Derby Schools Football Association |
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Match Reports: Spen Valley Schools v Derby Schools : Saturday 13th February
Spen Valley Schools 1 v Derby Schools 1
With thick snow on the ground in Derbyshire, Derby School’s U12’s travelled to Dewsbury in Yorkshire for their next league game. Arriving at 9.30am, Derby found the pitch defrosting, but taking an adult stud. By 10.30 kick off the surface was soft and sticky.
The game began with Derby kicking up the slight incline and taking immediate advantage of winning kick off by pressurising the Spen Valley end. Sustained pressure and good recycling of the ball by support players kept Derby in the opposition half for the first 5 minute, with Spen Valley defence holding strong. The game then moved into a period of exciting end to end football when in the 14th minute a break by Spen Valley’s forward through Derby’s central and wide defenders was stopped by the alert out rushing Derby goal keeper Ben Allsopp, stopping the low shot with his legs. 3 minutes later Spen Valley broke down their left wing and on reaching the dead ball line crossed the ball low and hard into the Derby area, dissecting the entire Derby’s defence, it was met by the Spen Valley wide right player who side footed the ball into the open net. 1 – 0 to Spen Valley. Derby kicked off and immediately began to pressure the Spen goal. 4 minutes later a pass back from Robert Scope to supporting defender Josh Allsop, enabled a fast ball into space up the left wing to Jordan Hicking who beating the Spen Valley right back crossed the ball high into the centre of 18yds box, where wide right midfield player Max Thomas met it after a delayed run in from midfield, behind the Spen Valley defence. He collected the ball on its second bounce, controlled it on his chest and turning towards the goal half-volleyed the ball into the Spen net, drawing the game level. Spen Valley kicked off, but lost possession quickly allowing Derby to again pressure their oppositions end the next 5 minutes saw Derby moving the ball from side to side and forward into the box with two good saves from the Spen Valley goal keeper stopping Derby taking the lead, with 26 minute gone and Derby in the ascension the referee blew the whistle for half time!
Derby made a few changes to their tactics and replaced several tired players with fresh substitutes.
The second half began with Derby kicking down the slope. The game swung from end to end with Derby claiming most of the possession often breaking through the Spen Valley defence, but unable to convert. In the 13, 14, and 17 minutes Derby made changes, bringing on refreshed legs to replace some very tired players. Immediately Derby began to press into the opposition half, where a ball played back from Jimmy Pollard in midfield to Derby’s right back Bradley Munton wide on the right created a pass down the line to Jack Silvester on the right wing, who played the ball forward passed the defender and out sprinting him crossed the ball from near the side line into the 6yds box. The following scramble in the area was finally cleared by a defender for a Derby corner on the left side. Jack moved across to take the corner, which was lifted into the centre of the area to be hurriedly cleared for a second corner, this time on the right side. Jack moved across again and launched another long high ball into the 6yds box, curving it into the centre of the goal mouth and dropping it just under the cross bar. The Spen Valley goal keeper desperately tried to pad it away pushing it up and back toward the goal. The ball hit the underside of the cross bar and the net rippled, the goal keeper padded again. Derby’s supporters cheered! But the ball was deemed not to have completely crossed the line. It bounced down onto the Spen goal line and was subsequently cleared by the Spen defence. Derby regained possession and for the last few minutes of the game applied wave after wave of pressure. Unfortunately they were unable to convert their remaining chances before the final whistle blew.
Notts Schools v Derby Schools : Saturday 13th February
Notts Schools 2 v Derby Schools 1
The day was clear, bright but cold, the pitch conditions excellent for the time of year. Derby arrived early and prepared with a slow warm up while waiting for Nott’s to join them on the field.
