UNDER 11's MATCH REPORT: Codnor 9 - 1 LEFC

Scorer:  Kirk 
Assist:  Matthew D

Man of the Match:  No-one
Skills Award:  No-one
Substitute of the Week:  No-one

Performance:  Very depressing

After 3 matches in 3 months some of our players have clearly decided that defending is a spectator sport.  Of the 5 goals that we conceded in the first half 2 were scored by unmarked players at corners, 1 from us kicking the ball back into the middle of our 6 yard box (!) and another from our failure to close down an initial corner clearance. 

For next week's trip to Belper I intend to strap a couple of sofas to the roof rack so that our lads can watch the opposition without having the hassle of standing up all the time.

The lads are only kids and kids will make mistakes.  It's not life and death (despite what Bill Shankly said) and the important thing is that they enjoy playing football.  So what makes yesterday so depressing?:

* Some of the lads looked as though they'd given up when the first goal went in;
* For the first time in 4.5 years one lad actually didn't want to go on the pitch because he couldn't play in his preferred position;
* Some of the lads seem unable or unwilling to listen to instructions. 

Trying to provide a range of kids with a football club experience at the same time as fielding a competitive league team is a big challenge.  Most of the time it's an enjoyable challenge. 

However, to maintain a league team that is vaguely competitive we have to have midfield and attack players who are able and willing to pass the ball and defenders who are able and willing to man mark (rather than ball watch) and to play as part of a unit. 

After Easter (when we get outside) our training will focus on individual skills and the lads will get the coaching they need to improve.  As we move forward competition for places in the team will intensify.  The lads that have shown a willingness to learn will be the ones that will be most likely to get selected.  Some of the lads currently in the squad will need to work on their attitudes to maintain their places. 

After a half decent night's sleep what crumbs of comfort can I get out of Saturday's match:

William hit the longest goal kick I've ever seen at under 11's level, has a well impressive throw in and made some good headers; 

In the second half Matthew H again showed that he can use time and space to find a good pass in midfield;

Ryan showed that he is a winner, fighting for every ball and using his body to shield the ball;

Matthew D worked well down the right hand side, particularly after one of the Codnor lads upset him by kicking him.  (I'll be kicking him before every match from now on - note for NSPCC: Comment tongue in cheek).

Kirk - coolly taken goal

Thomas Stanton - his decision-making was as impressive as ever