Sonning U14 Boys 3 - 0 Reading Challengers

Quietening down the noisy neighbours

We had our First league game of the season v Reading on our pitch at Sonning……and we were fantastic!

OK, so i'm biased, but I can qualify my statement with a few facts……..
We played as a team, each and every one of us. We worked hard for each other both on and off the ball.

I asked for quick thinking and ball movement - not just pace of the pass, but also pre-scanning and distributing the ball early…..before Reading had reset.
And this we did in bucket loads. Reading spent the vast majority of the match in their half!

By just playing the ball early and penetrating the first line of the Reading defence and then passing - we wiped out 3 or 4 of their players instantly.
And then with our numbers coming through - they were always under pressure.

Our work-rate in back tracking was super and our tackling strong. The few times they did come forward were mainly spoiled by tackles or the closing down of their space which allowed us to get back into shape.
Playing with just a kicking back and no goal keeper meant we were exposed a little, but conversely we were agile and mobile turning defence into attack.

I also asked for the boys to drive at the goal and don’t be afraid to have a go…….and we were not afraid. We really had a go…..and that’s great. If you don’t shoot you won’t score. But we did and we scored 3 more than them!

And lastly, I loved seeing the 3D skills…..the number of times we lifted the ball into space, over the sticks to advance play….again….fab. This is not easy, and shows a level of calmness and skill under pressure.

Everyone played well. I can’t pick anyone out in particular - the team work was a joy to see.
Fine goals from Captain Nathan, Sean Barker and one of the youngest players, Oliver. Thanks too to Jack Barker for joining the Sonning Sunday team on a free transfer!

Things we will be working on
• …….using the wide channels, playing up the line, driving along the base line ……drawing the defence out opens up their defensive stronghold, and once open, we can penetrate the gaps at pace and slide the ball home.
• We will also continue to work on the reverse stick…….this is for receiving, passing, shooting and best of all tackling…...
Goal scorers:- Nathan, Sean and Oliver

Winning Team against Reading:-
1. Isaac Thompson
2. Oliver Oke - GOAL
3. Aidan Dias
4. Charlie Orbell
5. Charlie Hankinson
6. Eddie Burrows
7. Sean Barker - GOAL
8. Jack Barker
9. Toby Hatfield
10. Nathan Munns Captain - GOAL
11. Zach Bonifacii

Ant