MATCH DAY EVALUATION
Match Day 9 – Box Hill vs. Doncaster Rovers
Conditions: Cloudy with sunny breaks. Pitch in good condition though grass is virtually non existent in centre corridors. Still flat and level but showing evidence of wear and tear.
PLAN: Team was asked to:
• Intensity at ball
• Concentrate on what we do well (Passing, interplay, supporting team mates, etc)
• Play to feet
First Half: Team was forced to substitute Yu, the team’s goalkeeper, with Mills-Warthold due to a flu/virus impact. This removed one of the team’s potent forces on the left and he was substituted by Orlando. Rovers clearly started the game with greater verve and intent and a number of long balls forward were saved and cleared by the defence. Mill-Warthold was rarely troubled and was not called upon to make any significant saves. After 10 -15 minutes, BH started to control the middle of the park and numerous wide runs by Lee and balls through to Clark and Nguyen looked promising but the final touch or cross was poor leading to few chances to score or trouble Rovers keeper. After 20 minutes, Mills-Warthold replaced Orlando at Left back and Yu went into goal. Unfortunately, after only a few minutes on the field, a mix up in defence allowed the Rovers striker to stop, look up and lob our keeper for the first goal of the game. This seemed to galvanise the team and the half was dominated by our midfield and defence, with sterling performances by Bircham and Becker in the middle of the park allowing Mills-Warthold and Lee to get chances to cross the ball and make penetrating runs. De Blasio replaced Clark with 5 minutes of the half to go and his intensity for the game was good. The referee was spoiling the game with some strange decisions and wasted at least a minute by discussing the ‘loudness’ of the Rovers coach – who was just coaching as he should. BH coach approached the referee at half time asking why no time on was allowed given injuries, etc and he advised adding time on in junior games was his prerogative. This would be turned about in the second half.
Half time score 0 - 1
Second Half: The team was encouraged to trust and believe in themselves and what we play for. There was no need to panic given Rovers scored due to our mistake and rarely troubled us or our keeper in general game play. Bryden was replaced by Orlando, De Blasio and Nguyen played up front. Within 3 minutes of the restart BH scored after good follow up work by De Blasio. This gave BH a lot of impetus and belief and the team pressed Rovers well into their half. Unfortunately, the referee had decided the yellow tickets in his pocket were itching him and a number of cards were displayed to BH and Rovers players for tackles that were hardly vicious of cynical in nature. A concern in the second half was Becker being troubled by what appears to be a hamstring injury and he was replaced by Clark halfway through the half. Bircham was working tirelessly in the middle of the ground, Orlando was doing a great job at Wing back, Lee was making run after run but again, the final touch or pass or cross lacked a little polish. De Blasio was competing better (and even got a header!!) and created the best chance of the game after a strong run down the right and flashing a strong, low cross in that Nguyen couldn’t get a touch too. Just prior to this, Nguyen hit the post from close in and from a very sharp angle. Pagotto flashed a free kick just over the bar and it seemed the goal would come. However, with 5 minutes to go, Kasapidis received his second yellow after a strong tackle and was sent off. A number of ½ chances fell to rovers and a through ball almost saw their striker through but excellent recovery work from Orlando prevented a strike on goal. Unfortunately, the delicate balance of the game did not allow us to play Tolo or Drossas but upcoming games should allow them to get good game time.
PS - This half the referee decided extra time was warranted and played 39 minutes, completely reversing his earlier explanation for no extra time in the first half – strange……..Inconsistent and used his cards to exert authority.
Final Score 1 - 1
Overall Comments
Opposition: Overall, a strong unit, playing to their strengths of power and commitment to the ball. They perhaps lacked some polish but they are committed and will compete hard in every game they play.
Box Hill: A fair effort overall. We started poorly in the first 5 (again!!!!) apparently not looking switched on. The second half was good and BH completely dominated the play. However, our last touch into the box and through ball is not coming off. A number of players lifted their game and intensity this weekend which was pleasing. Overall, the team are still the most competent team in the league BUT…….the first round is over.
Teams know how we play and our strengths and will not allow us the comfort of 7-0 victories again. They will stack defences and try to salvage a point. This means we need to increase our commitment, effort and energy levels and play to our strengths even more. But more importantly, we must learn to be patient. The goals will come if we play correctly, retain possession and work our bollocks off. No more or less will be required for the rest of the year and we cannot afford to drop points to teams like North Caulfield, Manningham, Bulleen, etc.
We cannot become complacent. We must work harder and believe in our work and ourselves.