The game began with Derby immediately pressing the Nott’s end with their first off target attempt coming shortly after. The game moved from end to end in continuous attacks, breakdowns and re-gains of possession allowing the game to flow back and forth. Derby moved the ball well through all areas of the pitch, their ball control superior, their passes more accurate and movement off the ball better than their opponents. Nott’s fell into the long ball game playing the ball back from midfield to defenders who would thump the ball long to their forwards to get on the end of. Derby soon recognised this tactic and managed to control each situation without difficulty. 20 minutes into the first half with play very much in Derby’s favour a break from Nott’s down the right wing was soon broken down but the ball bounced awkwardly in toward the Derby goal. The derby keeper came to collect, but unfortunately the shielding Derby defender thinking a Nott’s player was running in went to play the ball out, instead it went back to Derby’s keeper, who picked it up! The ref seeing a back pass gave an indirect free kick on the corner of the 6yds box. Derby set up their wall and were well organised to defend. The Nott’s forward passed the ball back away from the goal, Derby’s wall rushed the advancing player who struck the ball wide to the right, where it hit the post and deflected into the goal. 1- 0 to Notts. Derby kicked off and went straight into attack mode spending the next 8 minutes in and around the Nott’s area, with 7 attempts on target being defended or saved by the Nott’s team, all of which were now in their own half. Another long ball break by Nott’s out of defence to their forwards lead to Nott’s scoring their 2nd goal against the flow of play just before the half time. The first half ending 2 – 0 to Nott’s.
Derby made some changes at half time bringing on substitutes and changing tactics, they took to the field confident they could get back into the game.
Derby started the second half at a higher tempo than their opponents and within a short period took control. Derby closed down Nott’s players quickly, continually forcing Nott’s back into their own half and threatening the Nott’s goal time and time again with some of the best fast flowing football of the day. The Nott’s defence and goal keeper were placed under sustained pressure for long periods, with only a few breaks by Nott’s individual players into Derby’s end. After a long spell of possession on the left of the pitch by Derby, the ball was played forward to Louis Agyeman who dribbled his way down the left side of the 18yds box turning the Nott’s defence inside and out. He turned away from the deal ball line and shot from a narrow angle, the curling ball, lifted over the keeper and defence and dipped in toward the goal, but struck the cross bar bouncing down and away from the empty Nott’s goal. The ball was hurriedly cleared by a Nott’s defender 30 yards up the pitch to Ryan Yates. Derby’s midfielder controlled the ball and watching the Nott’s defence rush out toward him, started several adept passes through midfield to Jimmy Pollard, to Oliver Palmer, to Jordan Hicking wide on the left, whom played the ball quickly again back in to the Nott’s area, where Derby’s forward Jamie Slack picked up the ball inside the 18yds box, he controlled, turned , made space to shoot and as he was about to pull the trigger was deliberately tripped from behind by a Nott’s defender. The Nott’s assistant referee who was clearly sighted waved his flag immediately and signalled to the ref for a penalty! The Nott’s parents went suddenly quiet waiting for the whistle and obvious penalty award. But the Nott’s referee waved play on! Everyone was astonished by the decision at such a vital stage of the game. Derby players feeling very aggrieved by the decision, pressed even harder into the Nott’s half dominating the next portion of the game. Again Nott’s tried their long ball out of defence but this time it was collected by Bradley Munton, pushing up from defence to support midfield. Bradley played the ball wide around the last Nott’s defender to Ryan Yates, who headed in towards the right side of the goal; with a fast 20m run he drew the central defender and goal keeper across the goal towards the near post. He pretended to shoot, then unselfishly played the ball across the area to Louis Agyeman, who sprinting into space behind the last Nott’s defender, held his run on the Nott’s penalty spot and side footed the ball into the net. 2 – 1 to Nott’s. With 6 minutes to go and with renewed vigour, Derby pressed forward and continued to pressure the Nott’s goal, but even though they had the majority of possession and many more attempts on goal, Derby were unable to convert the chances they made.
The game ended 2 – 1 to Nott’s.
Derby Schools v Barnsley Schools : Saturday 6th February
Derby Schools 4 v Barnsley Schools 1
Derby Schools U12’s first league game since mid December 2009 saw Derby travel away to Barnsley’s home ground on a damp foggy day after heavy rain earlier in the week, to surprisingly find Barnsley’s pitch in good condition.
