Huge progress from last year

I've looked back at my report for Northampton away which we played before the Christmas break (0-4 loss). Reading through it, it seems like I'm talking about a different team. We have come together as a unit and we continue to play better hockey, week in week out.

So a challenging game against Saints 7 but one we were keen to show our worth at. Midfield worked hard to push the ball up the field and our attack broke the defence several times (I reckon 5 more minutes and we would have drawn the match). Cracking work from Pema and Ryan and a big shout to Pema for a cracking reverse stick goal. Big shout to Steve Leonard for putting two in.

Great performance by our defensive backline who came under considerable pressure, particularly second half. Lessons to be taken for the midfield (myself included) to get back to support the defence on a breakaway. Last 15 minutes probably could have gone differently.

As always, great effort made by our young lads across the pitch - delighted to see how impressive they're getting (not too good though please, don't want you all up in M4!!)

In the end, 3-4 loss but compare that to last year that is a massive improvement.

Learning points:
1. Fitness/Tracking back - it was a challenging game for the midfield but we've got to get back to support the defence on the breakaways.
2. Communication (as ever) - let your player know you're there and if his head is down let him know what time he's got.
3. Man marking - some cracking work from Mackenzie and Tom channeling wingers to the sidelines.

MoM - Pema

Onwards to Next week and Ashby!