Match Day 1 – 05/04/2008 – Reserves

APR

7

Well the weeks of trial games are now at an end .The Reserves kicked off on a slight hick-up with Coxy running late due to transport trouble. So we slightly reorganized our team accordingly. All in all we had a good 5-10 minutes then we lost our structure and tended to ball watch and give up the ball very easily. We were failing to use our flanks and instead electing to go directly through the middle, where Adelaide Uni had many players. This meant we struggled breaking through.

We had a few chances but our final touches were letting us down. We seemed to overuse the ball and only looked for options in middle of park. At half time I emphasized to the team to start using the flanks more in order to switch play, and also to play to feet rather than falling into Adelaide Unis game plan of long, low, possession soccer.

In the second half we showed glimpses of what we are capable with a few more chances. Then we had our only real scare when a Uni shot hit our crossbar.

In general, although we played poorly as a unit, we were starting to create more chances. At about the 75 minute mark Vito was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for an altercation with a Uni player.

Scores still locked at 0-0 Barry made way for Petros and Paul Kaka made way for Mick. By this time the team was still making forays to the 18 yard box, but due to overuse of the ball in front of the box, were closed down and missed a few attempts at goal.

The team showed good character, kept working and never gave up. For this they were rewarded with approximately 10 minutes to go when Cosi was fed a through ball which he slotted past the oncoming Uni goalkeeper……… Final score a hard fought 1-0!

At best I believe our B team played at about 30% of its capability and, with every match, will only get better. Having said this I’m very proud of the team for showing character to keep working for each other and not giving up. I wish to thank each and every one of you for giving me a win on my first game as coach of the 2008 season.

By Jim Zissis