After a thorough warm up, Derby took to the field eager to play. Barnsley kicked off and began to move the ball around the pitch. However, they were quickly closed down by Derby, whose better organisation and covering play prevented Barnsley from keeping possession for long or moving the ball forward into any dangerous positions. After just two minutes Derby had their first attempt on goal just missing the opportunity after some desperate blocking from the Barnsley defenders. Derby continued to move the ball well using their wide players and left and right back in support play to place ball after ball into danger zones around the Barnsley goal. In the 12th minute a break down the left side by Jordan Hicking lead to reverse angled pass across the box, this was helped through by Ryan Yates on the edge of the box to Jordan Cosway in front of goal. Jordan controlled the ball and turned, forcing his way past two defenders and shot to the goal keepers left side striking the post. The ball rebounded into the centre of the goal area where Jordan was waiting, he collected it and shot again, this time the ball hit the back of the net. 1 – 0 to Derby. Barnsley kicked off and on loosing possession came under more pressure from Derby with another break down the left by Jordan Hicking. Jordan struck the ball low and hard across the 6yds box. This was met by the sliding foot of Ryan Yates, the ball flying past the keeper into the net. Only to be disallowed by the ref after an offside call from Barnsley’s linesman. Derby continued to press into the Barnsley end with little return, 5 minutes from the end of the first half, Jordan Hicking picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box and shot from distance beating everyone except a desperate defenders head height flying kick that cleared the ball off the line. The half time whistle blew with Derby in the ascension and 1 – 0 in the lead..
Derby made a few changes at half time.
Derby started the second half as the first half ended with most of the possession forcing Barnsley back into their own end. Shot after shot rained in on the Barnsley goal from Derby forwards, midfield and defensive players, unfortunately none hit the target. 8 minutes in, a ball from Robert Scope set Jordan Hicking on a run down the left wing, outpacing the defender he turned in toward the goal and striking the ball before the keeper got into position, thundered the ball past the keeper into the net. 2 - 0 to Derby. Barnsley began to build steam and retaining possession for longer periods pressed Derby’s goal on several occasions. Derby’s defence held strong and on the few occasions Barnsley broke through derby’s keeper Ben Allsopp collected the ball and re-distributed up field. On one occasion after a goal stopping save, the ball was drop kicked into midfield to be collected by a Barnsley player. Jimmy Pollard closed him down quickly and re-gained possession. He then played the ball wide to left back Josh Allsop who played the ball up the left dead ball line to Jordan Hickin, Jordan played the ball inside to Robert Scope who played an angled pass back to Jordan who had continued up the left wing He crossed the ball into the box, where it bounced through Barnsley’s defence to Louis Aygeman, who seeing Jimmy Pollard on the edge of the 18 box, after making a 60m run from inside his own half, passed the ball back to him. Jimmy struck the ball first time with his right foot, curling it high and wide around the diving keeper into the top right hand corner of the goal, finishing the move he started 6 passes earlier. 3 – 0 to Derby. It was clear Barnsley was feeling the pressure difficult to contain and their frustration was making it easier for Derby move the ball around. A few minutes later a break out of defence, down the left side by Josh Allsop lead to an inside pass to Robert Scope who played a through ball to the overlapping Jordan Hicking, Jordan again turned in toward goal, outpacing the defender for the second time. He came face to face with the outrushing Barnsley keeper. He kept his composure to slot the ball under the keeper into the net. 4 – 0 to Derby. Barnsley found new strength and on taking the kick began to press Derby’s end. After several minutes of sustained pressure Barnsley broke down Derby’s left side to cross the ball into the box. The ball struck Derby’s retreating defender on the arm and the referee awarded a penalty. The Barnsley penalty taker stepped up and struck the ball high. Derby’s keeper dived the right way but could not reach the ball. 4 – 1 to Derby. After more pressure from Derby after the kick off, the referee blew the whistle to end the game.
A tremendous effort by all of Derby’s players.
