MATCH DAY EVALUATION
Match Day 6 – Malvern City vs. Box Hill Inter (Under 15 A’s)
Conditions: Overcast and cool conditions. No breeze or advantage to either end. Pitch, though large, was poorly grassed and quite bumpy in some places hindering ability to pass on the deck. Team sent out in a 4-2-3-1 formation
PLAN: Team was asked to do four things:
• Improve starting efforts compared to previous two weeks
• Keep structure and shape and defend stoutly
• Keep control of the ball
• Attacking mids to not get ‘caught up’ defending apart from tracking players
First Half: The importance of the game was evident early on as the winner would go clear at the top of the league table. Within minutes of the start, it was clear our lone forward was being man marked by one of their defenders. In addition, their best defender was being played as a loose man and his ability to ‘clean up’ was helped by the poor choice of BH’s balls forward. Given the lack of penetration being achieved, we decided to substitute Pagotto and Becker (injured) and shift back to 4-4-2 in order to start exerting more forward pressure. This had limited success as forward and midfield movement practiced through the week was not very evident. Malvern were resorteing to long balls forwards to their strikers. In the main, these were handled easily by our defence, but midfield pressure to prevent Malvern’s movement forward was lacking and a change would be required at half time. The 1st half was a tight tussle, played in general in the middle of the pitch, with neither side using the grounds width sufficiently and far too many balls were played forwards in vertical, rather than diagonal lines. In the last 5 minutes of the half, Malvern started to exert more pressure forwards but our Keeper was never really troubled. A tight half, changes were necessary and had to be successful if BH were to get the desired result. BH had displayed some ability to pass the ball around where Malvern displayed little capability to do the same.
Half time score 0 - 0
Second Half: Bryden was subbed for Mazzolini, with Orlando moving to left of midfield. The game appeared to recommence as the previous half ended. After 5 minutes Nguyen was instructed to play wider on the right and pressurise the full back. This planning would prove fruitful. At the 10 minute mark, a Malvern free kick from 30 metres out hit the crossbar which was fortuitous for BH. However, from this point, BH pressured Malvern to a greater extent and they were unable to mount a serious challenge from then on. Kasapidis and Bondole marshalled and controlled the defence and they were ably supported by Mills-Warthold and Bryden. Bryden, who started shakily, improved greatly after 10-15 minutes which was very pleasing, especially his pressure to retrieve lost balls, do an overlap and cross into the box. In addition, De Blasio started moving around the forward line more and used his strength to pressure their backs and create opportunities for him and others. A number of good runs down the right and crosses resulted in a good shot fizzing wide of the far post by Nguyen and also a good low shot was well saved by their keeper. The goal appeared to be coming but time was running out. Finally, with 7 minutes left to play, De Blasio succeeded in pressuring their defence whereby a quick shot by Nguyen rifled into the net. BH resorted to preserving their lead and despite their best defender moving forward, no serious attack on goal resulted from Malvern. Our only concern was the ref who felt 5 minutes of extra time was warranted and the half went 40 minutes before he blew for the end of the game. Victory and BH go top of the ladder again!!!
Final Score 0 - 1
Overall Comments
Opposition: A strong team with a number of quality players however their right back was a little slow and BH exploited that fact. They displayed little ability to string passes together, though they tried and hence were resorting to long balls forward. They clearly are the best team BH has encountered this year and they are unlikely to drop many points through the season. They will push BH all the way I believe. After moving Nguyen to the right, it was strange they allowed our fastest forward to attack their slowest defender, leaving their tall fast defender central.
Box Hill: This game showed that our boys have learnt that games are sometimes won through sheer graft, work and tireless effort. Winning the league does not come without blood, sweat and tears.
The loss of our strongest midfielder put a lot of pressure on players such as Bircham, Orlando, Clark, Lee, Mazzolini, etc, but all battled manfully and are to be commended. The defence was strong but the team in general relies on Bondole and Kasapidis to ‘clean up’ after them. Greater midfield structure and shape to be able to link the Backs and Forwards is required as well as preventing their midfielders to play forwards.
Pagotto showed good touches in his first outing and will benefit from training to build fitness. De Blasio starting working harder off the ball in the second half and helped build the goal. Nguyen did well to pressure the full back after being instructed to do so and his efforts in the last 25 minutes were excellent.
