Report

3^rd Dec 2011 (LEAGUE) 

Kick-off: 10:30

BEN 'HILLY' HILL (2)
GEORGE ‘JACKO’ JACKSON (1)
POM DANIEL ‘BAGGERS’ BAGLEY (Outstanding reactions and reflexes)

Report

DAVENTRY V REDDITCH UNITED

The Reds starting eleven:

Goal Keeper DAN, Left Back HUSSEY, Right Back JT, Centre Half DELANEY, Centre Half JACKO, Left Midfield WALDRON, Right Midfield MATTY R, Holding Midfielder GEORGE N, Attacking Midfielder GREENY, Striker SMITH, Striker HILLY

Bench: CARTY, EVO, FLETCH

With a couple of players getting slightly lost on the way to the game and also some team gelling issues evident in previous weeks, Daventry was to be the proving ground for a few changes.

With WALDRON starting on the left wing, HILLY up front and GREENY in midfield being the significant changes, the idea was to fill the centre circle to stop the opposition from breaking through and to support creative team play, whilst also having the available opportunity to really see who can play where if needed.

2 mins - The early signs were not good, with an early corner conceded static defending from the team allowed a couple of unmarked Daventry players an unchallenged attempt on goal – the resulting attempt converted to give the home team the early advantage.

Daventry 1-0 REDS

For the next 20 minutes the REDS created a couple of chances, but for the most rode their luck gifting Daventry with a 5/6 opportunities from not closing down quickly enough, not always tracking back and not challenging in the air.

21 mins – REDS spark into life with HILLY carrying the ball down the left wing, super cross met by MATTY R, resulting shot blocked only for GEORGE N’s follow up to just miss the target.

36 mins – MATTY R unselfish lay off to SMITHY, well placed pass to HILLY – Thunderous shot into the back of the net.

Daventry 1-1 REDS

2^nd HALF

The REDS were now playing as a team, covering each other going forward, communication improving and really stepping up as a whole.

58 mins – Corner delivered from SMITHY, the ball bobbled into the six yard box for a grateful JACKO to show a real classy finish at point blank to give the REDS the lead.

Daventry 1-2 REDS

 66 mins – Great vision and technique, HILLY takes a touch in midfield and strikes the ball from 40/45 yards – ball plants in the top RHS for the REDS to extend the lead to 1-3.

Daventry 1-3 REDS

With 10 minutes to go all eyes were in the Daventry half, with HILLY, SMITHY and WALDRON repeatedly taking short possession corners and free kicks in order to wind down the clock. After a few incidents resulting in yellow cards for both sides possession was eventually at 50/50.

76 mins –A RHS attack went untracked, the subsequent cross was made without challenge and easily met on the 6 yards to pull a consolation goal back for the home side.

Daventry 2-3 REDS

FINAL SCORE: DAVENTRY 2-3 REDS

SUMMARY:

The management team had warned the players to be alert from the start, ‘track the runners’, ‘keep talking’, ‘close down early’, ‘get close and don’t let them play’ - the early goal could have been prevented and although the end result justified the improvement throughout the game, it is still one of our biggest weaknesses as a team....let’s see the difference next week.

On a positive note: some well taken goals, some great passing spells, plenty of chances made, some very good challenges, great saves by BAGGERS and a really deserved comeback.