Derby Schools v Spen Valley Schools : Saturday 12th December MD Cup Round 1
Derby Schools 2 v Spen Valley Schools 1 (AET)
After one postponement in November due to heavy rain water logging the Derby Schools home pitches, everyone was hoping the referees decision to hold the cup game, after three days of dry sky’s and no rain, would be a welcome one.
The day was cold but bright, the pitch wet and in one or two places there was water visible. However, the referee decided the majority of the surface was firm and playable. The game kicked off at 10.30 on schedule with both sides challenging for superiority. The game flowed back and forth with Derby creating more chances. Derby lost a little momentum while Ryan Yates, the replacement midfielder for Robert Scope, who had to come off due to injury, warmed up. Derby soon got back into gear and quickly took up where they left off, forcing the Spen Valley side back into their own half and with a flourish towards half time forced the opposition into their own goal area.. In the following 5 minutes shot after shot from the Derby side was heroically defended as the Spen Valley defence who put everything on the line. Max Thomas, Derby’s right midfield, had one shot stopped on the line by a defender and on controlling the rebound, tried chipping the keeper, the ball hit the cross bar and bounced to safety. Derby quickly regained possession and continued to attack with another shot hitting the cross bar, one the right post and two more dipping shots from a distance, after beating the keeper, passing just centre metres over the cross bar. The Whistle blew for half time with Derby in the ascendency.
Derby made some changes at half time bringing on fresh legs. They were now playing up the slight incline with the pitch surface deteriorating as the game went on. Derby started the second half as they had finished the first, by forcing the Spen Valley side back into their own half. Against the flow of play Spen Valley won a corner and pressed the Derby goal, good defending from Ryan Coupland and Callum Tudgay kept the visitors at bay. On regaining possession Derby tried to clear the ball, but it hit the back of a Spen Valley player and rebounded into the goal area just in front of the goal. In the muddle that ensued a Spen Valley forward managed to get a toe to the ball and poked it over the line. Derby’s heads did not go down and they took the game to Spen Valley again forcing them back into their own half, where with 5 minutes to go, a fast break from midfield and a great through ball from Ryan Yates released Jamie Slack, who slotted the ball past the keeper and into the Spen Valley net. Derby continued for the remainder of the game in charge but unable to score.
The full time whistle blew with the score 1 – 1. Extra time would follow. 7 minute each half with penalties if the score remained a draw.
When the whistle blew the Derby side closing down quickly forced Spen Valley into more mistakes and on taking possession worked their way into Spen Valley territory, attacking time and time again making the Spen Valley goal keeper work hard and pull off some tremendous saves. Until a fast break from midfield with a through ball from Jimmy Pollard to Jamie Slack lead to Derby and Jamie scoring their second. The whistle Blew shortly after for half time with Derby 2-1 in the lead.
Spen Valley began to attack from the whistle but the Derby defence was too strong and held them in the centre of the park. Time and again Spen Valley tried to break down the left, the right and through the centre only to be thwarted by the Derby’s covering players. With 2 minutes to go Spen Valley put on a concerted effort and threw all but their last two defenders and goal keeper into an attack, forcing Derby back into their own half. A fierce shot from a Spen Valley midfielder from 20yds out looked as if it had beaten the Derby keeper and was going in, when suddenly a Spen Valley forward, attempted a diving header to help the ball on its way, diverted the ball over the bar. A minute later a Spen Valley corner was defended and cleared, but picked up outside the 18yds box by the Spen Valley left winger who skilfully dribbled past two Derby defenders and shot at a narrow angle on target. An outstanding save from Ben Allsop, Derby’s goal keeper parried the ball away to safety and was cleared further down the pitch by Archie Croke. The ball was picked up again by Spen Valley and played back into shooting range, but this time the shot was easily gathered by the Derby goal keeper. The ball was punted down the pitch and a few seconds later the final whistle blew.
Derby winning 2 – 1 in extra time.