Little of the forward movement practiced through the week was evident and requires more work. Communication was better but can improve.
Team was advised that the commitment and effort at training will continue to intensify as NO TEAM can be taken lightly. One slip and all the good work will be undone. The team now focuses on playing the women’s PL side on Friday night as a practice match. They will not be taken lightly.
Coach: John Di Martino 1st June, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Round 5 - Whitehorse
MATCH DAY EVALUATION
Match Day 5 - Box Hill Inter vs. Whitehorse (Under 15 A’s)
Conditions: Overcast but no rain. No breeze, good turf, good grass coverage, with a temp of 18 degrees. Excellent conditions. Team sent out in a 4-4-2 formation
PLAN: Team was asked to do three things:
· Start at 100% intensity and raise it from there
· Shift the ball quickly and do not stop it dead ever
· Keep structure and shape
First Half: Within 1 minute of the start, a long ball forward caught out our midfielders and defenders off guard and after a tussle, their forward fired a low hard shot into goal, despite a valiant attempt by Yu to parry the ball with his left hand. Whitehorse were clearly very happy with the result and through strong and resolute defending, and a higher level of commitment and effort, were able to parry any forward moves Box Hill engineered. A number of shots from outside the box did not test the keeper, though a one on one with our forwards could have resulted in a goal but their keeper’s effort was excellent to keep the ball out. Box Hill fell into the trap of playing Whitehorse’s game, that is, aerial ping pong where the team’s strength lies in playing the ball around and maintaining possession. Our midfielders were rarely able to find our forwards whose lack of movement and inability to make a pre-emptive rather than a reactive run was fundamental to not finding good scoring opportunities. In addition, a poor first touch affected us and crosses from wide areas too often fell short of landed in the penalty area where their keeper was able to mop up. I would give the team 4 out of 10for this half.
Half time score 0 - 1
Second Half: Coach, Asst Coach and Head coach at BH, asked for a better effort in the second half. Changes to midfield and defence lead to a better and more cohesive structure. Whitehorse had clearly decided a single goal was all they could achieve and played a 5-3-1-1 structure, stacking the defence and midfield. The entire 2nd half was played in Whitehorse’s half, with Box Hill probing and trying to find a way through. After some good work on the left, Mills-Warthold played a good cross in from the left which resulted in a scrambled equalizer for Lee. For the next 20 minutes, the play, movement and desire for the contest improved dramatically. A number of GOLDEN chances then were spurned by the team through poor quality finishing, selfish play, poor final touch and distribution and the woodwork. Anecdotal stats indicate 12 shots or scoring opportunities in the last 15 minutes or so. The team was shuffled to try to change the forward structure as the two forwards on the day could not manufacture space for themselves or create space for others to work into. Whitehorse had no meaningful shots on goal in the second half and the result clearly meant a lot to them
Final Score 1 - 1
Overall Comments
Opposition: A strong team that played with heart and desire. They were unable to string passes together and their coach wisely played to their strengths being commitment and a formation that frustrated Box Hill. They will continue to frustrate better teams.
Box Hill: Again, one of the worst team efforts the team has displayed this year. Defence was reasonably solid after the first goal was scored and let little through but getting caught out early twice in two weeks is worrying. Midfield played balls too long forward and were unable to make incisive passes for goal scoring opportunities due to the lack of side to side and diagonal cutting moves by forwards and attacking midfielders. There were some good switches of play but again, the final ball through or cross too often fell to their Keeper. We must learn to sometimes go back to move forward and create space to move into. Communication levels were poor.
Again, a very disappointing day as it is clear some players still believe things ‘will just happen’ and are not able to commit fully from the 1st second.
Training will concentrate on playing a 4-2-3-1 structure this week to ensure no early goals are scored with a prospective switch to 4-4-2 depending on the games state of play. In addition, diagonal and curved runs that start before the ball is played will be practiced so we can develop this style of play in our forwards and attacking mids.
Team was advised that the coaching staff will now only pick the team that shows me the commitment and effort at training that I need to see on game day. Too much is riding on this weekend.
