Soccer Fellowship Report [20th March]

With the rain finally easing off, and many eager to play, Saturdays Soccer Fellowship session was well attended. Kevin led devotion with some advice and wisdom about passion and enthusiasm, mentioning our team member Ronnie who still has enthusiasm for the game after many years of playing. People making a success of their lives have a real enthusiasm, for not just 30 minutes, or 30 days, but over many years.

The two teams lined up as usual with the younger 'brights' against the older ' darks'. The importance of the session seemed apparent to the 'bright's' - it was their last warm-up session before their first real game of the season. A team-talk before the start of the game seemed to have worked as the brights started well and showed some good determination and willingness to win the ball. The first 10 or 15 minutes of the game were fairly even, with the ball being played through the midfield, often picking up speed as long balls skidded off the surface, making control for both defence and attack difficult.

Brights quicker pace caused problems for the darks and they went ahead with a goal by Yi Jun as the brights cut through the darks stationary defence like butter. Good ball control by brights, keeping the ball on the ground and passing to feet, allowed them to out manoeuvre the darks and the reward was a well worked goal.

Brights continued from there onwards, clearly working as a team, passing the ball around nicely and pushing hard at the darks defence. Some good work down the flanks was also apparent, with some good overlap play from the wingers and full backs. However, some weak finishing and good saves kept brights at bay, and at the end of the first half darks broke away to get a fortunate equaliser from Glenn, who showed good determination in the box to tuck the ball away. Half-time 1-1.

The second half started much as the first, with the brights again applying the pressure. Their second goal came quickly, with Roy finishing well after more quick movement from brights. 2-1 to brights. Again, brights looked to push on but couldn't make their pace tell. Against the run of play, darks won a corner and poor marking left Steve open in the box for a free header from the corner. 2-2.

Finally, due to good persistence and continued team effort, brights managed the breakthrough, scoring twice in quick succession, the second of the two goals a brave header from a corner by Andrew, again as darks defence looked on motionless. 4-2 Brights.

With time running out and players beginning to tire, darks grabbed a consolation right on full-time as Jeff showed determination to win the ball inside the box under pressure from brights defence and keeper, poking the ball over the line, though suffering an injury in the process. Final score 4-3.

The brights were by far the better team, showing good team-work and passing skills. Certainly the best they have played pre-season. Some things for brights to watch though:

1) Be careful with rash challenges (you know who you are) - with points deduction for yellows and red cards you will let the whole team down, not just yourself, if lashing out in frustration.

2) Watch the marking from set pieces. If you pick a man, try to stay with him. Often mere presence is enough to put off a player and stop him from scoring.

3) When the ball is on the wings, try to get the ball across early. Sometimes good attacks were slowed down and the ball played backwards when on the attack. However, this requires the forwards to get into the box quickly and provide support for the winger.

All in all, much improved from brights and this should hold you in good stead for the real games. Just remember to play for each other.

For the darks:
1) Avoid stationary defending. Difficult against quick opponents given our age, but the running players must be picked up.

2) Stronger challenges to the ball. This doesn't mean taking out the opposing player, but actually going for the ball with commitment so that when you connect with the ball it goes where you want it to. Often weak challenges and poor passing gave opportunities to the brights.

3) Take chances in front of goal. Some games we will have few chances and it's key to make each attempt count. Composure in front of goal is very difficult, but can come with determination and good self belief and motivation. (Actually, the same comment can equally apply for brights)

With both teams in action in earnest this coming weekend, the warm-up session should provide some good clues to improve performance. Galacticos must remember to play as a team in their first game, and Vets have a hard game ahead against the defending champions - all the more important to get the challenges in with commitment.

Kevin closed in prayer, thank-full for another almost injury free game.