Match Report
Match Report - 01 Feb 2009, Wadhurst United Junior Football Club Team not current beat East Peckham
East Peckham 0 Wadhurst Utd 6 - Sunday 1 February
During last Monday night's training, I told you all that during a season you will have 1 or 2 games that will play a big part in deciding the destiny of our season and this Sundays match away to East Peckham was one of those games - a top of the table clash between 2 teams with the best defensive records in the league and a massive desire to have one over on the other team.
So preparations went well in the 2 training sessions beforehand, a new attacking formation was going to be played, made possible by another exciting new signing making his debut - Dom Kent, and this in addition to the little wizard Aaron Leadbetter finally back amongst the team and both of them giving a fantastic and skillful performance on the day.
Sunday morning came, the 1st choice keeper was away for the weekend, 2nd choice keeper had developed toncilitis overnight and our rock solid centrehalf Mike McKernan couldn't kick himself out of a paper bag, let alone a football, due to a bad and swollen knee - preparations had gone from 'went well' to 'up the swannie' in 5 minutes.
This is where I earn my salary, or in fact the free bacon roll every other Sunday morning to be exact !! fortunately for the team, the limping Mike McKernan is not to out of place between the goalposts and bravefully stepped forward to take the gloves and saved us from a massive problem, and kept us in the game on numerous occasions - well done Michael.
During the 1st half both teams played cautiously sensing the importance of the match and therefore pretty much cancelled eachother out, East Peckham did create pressure during the 1st period, with about 6 corners and it was pleasing to see that these were dealt with easily and quickly, making the training ground exercises worthwhile, also with the defence being organised well by James De Bene who slotted in seamlessly at centre half, he played a controlled and effective game at the back, well done James.
Having to say this most week's seems to dilute the goal - but another fantastic goal by Lewis Santer, keeps proving what a valuable assest Billy Whizz is to the team - once again a great goal !! and with Louis Mansfield popping up to score his 1st goal for the club, we went in for half time oranges 2-0 up.
The 2nd half brought about a performance that would make any manager in the league as proud as punch - Wadhurst United Under 13's literally came out the changing room and played East Peckham of the park and inflicted a result on them, that they havent experienced for 3 years, we played crisp passing football, space movement and quality end product.
I will just say the facts now, otherwise I will be writing for ever - Louis Mansfield (2) Dom Kent (2) Lewis Santer (1) Callum Saker (1) gave us a stonking and emphatic 6 - 0 victory. A real statement of intent.
The whole team could be picked for the man of the match, and it seems a bit unfair to mention 1 player above anyone else in such a team result, but this one player listened to what I asked of him, he controlled his position and energy and gave me his best performance of the season, Wadhurst Utd captain - Callum Saker - Man of the Match, great game Capt. !!
With 1 final mention going to a player who each week gives his heart and soul and was on the initial teamsheet as a sub until the reshuffle, were he was then called to play his usual left back position, he tackled and run and didnt give his opponent any opportunity to do his job, and on top of this he is an Under 12 !!! well done Reecey, you did well !!!
It is now extremely important, to raise your game at every opportunity, as competition FOR EVERY place is now on, to work on your fitness, to work as a team, to attend training and have the passion and heart to want to play for your mates, the team and yourself, so you must prove to me that you are the one to have that position and not the other play who could do the job !!!
Lads, enjoy the result for now, but next week we are back to 0-0 and haven't acheived anything, we have to go again - being a winner or Champion is about consistency and if we dont give that - we have nothing !!
Well done lads !!
Coach
East Peckham 0 - 6 Wadhurst United Junior Football Club Team not current (6-0)