The most important week of the year now looms for the team - we MUST beat Malvern to go top and retain leadership or we risk falling away and the prospect of ‘catch up’ football for the rest of the season. We beat them 4-0 earlier this year so we can do it !!!
No second chance guys…………
Coach: John Di Martino 25th May, 2009
Match Day 5 - Box Hill Inter vs. Whitehorse (Under 15 A’s)
Conditions: Overcast but no rain. No breeze, good turf, good grass coverage, with a temp of 18 degrees. Excellent conditions. Team sent out in a 4-4-2 formation
PLAN: Team was asked to do three things:
· Start at 100% intensity and raise it from there
· Shift the ball quickly and do not stop it dead ever
· Keep structure and shape
First Half: Within 1 minute of the start, a long ball forward caught out our midfielders and defenders off guard and after a tussle, their forward fired a low hard shot into goal, despite a valiant attempt by Yu to parry the ball with his left hand. Whitehorse were clearly very happy with the result and through strong and resolute defending, and a higher level of commitment and effort, were able to parry any forward moves Box Hill engineered. A number of shots from outside the box did not test the keeper, though a one on one with our forwards could have resulted in a goal but their keeper’s effort was excellent to keep the ball out. Box Hill fell into the trap of playing Whitehorse’s game, that is, aerial ping pong where the team’s strength lies in playing the ball around and maintaining possession. Our midfielders were rarely able to find our forwards whose lack of movement and inability to make a pre-emptive rather than a reactive run was fundamental to not finding good scoring opportunities. In addition, a poor first touch affected us and crosses from wide areas too often fell short of landed in the penalty area where their keeper was able to mop up. I would give the team 4 out of 10for this half.
Half time score 0 - 1
Second Half: Coach, Asst Coach and Head coach at BH, asked for a better effort in the second half. Changes to midfield and defence lead to a better and more cohesive structure. Whitehorse had clearly decided a single goal was all they could achieve and played a 5-3-1-1 structure, stacking the defence and midfield. The entire 2nd half was played in Whitehorse’s half, with Box Hill probing and trying to find a way through. After some good work on the left, Mills-Warthold played a good cross in from the left which resulted in a scrambled equalizer for Lee. For the next 20 minutes, the play, movement and desire for the contest improved dramatically. A number of GOLDEN chances then were spurned by the team through poor quality finishing, selfish play, poor final touch and distribution and the woodwork. Anecdotal stats indicate 12 shots or scoring opportunities in the last 15 minutes or so. The team was shuffled to try to change the forward structure as the two forwards on the day could not manufacture space for themselves or create space for others to work into. Whitehorse had no meaningful shots on goal in the second half and the result clearly meant a lot to them
Final Score 1 - 1
Overall Comments
Opposition: A strong team that played with heart and desire. They were unable to string passes together and their coach wisely played to their strengths being commitment and a formation that frustrated Box Hill. They will continue to frustrate better teams.
Box Hill: Again, one of the worst team efforts the team has displayed this year. Defence was reasonably solid after the first goal was scored and let little through but getting caught out early twice in two weeks is worrying. Midfield played balls too long forward and were unable to make incisive passes for goal scoring opportunities due to the lack of side to side and diagonal cutting moves by forwards and attacking midfielders. There were some good switches of play but again, the final ball through or cross too often fell to their Keeper. We must learn to sometimes go back to move forward and create space to move into. Communication levels were poor.
Again, a very disappointing day as it is clear some players still believe things ‘will just happen’ and are not able to commit fully from the 1st second.
Training will concentrate on playing a 4-2-3-1 structure this week to ensure no early goals are scored with a prospective switch to 4-4-2 depending on the games state of play. In addition, diagonal and curved runs that start before the ball is played will be practiced so we can develop this style of play in our forwards and attacking mids.
Team was advised that the coaching staff will now only pick the team that shows me the commitment and effort at training that I need to see on game day. Too much is riding on this weekend.
The most important week of the year now looms for the team - we MUST beat Malvern to go top and retain leadership or we risk falling away and the prospect of ‘catch up’ football for the rest of the season. We beat them 4-0 earlier this year so we can do it !!!
No second chance guys…………
Coach: John Di Martino 25th May, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Round 4 - Casey Comets
MATCH DAY EVALUATION
Match Day 3 - Box Hill Inter vs. Casey Comets (Under 15 A’s)
Conditions: Overcast but no rain. No breeze, good turf, good grass coverage, with a temp of 18 degrees.
