Weather: Chilly but dry Coaches: Chris/Alec & Martin

XI: Jordan, Harry, Max, Callum, Charlie, Nibs, Nathan, Taric, Ben T, Joe, Matthew

Sub: Elyis……..

After our success in the first round of the cup, (a handy bye), we were looking to go one better in this round with the visit of Weymouth Wanderers – a team who knocked Holt out a season or two before after a tight clash!

We had our usual issues getting a team together – but the last minute efforts by Matthew to get a mountain of homework done – and Nathan having had 17 adjustments to his neck following the school game in mid-week – meant we had 12!  Some key players missing again with Thomas scouting for girls and Will in the Barbarians trials and Piers looking at Pole Position…..

We decided to let Jordan have a go in goal, given his showing in the 2nd half last week against Sturmonster Newton – which meant Elyis could have a run upfront.  The 4-4-2 was also different with Taric shifting to the centre of the park to use his strength and skills on the ball alongside Nathan and having Joe playing off Matthew upfront to see if we could get some power shots on goal and more presence in the air.

Martin kept a note of our shot count – to encourage the boys to have a go rather than what we have been guilty of thus far and doing a lot of hard work – but no end product.

We started well – with Jordan commanding his box and sliding out within the first 5 minutes to collect the ball from the feet of the Weymouth striker – looking good!  The mantra was `composure`, head the ball and show the desire to get a much needed win for the team!

There was some great play from Ben down the right with his normal hustle and bustle creating opportunity – just got to find that deadly pass or killer shot – but the movement off the ball from both Matthew and Joe was causing the Weymouth defence some problems – and the linesman…….

Our first attacks just didn`t end up in a shot at goal – with Matthew powering through but electing to slide a pass rather than take on the shot – to be fair – this worked with the goal against Cougars and I am a big fan of the players making their own decisions.

We recognise that our pitch is getting smaller with every game with the lads getting bigger during the Autumnal season – even more reason to watch for the long goal kick and for the centre of defence to head it clear at every opportunity.

That was how Weymouth scored – a ball over the midfield was not dealt with at all in defence and so they scored – twice……

We fought back and a header through from Joe and Matthew was in – a great strike and we were fighting back.

However – another defensive mis-understanding and Weymouth took avantage – despite some really good play from Charlie seeing away the pressure from their right wing – Harry was also showing great signs from the DVD of past games with him getting to the ball first and looking to play a simple pass and over-lap – well done Harry!

We still couldn`t seem to do anything with the throw ins and time and time again we just threw long up the line for a possible flick on – just invariably gifting possession of the ball sadly.

Nibs was having a good run out on the left with his pace – but just the final ball or shot wasn`t up to the mark sadly – something to work on though and his pace was certainly a threat.  Callum was doing well in the centre too – which is great to see in such a pressurised position; again – did a lot of hard work winning the ball and then couldn`t quite make the pass to our player.

3-1 At half time – and we were building a head of steam…..

We made a change with Max coming off and Nathan dropping into centre back – with Joe then getting stuck in alongside Taric and Elyis playing off Matthew upfront.

Wave after wave of decent attack but not able to find the back of the net sadly – apart from one move that saw Taric blast one from a lay back from Joe.  We looked comfortable – but still not passing the ball quickly enough to really make a clear goal opportunity.

One passage of play saw the ball passed round and out to Ben – who made a pass back to Joe who was screaming `set` – but his strike went wide sadly.  Elyis also got into some good positions – but flicked a foot into the air rather than doing what we have done in training with chest control so he could unleash his power shot – pity…..

Nathan was looking outstanding dealing with the back – heading away continually and playing balls out from the back with power and drive down the channels – brilliant!  More neck adjustments please!!!

Taric and Joe were linking well – but again just couldn`t find a way forward to score – but a great positive for us to build on.

Jordan made some great one on one saves as we exposed a bit at the back in going for the game – with some more guidance from Alec I can see us doing really well over the coming games.

Sadly, Weymouth broke through the middle and slotted home the deflating 4th goal – and there was no way back for us sadly.

They are a strong team and will be Division Two next season for sure and well coached from the sidelines – they have Corfe Mullen BYFL in the next round – we wish them luck.

Parents MOM: Charlie

MOM: Matthew

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