S&L Juniors U10 Whites - Manorcroft U10 Hurricanes

CAGE MATCH! Very fun and different game, on the roof 3G pitch of Spelthorne's new leisure centre. Very windy and cold. Opposition were also very keen to play so paid for half the pitch cost, thanks to them! Exemplary support and play from both sides so we've agreed to play some friendlies in the future, maybe on the roof again!

Seemed like a equally matched game on the pitch, but they seemed to score some early long range efforts and this kept them ahead throughout. Some brilliant individual efforts, with high work rates and defensive cover.

My only real observation this week was when the opponents have the ball, three players seem to go to it or none at all. We can trust the player in the best position to manage situation, but anticipate what happens next. If we win the ball the spares can be in good position to receive and easy pass, or if not, run back to provide additional cover. Trusting in your team mates and ANTICIPATING what happens next will lift us to the next level as a team. We're not far off!

My only other is Cage specific: When on the ball it's often easier to beat players against the cage. If we stand closer to this when marking, it blocks this route and they have to go around the inside.  Goal side, or on the line between the player and our goal, is best for normal open matches.

That was a fun game that I hope we all enjoyed. Well done all (including our support for braving the cold!).