Leeds Schools v Derby Schools : Saturday 14th November
Leeds Schools 2 v Derby Schools 0
The morning began early for Derby with an 8am coach ride to Leeds, the usual 1hr 20min trip, due to an M1 closure and detour taking 2hrs 45mins. After a quick change, the Derby side rushed out to the pitch we were directed to for a quick 5 minute warm up before the game started. We were surprised to find the pitch the worst we have seen all season, with grass over ankle length, goal areas and outfield pitted and the goal posts leaning backwards 15 degrees from true.
The game began with both teams trying to stamp their authority on the game. The Leeds side, though in general smaller than the Derby players, fought fiercely for every ball, winning 8 out of 10 tackles and beating Derby to the ball in free play at the same ratio. It was clear that Leeds was very much up for the challenge and that Derby’s heads were still very much on the coach. Leeds pressed their advantage making it difficult for Derby to break out of their own half and although Derby’s Defence and goal keeper Ben Allsop, kept the onslaught at bay with brave tackles, headers and booted clearances, the passing from Derby was uncharacteristically lose and not helped by the long grass and rough surface, let Leeds regain possession far too often when passes fell short or the ball bobbled making it difficult to control. Substitutions were made after 15 minutes and Ryan Coupland was sent on to firm up the defence. The changes quickly made a difference and sideline instructions from the coach re-organised the forward line, Derby now pressed more into Leeds territory and began to threatened their goal, on several occasions Derby came close, with the best effort; a pass back from Jamie Slack in the area to Louis Agyeman on the edge of the box, the first time strike whizzed just passed the Leeds left goal post top corner. Leeds regrouped and began to press again, this time making their way through the Derby defence towards the goal, goal keeper Ben Allsop moved out to challenge and nearly reached the ball as the Leed’s forward, chipped the ball over him into the goal. With new vigour Leeds pressed the rest of the half but found it difficult to get through the Derby defence which held true. The half ending 1-0 to Leeds.
During half time substitutions were made to the side and new instruction were given to the remaining players.
The second half began better for Derby as they were now competing more fiercely for the ball in all areas of the pitch, with early breaks down the left and right side by Jordan Hicking and Ryan Yates leading to early attempts on goal that unfortunately were not converted. The ball skimming across the goal mouth passed the Leeds goal keeper and out the other side. The game was now more evenly balanced with Leeds not finding it as easy as before to get the ball, though they were still winning the majority of challenges. In the 40th minute Derby made a break down the centre, where forward Jamie Slack had made a run along the Leeds defence turning in to run at the goal, unfortunately he was forced onto the left side left, his right footed attempt slipped by the post and a clear opportunity for Derby missed. Leeds broke out of defence from the goal kick and forcing their way down the right side finally breaking into the Derby area on the far left of Derby’s 18yds box, a accidental collision, stumble and fall by the Leeds player with the ball and Derby’s midfielder Robert Scope lead to Leeds being awarded a very dubious penalty, that even the Leeds managers looked surprised at! However, the Leeds striker stepped up to the mark and with confidence sent Derby’s keeper the wrong way, to score Leeds’s 2nd goal. The Derby side dug in and faced the next few minutes well, stopping Leeds from getting further ahead. During a period of Derby possession they broke out of defence with an 8 pass combination to midfield where a fine through ball from Jordan Cosway, left Jamie Slack in clear ground heading toward the Leeds goal with only the keeper to beat. The Leeds keeper rushed out and Jamie shot from outside the area. As the keeper stopped near the 18yds line to take the shot he fells backwards with hands out to his side, the ball struck his outstretched hand and was diverted just outside the Leeds post. The game flowed too and fro with no side gaining a real advantage from that point on until the final whistle blew, Leeds winning 2-0.
South Notts Schools v Derby Schools : Saturday 31st October
South Notts Schools 3 v Derby Schools 2
Derby took to the field to face a South Nott’s side with home advantage. The day was overcast and surprisingly very humid. An early morning shower made the grass wet and surface very slippery.
