DATE: 28.06.08 OPPONENTS: CROYDON LOCATION: HOME
ANOTHER GREAT WIN FOR THE BLUES!!!
The home “drought” finally ended for the Doncaster Blues last Saturday after a great performance with a
2-1 defeat against Croydon. This is the 5th win for the Blues this season and the first one at home.
Although the visitors struck first in the early minutes of the game, the Blues gradually found their momentum and started to create chances for a goal. With Marko in goals again having a fine performance and a tight defense with Stefan, Alexander, Ethan and Michael in a new role. The boys covered every potential danger and our midfield began to push forward.
Tim, doing a lot of hard work, with Peter by his side and out wide Jake going up and down and Declan working his way forward. It was a matter of time before a forward line came up with the equalizer.
Jack and James always threatening to score finally did it just before half time making it 1-1, after a move that was created with great passing from the defense to the mid-field and finally to Jack who made no mistake.
In the second half with fresh legs coming onto the park like Billy, Damian and Corey who all had a great game and really put in the effort, it was obvious the Blues dominated. After taking a lot of shots with James, Jack Peter and Jake it was a well planned corner between Declan and Tim that produced the win for the Blues. Finally, Tim passed it to Declan putting it past the visitor’s keeper making it 2-1.
Congratulations to a great effort.
Unfortunately, Christopher and Justin weren’t there to celebrate with the rest of the boys but I am sure they will be very pleased with our first win at home.
Well done team!
John
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Monday, 30 June 2008
Round 10 - U12B - Match Report
Rovers 12B V Bulleen
The undefeated Rovers Team travelled to Veneto Club to take on 3rd place FC Bulleen, who had only lost won game for the season and were keen to make up ground on our boys. The boys were instructed to chase the ball hard from the outset, and to establish a dominant stance in the game early.
The boys did not disappoint, with some intense pressure in the opening 30 seconds of the game forcing Bulleen into conceding an own goal. The pace of our forward line continued to make opportunities for the team, although on occassions our defence looked a little exposed. This forced a switch in gameplan With Harry moving from Striker to a holding midfield role, which worked wonders as he consistently repelled the Bulleen attacks.
There were some great opportunities to extend the lead, with the highlight being Josh's long range attempt that went just wide of the upright. The chance to extend the lead before half time did eventually come however with some excellent pressure by Stephen forcing a goalkeeping error leaving the goal exposed for a 2-0 lead at half time.
The boys were warned that Bulleen would give everything they could in the second half, however the manner in which some of the opposition players, coaching staff and parents conducted themselves in the second half was very dissappointing. The great positive that did come out of it however was how our boys managed to keep their composure and not lose their focus. Despite Bulleens physical presence and us having to do a lot more defending in the second half we had a chance to bury the game with a late penalty. Despite the missed penalty our boys managed to hang on and keep a clean sheet once again.
The game showed two very contrasting teams, and their different approaches to the game. The boys can be very proud of their on field performance, resilience and sportsmanship.
Final Result: Doncaster 2-0 Bulleen
Scorers: Own Goal, Stephen
Goal of the week: Stephen
The undefeated Rovers Team travelled to Veneto Club to take on 3rd place FC Bulleen, who had only lost won game for the season and were keen to make up ground on our boys. The boys were instructed to chase the ball hard from the outset, and to establish a dominant stance in the game early.
The boys did not disappoint, with some intense pressure in the opening 30 seconds of the game forcing Bulleen into conceding an own goal. The pace of our forward line continued to make opportunities for the team, although on occassions our defence looked a little exposed. This forced a switch in gameplan With Harry moving from Striker to a holding midfield role, which worked wonders as he consistently repelled the Bulleen attacks.
There were some great opportunities to extend the lead, with the highlight being Josh's long range attempt that went just wide of the upright. The chance to extend the lead before half time did eventually come however with some excellent pressure by Stephen forcing a goalkeeping error leaving the goal exposed for a 2-0 lead at half time.
The boys were warned that Bulleen would give everything they could in the second half, however the manner in which some of the opposition players, coaching staff and parents conducted themselves in the second half was very dissappointing. The great positive that did come out of it however was how our boys managed to keep their composure and not lose their focus. Despite Bulleens physical presence and us having to do a lot more defending in the second half we had a chance to bury the game with a late penalty. Despite the missed penalty our boys managed to hang on and keep a clean sheet once again.
The game showed two very contrasting teams, and their different approaches to the game. The boys can be very proud of their on field performance, resilience and sportsmanship.