PLAN: Team was asked to ensure no drop off in intensity and impact was evident. Game day plan was high quality and quantity of movement OFF the ball, two touch passing and play and use of the ‘cut in’ for wide midfielders and wing backs to overlap.
First Half: Prior to the game, the team was told that the bar in terms of intensity and effort and quality had been set very high given the performance against Bulleen. They were asked to ensure the same level of commitment and intensity was evident against what can be considered a lesser quality team. Given this, a silly free kick given on the edge of the area inside the first 5 minutes, lead to a shot on goal and a score for Casey. It was clear that the majority of the players had come with a poor mind set and intensity and desire for the game. All seemed to look to someone else to lead the way. After 14 minutes, an excellent strike on goal by Bondole levelled the scores before in the 21st minute, a cross come shot found its way into the far corner of the net and the score was Casey 2, BH 1. The team then squandered numerous chances to score including a tap in, two running shots on goal and two free headers from corners that were not well directed. After the second Casey goal, the team appeared to lift a little and this lead to the chances but placing the ball in the net, by simple play and accurate finishing seemed beyond them.
Half time score 1 - 2
Second Half: Coach, Asst Coach and Head coach at BH, demanded a better effort in the second half. The team had abandoned the team principles and rules and were asked to re-evaluate their desire and intensity. For the next 23 minutes, the play, movement and desire for the contest improved dramatically. De Blasio goaled to even the scores and two fine finishes by Nguyen low and hard into the net lead to a score line of 4 – 2. The smallest player on the field then scored with a fine header, strong and well directed. The last 12-15 minutes were uneventful as it was clear the result had been secured and Casey defended stoutly. Rotation through the team allowed all players some time on the pitch and all played their part. Casey had no meaningful shots on goal in the second half.
Final Score 5 - 2
Overall Comments
Opposition: A strong team physicaly but lacked ability to play the ball on the deck and make meaningful interplay toward goal. I was impressed by their team spirit and level of effort. They had come to play and will take points off some teams in the lower part of the league table. Last man defender was very quick and strong and impressed.
Box Hill: In contrast to last week’s excellent effort, one of the worst team efforts the team has displayed this year. Defence was reasonably solid and let little through and the two goals scored against us were essentially the only shots on goal Casey had in the game. Midfield played too many balls out in front of the forwards that were hit too hard or misdirected. Forwards were a step too late moving forward or wasted good chances in an effort to ‘hit the skin’ off the ball though this aspect improved in the 2nd half. In addition, interplay on the large home field seemed less incisive than that played last week which was surprising. Communication levels dropped as well and must lift.
A very disappointing day as it is clear some players still believe things ‘will just happen’.
This level of effort and work ethic cannot be presented as truly representative of who and what this team is and what we want to achieve together.
The two most important weeks of the year now loom for the team as a significant gap could be opened up on our closest rivals – IF we do the job!! After Whitehorse dropped 2 points against Doncaster yesterday, this coming Sunday is our chance to move 5 points clear of that team. The subsequent week, we play Malvern away from home and after the Long Weekend break; Malvern and Whitehorse play each other which could result them sharing the points.
It’s all in our hands now…………..
Coach: John Di Martino 18th May, 2009
Match Day 3 - Box Hill Inter vs. Casey Comets (Under 15 A’s)
Conditions: Overcast but no rain. No breeze, good turf, good grass coverage, with a temp of 18 degrees.
PLAN: Team was asked to ensure no drop off in intensity and impact was evident. Game day plan was high quality and quantity of movement OFF the ball, two touch passing and play and use of the ‘cut in’ for wide midfielders and wing backs to overlap.
First Half: Prior to the game, the team was told that the bar in terms of intensity and effort and quality had been set very high given the performance against Bulleen. They were asked to ensure the same level of commitment and intensity was evident against what can be considered a lesser quality team. Given this, a silly free kick given on the edge of the area inside the first 5 minutes, lead to a shot on goal and a score for Casey. It was clear that the majority of the players had come with a poor mind set and intensity and desire for the game. All seemed to look to someone else to lead the way. After 14 minutes, an excellent strike on goal by Bondole levelled the scores before in the 21st minute, a cross come shot found its way into the far corner of the net and the score was Casey 2, BH 1. The team then squandered numerous chances to score including a tap in, two running shots on goal and two free headers from corners that were not well directed. After the second Casey goal, the team appeared to lift a little and this lead to the chances but placing the ball in the net, by simple play and accurate finishing seemed beyond them.
