Southdown v Maidenbower Colts
Boys, yesterday's performance was not one of your best, but over the season you have played well and deserve your final position.
The two games were slightly different, in that the guys that played in the second game really 'dug in' and helped each other out. Maidenbower (in both games) attacked in numbers, and generally we had people back defending, and sometimes, but not always, putting in tackles. You seemed happy for them to shoot from distance, which is what cost us a goal in the first game. We need to close the person on the ball down, before he shoots.
Over the 32 games there were definitely some performances that are 'best forgotten' and some that I'm sure you will happily remember forever. Well, hang on to the happy ones, and try and learn from the poor ones, that way you will have happy memories and play even better football in the future.
Well done to each of you.
Southdown v Lindfield Juniors FC
Well done boys. You deserved to win, maximum points and all to play for next week...Southdown v Cuckfield Cosmos
Two hard fought victories today boys. Well Done!
Both of the games were very similar. We played most of the football, and most of it in their half, and we seemed to have chance after chance in front of goal that was not put away. On another day you may have scored four or five goals, in each game, but today it was not going to be.
Your passing and crossing was good, but I don't think that we had enough real shots on goal. Their goalkeeper was having a fantastic game, and did save a number of goalbound shots, but I think that we should have put him under more pressure. Also the calling did not seem to be happening, as quite often there was a Southdown player in the way of the Southdown player taking the shot. Talk (more) to each other and the game will become easier. You are doing most of the difficult things well, just the easy things to work on. We did have the chances but we were not taking them. On another day we may have been made to pay for the missed chances. Lets put some of them away!
Lindfield next week. Lets show them some of the good football which you have been playing. We know that they are a good team, but we also know that we can beat them. You have all worked so hard for the season so far boys, let's keep it going for a few weeks more.
Come On Southdown!!!!!!!Southdown v Worthing Dynamos
Another six points, and one clean sheet, so well done boys.
In the first game the passing was mostly there and so was the tackling, and so was some talking (so the talking situation is coming, very very slowly). What we seem to need to work on now if fitness, the midfield seems quick to support each other going forward, but once we lose the ball and the defence is put under pressure, the support is not there for the defenders. The defence lost their shape once or twice, but supported each other when they needed to. Overall we deserved to win the first game, we created more chances, and maybe should have had a few more goals, but three more points!
In a badly cut up and muddy pitch the second game was never going to be a pretty game of football, as the grass was long, and ball was bobbling when passed. Again they were pulling our defence out of position, and breaking forward in numbers, and deserved the goal that they scored. Having gone behind, it was good to see some Southdown players decide that they didn't really want to lose the game, and started to support each other. There were some tired legs out there, but it was good to see you guys trying to win the game. Again we had chances to score, but didn't take them, and at the other end Deano and his defenders had to do a few last minute tackles. Another three points.
Worthing are a decent side and physical as well. A couple of times today, I thought that we were pushed off the ball a bit too easily, and tackles weren't always made. We need to believe that we are all there to help each other and support one another, all the way through the team. Today saw two team games of football (generally) with bits of individual skill from most of you. Well done boys!
Lance
Southdown v Worth Park Rangers
Well boys, after your fine performance yesterday, you followed it up with two good performances today. In both games there was good passing and looking for space, and on the odd occassion I even heard one or two of you calling to one another. They are quite a good team and you made them look very average today, as your passing was cutting them apart. I think the guys at the back had a good game today as well, as in the first game they were often outnumbered when Worth Park broke, but did well to restrict their shooting chances. All three goalies had a good game 'between the sticks' as well. (Thanks for stepping in at the last minute).
What Jay has been teaching you, is finally beginning to pay off. Long may you continue to play like you did today!
Well Done All Of You! An All-round Good Performance.
Our Man Of The Match 'Spotters' have awarded this weeks awards to James Whiskin and Josh Arnold. Well done to you two. Keep it up, and try and win it again next week.
Worthing at home next week. Keep up the good work.