The results will come for us if we do this…………
Coach: John Di Martino 29th June, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Round 8 - Glen Waverley
MATCH DAY EVALUATION
Match Day 8 – Glen Waverley vs. Box Hill (Under 15 A’s)
Conditions: Overcast with sunny breaks and cool conditions. Pitch was bumpy and poorly grassed in centre corridor and goal mouths but wings were well grassed. Pitch was a good size encouraging good ball movement.
PLAN: Team was asked to:
· Concentrate on 2 touch
· Break the lines!!
· Play balls diagonally
· Compete for every ball
First Half: Box Hill started brightly enough and some good interplay was evident. However, balls to forwards were predominantly vertical in nature and sprayed over the top of the forwards heads. This was done despite the team being told to play to our strengths of playing the ball on the ground and to play diagonally. Some good forward runs and crosses by Orlando and Mills-Warthold showed they had listened to instructions as balls into the box were fired in 1st time or after 1 touch as requested. GW were comfortable defending our balls through given they were playing a deep sweeper behind the two forwards of Box Hill. Neither Box Hill forward played up to the last man which made his job very easy. A number of 1 on 1’s with the GW keeper did not result in scores and it was left to Bryden to cross a ball in to the box which sailed over the keepers head into goal. Great team spirit as displayed as the team congratulated Bryden. However, after this the last 15 minutes or so were lack lustre to say the least. Decision making was poor, balls to forwards were being flicked on when control, lay the ball back to the midfield and playing again would have been the better decision. Also, the midfield seemed to be unable to link up and play with the forwards in attack which will be addressed this week at training. In addition, there was a lack of intelligent decision making displayed by the defence at times. Holding the ball when playing early was the right thing to do and vice versa. Our GK was rarely troubled or called upon to save shots. All in all, 5 out of 10 as a score for the team’s 1st half.
Half time score 1 - 0
Second Half: After discussing the effort or lack thereof, a more committed and structured display by Box Hill lead to some good chances, brilliantly capped off by ‘the wee man’ in Clark who headed in from a cross. Given his height, his ability to score with his head does put the acid on forwards and midfielders who seem unable or unwilling to score with a header. A number of changes were made in an effort to rest players for the important game against Doncaster Rovers next week and Orlando and Mazzollini were put into centre midfield with Drossas replacing Pagotto. Nguyen scored twice after good pressure and build up work and Orlando then followed up a cross and some goal mouth scrambles to score on the far post. Kasapidis martialled the defence well but there appeared to be some drop off in the midfield pressure as a number of hopeful balls forward resulted in one on ones with Kasapidis and their forwards. This cannot happen against better teams which may have better quality forwards that get by Kasapidis. We must ensure there is never a 1 on 1 in defence. Bondole and Becker had glorious chances to head in from close range late in the game and a one on one with the GW keeper and Becker resulted in a poor finish and no score. In actuality, the score line is a bit flattering for GW as 7 to 8 goals was probably a fairer score line. Overall score for the team – 7 out of 10
Final Score 5 – 0
Overall Comments
Opposition: The GW defence was strong and ably led by their sweeper who was fast, committed and strong. De Blasio, as an ex GW player, was man marked by another GW defender and was unable to exert much pressure or deliver any real fire power for BH as a result. Their midfield and forwards were constantly under pressure and they were not able to muster a meaningful shot on goal.
Box Hill: A reasonable effort only. What is disappointing is the team’s inability to ‘lift itself’ up for games where we are expected to win and the team having to be spoken to strongly at half time before we see what they are capable of. I am not sure if complacency is setting in or whether we need to up the intensity at training. There were good individual efforts but every player should analyse their performance and determine where they could have done better, made a better decision, worked harder to get the return pass, etc. Everyone has a good deal of improvement in them!!
After a good result for us (Malvern drew with Ringwood) we are now 3 points clear on top but we face a resurgent and clearly defensively strong team in Doncaster Rovers at Wembley this Sunday. They have let in only 5 goals all year and recently have mustered reasonable scorelines against teams lower on the ladder. Hence, we must be defensively strong, and attack them at 110% from the first till the last second. Malvern have GW this week and after their disappointing effort this week, will surely bounce back to get 3 points. This means we MUST NOT and CANNOT afford to drop points against Doncaster.
Also, this week each team member will receive their mid year evaluation, authored by the coach and assistant coach. Given we are half way through the year, it is imperative players know their strengths but more importantly their weaknesses and where they can improve. The evaluations, how they are taken by the players and their reactions will also be vital pieces of information on which players are capable of and want to step up to Super League level.