Half time score 1 - 2
Second Half: Coach, Asst Coach and Head coach at BH, demanded a better effort in the second half. The team had abandoned the team principles and rules and were asked to re-evaluate their desire and intensity. For the next 23 minutes, the play, movement and desire for the contest improved dramatically. De Blasio goaled to even the scores and two fine finishes by Nguyen low and hard into the net lead to a score line of 4 – 2. The smallest player on the field then scored with a fine header, strong and well directed. The last 12-15 minutes were uneventful as it was clear the result had been secured and Casey defended stoutly. Rotation through the team allowed all players some time on the pitch and all played their part. Casey had no meaningful shots on goal in the second half.
Final Score 5 - 2
Overall Comments
Opposition: A strong team physicaly but lacked ability to play the ball on the deck and make meaningful interplay toward goal. I was impressed by their team spirit and level of effort. They had come to play and will take points off some teams in the lower part of the league table. Last man defender was very quick and strong and impressed.
Box Hill: In contrast to last week’s excellent effort, one of the worst team efforts the team has displayed this year. Defence was reasonably solid and let little through and the two goals scored against us were essentially the only shots on goal Casey had in the game. Midfield played too many balls out in front of the forwards that were hit too hard or misdirected. Forwards were a step too late moving forward or wasted good chances in an effort to ‘hit the skin’ off the ball though this aspect improved in the 2nd half. In addition, interplay on the large home field seemed less incisive than that played last week which was surprising. Communication levels dropped as well and must lift.
A very disappointing day as it is clear some players still believe things ‘will just happen’.
This level of effort and work ethic cannot be presented as truly representative of who and what this team is and what we want to achieve together.
The two most important weeks of the year now loom for the team as a significant gap could be opened up on our closest rivals – IF we do the job!! After Whitehorse dropped 2 points against Doncaster yesterday, this coming Sunday is our chance to move 5 points clear of that team. The subsequent week, we play Malvern away from home and after the Long Weekend break; Malvern and Whitehorse play each other which could result them sharing the points.
It’s all in our hands now…………..
Coach: John Di Martino 18th May, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Round 3 - Bulleen
MATCH DAY EVALUATION
Match Day 3 – Bulleen vs. Box Hill Inter (Under 15 A’s)
Conditions: Perfect. No breeze, good turf, reasonable grass coverage, sunny and no clouds with a temp of 18 degrees. Pitch was very narrow and short + I believe goals are not regulation Height. Full size new artificial pitch was available but left vacant and we were instructed to play on the small pitch unlike all other ‘A’ league teams on the day. Perhaps in an effort to ‘limit’ us
PLAN: Team approached game to use very high pressure and high speed tactics, play hard but fair and contest for every ball every time whilst retaining control of the ball on the deck and fast 2 touch interplay
First Half: BH started well and Bulleen tried to contain forwards via man on man pressure and a spare sweeper. Team was being pressured by Bulleen who employed strong physical tactics to try to put us off our game. However, we gave as well as we got and eventually, our faster interplay and ability to pass the ball around crisply and quickly indicated a goal was forthcoming. BH scored its first goal 15 mins in with a fine through ball to Nguyen leading to a chip over the keeper. A second goal soon followed and Lee finished a fine switch of play by firing low and to the far post at a sharpish angle. To date, Bulleen had not managed to fashion one shot on goal out of open play. All players in defence and midfield were playing a strong, controlled game and despite the small pitch, our ability to move the ball and hit feet was very impressive. In addition, it seems the ‘penny has dropped’ as all balls in the air were contested strongly and eventually, it was evident Bulleen players did not even attempt to compete in the air. There was an air of despondency in the Bulleen team at half time exemplified by their coach openly berating a player when being substituted in full view of other players and their parents.
