The Separatists 1-1 Cumberland Building Society
2007-04-23 18:00
Dave Atkinson
Richard Barrow (1)
Jordan Coulthard
James Dunlop
David Keith
Martin Taylor
Christian Van Tilburg
Andrew Watson
Pre-Match
Martin Taylor
Same as last week, can everyone remember to bring a black shirt (and shorts & socks if possible) as the kit hasn't arrived yet, something to do with a Korean poodle not wanting to give up his fur.
We may bring back the team talk to make sure that everyone plays as a team and everyone gets a touch of the ball early on.
I want shots a plenty tonight, lets make use of our possession and stretch their defence better than last week.
1. David Atkinson
2. Christian Van Tilburg
3. David Keith
4. Richard Barrow
5. Martin Taylor
6. Jordan Coulthard
Subs
Andrew Watson
James Dunlop
Jordan Coulthard
I apologise for last week, I know I was keeping hold of the ball for too long when passes were on. Last week I think we suffered from a poor start and a bit of slack marking, but as the game went on we defended a lot better and tackled with a bit of conviction.
This week, like Martin says, lets try knocking the ball around and stretching them. When the ball is moving around the pitch quickly, the opposition will concentrate on the ball which will then give us a few yards space in the last third which is vital. I don't mind receiving the ball into feet when I am upfront and holding the ball up. Both Martin and Richard have a powerful shot on them coming from midfield so a simple lay off may prove fruitful.
Dave Atkinson
This is a learning curve for us as a team, and steady improvement over the first couple of games interspersed with the odd mistake/misunderstanding is to be expected. I've been impressed with how everyone has stepped up a bit from the Friday games, which proves what a competitive game and some adrenalin will do for you. I promise I'll shout a lot more tonight and try to release the ball quicker if there is someone free, so be ready for the ball zooming out a fraction of a second after I get it.
CBS have got a good 'keeper, so don't let their poor start fool you. This is a funny league where anyone can win a game. Having said that, I am confident that tonight will be our first win, so lets make it a comfortable win at that!
All hail The Separatists!
Post-Match
Christian Van Tilburg
defensive blunders, missed opportunities and wasted energy (too much practice before the game??) and we still aren't talking enough, maybe we need a manly drinking session or something to get us talking on some level, it'll help on the field? oh, can i add, i want a win, so bad, i could spit!!
Dave Atkinson
Well, we'd have had the win last night but for my goalkeeping blunder.
Despite me saying 'play to the whistle' I then didn't do so myself for their goal. During the confusion in front of goal I shifted my (immense) weight to my right foot at the wrong moment. They shot and I couldn't adjust to save it and frustratingly watched the ball skid past my immobile right foot.
Many, many apologies :-(
I thought that we improved again last night in some areas. Fear not, Continuously Variable Transmission - our first win is coming! We've slipped another place down the table to 8th, but the Crown Corkers are now fixed firmly at the bottom with three defeats and 14 goals conceded (I let in 16 over all of last season).
As for the pre-match knockabout, I thought it looked very useful and helped you all 'get in the zone' for when the match started. However, I think it worked better at 'two on two', so perhaps next time we keep it at that and rotate on subs during it, which may help us with substitutions during the game, too.