LanceSouthdown Rovers v Seagulls
I bet you think that you played well yesterday, don't you? Well you did! First the bad points - the weather, wasn't it terrible? I was getting soaked and muddy, and I wasn't even playing football! You wouldn't believe how much mud there was on the touchline. And when I looked at the pitch, it looked lovely and 'lush' grass. The football that you guys played in those conditions was really good. The passing game was back. And didn't it make a difference. The commitment was there and so was the 'tracking back by the midfield to help the defence out.Our defenders were getting their tackles in, and using the midfielders to help them out, and they were also supporting the midfield when we were attacking. And Deano was holding his own as the final wall of defence, pulling off a few amazing saves.The middle of the pitch was like a bog, and generally you played the ball wide and down the wings, with crosses coming in from all over the place. And when the crosses went in threre were players in the box trying to get on the end of them. Play like that each week boys, and you will give anyone a good game of football. We have got 10 games (5 double headers) left. Come on Boys, you can do it. Lance COME ON SOUTHDOWN!!!!!!!!Southdown Rovers v Old Town Boys
Wednesday night training
Well boys what can I say? I am disappointed because I know you can play much better. There seems to be no team spirit, no talking, no passing, no shooting, no defending. You all seem to think you can do what you like.
As a result of today I have decided to cancel training on Wednesday to give you all a break and I would like you all to have a think about whether you want to play for Southdown or not. If you do then turn up Sunday and show me, it is time to STAND UP AND BE COUNTED. Kevin Do any Southdown Under 10 players read these reports??!! Judging on what I saw today, I don't think so!
You guys got lucky in the first game. You started off absolutely awfully! No talking, no passing, and no shots. The same three things each week!. And then you went a goal down. And did the football get better? Not in the first half! The second half was better, but OTB always looked dangerous on the break, and our defence was worked hard. We seemed to be constantly under pressure with the midfield and front players not hanging on to the ball. Somehow we clawed our way back in to the game, but then decided that that was it, a draw was good enough! Well the game was there to be won if you had wanted it, but you didn't and a draw it was! The second game was marginally better, but again you never started playing football until you went a goal down. Why do you have to give the other team a chance before you start to play? If makes the rest of the game so much harder. We were extremely unlucky not to score in the second game, but we need to make our own luck. Shoot and follow up. I don't know how many times I saw the ball around their goal line with not a single Southdown player in sight. Where were you all? There is no way that we deserved to lose that game, but again there did not seem to be the committment needed to win it! As someone said to me ' this may be the only chance that you have in your whole lifetime to win a League Winners Medal'. Don't throw it away! I've decided that if you guys are not reading these reports, or if you are you are not paying any attention to what is said in them, then I won't write any anymore. So unless there is a big improvement in the Seagulls game next week, this is my last report! Old Town Boys are a good team, but today you just laid down and let them take the points from you. Man Of The Match Awards today go to Jack Wells, for a good all round performance and Jacob for some good chasing back and tackling. A brief mention for Ashley and his tackling as well as Harry for his nice 'two feet on the floor' long throws. Well Done you four boys. Lance
Southdown Rovers v Maidenbower Colts
Firstly - Welcome to Henry Gilbert and his family today. Your first Southdown Rovers game today Henry. Welcome to our club. Well, what did you think about today they boys? Before you read today's report think about what you would have written if you were writting it. No, don't just read it, have a think about things. There is an old football saying about it being a game of two halves. Well that was certainly true today. The first half, (the first game) we were always chasing the ball. Maidenbower were passing it around nicely, but when we got it back they seemed to get it back really easily. The passing didn't seem to be there, the midfield wasn't chasing back quick enough to help the defence out and we always seemed second to the ball. We told you that they were a good team and scoring goals, but that they were also leaking goals. I can't honestly remember one shot (on target) in the first game, and if you don't shoot you don't score! We were backing off and inviting them to shoot and they were not scared of doing that. We know what to expect next time and you guys know what you need to do! The guys that started the second game had more urgency and passion about their play. They seemed to want to play football. I know both games were very physical, but we are a physical team. We don't need to get involved with the pushing and shirt pulling. Leave that up to them. Go out, play football, pass, and you will score. Having gone a goal down in the second game, you guys could have let your heads drop, but you didn't. The game is half an hour, you must try and stay positive, we had time to get the game back, and you did. There was passing and support play, and 'blow me down' some shots on goal, and the result? GOALS!! Every week you go out teams will be trying to beat you. You are at the top of the league, and you need to play at your best each week. You need to keep together as a team and play for each other. Not talking to each other on the pitch doesn't help, as we had two or three Southdown players going for the same ball. Talk to each other, the game of football will be made so much simpler. Overall - Well done! Three points gained, and three dropped. Oh yes, the small matter of Man of the Match. The first game goes to Henry for tightening up the midfield, holding up the ball, tackling, and passing - a good overall performance. In the second game, it goes to a defender, we defended well as a unit with the help of the midfield, and after a shakey start, got in all back together. It goes to Harry. Well done you two boys. LanceCup Match and Friendly - Southdown Rovers v Lindfield Juniors FC
