Our first league game was a hard fought battle with Raphael House. The first half swung back and forth with few clear cut chances as both teams tackled in mid field but struggled to get the ball moving forward. It was frustrating that we tended to take too many touches and tended to dribble rather than PASS.
Buncey made some excellent tackles and Nick and Finn worked hard to contain the hard working and skillful Denzel who had a great game for Raphael. Our marking was slack and our communication has room for improvement. When we were able to get our passing game working we made some chances and Nick scored an excellent goal to give us the lead at half time.
In the second half we switched Raj and Jayson which helped contain their attacks down the wings but we need to watch out that we do not get caught square at the back. Our back three need to play as a unit and move as one not get caught watching the ball.
The first 20 minutes of the second half we stepped up a gear and they did well to keep out a penalty corner. We finally got some hard, accurate passing going and put Jamie in one on one with their keeper to knock in our second goal of the game.
The last five minutes we self destructed and gave the ball away time and time again. Our decision making was poor and we started to lose our shape. Definitely scope to work on our fitness. We missed a chance to kill the game by going three up and the last few minutes was all Raphael. Tom made some fine saves to keep us in the game but we conceded a goal with three minutes to play and then allowed them to break away and equalise with 20 seconds left on the clock.
Overall it was probably a fair result given the balance of the play but it was disappointing to draw having done all the hard work. The game was played in great spirit and raphael showed the importance of keeping going to the final whistle. There were many positives that we can build on for the season and it is good to have our first points on the board.
Result: Raphael House 2 Wellington College U15A 2.
Players of the match were Ed for some great positional play and distribution and Buncey for some excellent tackling and clearing. We hope Rayhan is recovering and look forward to Shak being back from injury for next weeks game against Wellington High at 4.00 pm at NHS. And try and keep your fingers out of doors!
Well done guys and see you on Monday for training at school turf at 3.45-5.00.
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