Man of the Match: Matt H (Played with intelligence, energy and control in midfield)
The squad: Tom S, Tom B, Matt D, Matt H, Ahmed, Sajid, Kieron, Ryan, Nass, William, Robbie, Jake, Josh
It may sound strange to say this when you’ve got beaten but this 2nd v 3rd encounter was arguably Emmanuel’s finest performance of the season.
A previously unbeaten Belper team were the stronger team in the first half but Emmanuel withstood the pressure and restricted the Belper crossing that had led to our 9-0 drubbing at the start of the season. The 2-0 half time deficit was a reasonable score given that the lads had been playing against the wind.
With the wind behind them after the break Emmanuel controlled large periods of play as hitman Hart and twinkle toes Bancroft stretched the tiring Belper defence to breaking point. Matt H and Ahmed’s passing from central midfield was excellent and with Josh, Matt D and Sajid also passing the ball from the back, rather than just hoofing it, Emmanuel started to look like an accomplished outfit.
The Emmanuel supporters sensed an upset and if Kieron’s shot had hit the back of the net instead of rebounding off the bar I would have fancied us to go on and claim some points. In the event, despite countless attacks, the ball just wouldn’t fall for us and Belper’s breakaway goal in the final minute gave the scoreline a deceptively comfortable look to it.
Causes for encouragement:
Some excellent passing both from the back and from central midfield.
The movement of the strikers was the best this season with Ryan absolutely outstanding.
Although all 3 of Belper’s goals still came from crosses we put in some seriously solid defending – good interceptions and good tackles. Nass was a rock and for most of the game we kept their gifted number 9 in check.
Attitude/talking & encouragement – the team never once looked like folding.
How we can get better:
Work with strikers and keeper on quicker releases
Work with wide midfield players on taking up more intelligent positions to receive passes
Work with wide midfield players on holding the ball while others, including the full backs, get up to support them
Work on springing the offside trap
Control, control, control – both in terms of receiving bouncing balls and shielding the ball (The keepy uppy challenge will be a standard feature at training for the rest of the season).
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