Half time score 3 - 0
Second Half: Orlando replaced Clark at half time and played wide left midfield with Bircham dropping into central mid with Becker. The team started the game just as they had left off at half time and 3 smashing goals by De Blasio exemplified the team’s power and commitment to push on. One goal by De Blasio where he picked up the ball and cut in to smash it into the far corner was worthy of a mature age players power and presence. Another spectacular piece of play was Bondoles retention of possession after a challenge in the middle of the park and his perfect through ball to De Blasio – wonderful vision. Nguyen added a 7th and after 3 games, De Blasio and Nguyen have scored the same number of goals in each game – great competition between them is evident and this is healthy for the team. After the score was 5-0, midfield and defensive players that had given there all were rested and the subs were used and all players that came on continued to support and work the game as had players that had been rested. This is one of the most pleasing aspects of this team – it is a team and we all play our part and there is excellent camaraderie in the squad. A lack of ‘heroes’ makes the coach’s role far easier. At the end of the game, all players and coaches shook hands and a begrudging ‘good game’ from the Bulleen coach was received. Their plan to ‘limit us’ on the small pitch had failed miserably.
Final Score 7 - 0
Overall Comments
Opposition: Little to say in a positive light. Had 2-3 players that exhibited some ability and had 1-2 strong defenders, but their structure (or lack of) and inability to pass a ball between each other, meant they were never able to mount a serious challenge. Forward play seemed to be based on pumping the ball long to players who weren’t that quick or strong to receive the ball in any case. I believe they had one shot from open play that went way over and all other shots were from free kicks. Their effort and commitment dropped easily after the first and second goal. Little team spirit was displayed.
Box Hill: The best team effort the team has displayed bar none. Ability to hold ball and retain possession was exemplary especially in light of the tight pitch. Defence was solid and let nothing through and was perfect in ability to clear and work ball through the midfield. I would like to see more goals from midfield and defenders and perhaps against Casey we can experiment a little to give players time to experience different positions (however, this depends on how we track early in this game - no risks will be taken). Structure and shape and ability to shift was very good but can still improve. GK was displaying better communication skills and was better able to switch play and come off his line. There is room for improvement but getting there.
Suffice to say it was the most memorable and best win I have been involved in and myself, the assistant coach and team manager and medical officer were ecstatic with the performance. I was very proud for them and the club – they are becoming excellent ambassadors for the club as a whole. Hard work, commitment to the team and the plan is paying dividends.
Coach: John Di Martino 13th May, 2009
Match Day 3 – Bulleen vs. Box Hill Inter (Under 15 A’s)
Conditions: Perfect. No breeze, good turf, reasonable grass coverage, sunny and no clouds with a temp of 18 degrees. Pitch was very narrow and short + I believe goals are not regulation Height. Full size new artificial pitch was available but left vacant and we were instructed to play on the small pitch unlike all other ‘A’ league teams on the day. Perhaps in an effort to ‘limit’ us
PLAN: Team approached game to use very high pressure and high speed tactics, play hard but fair and contest for every ball every time whilst retaining control of the ball on the deck and fast 2 touch interplay
First Half: BH started well and Bulleen tried to contain forwards via man on man pressure and a spare sweeper. Team was being pressured by Bulleen who employed strong physical tactics to try to put us off our game. However, we gave as well as we got and eventually, our faster interplay and ability to pass the ball around crisply and quickly indicated a goal was forthcoming. BH scored its first goal 15 mins in with a fine through ball to Nguyen leading to a chip over the keeper. A second goal soon followed and Lee finished a fine switch of play by firing low and to the far post at a sharpish angle. To date, Bulleen had not managed to fashion one shot on goal out of open play. All players in defence and midfield were playing a strong, controlled game and despite the small pitch, our ability to move the ball and hit feet was very impressive. In addition, it seems the ‘penny has dropped’ as all balls in the air were contested strongly and eventually, it was evident Bulleen players did not even attempt to compete in the air. There was an air of despondency in the Bulleen team at half time exemplified by their coach openly berating a player when being substituted in full view of other players and their parents.