The game kicked off at 10.30 with S. Nott’s taking the initiative and pressing the game to Derby. This was the story of the first half. S. Nott’s midfield pair played an excellent half and gave the Derby players opposing them a torrid time. S. Nott’s played some good football attacking down the sides and putting in many crosses that a solid Derby defense, when they stopped slipping over, cleared time after time. However, S. Nott’s regained possession all too quickly to pressure Derby again. S. Nott’s first goal came from some clever support play, when their forward had been pushed back to the edge of the Derby 18yds box by solid central defending from Ryan Coupland and Jack Silvester. With his back to the goal the S. Nott’s forward played the ball back to a supporting midfielder who struck the ball high into the Derby net, the full size goals allowing the ball to clear the Derby’s keepers fully outstretched arms. A short while later S. Nott’s attacked again and using the same midfield support tactic, this time from the left of the goal, placed another high shot into the top of the net. With 4 minutes left of the 1st half and after a spell of continued possession, Derby’s midfield led a break down the right side into the S. Nott’s half. After an interchange of play and some slick passing between Jamie Slack (who had just come on to replace injured forward Oliver Palmer), Robert Scope and Max Thomas the ball was chipped into the box to Jamie, but the S. Nott’s defenders, holding firm did not allow Jamie to turn. Hearing a call from Jimmy Pollard in space outside the box Jamie passed the ball across to him, Jimmy running onto the edge of the 18yds line took a touch and struck the ball fiercely, the low shot skipped off the ground just in front of the S. Nott’s keeper who in a full length dive managed to get his finger tips to the ball, but the power and direction of the shot took the ball inside the post for Derby’s first goal.
The 1st half ended with S. Nott’s leading 2 goals to 1.
After changes were made at half time and new instructions given, the Derby team started the 2nd half the same way S. Nott’s started the 1st. Derby closed down every ball and had the majority of the possession forcing S. Nott’s to play in their own half, excellent attacking combination play from Derby midfield and forwards gave Derby chance after chance in front of the goal. Additional support play from the left (Josh Allsop) and right backs (William Lockie) played ball after ball into the area or down the line to the wide midfield players, Derby applying continued pressure, but not able to convert. After 20 minutes of play with Derby in full charge of the game S. Nott’s broke down the right wing, a skimmed clearance off the side of a Derby defenders boot allowed a S. Nott’s player to regain possession, he quickly maneuvered into a shooting position and shot high over the Derby keeper into the Derby net. The height of the full size goal making the goal keeper’s task almost impossible! On the restart Derby began to press again, wave after wave of attack was foiled by a desperate boot or last chance slide, S. Notts at times having 9 or 10 defenders. Derby’s 2nd goal came from a break down the right wing with fast combination play between Ryan Yates and Louise Argymen, who played the ball through to Jamie Slack, who turning took on two defenders and despite being pulled and tripped beat them both to take on the keeper one on one. The S. Nott’s keeper did enough to put Jamie off. But, not deterred and with defenders regrouping around him Jamie regained and held up the ball for support play to arrive and seeing Jordan Hicking sprinting from central midfield passed the ball back to him. Jordan struck the ball first time from 35yds out. The ball sped past defenders and a hurriedly retreating keeper only stopping when the rippling net pulled the ball down to the floor. 3 – 2 with 7 minutes to go. Derby regained possession shortly after the re-start and continued to apply pressure to the S. Nott’s goal. Frustratingly on three more occasions Derby failed to convert open chances in front of the opposition goal.
The final whistle blew ending a game of two halves 3 – 2 to S. Nott’s.
Derby Schools v Barnsley Schools : Saturday 17th October
Derby Schools 1 v Barnsley Schools 0
Derby Boy’s U12’s first league game of the season started with both teams fiercely competing for early possession. Barnsley settled into their stride quicker than Derby and took control of midfield, applying wave after wave of pressure against the Derby defence. Unable to get close to goal Barnsley made do with several long distance shots, but solid defending and safe handling from the keeper kept the sheet clean. Derby gradually settled and began to retain possession making several attacking moves down the wings and centrally into the opposition half, on several occasions threatening their goal. The first half came to the end with Barnsley having the greater portion of possession but unable to benefit from it.
