The second game of the season brought us to the home of Celtic S C Reserves. They have a reputation for being a physical side whilst playing a direct brand of football. As the teams lined up the opposition confirmed what I thought. They lined up with a big centre forward partnership as well as a few other athletic players in key positions.
We started very slowly and allowed Celtic to build up some pressure. Most of the pressure was in our half and we struggled to maintain possession. This I believe was due to the fact that we did not settle into our brand of football. The Virtual Managers have seen us play with a free flowing style, using all of our players in build ups. However, in the first half we did not do this. This led to an opening goal for Celtic which may have been an own goal from my centre back partner Andy Hughes. After this I think that we settled and started move the ball at our pace. We moved more of our key players in good forward positions and got our deserved goal from a cheeky Andy Godman free kick. From then, I thought we would grow in confidence and this showed in the second half.
We pressed further in their half creating numerous chances to take shots but, frustratingly, did not complete the moves. The Virtual managers called for Rich Leigh to be dropped back into midfield and the extra body in the middle of the park immediately made a difference with a wonder goal from Ramos confirming our dominance. I think that the next 10 minutes were critical and unfortunately we allowed them a very disappointing goal. Disappointing because I thought for most of the game Andy Hughes and myself kept their forwards quiet. However, this shows how a split second lack of concentration can damage a team.
All in all I am happy with our start to the season. 4 points from 2 games and several strong individual performances; Ben Jarvis in goal, midfielders Renan Ramos, Andy Godman and Sean Morrell and the two centre forwards Jack Mgill and Rich Leigh all showed how much creativity and guile we have in our team as well as a desire to battle when needed.
We pressed further in their half creating numerous chances to take shots but, frustratingly, did not complete the moves. The Virtual managers called for Rich Leigh to be dropped back into midfield and the extra body in the middle of the park immediately made a difference with a wonder goal from Ramos confirming our dominance. I think that the next 10 minutes were critical and unfortunately we allowed them a very disappointing goal. Disappointing because I thought for most of the game Andy Hughes and myself kept their forwards quiet. However, this shows how a split second lack of concentration can damage a team.
All in all I am happy with our start to the season. 4 points from 2 games and several strong individual performances; Ben Jarvis in goal, midfielders Renan Ramos, Andy Godman and Sean Morrell and the two centre forwards Jack Mgill and Rich Leigh all showed how much creativity and guile we have in our team as well as a desire to battle when needed.
Lets all look forward to CSFC next week!
Team Ratings
1. Ben Jarvis GK - 9
2. Shabaz Haider LB - 7
3. Andy Hughes CB - 7
4. Alkesh Lalji CB - 7 (Booked)
5. Matt Willis RB - 7
6. Ray Leigh RM - 6
7. Sean Morrel CM - 7
8. Andy Godman CM - 8 (Booked) 1 Goal
9. Renan Ramos LM - 7 1 Goal
10. Jack McGill CFR - 9 (Man of the Match)
11. Rich Leigh CFL - 7
12. Danny Hazel sub - 7 on for Andy Godman
13. Calum Roberts sub - 7 on for Sean Morrel
14. Matt Le Dell sub - 8 on for Ray Leigh
Team Ratings
1. Ben Jarvis GK - 9
2. Shabaz Haider LB - 7
3. Andy Hughes CB - 7
4. Alkesh Lalji CB - 7 (Booked)
5. Matt Willis RB - 7
6. Ray Leigh RM - 6
7. Sean Morrel CM - 7
8. Andy Godman CM - 8 (Booked) 1 Goal
9. Renan Ramos LM - 7 1 Goal
10. Jack McGill CFR - 9 (Man of the Match)
11. Rich Leigh CFL - 7
12. Danny Hazel sub - 7 on for Andy Godman
13. Calum Roberts sub - 7 on for Sean Morrel
14. Matt Le Dell sub - 8 on for Ray Leigh
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