GAME WEEK 8 v NEW HERRINGTON TEAM SPORT PYTHONS

Back in action after a weeks enforced break due to the weather and we were back at the Russell Foster centre to take on New Herrington who we beat 2-0 earlier in the season and we were looking to improve on that performance as it wasn't up our usual standards, especially as we were playing against 8 that day.

New Herrington had a full team this week minus the impressive goalkeeper who had moved to a Premier League team mid-season. Unfortunately for us their second keeper was equally as good. Typical

4 main objectives today were, 2, two player core moves (through ball and 1-2) and two three player core moves (lending pass and around the corner) and a minimum of 4 shots in the first half. And finally, above all else, a positive attitude with each other. These objectives were achieved the kids tried to play as much football as they could in a very competitive game on a heavy pitch. The passing patterns out of the defence, via the goalkeeper, into fullback and out wide or into DCM, worked very well and the confidence in these patterns allowed the players to create the angles to play the core moves and ultimately get the shots off and test the New Herrington keeper.

A great free kick from Joe was well saved, Max Billingham was a constant threat, turning on the half way line and firing a shot across the keeper and wide. Two corners were scrambled wide and another great save from the keeper saw the game 0-0 until New Herrington scored with their first foray into the Rutherford half and shot from the outside of the box flew into the top of the net. Given this is only our 8th league game, I'd conservatively say this is the 6th time we've gone behind against the run of the play. This did give us a chance to met the "positive attitude" objective and following a number of shouts of "C'mon lads" and "heads up", we set about getting back on level terms and it wasn't long before Max Billingham's hard work was repaid with a well taken goal once he was put through by Mason who played very well all game. It was no more than Rutherford deserved. This was our 6th shot of the first half which means another objective knocked off.

It wasn't long before Max was back on the score sheet this time, following a great flick on from Max Johnson who is really developing a good heading technique, and once Max was away there was never a doubt that he was going to finish into the bottom corner. 2-1 at half time.

During the first half we saw a number of through balls from Penny, Max and Mason. James combining we well with Callum and Elliott with Joe. Due to the dominance of Rutherford had, we changed to 2 at the back as New Herrington were playing 1 up front and we tend to like to play +1 at the back, this allowed us to go 2 up front and really take the game to New Herrington. We switch up the personal and went we Taylor and Connor at the back, our two quickest and natural defenders, this worked very well.

Into the second half and it was much the same, with Rutherford dominating the ball but not quite making the chances or breakthroughs we had in the first half. This might've been due to the heavy pitch or New Herrington getting a foothold in the game, it's difficult to say. A few more chances came and went with the New Herrington Keeper making some tidy saves from a Max Billingham free kick being the notable effort. Unfortunately and rather against the run of play New Herrington equalised through a cross and well taken finish. The ball was borderline out but it was on my side and I think this was just about in, these are the fine margins we're playing with.

Rutherford continued to push for a winner and in the last minute a well worked free kick between Joe and Callum resulted in Joe cutting into the box and shooting at the near post, a couple deflections saw the ball hit the outside of the post and out. 2-2 was the final result.

Some notable mentions today were Mason who was always available to receive the ball and move it forward, linking the defence and attack very well. Penny impressed again with strong running and better decision making, deciding when to dribble and when to cross/shoot. Connor was brilliant in the covering defender role, winning tackles and clearing danger when required, a great performance given the treadmill incident earlier in the week. Man of the Match this week however goes to Max Billingham who was very much back to his old self today. He was a total menace to the New Herrington defenders and scored two very good goals. Well done to Max and all the players, you did everything Shaun and I asked for and we were unlucky not to get the win I think we deserved.