Dec 2008 Match Reports cont'd

Sunday 21st December 2008

League, Duppas Hill 2

Sovereign 3 - 0 Banter Central FC

Team: Wuker; Boma, Tino, Bushy; Cling, L.Dancer, Gillardino, Fintan, Pasty (Village, 78 mins); Adkins, Euro

How come every time we play Sovereign there are referee issues? In the four games Banter Central FC have played them, Roy – of Sovereign – has reffed it. Full credit to him for taking on the responsibility and doing it well again. I guess the next question to be asked is how come Banter Central can’t beat Sovereign? On this occasion and in fairness in previous encounters also, they’ve just had that touch more class than the blues, but it was still a spirited performance from Banter and many can go away with their heads held high.

Sovereign began playing at pace, using the full width of the pitch and in particular bringing their left winger into play as often as possible. A tricky customer, he left Cling and Boma chasing more than once in the early goings. It was his trickery and back post cross that opened the scoring, a free Sovereign header was well met and nodded in past Wuker. A nice goal, but the marking was slack. Banter became more involved and passed the ball well to respond, the importance of staying composed and confident if a goal goes in was being noted, Jonny Gill spread the ball wide for Cling on a couple of occasions, his crosses were either cut out or wasted. A free kick 30 yards from Banter’s goal saw Sovereign double their lead, the shot appeared to take a deflection, but Wuker’s hands seemed firmly behind it when he dropped it and watched it roll very, very slowly in. Sovereign talked of a rout being on the way and it was very big possibility, shortly after their left winger cut and smashed a shot onto the crossbar, a few more long range efforts went wide before Banter began to really lift it. The blues worked hard for the last 25 minutes of the half, the best chance falling to Rod, who from Euro’s flick smashed his shot at the keeper from a difficult angle. There was a flurry of corners for Banter too, once Cling had remembered how to kick a ball some of the crosses were swung into the danger area with just that final touch missing. There were some careless fouls from both teams and a bit of bitching and moaning too but Banter went in 2-0 down at half time, knowing the second half could be turned around if everyone kept plugging away, but could concede many more if not 100% alert.

The second half remained a stalemate for the most part, Banter’s midfield controlled the play and kept possession well enough at times, but Sovereign’s surges forward and killer instinct was far more of a threat. Euro ran hard to chase down some lost causes and even got in a couple of times around the back, some questionable offside decisions and lack of composure meant it came to nothing. Cling had a half chance when Euro’s ball played him wide, his shot was hit to the near post and pushed away for a corner. There were Banter players queuing up when a counter attack saw Adkins and Euro fighting over the same ball, it again came to nothing. Village replaced Pasty with 12 minutes remaining and Sovereign had enough time to get a 3rd. A short corner was played to the edge of the penalty area and the left winger who’d caused problems all game hit a ferocious effort towards goal, beating Wuker to make it 3-0. The result was not in question and Sovereign had no doubt deserved it, but Banter kept going and remained tight for the final few minutes to save at least some small amount of pride.

The ratings…

Wuker – 5 – His improvement is unquestionable and despite not having a lot to do all game, he should have done better for the 2nd goal. A goalkeeper will always be under close scrutiny sadly, but given his progression he’ll be disappointed not to have either held on to it, or got up and dealt with it. I’d like to see his defence as shit scared as Bruce and Pallister were of Schmeichel as well, really commanding his area. He barely flinched when he made one claim which saw Pasty clatter into and fly over the top of him, this bravery should be seen more often.

Boma – 7 – Made some very important challenges and generally mopped up well all game. His organising still leaves a lot to be desired on occasions, which is a fairly easy thing to sort out in the grand scheme of things, particularly given what a good defender he is. It was not his fault that the 3rd goal went in, not at all, but between he, the defence and midfield, it should have been spotted and stopped earlier.

Tino – 8 – A solid performance without really putting a foot wrong. His organising from set-pieces was good throughout and he looked comfortable in possession too. One of the most important things he will say to you is: “Now wiv to wokk, Banter”. All jokes aside, I’d listen to that all day rather than him go quiet on the matter.