Don’t get comfortable Box Hill. When you’re on top, it just means you have to work even harder to stay there…………
Coach: John Di Martino 22nd June, 2009
Match Day 8 – Glen Waverley vs. Box Hill (Under 15 A’s)
Conditions: Overcast with sunny breaks and cool conditions. Pitch was bumpy and poorly grassed in centre corridor and goal mouths but wings were well grassed. Pitch was a good size encouraging good ball movement.
PLAN: Team was asked to:
· Concentrate on 2 touch
· Break the lines!!
· Play balls diagonally
· Compete for every ball
First Half: Box Hill started brightly enough and some good interplay was evident. However, balls to forwards were predominantly vertical in nature and sprayed over the top of the forwards heads. This was done despite the team being told to play to our strengths of playing the ball on the ground and to play diagonally. Some good forward runs and crosses by Orlando and Mills-Warthold showed they had listened to instructions as balls into the box were fired in 1st time or after 1 touch as requested. GW were comfortable defending our balls through given they were playing a deep sweeper behind the two forwards of Box Hill. Neither Box Hill forward played up to the last man which made his job very easy. A number of 1 on 1’s with the GW keeper did not result in scores and it was left to Bryden to cross a ball in to the box which sailed over the keepers head into goal. Great team spirit as displayed as the team congratulated Bryden. However, after this the last 15 minutes or so were lack lustre to say the least. Decision making was poor, balls to forwards were being flicked on when control, lay the ball back to the midfield and playing again would have been the better decision. Also, the midfield seemed to be unable to link up and play with the forwards in attack which will be addressed this week at training. In addition, there was a lack of intelligent decision making displayed by the defence at times. Holding the ball when playing early was the right thing to do and vice versa. Our GK was rarely troubled or called upon to save shots. All in all, 5 out of 10 as a score for the team’s 1st half.
Half time score 1 - 0
Second Half: After discussing the effort or lack thereof, a more committed and structured display by Box Hill lead to some good chances, brilliantly capped off by ‘the wee man’ in Clark who headed in from a cross. Given his height, his ability to score with his head does put the acid on forwards and midfielders who seem unable or unwilling to score with a header. A number of changes were made in an effort to rest players for the important game against Doncaster Rovers next week and Orlando and Mazzollini were put into centre midfield with Drossas replacing Pagotto. Nguyen scored twice after good pressure and build up work and Orlando then followed up a cross and some goal mouth scrambles to score on the far post. Kasapidis martialled the defence well but there appeared to be some drop off in the midfield pressure as a number of hopeful balls forward resulted in one on ones with Kasapidis and their forwards. This cannot happen against better teams which may have better quality forwards that get by Kasapidis. We must ensure there is never a 1 on 1 in defence. Bondole and Becker had glorious chances to head in from close range late in the game and a one on one with the GW keeper and Becker resulted in a poor finish and no score. In actuality, the score line is a bit flattering for GW as 7 to 8 goals was probably a fairer score line. Overall score for the team – 7 out of 10
Final Score 5 – 0
Overall Comments
Opposition: The GW defence was strong and ably led by their sweeper who was fast, committed and strong. De Blasio, as an ex GW player, was man marked by another GW defender and was unable to exert much pressure or deliver any real fire power for BH as a result. Their midfield and forwards were constantly under pressure and they were not able to muster a meaningful shot on goal.
Box Hill: A reasonable effort only. What is disappointing is the team’s inability to ‘lift itself’ up for games where we are expected to win and the team having to be spoken to strongly at half time before we see what they are capable of. I am not sure if complacency is setting in or whether we need to up the intensity at training. There were good individual efforts but every player should analyse their performance and determine where they could have done better, made a better decision, worked harder to get the return pass, etc. Everyone has a good deal of improvement in them!!
After a good result for us (Malvern drew with Ringwood) we are now 3 points clear on top but we face a resurgent and clearly defensively strong team in Doncaster Rovers at Wembley this Sunday. They have let in only 5 goals all year and recently have mustered reasonable scorelines against teams lower on the ladder. Hence, we must be defensively strong, and attack them at 110% from the first till the last second. Malvern have GW this week and after their disappointing effort this week, will surely bounce back to get 3 points. This means we MUST NOT and CANNOT afford to drop points against Doncaster.
Also, this week each team member will receive their mid year evaluation, authored by the coach and assistant coach. Given we are half way through the year, it is imperative players know their strengths but more importantly their weaknesses and where they can improve. The evaluations, how they are taken by the players and their reactions will also be vital pieces of information on which players are capable of and want to step up to Super League level.
