U15A Doncaster Rovers vs Glen Waverley 10th May
Mothers Day could not have been better with a sunny afternoon and not too much wind, just a breeze really. It was our turn to play on the “top” pitch at Anderson Park, which was in good condition, allowing for a free flowing game at both ends of the ground. It was nice to have a real coffee and a choice of hot snacks before the game as well.
Glen Waverley had come to play with some good aggressive attacks on the ball and long through balls that the backs with Luke in goal, Chris T, Daniel and Elliot, and York sweeping were able to neutralize. Some of the passing from the Rovers boys was average with many turnovers throughout the first half. The play was a bit congested with the wings coming in on the centres, this allowed GW to block up any attacks easily and put pressure on the ball carrier. In the midfield Chris S, Alex, Drew, and Steve were getting plenty of play but their passes were going to the sidelines as this was where the space was. Really the forwards should have been out wider, creating more space in the central corridor where Matt V and Matt D would have room to move.
Several good attacks gave Rovers a chance with 4 corners in the half but none of the kicks in really troubled their keeper, only Chris’s shot and another from Drew gave the keeper any concerns.
Half-time score: Rovers 0 : Glen Waverley 0
In the second half Rovers had a lot of the play but now were hanging onto the ball for too long and allowing GW to come up and pressure them into silly mistakes. Michael Pal came on for Steve who was injured and started to put more pressure on the backs. Michael put in a great cross to Mitch but the shot was overcooked and went high. Mitch soon had another chance at goal but again went high. Dion and Nick V came on and had some chances but could not convert, it was just one of those days. Chris had the best shot at goal when he ran through the middle of the ground and hammered a ball that just swung wide of the upright, the keeper had no hope to stop it. Nick V had a shot and Dion had a shot but again nothing. Late in the game a terrific cross came in but the forwards stepped over the ball when all it needed was a tap in. It was very frustrating on the boundary as all our opportunities were just squandered time and time again. The boys just seem to put pressure on themselves by not taking opportunities when they come around.
GW even had a couple of late chances but good work in the goal by Luke kept them at bay.
Next week will be a real test of how we can play under more pressure, hopefully the teamwork can improve with a bit more talking and commitment at the ball and passes at the feet.
Scores at full-time: Rovers 0 : Glen Waverley 0
ROVERS - keep trying, the goals will surely come!