Final Result: Doncaster 2-0 Bulleen
Scorers: Own Goal, Stephen
Goal of the week: Stephen
Round 10 - U14A - Match Report
U14A Doncaster Rovers vs Caulfield North 29th June
This was the game where the boys were looking for some consistency and some respect on the ladder from a team above them on points but whom we missed playing the first time around.
The day was cool and overcast with a bit of wind favouring the south end on the main ground.
With Rovers kicking into the wind the game opened up with most of the play in Rovers forward half, with good runs by Jansen and crosses into the box a feature with the odd save by their keeper. Every time the ball was lofted into the Rovers half Nick D, Michael Piccoli , Joel and Chris had little trouble mopping up and passing the ball back to the centres where Phil, Alex and Matt were passing forward to keep the pressure on. All the play was in the Caulfield half with Steve putting in a good cross to Alex who headed the ball just over the bar. Drew was also under notice with good play beating three defenders in the right corner but his cross was pushed back out by the defenders.
All the forward pressure resulted in corners with Chris lobbing the ball nicely into the box where Alex tapped across to Steve whose turn and volley found the back of the net for our first goal. It was a relief to be on the board after a lot of build ups and set the boys into motion. Soon after Jansen put in another good run down the right and crossed to Phil who flicked the ball to Alex for a simple tap in as the goalie was motionless. Shortly after Phil put in another good pass to Jansen and with a good run he cracked the ball wide to the relief of the keeper.
Half-time score: Rovers 2 : Nth Caulfield 0
The second half started with loose play by both sides and the opposition were lacking in skills and attitude, could Rovers lift again and show the same application as last week?
This was soon answered emphatically when good forward play saw Drew beat his man and lay off a good pass to Michael Palomares whose excellent cross found Steve unmarked at the far post for his second and Rovers third. Dion and Elliot were introduced to give Chris and Phil a rest, and were immediately in the action. Elliot took the corners, one to Nick whose header just went over the top. The keeper managed a couple of saves, while at the other end Luke was not called into duty often but when required did the job with good timing and without fuss.
A feature of the game was the good passing by the boys usually to the feet of their team mates and really kept Nth Caulfield under the pump all day. Nick V to Michael to Jansen was excellent play but unfortunately Rovers had a few off sides that reduced the pressure on the defence.
Chris and Matt were back on and controlled the centre as Chris passed to Michael Palomares who passed to Steve for a good left foot goal (hat – trick for Steve). The boys continued to press and several chances went begging before a good corner from Chris set up Steve again for his fourth goal, a header that left the goalie stranded.
This game left no doubt that the boy’s new found belief in themselves is no one week wonder. The question in most minds was how could Nth Caulfield be above us on the ladder and look so weak in skills and application. You can have a bad day but unless they had five or six away on holidays they really were pretenders.
Scores at full-time: Rovers 5 : Nth Caulfield 0
GO ROVERS !! – Well done boys, you kept on going for the full game.
This was the game where the boys were looking for some consistency and some respect on the ladder from a team above them on points but whom we missed playing the first time around.
The day was cool and overcast with a bit of wind favouring the south end on the main ground.
With Rovers kicking into the wind the game opened up with most of the play in Rovers forward half, with good runs by Jansen and crosses into the box a feature with the odd save by their keeper. Every time the ball was lofted into the Rovers half Nick D, Michael Piccoli , Joel and Chris had little trouble mopping up and passing the ball back to the centres where Phil, Alex and Matt were passing forward to keep the pressure on. All the play was in the Caulfield half with Steve putting in a good cross to Alex who headed the ball just over the bar. Drew was also under notice with good play beating three defenders in the right corner but his cross was pushed back out by the defenders.
All the forward pressure resulted in corners with Chris lobbing the ball nicely into the box where Alex tapped across to Steve whose turn and volley found the back of the net for our first goal. It was a relief to be on the board after a lot of build ups and set the boys into motion. Soon after Jansen put in another good run down the right and crossed to Phil who flicked the ball to Alex for a simple tap in as the goalie was motionless. Shortly after Phil put in another good pass to Jansen and with a good run he cracked the ball wide to the relief of the keeper.
Half-time score: Rovers 2 : Nth Caulfield 0
The second half started with loose play by both sides and the opposition were lacking in skills and attitude, could Rovers lift again and show the same application as last week?
This was soon answered emphatically when good forward play saw Drew beat his man and lay off a good pass to Michael Palomares whose excellent cross found Steve unmarked at the far post for his second and Rovers third. Dion and Elliot were introduced to give Chris and Phil a rest, and were immediately in the action. Elliot took the corners, one to Nick whose header just went over the top. The keeper managed a couple of saves, while at the other end Luke was not called into duty often but when required did the job with good timing and without fuss.
