Today’s match against second-placed Spartans was not going to be an easy game. Earlier in the season, the Spartans frustrated us in the away match. They bossed the game physically and mentally got in our heads to the point that we were asked by the ref to sub a player.
We lost 3-2. Our response today, against a team second in the league, was exactly what was required.

Before the game we asked the Falcons to give the Spartans no room at all, to close them down quickly and turnover/ win back the ball as quickly as possible. In the first half we did this really, really, well. For 32 minutes we played at high tempo, right in their half, pinning them back for large periods, when they did get forward, our defence harried and closed them down and won the ball back. They were limited to through balls from within their own half, or got crowded out in midfield and were again under pressure.

Some of our plays in the first half were excellent. Superb passing out from the back and through midfield, using the full width of the pitch, great overlaps and link ups, and we totally owned both wings in that first half. Indeed it was in the first half that both our goals were scored.

Scoring first is important and our first goal came from some excellent wing play, On the left Jack turned a Spartan inside out and drove down the wing, coming inside he played a lethal ball across the box to Marcus, who coming in from the right wing, had got into a great space
to stab the ball into the net. Marcus made the finish look easy, but it was not. (1-0)

The Falcons continued to apply the pressure with Alastair, Jack, Chris and Ioan having efforts either saved or just wide.

Our second goal epitomised just how switched on we were. Spartans passed the ball in defence and pressure from Chris caused the defender to mis control the ball, Chris stole it and played a perfectly weighted chip over the ‘keeper into the net. Again, keeping the pressure on causes mistakes which leads to opportunities. Chris made excellent use of this one for his 18th goal of the season. (2-0)

Defensively and offensively, we were strong and gave the Spartans very few chances at all, to the point that their only real chance came after 33 minutes, their striker slipped through our defence for a 1-on-1 with Archie, who came racing out to meet him and closed the gap so well that ended up shooting well-wide of the post.

At half time, we encouraged the boys to continue to play in a similar way in the second half, but also discussed that we were sure that Spartans would push hard to get back in the game and that they should be prepared for that.

That proved to be the case. The Spartans changed their formation to match ours and to be fair had the majority of the possession and chances in the second half. Unfortunately for them, the Falcons proved to be as tenacious in defending their lead in the second half, as they were in getting it in the first.

Despite their possession, the Spartans were frustrated repeatedly by our defence, or by Archie, who made two excellent saves to deny them, including one which he pushed onto the crossbar and then nonchalantly caught as it came back down

As the game got stretched we had a couple of late chances too, with some lovely passing play giving Raphael a chance which was well saved.
The game ended 2-0. A win, and our 4th clean sheet of the season.

As a coach, games like today are very satisfying. Yes, we won, but it was how we won that, for me, put today’s performance right up there as one of the best of the season so far.

So here are 5 things that were particularly pleasing today

1. Our passing - some excellent moves today, especially in the first half, that had the Spartans on their heels. Created our first goal as well as other good chances. Wing play especially was brilliant today, well done Jack and Marcus.

2. Applying the pressure – we got in their faces and then in their heads, Falcon’s pressure caused Spartan mistakes, won us possession back quickly, and enabled our second goal. We defended from the front, with so many turnovers in midfield – Our midfielders were magnificent, well done Max, Alastair, Stanley Eadoin and Chris.

3. Versatility – We dictated the game in the first half and contained the game in the second, that takes discipline and you need everyone to be switched on, all 15 of you were today.

4. Defensively strong – 8 Falcons, Archie, Liam, Pete, Nathan, Gabriel, Cameron, Raphael, and Ioan played in a defensive position over the course of the game, you were all excellent. Our decision making was spot on, throughout the game. The clean sheet is a well-deserved reward!

5. Mentally strong – We kept calm, focussed and positive throughout the game, we were switched on from the start, inventive and creative, we took the lead and defended it superbly by being resilient and determined.

A real team performance today, that you should all be really proud of, well done!!
COYF!!
Phill

Match details

Match date

Sat 05 Feb 2022

Kickoff

15:00

Team overview