Several changes were made at half time to the Derby side to refresh tired legs. Derby kicked off and from the whistle began to stamp their authority on the game. Continued pressure and fast closing down of the opposition in all areas of the pitch encamped Derby at the Barnsley end. Late in the 2nd period a fast break by Barnsley into the Derby half was broken down outside Derby’s goal area. The ball was moved quickly back through the Derby midfield to end with a fast break at pace by Jamie Slack down the centre towards the Barnsley goal, after out pacing the last Barnsley defender, his shot, from the edge of the box, curled over the goal keepers outstretched hand and dipping into the goal hit the cross bar, bouncing away to safety. Becoming more confident Derby continued to apply pressure leading to another break by Jamie, this time down the left wing a few minutes later, on turning in toward the goal he struck the ball with his right foot beating the keeper, but for the second time hitting the post and bouncing out to be cleared by the Barnsley defence. With 5 minutes to go a perfectly weighted ball from defender Archie Croke, down the line to Jordan Hicking allowed him to break down the left wing isolating two Barnsley defenders on the edge of the box. Jordan dribbled through them both and turning toward the goal shot across the 6 yard box aiming for the far post, third time lucky for Derby, the ball struck the inside of the woodwork this time and rebounded into the goal. Derby kept their concentration and saw out the final whistle 4 minutes later with more attempts on the Barnsley goal. The final whistle blew sealing Derby’s win.
Derby Schools v Coventry Schools : Saturday 12th September
Derby Schools 1 v Coventry Schools 1
The weather for the game could not have been better, with a cooling breeze under a clear blue sky, sun shining brilliantly down onto the new junior pitch at Derby’s home ground.
Derby fielding a new squad for this season with 7 newcomers and only three training sessions to their name faced a newly constructed Coventry side with only one get together before the game.
The first half began with both teams fiercely competing for the ball with Derby slowly taking control during the middle part of the half. Both teams had equal possession but Derby’s better organisation and ability to move the ball quickly and not give away possession enabled them to press and threaten Coventry’s goal on many occasions. Coventry’s attacking usually ended at the foot or on the head of the strong Derby defence or in the safe hands of their goal keeper. The game ebbed and flowed with Coventry finding Derby’s defence difficult to penetrate and forwards difficult to contain. Coventry’s goal keeper, the woodwork and off target shooting kept their sheet clean until sustained pressure and a cross from the left found Jordan Cosway who’s thunderous shot found Coventry’s net.
During half time Coventry changed the majority of their side for new fresh players, Derby replacing only six, 2 forwards, 2 midfield and 2 defenders. The teams were given their instruction and went back onto the pitch ready for the 2nd half.
The second half began with more vigour from Coventry as they tried to press home their fresh player advantage. However, all attempts to penetrate the well organised solid Derby defence, lead by Jack Silvester in his first ever game for Derby at centre half and Callum Tudgay Derby’s centre half from last years team, ended the same as in the first half with Coventry loosing possession and Derby counter attacking. The speed of Derby’s counter attack play and accuracy of passing through midfield to Derby’s new forwards Jamie Slack and Louis Agyemen, who were using a more direct approach into Coventry’s territory were causing Coventry’s new defence problem after problem. Derby’s confidence grew and grew until overconfidence caused them to relax their play and slow the game down. The slowing of pace allowed Coventry back into the game and when an attack down the left side with just 4 minute to go, put a high punt into the goal area, Derby was caught napping. The ball found the head of a Coventry forward just as the Derby goal keeper came out to catch it; the deflection took the ball past the Derby keeper and into Derby’s goal. Coventry pressed on with new confidence for the remainder of the game and attacked Derby’s end twice more in the time left, though Derby’s reality check of conceding a goal had already got their heads back into the game preventing Coventry from making good their advantage. The final whistle blew ending a very exciting game. Derby 1 Coventry 1.
Derby’s manager was very pleased with the way Derby played and by the way their new captain Jimmy Pollard and vice captain William Lockie lead by example on the pitch, both putting in excellent performances. He said the loss of concentration was all part of the learning curve and was sure it would not happen again. A lesson learned! |
