A really good match to watch from the sidelines seeing Knaresborough come out (probably) deserved victors after 60 minutes of ebb and flow football!

It was a perfect day for playing with bright blue skies and a Wembley-esque surface, with both sides creating chances throughout. There were many many shots but lots off target (despite best efforts) but those that were on goal were often saved by brave goalkeeping on both sides.

A few wholehearted challenges led to a few minor injury breaks and the odd tear but all in all played in great spirit.

On the Beckwithshaw side I love that we always tried to play passing football, with some very neat moves frequently the result. Quite often we gave ourselves scoring opportunities but with a committed defence against us we couldn’t quite find the target enough...despite numerous shots.
Likewise our defence was resolute and the two goals we conceded were no fault of ours just good route 1 attempts by Knaresborough, well finished.

What stands out for me:

1. We always try to play the progressive passing game. In the end this will develop and lead to more goals! We are easy on the eye.
2. We are wholehearted in our defence but sometimes lack a little confidence in making that physical challenge. In training we are never shy of that tackle - let’s bring that confidence to matches especially our bigger lads.
3. We can lose concentration especially in defence. We are too often tempted - whilst we are on the attack - to switch off at the back and start chatting, watching overhead bird formations or throw a few Fortnite shapes ?!. Mostly we get away with it but increasingly teams will take advantage of our short attention span. Clearly it’s a sign of our team’s huge intelligence in our players but we will need to be more focused when on the pitch.
4. Always get (our) goal side in defence. The balls over the top can catch us out because we’re the wrong side of their attacking player. Every player knows it (they told me so at half-time) but in the heat of the match we get over-excited to get to the ball and sometimes forget to be in good positions.

Overall though we are playing some good teams and getting narrow wins or narrow losses...BUT playing with the right intent every time. That’s what I love. Well done to all (without picking out individuals) and lovely to see us score such a well taken goal.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and if you get the chance practice some skills - perhaps some keepy-uppies... what about the Maradona 7 (You Tube it)....or if not try 20 keep-ups in a row?

Thanks again too to parents for your support, and for listening to your sons giving their verdict post match, as I had to too. All useful learning for me as well!

Next week there is no official match but I will try to book a pitch for an intra-squad friendly again to help our development.

Tony

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