa cake routine well sorted. Thank you.
Alan – for lining in the first half – thank you.
Thomas’ Dad – being the only parent left in the second half who admitted to knowing anything about offside was either very brave or foolish. I think it was brave - Thank you & well done.

THE BAD

Half time team talk – about as much use as a chocolate teapot. (Note to self: Must do better).
Decision-making – every single defender dropped us in it by trying to play football at the wrong time in the wrong part of the pitch.
Passing – we passed far too poorly. When lads had time to find their passes they were panicking and just kicking it anywhere. At other times passes were delayed and the chance lost.

The 2^nd half. Losing 4-1 flattered us a bit. We lost shape, our central midfield evaporated and time and again we ended up being hopelessly outnumbered.
Some of our players are learning to cover the opposition runs. Other players switch off. It’s a balance – they’re only 10 year olds and I’ll continue to encourage them but until some more of our players learn this basic we’ll continue to concede soft goals.

Goalscoring Table:

3- Kieron

2- James

2 - Bradley

2 – Ahmed

Well played Codnor. See you back at your place for another go after Christmas.