UNDER 14's MATCH REPORT: LEFC 0 - 8 Long Eaton

Well, after all the cancelled games, frozen pitches and snow we finally got to play the Cup Quarter Final. I think it came a week to late and it was becoming increasing hard to get ourselves mentally ready for a tough match for the 5th time. The previous week everybody seemed really buzzing and I think we would have performed much better than we did on Saturday. Having said that we were against a strong and powerful Long Eaton side who took advantage of our failings and got themselves a very good result.

This isn't going to be a long report, I've almost put the game to the back of my mind as I'm now thinking forwards towards Mickleover 95 this weekend. As we return to concentrate on league action however we must take one very important lesson from the Cup match. We must compete. We have a fantastic ability throughout the squad but without a higher degree of toughness in our game we won't get to destroy teams with that ability. There have been times this season when we have won matches but not as decisively as we could have done. The main reason for this has been that whilst we've outskilled teams we haven't outfought them as often as we should. The cup match was a prime example. Long Eaton won nearly every 50/50 challenge against us. They were not scared of the physical contact and they bullied us out of the game then used their ability to finish us off. We must become accustomed to playing this way. I am not talking about being over aggressive, or dirty, I'm talking about wanting the ball, making the ball yours and going in 100% to win the ball. Do not be scared, fear will cripple you, and then as a player you become useless. In training and this weekends match I'll be looking for your response, I want to see you asserting yourselves as players. We must do the grafting first then we can dominate teams in the way we want, in the way we are capable of doing.

A few real positives from the game were the performance of Jubed who becomes better with each match. His pace and tenacity are a fantastic contribution to the team and he has really established himself in the team. Captain Isaac again, another man of the match performance which saw him battle hard against the odds and show his quality throughout. I feel that Isaac becoming overworked at the moment and we really need to get him on the ball in attacking areas, something I'll be addressing over the coming weeks. Another star performer was Jordan who used all his ability and came close to scoring a wonderful goal. His pace and trickery, workrate and desire are really important to the team.

Overall however, none of you ever let the team down and despite my criticism of our tackling and competitiveness I am always assured that you will give 100%. Myself, Ed, Rik and Paul have so much faith in this squad of players and look forward to keeping the amazing spirit and friendship we all have for seasons to come.

Goals: Erm....pass

Toby of the Match: Isaac


Back Row and Front Row: The usual suspects, special guest appearances from Paul (Phallic Hat, proud dad and holder of the world record for number of times "Commeth the Hour, Commeth the Man" was said during a team talk) and Rik (Linesman, proud dad, Chairman of the Supporters Club and Net putter upperer).

COME ON EMMANUEL!