Holland Blues at their Gaff

A formidable team who did very well last season, maybe a team that have a bit of a hoodoo over us, so today’s team talk would be vital. 

Weather conditions were atrocious, very windy and the rain was just “beautiful” ish.  We gathered in the changing rooms to keep out of the elements if only just for a while.  The positions were explained and what was expected, then over to Fabio for his inspirational animated team talk.  It started off as a bit of a physics lesson, explaining what happens to sugar in the rain – well it dissolves – “we are not made of sugar!!”.  With that the showers were turned on and the rest of the team talk took place in the showers – full on – no it really did.  Just to prove the point “you are rocks not sugar cubes”.  Then off we trotted, wet but about to get even wetter.

Kick off and it kind of went down hill from there.  The conditions played a big part but it’s the same for both teams, so no excuses there and Holland passed the ball around a lot neater than us.

We did have our chances, Dom went very close midway through the half and his performance today was second to none – a real Captain’s performance, his efforts today were fantastic.

James also, absolutely brilliant, never gave up, worked right through to the final whistle.

Tyler battled for every ball in midfield.

So Man of the Match goes to all three – Dom, James & Tyler for their ‘Never say die’ attitude.

Liam, not afraid of anything, always getting stuck in, ran his socks off. 

So at half time 0-0, all still to play for.

Despite the brave efforts in the second half, Holland undid us and the final score 2-0.  One goal a bit dubious, as the player with a hand of God palmed it past the keeper and netted.  At the end of the day they out-passed us, normally I rave on about how well we pass the ball round, but I could count on one hand how many passes we put together.

Karlin showed great commitment, determination and said he did not play well today as he was subbed.  Not true, with a strong squad it’s always difficult to play everyone.

Jye was a bit down last week being subbed.  Any of you who get subbed, it’s not always because your playing badly, so work hard.  There were a few spirits that went AWOL today, we must be strong as a team, never give up.  Pain is temporary, if you quit it’s for ever, never give up.  Work doubly hard next week and I am confident we can turn it around.

To sum up, we got tangoed, the Orange army outplayed us today – the better team won – we move on.

This really is a tough league.

Fabio