Half time score 3 - 0
Second Half: Orlando replaced Clark at half time and played wide left midfield with Bircham dropping into central mid with Becker. The team started the game just as they had left off at half time and 3 smashing goals by De Blasio exemplified the team’s power and commitment to push on. One goal by De Blasio where he picked up the ball and cut in to smash it into the far corner was worthy of a mature age players power and presence. Another spectacular piece of play was Bondoles retention of possession after a challenge in the middle of the park and his perfect through ball to De Blasio – wonderful vision. Nguyen added a 7th and after 3 games, De Blasio and Nguyen have scored the same number of goals in each game – great competition between them is evident and this is healthy for the team. After the score was 5-0, midfield and defensive players that had given there all were rested and the subs were used and all players that came on continued to support and work the game as had players that had been rested. This is one of the most pleasing aspects of this team – it is a team and we all play our part and there is excellent camaraderie in the squad. A lack of ‘heroes’ makes the coach’s role far easier. At the end of the game, all players and coaches shook hands and a begrudging ‘good game’ from the Bulleen coach was received. Their plan to ‘limit us’ on the small pitch had failed miserably.
Final Score 7 - 0
Overall Comments
Opposition: Little to say in a positive light. Had 2-3 players that exhibited some ability and had 1-2 strong defenders, but their structure (or lack of) and inability to pass a ball between each other, meant they were never able to mount a serious challenge. Forward play seemed to be based on pumping the ball long to players who weren’t that quick or strong to receive the ball in any case. I believe they had one shot from open play that went way over and all other shots were from free kicks. Their effort and commitment dropped easily after the first and second goal. Little team spirit was displayed.
Box Hill: The best team effort the team has displayed bar none. Ability to hold ball and retain possession was exemplary especially in light of the tight pitch. Defence was solid and let nothing through and was perfect in ability to clear and work ball through the midfield. I would like to see more goals from midfield and defenders and perhaps against Casey we can experiment a little to give players time to experience different positions (however, this depends on how we track early in this game - no risks will be taken). Structure and shape and ability to shift was very good but can still improve. GK was displaying better communication skills and was better able to switch play and come off his line. There is room for improvement but getting there.
Suffice to say it was the most memorable and best win I have been involved in and myself, the assistant coach and team manager and medical officer were ecstatic with the performance. I was very proud for them and the club – they are becoming excellent ambassadors for the club as a whole. Hard work, commitment to the team and the plan is paying dividends.
Coach: John Di Martino 13th May, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Round 2 - Manningham
MATCH DAY EVALUATION
Match Day 2 – Box Hill Inter vs. Manningham (Under 15 A’s)
Conditions: Perfect. No breeze, excellent turf, good grass coverage, sunny and no clouds with a temp of 18 degrees.
PLAN: Team approached game to use high pressure and high speed tactics, whilst retaining control of the ball on the deck.
First Half: BH started well, moving the ball and retaining possession for 27 touches before Manningham touched the ball. Good composure and structure was displayed however incisive movement resulting in shots on goal were not evident for the first 10 minutes. Manningham were clearly retaining 4-5 men in defence and midfield in an effort to stifle Box Hill and resorted to playing long balls out of defence to their running forwards. Our makeshift defensive pairing of Lee and Bryden stood up well, albeit with a few scares at times. As the half progressed it was clear that once a goal was scored, more could follow. The Box hill midfield was bossing the centre of the park with Becker and Clark controlling and holding play and trying to use the width of the home ground. After 15 minutes the first box hill goal was scored by Nguyen, quickly followed up by De Blasio. De Blasio scored and absolute cracker before half time to make the score line 3-0 for the home team. A good team effort overall and most pleasing was the way the late changes in the back line were accepted and team rules and structure adhered to without question.
Half time score 3 - 0
Second Half: Team started with the Bondole/Kasapidis centre formation in defence which would only make the team stronger in defence. An ‘ambitious’ shot from half way from Kasapidis went into the goal after bouncing over the defence and over the keeper – excellent! This appeared to break their confidence and more goals came through Nguyen and De Blasio. What is most pleasing is to see the forwards start to understand that side foot goals into the net are just as valuable as rockets that bulge the net. The midfield had a period of 10-5 minutes in the middle of the half where we lost some structure and the midfield ‘hole’ appeared. After confirming capability and energy, to their credit the midfield improved and structure was regained. Clark in the middle of the park gave his all and after another solid and quality display, Becker was subbed off to have a respite. Mills-Warthold, Mazzollini and Orlando were solid all day in all positions. In all, all rotations through the team were accepted and instructions to players coming on and off the ground were adhered to which is pleasing and makes a coaches job much easier. All substitutes did their job and contributed to the team result.