Don’t get comfortable Box Hill. When you’re on top, it just means you have to work even harder to stay there…………
Coach: John Di Martino 22nd June, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Round 7 - Ringwood City
MATCH DAY EVALUATION
Match Day 7 – Box Hill Inter vs. Ringwood (Under 15 A’s)
Conditions: Overcast with sunny breaks and cool conditions. Again, no breeze or advantage to either end. Pitch is starting to show wear and tear but still good grass coverage and nice and flat. Team sent out in a 4-4-2 formation
PLAN: Team was asked to:
· Use team strengths (passing, 2 touch, etc)
· Compete for every ball
· Ensure no early goals against to prevent giving Ringwood any hope.
· Play balls diagonally, not flat or vertical
First Half: Changes to the team were as follows: Bondole and Kasapidis were given a ‘rest’ for the 1st half, Bryden and Lee were selected as central defenders and performed admirably while Orlando was given the right wing back role and Drossas played right wide mid. The game started as a stalemate with Ringwood lacking forward pressure but they were reasonably strong defensively. Their defensive strength came as a result of a combination of factors: strength in numbers by playing 9-10 players behind the ball and an overall size advantage. At one point, a wide cross was met by all 11 players of Ringwood being within 25 metres of their goal. After a number of good plays wide and crosses, including hitting the post (again!!), Nguyen broke the deadlock by controlling the ball well in the box and shooting. This was followed up quickly by Drossas who got onto a cross and following up well on the rebound as his initial shot also hit the woodwork. Box Hill displayed, at times, an excellent ability to play the ball around on the deck and use 1 and 2 touch soccer. Drossas competed well and gave his all. Ringwood midfield was admirably led by a good player called Gino and he caused us some issues late in the half by holding the ball well and getting by defenders to lay the ball off. However, our GK was rarely troubled or called upon to defend his goal.
Half time score 2 - 0
Second Half: Substitutions were as follows: Tolo, Kasapidis, Bondole and De Blasio on, for Pagotto, Bircham, Lee (injured) and Drossas. After a good start to the half, with the ball being passed fluently and solidly by the defence and midfield, De Blasio was able to quickly put the 3rd on the board for Box Hill following good support work by Tolo. De Blasio had earlier rifling a thunderous shot that unfortunately went straight to the keeper so a goal was clearly in the offing for him. As the half continued, after some good interplay, a good through ball by Pagotto was defended well and saved by their defence. Numerous chances, crosses and shots followed and De Blasio stepped up after a good headed through ball by Nguyen to slide the ball wide of their Keeper for the 4th. More good work by the midfield and Mills-Warthold. Box Hill made some further chances and a corner was partially saved but a thunderous left foot volley by Becker resulted in BH’s fifth goal. Then a glorious chance to Nguyen after superb build up play led to a skied shot way over the bar when a side foot was all that was required. The final 10 minutes were subdued and some late changes were made to the team to rest player’s inc. Bryden and Becker. Tolo battled manfully for the last 10 after sustaining a foot injury.
Final Score 5 – 0
Overall Comments
Opposition: A strong team with a number of tall and strong players. They’re central midfielder Gino was clearly skilled and strong and was a great asset in their midfield. In addition, their #8 defender was very quick and held Nguyen well in one on ones. They clearly were martialled to pack their defence and midfield and BH will face this more and more as the season progresses. Ability to hold ball and pass was limited.
Box Hill: A good overall team effort. Everyone who played contributed to the result. Players such as Drossas and Tolo who have had limited game time showed they have something to offer. Pagotto improves every week as his fitness level improves, and ability to pick out a pass and deliver a cross is excellent. There is plenty of improvement in him though. De Blasio was a potent force in the 2nd half but the team needs him to deliver for 70 minutes. Orlando displayed his best game for the year in his wing back role. The midfield and defences ability to pass the ball around was shown at times but greater emphasis on this aspect is required as this is a key strength of the team. We must also learn to deliver shots from out of the box with greater power and direction as this is one way to beat a packed defence.
On another note, Malvern beat Whitehorse. Effectively, the season is now down to a 2 horse race with us leading the ladder by 1 point from Malvern.
EVERY GAME IS NOW VITAL!!!! WE CANNOT AFFORD TO DROP ANY POINTS!!
The teams intensity at training and especially games must continue to be delivered at 110% if we are to succeed in our aim of winning the league.
