SENIOR COACH – NEIL HENDERSON

 

Comments To Be Published Shortly

 

RESERVES & UNDER 19 COACH -  BUD HILTON

 

A new season starting- A new concept for Modbury Soccer Club with the implementation of just two senior squads. A first team squad and a development squad. Pre season trial games consisted of participation in the Mickey Dye Cup series with games for the First Team, Reserves & U19s. Having the Development Squad enabled me to mix and match players in both competitions and we were fortunate enough to make the final in both grades. However we lost in both, going down 1-0 to Enfield in the U19s and an out of sorts Reserves being soundly beaten by Croydon 6-1. The last hit out before the season opener saw the U19s lose 3-1 and the Reserves drawing 3-3 away to South Adelaide. To date we have played all games away from home baring the Cup finals.

The season opener saw us play away again this time to Blue Eagles at Marden. With the trial games over and the Development Squads gaining more and more players, it was time to put the players to the real test, playing for points and places.

 

The U19s game saw us come out and play in a determined fashion with a lively opening from both teams, in what was an even first half, we played with the wind but really troubled their goal keeper with any clear cut chances.  We went into the break confident if we sustained that effort we would get something out of the game. Disaster struck just five minutes into the second half when the Referee pointed to the penalty spot for a hand ball by Sam Beythien, It was a harsh decision with the ball striking the arm not the arm striking the ball.

 

A misjudged high ball by keeper Matt Else saw Blue Eagles score their second two minutes later,  and just two more minutes later we conceded a third goal when we were caught square at the back pushing up and left their striker with a simple one on one to finish.  At 3-0 down the boys lost all confidence and it was a battle to get out of our own half.  It was no surprise when they added a fourth goal after 25 mins.  From then on we kept our composure and kept trying until the final whistle.  On reflection, to concede 3 goals in six minutes after the restart is a lesson that will be learned the hard way and if we give away the ball so easily, we will be punished time and again.  Special mentions to some tireless workers were Daniel Else – Brandon Pirone and Sam Beythien.

 

The Reserve Team started their game full of promise and had the better of the early exchanges.  Kicking against the wind we managed to control the play and some good defending restricted the Blue Eagles to long

Range shooting.  We were dominating down both flanks with AJ and Brandon doing some damage when Brandon cut inside and was upended in the box.  Penalty, and Brez stepped up and confidently slotted the ball home, 1-0 up and playing with confidence we scored again through man of the match, Brez who just snuck it inside the post, good efforts by everyone saw us go in at halftime with a 2-0 lead and playing well.

 

Playing with the wind in the second half our aim was to take the heat out of the game and flood the midfield

to restrict Blue Eagles scoring options.  However we sat deeper than planned and the Blues forced us on to the back foot, despite having more of the ball, they could not break us down and keeper Kieran Griffiths not needing to make a worthwhile save, eventually Blue Eagles did manage to score with about 10 minutes to go   but we were determined not to concede any more goals and in the end held out quite comfortably for a well deserved win.  Players to mention were Daniel Brezinski – Bradon Jarman – Steve Day and Dan Elekwachi however it was a great team effort with everyone contributing.

 

This week sees us at home for the first time this season against my old club Para Hills Knights, it will be strange coaching against so many players I have been associated with but I wish them all the best.  I hope our supporters have reason to celebrate afterwards. Regardless of the opposition, all games this season will be tough, and it is hoped that with this Development Squad System, the younger players will benefit by training and playing together and later on in the season will be playing the brand of football that everyone loves to see.  Until then please get behind all the lads and be patient as we strive to make Modbury Soccer Club the envy of all the clubs in the North.

 

Cheers for now

 

BUD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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