A feature of the game was the good passing by the boys usually to the feet of their team mates and really kept Nth Caulfield under the pump all day. Nick V to Michael to Jansen was excellent play but unfortunately Rovers had a few off sides that reduced the pressure on the defence.
Chris and Matt were back on and controlled the centre as Chris passed to Michael Palomares who passed to Steve for a good left foot goal (hat – trick for Steve). The boys continued to press and several chances went begging before a good corner from Chris set up Steve again for his fourth goal, a header that left the goalie stranded.
This game left no doubt that the boy’s new found belief in themselves is no one week wonder. The question in most minds was how could Nth Caulfield be above us on the ladder and look so weak in skills and application. You can have a bad day but unless they had five or six away on holidays they really were pretenders.
Scores at full-time: Rovers 5 : Nth Caulfield 0
GO ROVERS !! – Well done boys, you kept on going for the full game.
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Round 10 - U12C - Match Report
A scoreless draw against a determined Richmond team but perhaps a turning point for the boys’ maturity under pressure.
Following on from the last two games against tough opponents, the boys mental toughness continued to be tested in the first half of the match with Richmond’s determined game play unsettling the boys. Team cohesion lacked and Richmond’s goalie was never really threatened.
It was testament to the defenders high work rate and resolve that Richmond went into the break without a goal despite some threatening moments.
The beginning of the second half continued the theme of the first half before the boys settled and constructive play began to re-appear. The boys began to consistently threaten the Richmond goalie but were unable to get a decent strike at the goals. They were a little unlucky not to have hit their straps a little earlier and get a goal towards the end of the second half.
With the defenders keeping the boys in the game this week, special mention goes to Christian along with Christopher P. for their great covering runs. Their reading of play and zest in covering breaks by the opposition has stepped up a level over the last couple of games.
*** Coach’s comments – Jack Talia
A great effort by Bertan today in repelling various attacks down the right hand side. He was instrumental in winning a lot of the ball in the air with headers, stalling many Richmond advances forward.
Christian was fantastic in being dynamic by coming forward and being first to the ball denying the Richmond forwards the opportunity to get first use. His hard running to get back when our moves forward broke down was also a highlight especially in the second half.
A great game by Cameron in staying focused and being able to read the passages of play so well that his various clearances by foot saved us on a number of occasions. By coming off his line at critical times and playing the last defender he capped off a great all round game as keeper.
Following on from the last two games against tough opponents, the boys mental toughness continued to be tested in the first half of the match with Richmond’s determined game play unsettling the boys. Team cohesion lacked and Richmond’s goalie was never really threatened.
It was testament to the defenders high work rate and resolve that Richmond went into the break without a goal despite some threatening moments.
The beginning of the second half continued the theme of the first half before the boys settled and constructive play began to re-appear. The boys began to consistently threaten the Richmond goalie but were unable to get a decent strike at the goals. They were a little unlucky not to have hit their straps a little earlier and get a goal towards the end of the second half.
With the defenders keeping the boys in the game this week, special mention goes to Christian along with Christopher P. for their great covering runs. Their reading of play and zest in covering breaks by the opposition has stepped up a level over the last couple of games.
*** Coach’s comments – Jack Talia
A great effort by Bertan today in repelling various attacks down the right hand side. He was instrumental in winning a lot of the ball in the air with headers, stalling many Richmond advances forward.
Christian was fantastic in being dynamic by coming forward and being first to the ball denying the Richmond forwards the opportunity to get first use. His hard running to get back when our moves forward broke down was also a highlight especially in the second half.
A great game by Cameron in staying focused and being able to read the passages of play so well that his various clearances by foot saved us on a number of occasions. By coming off his line at critical times and playing the last defender he capped off a great all round game as keeper.
Round 10 - U10 Yellow - Match Report
Saturday, 28 June (away) vs Sandringham
Win's a win at Sandy
With Atomica Coffee Coach of the Month on international duty in the UK, the Y1s travelled to the bayside suburbs in a bid to continue its unblemished record against an unknown quantity in Sandringham.
Talk on the sidelines prior to kick-off was that the home team would look to take it up to their highly-fancied opponents, with Sandy coming off a strong win the previous week against Casey Comets. Despite the build-up, the match started as a scrappy affair and never took off from there. A sticky, bumpy surface and two teams intent on crowding the ball made for a dour battle largely across midfield.
