Montclair Blue 4 vs. Monroe 0

Yesterday we were looking to carry on from last week’s performance and continue with the hard work that the boys put in at practice. Our opponents, Monroe, were trying to pass and not just kick it which will always make for a more entertaining game. Both teams were feeling each other out for the first few minutes and I think our boys realized they could take the initiative and force the play. We took an early lead and continued to press for a second, I felt we were passing the ball around well and our shape at the back was fantastic. The second goal came and we looked in complete control. 

 

At half time I told the boys how well were playing but not to get complacent, to press for the 3rd goal and play like it's 0-0. I felt we started the second half well and gained control of the game, our patience on the ball is improving and we are looking to pass sideways and backwards to maintain possession. We got the 3rd goal midway through the half and quickly got the 4th. We were then able to make a few adjustments in playing positions and we were able to see the game out comfortably. 

 

As a defender myself, I always love keeping clean sheets and I was delighted we were able to do this. I was also impressed by our organization throughout and the boys are maturing with every game. From the goalie all the way through to forwards, I felt that all players knew their responsibility and they did a very thorough job.

 

This week we will be working on movement in and around the box to break teams down and mainly working in the final 3rd.  

Montclair Blue 4 - Hotspur 1

Dear all,

We got our spring season underway yesterday with a tough away game against Hotspur, who were top of the league. We were missing Frank and Noah and we had Matt C playing up from the White team. The game started of well and both teams were trying to play the right way and it was shaping up to be good game. It was back and forth and no team could gain the upper hand for the first few minutes until a goal for our team and this seemed to settle us down and this also made Hotspur uneasy. For the remainder of the first half I felt we controlled the game and passed the ball around beautifully at times. Our defenders did a great job of staying in shape and maintaining a good defensive line. I wanted to play counter attacking football and I thought we executed this excellently, we kept our shape and Hotspur commited players forward and we hit them on the break with great imapact. At half time it was 3-0 and I asked for more of the same but with more width so we could possess the ball better and be a little more patient in our play, at 3-0 we don't need to commit too many players forward and press the game.

The second half got underway and I could see that Hotspur were pushing harder, a few of our players looked a little complacent and it was not surprising when Hotspur pulled one back to make it 3-1 early in the second half. This was bit of a blessing in disguise because it made our team realise that the game was not over and we responded well and we defended well, always looking dangerous on the break. Again it was end to end throughout the second half and we kept the ball well at times and created numerous chances. The game sealer came late on and we ended up winning 4-1.

On the whole I thought we were terrific first half and did what he had to second half. The boys deserved the win and I was especially delighted after such low numbers at practice during the week (spring break). This week I am going to be working on speed of play at the back and movement from our mids/forwards to create angles for our defenders. 1-2 touch football will help the speed of play along with switching the play.

Great effort!

Kind Regards

Coach David