Match Preview

Read me.

Last weeks 4-1 win against Stafford rewarded a good team performance. We scored more goals in the first half than in any single game so far this season, but it was the more controlled and resilient side that we were in the second half that really impressed.
Victories are built on sound defence.

With that in mind, we travel to Old Halesonians this coming weekend who are always a tough fixture. The key to the win will be focus, concentration and composure. Focus on doing the simple pass, run or support for one another. Concentration when we turn the ball over unnecessarily - because we will! - to track back, pick up players and make our D unbreakable. Composure on the ball, where we have time, to control and keep the ball on our open stick, so letting opposition charge in and make the mistake or foul. OK, enough to think about. We'll enjoy ourselves and have fun if we play well, play for one another and play to win!

There are changes this week as we can welcome back our most experienced seniors in Tony J., Shaun Bates and Gary Perkins. That is One Hundred Years of Hockey right there! The set up of the side 1-3-4-2 is a sweeper system that is easy to play and offers sound defensive platform which is the key to the win. No side will beat us if they don't score! Obvious but our record already this season is built on being a tight defence. With these senior players added I think we should be very solid, so I expect that we will line up as follows:

Ben Rice. Put the pads on, buddy.
Tony J.. Sweep. In front of or behind ...
John Scott, Chris Smith, Tom Rose. Across the back, in that order, right to left.
Central midfielders, Shaun and Gary. Wide on right, John Rice. Narrow in left, Simon Russell. [I'll explain on Saturday]
Myself and Matt Fox start upfront.

With Jake J, and I hope, Sam J on sidelines, we'll work on how we keep the legs fresh in both midfield and attack.

On a general team note, you'll notice that I'm writing Previews but not Reports. I'd welcome any volunteer to write a Match Report for 3rd XI, maybe you can take turns, if you feel like writing something please let me know as I will be talking about it in the changing room or in the bar. Because I like to look forward not back, to see a future not the history, I'll be continuing to write something ahead of games rather than after them.

We’re at the crux of the season now where our results in the next couple of weeks will determine where we find ourselves at the midway point. I expect us to be in the leading teams!