UNDER 15 MATCH REPORT: AFC Denby 5 - 1 LEFC

This was a performance that showed a big improvement from the last meeting with Denby. Whilst we still failed to perform consistantly throughout the match there was still some really encouraging signs, particularly during the first half. An early goal from Jordan was the end result of some great passing and movement from the 3 forwards and Isaac, just the sort of combination play that is required to break down opposition defences. A lot of the opportunities were created through the tireless running of Jack Ball, on his Emmanuel debut, who was exceptional throughout the match. Jack demonstrated that a willingness to chase every ball, fight for every tackle and work for and with your team mates will produce positive results. Well done Jack.

Emmanuel could have gone 2 nil up when Berbajohn was through on goal with only the keeper to beat but his wayward finish nearly had Isaac's dad diving from his customary chair behind the goal. Maybe at 2 nil the result would've been different but from then on Denby got back into the match and took advantage of some poor individual defending to make it 2-1 at the break.

The main issue with defending is that regardless of position or instructions, if you make decision to come and close a player down and win the ball, you must make at least some kind of positive challenge. As has been said many many many times, you should always look to delay the player first, allowing your team mates time to take up good defensive positions behind you. You should never make the tackle unless you are 100% certain of winning the ball. What you don't do is run straight at the player stick a hopeful leg out whilst standing square on. This happened several times yesterday and the result was Denby players skipping round these feeble challenges like they were doing dribbling exercises round static cones. If you make it that easy, you get punished.

The second half saw us create numberous chances, with Jack Ball unlucky after striking the inside of the post and watching his shot run along the line back into the keepers arms. Had Denby's pitch, one of the worst we've played on, been equipped with modern goalposts, the cylindrical type, rather than the antique sqaure ones, Jack would be celebrating a debut goal. The guy from Bargain Hunt said the posts are worth a few quid now but really they should be in a museum for future generations to appreciate.

Anyhow, a few goals later and despite improvement we were left reflecting on another defeat. We must not be too hard on ourselves however as there are clearly very positive signs in the way the team can play. The question mark is about consistancy during the game. However, we have started the season playing the top 3 teams each week and whilst I rate us highly and believe in our ability as a team, we must concede to being a little below the level of teams like Denby and Donington who have played, or have players, more used to playing week in week out in the 1st Division.

Having 6 points from these tough first 7 games is not to bad in reality, although I maintain a strong belief that we are equal in quality if not better than Toton, and those results were perhaps the most dissapointing. But good news, you can prove me right about that next week in the cup. Incidentally Toton lost 10-3 to Heanor yestersday. We play Heanor after Toton.

ROCK ON EMMANUEL!

Goals: Jordinho
Man of the Match: Jack Ball - excellent game and it feels like Jacks been with us for longer than a few weeks.