No-one can drop off and feel comfortable – the best team on Sunday will play and be made up from those squad members that commit at training – no exceptions……
Coach: John Di Martino 15th June, 2009
Match Day 7 – Box Hill Inter vs. Ringwood (Under 15 A’s)
Conditions: Overcast with sunny breaks and cool conditions. Again, no breeze or advantage to either end. Pitch is starting to show wear and tear but still good grass coverage and nice and flat. Team sent out in a 4-4-2 formation
PLAN: Team was asked to:
· Use team strengths (passing, 2 touch, etc)
· Compete for every ball
· Ensure no early goals against to prevent giving Ringwood any hope.
· Play balls diagonally, not flat or vertical
First Half: Changes to the team were as follows: Bondole and Kasapidis were given a ‘rest’ for the 1st half, Bryden and Lee were selected as central defenders and performed admirably while Orlando was given the right wing back role and Drossas played right wide mid. The game started as a stalemate with Ringwood lacking forward pressure but they were reasonably strong defensively. Their defensive strength came as a result of a combination of factors: strength in numbers by playing 9-10 players behind the ball and an overall size advantage. At one point, a wide cross was met by all 11 players of Ringwood being within 25 metres of their goal. After a number of good plays wide and crosses, including hitting the post (again!!), Nguyen broke the deadlock by controlling the ball well in the box and shooting. This was followed up quickly by Drossas who got onto a cross and following up well on the rebound as his initial shot also hit the woodwork. Box Hill displayed, at times, an excellent ability to play the ball around on the deck and use 1 and 2 touch soccer. Drossas competed well and gave his all. Ringwood midfield was admirably led by a good player called Gino and he caused us some issues late in the half by holding the ball well and getting by defenders to lay the ball off. However, our GK was rarely troubled or called upon to defend his goal.
Half time score 2 - 0
Second Half: Substitutions were as follows: Tolo, Kasapidis, Bondole and De Blasio on, for Pagotto, Bircham, Lee (injured) and Drossas. After a good start to the half, with the ball being passed fluently and solidly by the defence and midfield, De Blasio was able to quickly put the 3rd on the board for Box Hill following good support work by Tolo. De Blasio had earlier rifling a thunderous shot that unfortunately went straight to the keeper so a goal was clearly in the offing for him. As the half continued, after some good interplay, a good through ball by Pagotto was defended well and saved by their defence. Numerous chances, crosses and shots followed and De Blasio stepped up after a good headed through ball by Nguyen to slide the ball wide of their Keeper for the 4th. More good work by the midfield and Mills-Warthold. Box Hill made some further chances and a corner was partially saved but a thunderous left foot volley by Becker resulted in BH’s fifth goal. Then a glorious chance to Nguyen after superb build up play led to a skied shot way over the bar when a side foot was all that was required. The final 10 minutes were subdued and some late changes were made to the team to rest player’s inc. Bryden and Becker. Tolo battled manfully for the last 10 after sustaining a foot injury.
Final Score 5 – 0
Overall Comments
Opposition: A strong team with a number of tall and strong players. They’re central midfielder Gino was clearly skilled and strong and was a great asset in their midfield. In addition, their #8 defender was very quick and held Nguyen well in one on ones. They clearly were martialled to pack their defence and midfield and BH will face this more and more as the season progresses. Ability to hold ball and pass was limited.
Box Hill: A good overall team effort. Everyone who played contributed to the result. Players such as Drossas and Tolo who have had limited game time showed they have something to offer. Pagotto improves every week as his fitness level improves, and ability to pick out a pass and deliver a cross is excellent. There is plenty of improvement in him though. De Blasio was a potent force in the 2nd half but the team needs him to deliver for 70 minutes. Orlando displayed his best game for the year in his wing back role. The midfield and defences ability to pass the ball around was shown at times but greater emphasis on this aspect is required as this is a key strength of the team. We must also learn to deliver shots from out of the box with greater power and direction as this is one way to beat a packed defence.
On another note, Malvern beat Whitehorse. Effectively, the season is now down to a 2 horse race with us leading the ladder by 1 point from Malvern.
EVERY GAME IS NOW VITAL!!!! WE CANNOT AFFORD TO DROP ANY POINTS!!
The teams intensity at training and especially games must continue to be delivered at 110% if we are to succeed in our aim of winning the league.
No-one can drop off and feel comfortable – the best team on Sunday will play and be made up from those squad members that commit at training – no exceptions……
Coach: John Di Martino 15th June, 2009
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