In the interests of the FA’s ‘Respect’ campaign, this weekend was a trial across Surrey to play all games at age groups u12 and below as ‘silent games’ where there was a minimal verbal contact from both coaches and spectators. More of a ‘trial’ for the coaches in keeping quiet than anyone I reckon!!!
On to the game, and Ewhurst Rams arrived with a depleted squad of only 8 so in the interests of ‘Respect’ and fairness Loxwood loaned a player in both halves to balance the sides – well done to Nathan and Daniel for agreeing to play for the opposition.
The game started with Loxwood immediately on the ascendancy with Gethin and Rowan showing great pace and energy upfront and creating many chances. At the back Ethan was doing a solid job in goal with Liam, Nathan and Hamish a strong defence line. Midway through the first half and good play between Nathan and Charlie released Rowan to steer the ball home for 1-0 to the Magpies.
The second half started in similar fashion with Loxwood pressurising and creating chances but we just couldn’t convert a number of great opportunities. The midfield of Jack, Charlie and Hamish were continuing to feed Ethan and Rowan upfront, but Ewhurst were beginning to grow in confidence and converted a rare opportunity for 1-1.
Into the third quarter, and the lack of continuity with Loxwood replacing the goalie from quarter to quarter was beginning to take its toll with Loxwood losing their rhythm and unable to rediscover their early game dominance. The game was still even though with both sides creating chances, and Gethin couldn’t convert an opportunity after great work by Jack, Paddy and Dan. Then towards the end of the quarter Ewhurst scored from a speculative effort over Tom’s despairing dive in goal to take the lead.
For the final quarter Loxwood continued to press and Ethan had a great drive which was blocked after fantastic running from Gethin. By pressing forward, this left space at the back for Ewhurst to create but Jack made several excellent saves to keep the opposition out. Then Liam and Tom released Hamish to create a great chance for Rowan but again this could not be converted, and the rebound fell to Ewhurst who went down the other end to score again for the game to finish 3-1.
A great game and a in my ‘unbiased’ opinion a draw would have been a fairer result.
As for the silent game experiment it was well observed by everyone and gave the boys a chance to express themselves and organise each other through good communication on the pitch,
As a coach it was frustrating and the exaggerated hand signals were I’m sure an amusing sight!!!
See below for the post match interview with match Captain Hamish!!
On to the game, and Ewhurst Rams arrived with a depleted squad of only 8 so in the interests of ‘Respect’ and fairness Loxwood loaned a player in both halves to balance the sides – well done to Nathan and Daniel for agreeing to play for the opposition.
The game started with Loxwood immediately on the ascendancy with Gethin and Rowan showing great pace and energy upfront and creating many chances. At the back Ethan was doing a solid job in goal with Liam, Nathan and Hamish a strong defence line. Midway through the first half and good play between Nathan and Charlie released Rowan to steer the ball home for 1-0 to the Magpies.
The second half started in similar fashion with Loxwood pressurising and creating chances but we just couldn’t convert a number of great opportunities. The midfield of Jack, Charlie and Hamish were continuing to feed Ethan and Rowan upfront, but Ewhurst were beginning to grow in confidence and converted a rare opportunity for 1-1.
Into the third quarter, and the lack of continuity with Loxwood replacing the goalie from quarter to quarter was beginning to take its toll with Loxwood losing their rhythm and unable to rediscover their early game dominance. The game was still even though with both sides creating chances, and Gethin couldn’t convert an opportunity after great work by Jack, Paddy and Dan. Then towards the end of the quarter Ewhurst scored from a speculative effort over Tom’s despairing dive in goal to take the lead.
For the final quarter Loxwood continued to press and Ethan had a great drive which was blocked after fantastic running from Gethin. By pressing forward, this left space at the back for Ewhurst to create but Jack made several excellent saves to keep the opposition out. Then Liam and Tom released Hamish to create a great chance for Rowan but again this could not be converted, and the rebound fell to Ewhurst who went down the other end to score again for the game to finish 3-1.
A great game and a in my ‘unbiased’ opinion a draw would have been a fairer result.
As for the silent game experiment it was well observed by everyone and gave the boys a chance to express themselves and organise each other through good communication on the pitch,
As a coach it was frustrating and the exaggerated hand signals were I’m sure an amusing sight!!!
See below for the post match interview with match Captain Hamish!!