I have to admit to being disappointed with today's result. Not with the way that you guys played today, because you all played really well, but the luck was not with us today. You guys that played in the first game gave all you could. You were asked for 100%, and you gave 110%. The passing was there, the support was there, you all played as a team, and for that - Well Done! It was always going to be a tight game, with probably only a goal deciding it. It went to extra time, with both teams still giving their all, and unfortunately for us a scrappy goal decided it. You guys who played in the second game were asked for the same 100% that the boys from the first game had given, and like them you gave 110%. You never really allowed Lindfield to settle, and generally wherever a Lindfield player was there was a Southdown player marking them. Again the Lindfield goal had a bit of luck on their side as it just snuck over Jack's outstreched glove. Harry and James at the back did well to keep Lindfield to few shooting chances, and the midfield of Josh Tim and Deano did well to track back back when Lindfield broke out in numbers. Jack up front did his job for the team as well, as he held the ball up well to allow the midfield to catch up and support him. He also managed to bag a couple of goals, which he took well. Well done in both games today boys. Man of the Match this week goes to ... well in the first game we couldn't actually pick out one player that played any better than the others so we have decided not to award one - it was a good all round team performance.In the second game it has been given to Jack Browning for an all round good performance. LanceSouthdown Rovers v Lindfield Juniors FC
Oh Dear Oh Dear. Oh no that was last week!! This week was WELL DONE EVERYONE! You were a totally different team this week against Lindfield, to the one that played last week against Cuckfield. I don't know what it was, whether it was the two training sessions during the week, whether it was because it was Lindfield and you decided to raise your game, or whether it was Kevin's talk before the game, but whatever did it keep it going. The first game was brilliant.kicking down hill and getting only one goal, I have to be honest and say that I was a little worried for what the second half might bring. But what it brought mostly was fine saves from Deano, good passing from Georgie B and lots of Southdown goals.
I can't believe that Lindfield have become a worse team over the last few months so it must be the fact that you guys played as a TEAM or UNIT today. You were all there for each other today. It made a big difference with you supporting each other, and the passing was back.
LONG MAY IT CONTINUE! I won't say that it was a pretty game of football, but in the second half we dug deap, and we got what we deserved, goals and a good result. We did ride our luck a little bit, but then we were due a bit of luck against Lindfield. The second game was always going to be difficult, as Kevin said. Lindfield were not going to be happy after game 1 and their manager was going to have 'fired' them up for the second one. You had your little 'pep talk' to and out you went.
Like the first game it was not a pretty game but you all stuck by the jobs which you had been given to do. Lindfield again defended deep and attacked in numbers, but unlike last week, our defenders were not always outnumbered this week as the midfield were helping out.
Lindfield were not allowed to settle on the ball, and although their passing was good, we seemed to want the ball more, and be more committed to our tackles. We were again kicking up the hill in the second half, and Deano again pulled out a fantastic double save to stop a certain goal. More hard work today boys. Well Done. Next week is the Cup game against the same opposission, and the week after Maidenbower. Three important weeks in the life of Southdown Rovers Under 10's. The League is in your own hands now. Lets' go and give Maidenbower a good game on the 11th of November, and lets go out next week and give Lindfield another good game. You know that they will be after their revenge. Don't let them get it! Man of the Match Award this week was quite tough.You all played well, and we don't think that anyone had a bad game. Have you decided who should have it? Well the awards this week go to David Sadler and 'Man Mountain' Deano. Well done guys, keep it up for next week. Lance
Southdown Rovers v Cuckfield Cosmos
Well Boys, what do you think about this week's games? From where I was standing they looked like two ugly games of football! You made the game of football look really, really difficult, and it's not; it's actually really, really easy. (played right). Both games were much the same as each other, we were not really supporting each other, the passing was't really there, and the talking definitely wasn't there.(The same three 'crimes' each week). We seemed to be playing the game as a group of individual players rather than Southdown Rovers 'The Team'. On the whole Cuckfield didn't really trouble us at the back too often, and when they did the defence did their bit, and kept them out, although it did take a couple of excellent last ditch tackles from Jacob and a couple of superb saves from Deano on a couple of occassions to ensure that Deano kept his two clean sheets. When we were attacking Cuckfield were defending 'in numbers', but when Cuckfield were attacking our two defenders were looking at four or five attackers, with our midfield nowhere to be seen. When we were attacking the Wellsie and Troaksie boys were trying to punish Cuckfield, but with a bit more passing, shooting, and following up, we really should have won both games comfortably. Before today, I bet the Cuckfield boys looked at the table and had a sleepless night worrying about what was going to happen to them today. You let them off lightly. 