Our heaviest defeat of the season to last year’s Division I side Coniston but we weren’t as bad as the final score would suggest. To put it into perspective the win for Coniston moves them up to second in the table and we only had the bear 11 players, two of whom are registered as Division IV, plus our first choice keeper Ethan Johnson is still out injured.

There were some good individual performances from the twins, Bailey & Christian Baade Mortimer but unfortunately some basic team errors early in the game cost us the match. We found it difficult to cope with the speed of Coniston’s forwards and their route one football caused us all sorts of problems so by HT Russell Vale were 2-0 down. However it could have been worse both Ethan Lanarch and Harrison Benn managed to clear shots off the line.

Although our level of football improved in the second half, the speed of Coniston on the counter attack continued to catch us out despite the acrobatics of Brody Armour in goal. We almost added a bit of respectability to the final score line albeit from a Harrison Benn corner and free kick but unfortunately the decisive touch in front of goal was missing both times. After the game the Coniston coaching staff once again praised Russell Vale for their pass & move style of football and added we were by far the most enjoyable footballing side to watch in Division II.

As Coach I take full responsibility for the poor results this season. Due to coaching courses, hospital etc…. I have had to cancel about half the training sessions and this had had a detrimental effect on the players causing the inconsistencies that we see on game day. The U12A side are all good players and I think the experience of the past few seasons will help them to understand the passion, joy and heartache that only football can generate.

The kids that watched TV and those that were lucky enough to be present at the MCG last week when 96,500 Liverpool fans sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” will hopefully understand the underlying message that you never give up and as long as you stay together and try your best things will get better.

YNWA

Coach