| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Rob Smallwood
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
150 Posts |
 Posted - 28/09/2008 : 12:31:23
|
Through some bizarre scheduling Altrincham Juniors were given an immediate chance to exact revenge for last weeks defeat, this time on their own turf.
This week’s pre-match team talk, whilst still revolving around not conceding a two-goal deficit early on also flagged up the fact that Altrincham would be pumped up for this game.
It goes without saying that by half time the Metros were 2 - 0 down.
The first was a fine goal, a quick turn and shot from the angle of the box that rifled in to the top of a fairly high corner, all credit to the lad for a fine piece of skill that would have graced a higher division. (1 - 0  )
The second came when the Metros failed to clear their lines properly (echoes of last season), but again the strike from distance was excellent and had to be applauded. (2 - 0  )
This is where regular readers look forward to a stirring half time team talk, a re-shuffle and a Metros fight back, but this time it was not to be.
Altrincham fired in three more without reply, and each goal came down to Metros missing tackles in midfield and defence, and failing to mark and/or react quickly enough to loose balls. 5 - 0  )
There weren't really many bright spots today, the Metros barely troubled the Altrincham keeper, who kept us at bay in the first half by sweeping up over hit through balls down the middle (rather than down the channels and wings as we discussed pre-game!!) and the Metros inability to pass the ball well enough meant that there were few shots to save.
All in all it was a bad day at the office, and one best put behind us a quickly as possible.
The Metros need to take a leaf out of Altrincham's book and come back stronger next week, they need to start playing for each other again, but in fairness a lot of today's problems came from several players having off days - too many at once - but hopefully out of their systems now.
A couple of reminders for the parent's - all players must bring a jacket, preferably waterproof to each game, firstly to cover up when they are on the bench, but also to keep warm before, during and after. If anyone wants a "Unicorn" waterproof they are available from Cooper Sports in Sale.
Also, a couple of players weren't fully fit this week, but they didn't say until it was too late. Lads should not be playing if they are ill, and should have had something to eat and drink well before the game - take a look at the Unicorn Website for further details. We as coaches have a duty of care to the lads, but need them to play their part too.
A stark reminder that lifer in this division will not be easy - but time to move on!
Man of The Match - Not many shone today, but I thought Sammy had a good game and used the ball well.
Champagne Moment - Either of Altrincham's first two goals would have qualified but this award is for a Metros player - but I really can't think of one.
Referee - Very good I thought.
Squad - Luke, Patrick, Jonny, Hash, Robbie, Calum, Mattie, Simon, Oliver, Harry, Alex, Sammy, Liam, Tom, Joe & Connor.
Training - Thursday at 6:00 at Smith's Field.
Next game - Sunday 5th October home to Irlam Rangers. Kick-off 14:00 - meet no later than 13:30 onthe pitch.
Rob
|
|
|
Nick Rigden
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
55 Posts |
 Posted - 28/09/2008 : 15:27:01
|
This performance was in stark contrast to those seen in the first two matches of the season.
Having praised the team for the way they responded to going behind in those matches, perhaps they will now realise that the level of effort they put to come from behind, is in fact the minimum required to be able to compete in this division.
Ironically, they probably made their best start to a match this season, passing the ball well from the kick off and forcing a corner which almost lead to a headed goal. Sadly, that was about as good as it got, and as you say there were too many players who were not really on their game.
Still, if they learn from this defeat, and apply themselves in the next match, there is no reason why this can't be used as a catalyst for better performances in the future.
Fair play to Altrincham though, who, no doubt stung by defeat last week, upped their game and played well enough to have beaten a Metros team playing much better than they did today.
Difficult to pick a man of the match; I thought Patrick, Simon, OLiver and Connor did well in spells, as did Sammy.
I think we'll leave the champagne on ice. |
Edited by - Nick Rigden on 29/09/2008 08:18:19 |
 |
|
|
Rob Smallwood
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
150 Posts |
Posted - 28/09/2008 : 18:54:11
|
Bernadette here.
The match report seems a little harsh to me - Metros were the better side for the first twenty minutes and the scoreline flatters Altrincham - though they did deserve the points overall.
Whilst I agree not all the players put the effort in throughout the game I felt that Patrick put in a good performance and Alex & Liam, early on, looked threatening.
Still lots of work to be done - but if the players can keep their heads up and work together hopefully we won't see too many more scorelines like this one.
Lets set the alarm clocks early for the next morning match and send them out for a jog to wake them up before they get there!
Dette
|
Edited by - Rob Smallwood on 29/09/2008 17:35:22 |
|
|
|
Rob Smallwood
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
150 Posts |
Posted - 28/09/2008 : 20:17:01
|
I have to agree with the blue third of the Smallwood family, the lads do deserve credit for the first twenty minutes.
"Captain Grumpy"!
Rob |
|
|
|
Nick Rigden
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
55 Posts |
Posted - 28/09/2008 : 21:00:48
|
Well, perhaps we are a being a bit harsh, and you're correct that in the end the score-line was somewhat flattering to Altrincham.
However, I think if you're going to come on here being all reasonable, you really should get your own account. Rob has enough posts to his name as it is 
|
|
|
|
Rob Smallwood
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
150 Posts |
Posted - 29/09/2008 : 17:37:29
|
In the cool light of day, and after a pleasnt Sunday afternoon chilling in the Cheshire sunshine, I'm willing to go one step further and accept some of the blame - perhaps the team suffered a little from unnecessary tinkering from the Managers.
Time to draw a line in the sand methinks!
Rob |
|
|
|
Nick Rigden
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
55 Posts |
Posted - 30/09/2008 : 08:01:52
|
I agree, we can of course all  learn from this performance! |
|
|
|
unicornjfc
Forum Admin
United Kingdom
117 Posts |
Posted - 30/09/2008 : 08:17:37
|
Hey guys - let me have your feedback on this possible replacement for the Unicorn main website. With this version, everyone can be provided with login details and update the site including team pages. http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/unicornathleticjfc/
Let me know what yer think............we will still link to the forum of course! |
|
|
|
Nick Rigden
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
55 Posts |
Posted - 30/09/2008 : 08:28:37
|
I've seen this being used by a few of the local teams (Sale Utd, Urmston Town etc.) and thought it looked quite smart. The ability to maintain our own team pages is an obvious improvement.
So, I'm all for it... |
|
|
|
Rob Smallwood
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
150 Posts |
Posted - 30/09/2008 : 16:55:48
|
Me too - had a play over the weekend and can't see any obvious flaws - lets give it a go.
Rob |
|
|
|
unicornjfc
Forum Admin
United Kingdom
117 Posts |
Posted - 30/09/2008 : 17:25:10
|
| Rob - you have the login details for the Metros - can you pass them onto Nick and try adding some stuff to your team pages etc..... best give it a couple of weeks trial before 'Going Live' (remember Gordon the Gofer?) as they say..... |
|
|
|
Rob Smallwood
Unicorn Platinum Reporter
United Kingdom
150 Posts |
Posted - 03/10/2008 : 14:24:14
|
Will do.
Rob |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Metros v Altrincham Jnrs 28th September