Despite the Y1s inability to find their slick passing game, a moment of class in front of goal had Doncaster one up after 10 minutes, when Alexander executed a deft flick over the advancing Sandy keeper following a smart cross from Ari on the left. With possession tilting slightly towards the home team, the Y1s were working hard to find their rhythm while a rotating backline of Jeremy, Jason, Lachie, Anton and Matt H managed to negate Sandy's attackers who were looking dangerous on the break. A second goal was needed to swing the pendulum in our favour, and it came 20 minutes in when Jonathon S broke through from a midfield scramble and ran into a one-on-one position with the keeper, slotting the ball home to take the wind out of Sandy's sails.
So, 2-0 at the break and it was a strangely subdued Doncaster Rovers that gathered for the half-time talk, the make-shift coaching panel under pressure to ignite the spark that has carried the boys to an impressive string of victories through the year. Perhaps they were yearning for the Exley touch, or were they in the midst of a mid-season trough?
The second half started much like the first, and it was clear we were going to have to battle for our win. Matt V, Jonathon N, Jacob, James and Jonathon S were trying to cover the vast spaces between attack and defence, while Yianni, Ari and Alexander were looking to make the most of the half chances that were coming their way. With Sandy looking dangerous from corners, Kirk was forced into action on a few occasions and looked solid in keeping out a couple of long range efforts.
A goal for Sandy would put them back in the game, but we managed to find the sealer with 10 minutes to play when Ari and Jonathon S exchanged passes on the left allowing Jonathon to break through and fire a shot toward the far corner. Yianni was on the spot to tap in and make sure of Doncaster's third and deciding goal.
It wasn't pretty, but our poise in front of goal was the difference between the two teams. A bit to work on at training next week, with a focus on keeping our shape and recapturing our fluent passing game.
Thanks to Memo and Patrick who assisted on the day, and to the other parents who made the early-morning trek to support the boys.
Next week: Round 11 home match against DRSC 2, 9am kick-off at Anderson Park.
Season so far: P9, W9, D0, L0, Gls For 46, Gls Ag 8
C'mon the Y1s
Win's a win at Sandy
With Atomica Coffee Coach of the Month on international duty in the UK, the Y1s travelled to the bayside suburbs in a bid to continue its unblemished record against an unknown quantity in Sandringham.
Talk on the sidelines prior to kick-off was that the home team would look to take it up to their highly-fancied opponents, with Sandy coming off a strong win the previous week against Casey Comets. Despite the build-up, the match started as a scrappy affair and never took off from there. A sticky, bumpy surface and two teams intent on crowding the ball made for a dour battle largely across midfield.
Despite the Y1s inability to find their slick passing game, a moment of class in front of goal had Doncaster one up after 10 minutes, when Alexander executed a deft flick over the advancing Sandy keeper following a smart cross from Ari on the left. With possession tilting slightly towards the home team, the Y1s were working hard to find their rhythm while a rotating backline of Jeremy, Jason, Lachie, Anton and Matt H managed to negate Sandy's attackers who were looking dangerous on the break. A second goal was needed to swing the pendulum in our favour, and it came 20 minutes in when Jonathon S broke through from a midfield scramble and ran into a one-on-one position with the keeper, slotting the ball home to take the wind out of Sandy's sails.
So, 2-0 at the break and it was a strangely subdued Doncaster Rovers that gathered for the half-time talk, the make-shift coaching panel under pressure to ignite the spark that has carried the boys to an impressive string of victories through the year. Perhaps they were yearning for the Exley touch, or were they in the midst of a mid-season trough?
The second half started much like the first, and it was clear we were going to have to battle for our win. Matt V, Jonathon N, Jacob, James and Jonathon S were trying to cover the vast spaces between attack and defence, while Yianni, Ari and Alexander were looking to make the most of the half chances that were coming their way. With Sandy looking dangerous from corners, Kirk was forced into action on a few occasions and looked solid in keeping out a couple of long range efforts.
A goal for Sandy would put them back in the game, but we managed to find the sealer with 10 minutes to play when Ari and Jonathon S exchanged passes on the left allowing Jonathon to break through and fire a shot toward the far corner. Yianni was on the spot to tap in and make sure of Doncaster's third and deciding goal.
It wasn't pretty, but our poise in front of goal was the difference between the two teams. A bit to work on at training next week, with a focus on keeping our shape and recapturing our fluent passing game.
Thanks to Memo and Patrick who assisted on the day, and to the other parents who made the early-morning trek to support the boys.
Next week: Round 11 home match against DRSC 2, 9am kick-off at Anderson Park.
Season so far: P9, W9, D0, L0, Gls For 46, Gls Ag 8
C'mon the Y1s
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