Bushy – 7 – Another who didn’t make many mistakes and worked hard throughout. Whilst he’s ribbed for loving a wander up field, he did it today only when the game was stretched and he had clear opportunity. It’s not his role, but if cover is arranged it’s not always a bad thing. What I think we would all like to see is some end product to it, perhaps more composure in possession, perhaps a more kick and run on the touchline approach – he has a bit of pace and will win most one on one tussles. But he does need to get back quicker!

Cling – 7 – Had a job dealing with Sovereign’s left winger throughout, whilst also wanting to push on himself. Offered plenty of width to get crosses in – to mixed results – and maintained possession as much as possible. The Christmas break will offer a much needed rest.

L.Dancer – 7 – A decent outing, battled well and gave simple passes all morning. There’s probably only room for one Makelele in the team, so between him and Jonny, someone needs to push on and link midfield and attack. Jim’s only real issue is standing and watching sometimes, whether it is to collect the ball from a blue shirt or marking the opposition 5 seconds earlier. He is one of the side’s most talented players; these small issues could make him even better.

Gillardino – 7 – With that, it is either up to Jonny to push forward and start penetrating the opposition straight through the middle, or encourage all others to go and do it whilst he sits deep. Or both, switching the holding player all the time. His first touch is fantastic and when he does surge past players he usually manages it with ease, his desire to want the ball means Banter keep possession all the time and today he was that cool, calming influence you always want. But either with those around him not responding, or someone of his undeniable ability going and taking it to the other team, it meant it really had no end product on this occasion.

Fintan – 8 – Man of the match. He is, on his day, one of the squad’s most important players. He was on this occasion, the team’s best player. He worked extremely hard, he won the ball in the air and on the deck and pushed forward with purpose as much as possible. It isn’t difficult to see why he’ll be one of the best, he’s skillful, got two good feet and on the rare occasions today when he squander possession, he was there as quick as anything to rectify his mistake and always did. He’s pushing into the area making late runs well, I’d like some quality put into the area so that he can get some goals from it in the New Year.

Pasty – 6 – Ran hard in times of man flu striking everyone down. Loves to venture forward and wasn’t too troubled when going the other way, but I’d like some more grit and determination in his game. Laugh as you may, he actually tackles people this season. That’s progress. On occasion, he watches man and not the ball and was distracted when a loose ball came his way as to where his marker might run. A bit more instinct and faster reactions and he could nip and take the ball off players instead of giving them an easy ride and letting them get their first.

Adkins – 6 – Looked a frustrated figure and one at times that wanted to drop so deep he was a 4th central midfielder. Offered himself as an option more than most when Banter had the ball and maintained it reasonably well too, including drawing some fouls for some good footwork. It isn’t his game, but whilst in this formation and playing as a striker, he does have to push on and play higher up the pitch. No, he doesn’t need to be sprinting off the last man, but it was the Sovereign midfield often picking him up leaving Euro as a lone striker.

Euro – 6 – He and Adkins were not given the service they should have and in Euro’s case, he was struggling massively with injury, but he tried his best and got in some neat positions. Stopping for the offside that wasn’t given is about the most stupid thing I’ve ever seen though.

Village – 6 – Worked hard as usual in his short time on the pitch. For some reason he’s always accused of the most cynical fouls, albeit he has just flattened someone, but just not on purpose. If Hills’ fitness was as good as his determination, he’d be a far better player though.

This was a much better performance than last week, that really does go without saying. I’ve tried extensively to point out where each individual could improve, I hope that’s taken the way it’s meant to in that we’re all very capable and we have developed as a team, we just need to push to that next level now. If I didn’t think it were possible from anyone, I just wouldn’t bother commenting, i.e. suggesting Adkins should be faster would just be madness. But seriously, I think with a bit more drive and determination we can pick up plenty of points after Christmas. We should, with some luck see a few old faces return as well to help us out. At the moment, goals are looking a little difficult to come by, which is why I think the football was good today but we need that something extra to find the net. Sovereign deserved their victory; they were after all far more clinical in front of goal and created plenty of chances. We’re capable, so let’s all be ready to step up and, want to improve and we’ll see the rewards. That just leaves me to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year if I don’t see you. There are plans for a night out on 23rd, I’ll be in touch. Peace out, Cling Bak x