Burnbridge vs Yatton

Burnbridge Wanderers hosted Yatton on a cold and very windy Saturday morning at Highbridge Rec in the league cup semi final.

Key aims
1- Defend deep with two clear banks of four, making sure we close down all the space
2- Counter attack at pace using one twos
3- Enjoy the game and be positive

Burnbridge started the game kicking into the wind. During the first half Burnbridge implemented the game plan of defending in our final third with two lines of four. Burnbridge also looked dangerous on the counter attack. Yatton took the lead through a penalty to give themselves a half time lead of 1-0. At half time the players recognised that they had defended well and were optimistic of scoring in the second half with the benefit of playing with the wind behind them. Despite early possession and pressure from Burnbridge, Yatton scored three more goals as the game progressed and became more stretched. The game finished 4-0 to Yatton with the Burnbridge players recognising plenty of positives to take from a game against a tough opposition. The players also enjoyed the experience of playing in a cup semi final.

What went well
- The team defended as per the game plan in two banks of four, especially in the first half
- Looked to attack at pace
- The team stayed positive for the majority of the game

Areas for development
- Be more determined to close down the space at speed
- Use one twos to counter attack more often (difficult during this game due to playing conditions)
- Make sure we keep our shape throughout the whole game

Player Awards

- Freddie Willis
Defended very well throughout the game. Showed good positional discipline, predicted the danger well. Showed good recovery speed and determination. Well done.

- Fred Hewlitt
Showed the same strengths as Freddie in defence. Good determination, reading of the game and recovery speed. Well done.

- Alfie Lismore Pope
Asked to play in two roles and held his position well in both. Again good determination and is looking to delay players. Continually improving his distribution. Well done.

- Leo Smout
Excellent determination to close down the opposition at pace throughout the whole game, including late in the second half when the game became stretched and players became tired. Well done.