6 more points on the board is important, but be warned, Lindfield next week, and play like you did today, and all your hard work that you have put in over the opening games of the season will start to be lost. If we play as a team, we know we stand a chance against Lindfield. Let's get our heads together, play for each other and as Southdown Rovers lets go to Hickmans Lane next week and show Lindfield what we have been showing other teams this year. Please! Man of the Match Awards this week go to Jacob and Deano. Well Done you two!Worthing Dynamos v Southdown
Well done boys! Today was a potential banana skin (ask your parents!) but you came through both games. The first game was a good flowing game and you guys were putting some good passing moves together. Worthing had very little of the ball and couldn't get it off of you. The passing and movement off of the ball was good, and you were fighting for each other, and helping each other. Again, like last week against Marle Place, by passing the ball you split their defence apart and were rewarded with goals. Now what was it that you were told about passing? Oh yes I remember, pass the ball around and you will get goals. That happenend big time today in the first game. The defence were mainly midfielders today, and we seemed to have four strikers. However, when called to defend, Deano and his back two were there to defend. Because of the players in front of him Deano was largely a spectator today, but like those players when called to stand up for his team he did it in style. A very dubious (again, ask your parents!) penalty award meant that Dean had to 'do his duty' with no defence to help him. And didn't he do well!!!! The penalty needed to be saved,as it was going in, and he pushed it over the top. Well done Deano!!!! If that had gone in, at 2-1 Worthing may have been a different team. It didn't and they weren't. The second game was very different to the first one. At 0-0 Worthing seemed to fancy their chances, and you guys seemed to be tired from the first game, or maybe you just didn't want to play football. There was no chasing back, no passing, no tackling and no support. You wouldn't think that you had just won the first game. I have to say that Dean and his defence, never really looked like conceeding a goal, but we, as a team, seemed to be struggling to get the goal that we needed. After 'digging deep' you slowly got back into things, and the goal did come. You deserved to win the game, but were made to work hard, and you did work hard. You never gave up and settled for the draw. You were always pushing on to get the goal. Just a brief mention AGAIN. NO TALKING! If you guys do not start talking soon, we might have to put the football on hold, and play a game to teach you each others names. (like an English lesson at school). If you would rather play football, start talking to each other! Well played again today boys! 6 points and the teams below us still chasing. Don't take your foot of the pedal. Let's go out there next week at home to Cuckfield and give them a good game! Man of the Match award this week was quite difficult to decide. No not because you all played rubbish, but because you all played well. Please continue to do that and let Kevin and I have a difficult time chosing each week. The Awards go to Jack Troak, and George Askew for keeping everything moving in the midfield, oh and picking up a few goals between them as well. Who will up for an award next week????? Over to you. LanceSouthdown v Marle Place Wanderers
Over the two games, the football that you guys played today was of a high quality. The last 3 goals of the second game seemed so easy. You passed and shot, and scored. You also followed up a bit bit better today and one or two of the goals were as a result of that.A bit too much ball was still being played down the middle, but not as much as we have been, so well done for that as well. Just so you know that it is not just Kevin and I asking you to do things, the referree passed one comment today. Do you remember it? TALKING, OR RATHER THE LACK OF IT.
He was in the middle of the pitch and couldn't hear it, no wonder Kevin and I can't hear it from the sidelines. You should all know each others names, use them, talk to each other.
It's just another way of supporting each other. And the Man Of The Match Award this week goes to...........Well the whole team actually. There was not one or two or three players who stood out today, you all did.
You all played well. if I was going to try and improve one thing though......... no we won't go there. You all played well and deserve your Top Of The Table position.
Now you are there though, you need to fight to stay there. Turn up each week like you did today and you will be a match for anyone. The teams below you will be trying to beat you more now, starting with Worthing next week. Well Done Boys!
Southdown v Worth Park Rangers
Well boys, what can we say this week? Overall Well Done! Two games and two wins against a very physical team. We are a physical team ourselves, but I think Worth Park were making up their own rules. They were pulling your shirts, pushing you, putting tackles in on the player and not the ball, and even at one point one of our players was slapped. And the outcome, you went and scored goals and won the games.As Kevin was saying last year that is the best way to fight back. Don't get involved with the pushing and shirt pulling, put a pass in and go and get a goal! Over the two games though the talking and passing was still not there.