Final Score 7 - 0
Overall Comments
Opposition: Strong team with a reasonable centre half who saved their bacon many times. Speedy forward tried to cause some problems but our defence stood up well. Team resorted to long balls out of defence and stacking the back line which I suspect will become more prevalent as the team progresses through the year. Poor ability to hold and lay the ball meant passes were rare and Box Hill pressured them well
Box Hill: Excellent overall team effort. Ability to hold ball and retain possession is improving. Defence was solid but still ‘scares’ me at times. Against better opposition, inc. Bulleen, Whitehorse and Malvern, we may be caught out. Midfield needs to engage and support forwards more so as to get on scoresheet as reliance on two forwards not sufficient. Structure and shape and ability to shift are getting better but more talking from GK and defence through to the midfield must improve.
A sterner test this week may result in a 4-2-3-1 structure being employed - TBD
Coach: John Di Martino 5th May, 2009
Match Day 2 – Box Hill Inter vs. Manningham (Under 15 A’s)
Conditions: Perfect. No breeze, excellent turf, good grass coverage, sunny and no clouds with a temp of 18 degrees.
PLAN: Team approached game to use high pressure and high speed tactics, whilst retaining control of the ball on the deck.
First Half: BH started well, moving the ball and retaining possession for 27 touches before Manningham touched the ball. Good composure and structure was displayed however incisive movement resulting in shots on goal were not evident for the first 10 minutes. Manningham were clearly retaining 4-5 men in defence and midfield in an effort to stifle Box Hill and resorted to playing long balls out of defence to their running forwards. Our makeshift defensive pairing of Lee and Bryden stood up well, albeit with a few scares at times. As the half progressed it was clear that once a goal was scored, more could follow. The Box hill midfield was bossing the centre of the park with Becker and Clark controlling and holding play and trying to use the width of the home ground. After 15 minutes the first box hill goal was scored by Nguyen, quickly followed up by De Blasio. De Blasio scored and absolute cracker before half time to make the score line 3-0 for the home team. A good team effort overall and most pleasing was the way the late changes in the back line were accepted and team rules and structure adhered to without question.
Half time score 3 - 0
Second Half: Team started with the Bondole/Kasapidis centre formation in defence which would only make the team stronger in defence. An ‘ambitious’ shot from half way from Kasapidis went into the goal after bouncing over the defence and over the keeper – excellent! This appeared to break their confidence and more goals came through Nguyen and De Blasio. What is most pleasing is to see the forwards start to understand that side foot goals into the net are just as valuable as rockets that bulge the net. The midfield had a period of 10-5 minutes in the middle of the half where we lost some structure and the midfield ‘hole’ appeared. After confirming capability and energy, to their credit the midfield improved and structure was regained. Clark in the middle of the park gave his all and after another solid and quality display, Becker was subbed off to have a respite. Mills-Warthold, Mazzollini and Orlando were solid all day in all positions. In all, all rotations through the team were accepted and instructions to players coming on and off the ground were adhered to which is pleasing and makes a coaches job much easier. All substitutes did their job and contributed to the team result.
Final Score 7 - 0
Overall Comments
Opposition: Strong team with a reasonable centre half who saved their bacon many times. Speedy forward tried to cause some problems but our defence stood up well. Team resorted to long balls out of defence and stacking the back line which I suspect will become more prevalent as the team progresses through the year. Poor ability to hold and lay the ball meant passes were rare and Box Hill pressured them well
Box Hill: Excellent overall team effort. Ability to hold ball and retain possession is improving. Defence was solid but still ‘scares’ me at times. Against better opposition, inc. Bulleen, Whitehorse and Malvern, we may be caught out. Midfield needs to engage and support forwards more so as to get on scoresheet as reliance on two forwards not sufficient. Structure and shape and ability to shift are getting better but more talking from GK and defence through to the midfield must improve.
A sterner test this week may result in a 4-2-3-1 structure being employed - TBD
Coach: John Di Martino 5th May, 2009
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