Two or three Southdown boys were going for the same ball with won Worth Park player, and when he won the ball he could then pass to two unmarked Worth Park players. Call the ball , shout your name and take control of the ball. And when you have got the ball, use it, don't just kick it or try to take on the whole team, pass it, and look for space.
Today there was so much space, because most of the game was taking place in the middle of the pitch. You are a good passing team when you do it, and when you did it in patches today, you nearly always scored a goal.
What a thought, whenever we pass the ball around, we score. Let's pass the ball around some more and get some more goals. Quite a few good performances today, with a few different goal scorers which is good. Josh up front did well, and Deano at the back pulled off some good saves (again).
Man of the Match awards this week go to George Askew, Matt Bareham and David Sadler. David yours is half for having a good game and half for not retaliating (fighting back) when the Worth Park player lost his temper. Well Done you three. Over to the rest of you for next week.
Southdown v Seagulls
WELL DONE BOYS We played well today, we played as a team and we still had the odd bit of individual magic as well. A great team effort, it was nice for Lance and I to see you all play with a smile. It was even better to see you all at the end of the two games knowing you had all played well. Lets keep it going so that when we play Worth in two weeks time they don't know what has hit them.Kevin Boys, Well played today! After last weeks disappointment you were asked to lift your game for today, and you did it. Seagulls are not a bad side and you played well and did the double. Last week not many of you played well, but today everyone had a good game. Right from Deano at the back, who did all he had to do when Seagulls threatened our goal, defence looked quite solid (but were pulled out of shape a bit), midfield chased back and helped (most of the time) and supported the strikers, and strikers got a few goals and helped the midfield (sometimes). The passing was good and your support of one another was also good. The first game was a bit 'nervy' until the second goal went in, as Seagulls did break out a few times and put our goal under a bit of pressure. Once the second goal went in I think nerves were calmed a bit. The second game was very different, as straight away we were into our passing routine, which made the game look so easy, and the goals flowed.The begining of the second half of the second game was a bit nervous as Seagulls had made some changes and we took a bit of time to sort ourselves out. So after last week when the report was a bit harsh on you all, this week's report wants to say WELL DONE, and long may it continue! The MoM awards this week go to Matt and Harry. Well done boys. Oh, by the way, just because you played well today doesn't mean Wednesday nights training will be easy!
Lance
Southdown V Old Town Boys...
Having read each others reports on Monday we realise that we have been tough on you, but we want you all to play as best you can every week, not for 5 minutes every third week. There was some good play on Sunday, in the first game we were passing the ball well, and supporting each other. The defence of Ashley and Jacob were putting good tackles in, and not giving OTB many chances, and in the midfield Jack Troakes was making a pest of himself to the OTB defence, and picked up a couple of good goals, and Gearge A put some good passing moves together. In the second game the good points came mainly out of the defence, although I still say that it was a bad goal to give away, and if Deano had not been on top of his game and pulling off three or four good saves the score line would have been much worse. Football is a team sport, support one another and play for each other and as a team you will get better. On your day you can beat ANY team (as the cup final proved).Kevin & Lance
Well where do I start? Boys we have the best squad of players Lance and I have ever had and the best pre season as well.
But today we played like a team who has never played with each other, let alone win the cup last year. There are still boys who do not pass the ball, who do not shoot or tackle and I feel like we are just going around in a circle.
Yes I no it is only the first game of the season and there is a long way to go but boys come on, you know you are better than that.
Today I heard one of the parents say that it is frustrating to watch and I agree. As we all say to you, football is as hard as you make it and if we are not going to pass the ball then it is going to be a very long season.
COME ON BOYS THIS IS YOUR WAKE UP CALL
Kevin
Our first two games played today, and we should have won them both.
The first game generally everyone played well, and fought for the ball. We scored two goals, and Deano had a reasonably quiet game. However up front we had quite a few clear chances that were not put away, and in another game it may have cost us the win. Like our defenders need to commit to the tackles, whoever is up front needs to commit to the goal scoring opportunity. Before we played the first game Kevin had mentioned 'commitment to the team'. In the first game it was there in patches, but in the second game it was rarely there. Not much running back to help out the defense, not much commitment in tackles, and not much commitment in front of goal. And the goal we gave away was poor! Four Southdown players around one OTB player and still he manages to score! Before kick off Kevin told you that we needed 6 points to stay with Infield. The game was there to win today, so if you want to stand a chance to be in with a shout at the League Title we need to commit. A tough day's training lies ahead on Wednesday. Come prepared for some hard work, and hopefully you can carry it through to Sundays game against Seagulls. Man Of The Match Award this week to Ashley and Jack (Troak)
Lance