U11 v Loretto (H)

The final match of the season for the U11 team was a home fixture against Loretto – a team that had beaten us convincingly earlier in the season. Today’s match was a proper eleven a side affair though and that always makes a difference.

 

We started well and controlled the ball when we had it. In fact, Belhaven had a lot more possession in the first half than Loretto. Jamie F. controlled things in the centre of the field and gave his usual tireless performance. There were a good number of balls hit through to the strikers and wings but unfortunately none of them resulted in shots at goal or penalty corners. Perhaps the boys up front just needed to anticipate where the ball was likely to go a bit better. Sam had some decent runs on the left wing and Alexander was more confident with his hitting. Loretto did play some good hockey too and they had a few very skilful players. They only got the ball into our circle about three times but each time they had a shot at goal – one of these was kindly helped into the net by an obliging Belhaven defender and they ended the half one nil up.

 

I was pleased with the boys’ performance but determined that we could do even better if we closed them down a bit more and put a bit more pressure on their free hits. Unfortunately within the first minute of the hit-off they had earned a penalty corner. The first strike was charged down by Jamie but then one of their boys was allowed to carry the ball to within three yards of goal, and he didn’t miss from there.

 

We did get one back seven minutes into the half when a break from our own half of the field ended up with us earning a long corner. Some good play left Jamie at the top of the circle with space to shoot. He did (a cracker) and a well deserved goal was ours. We made a good number of attacks in the half both through George and Mungo on the right and through Jock and Freddy on the left. Jamie W. and Hewie latched onto the ball a few times, Hewie in particular had the chance to make numerous runs at the Loretto defence. Alas no more goals came our way and to top it all off, Loretto were allowed in for a very soft goal in the final minutes of plays.

 

So, a good game. We played most of the hockey and had some decent chances. It was frustrating that we couldn’t get another goal and frustrating that we let them have a third – they didn’t deserve it. A couple of parents commented on how impressed they were by the standard of hockey being played at U11 level and that reminded me just how well we have done this term – not so much in terms of results, rather how far the skills have developed. Well done boys, there is no shame in losing to a good side and above all, this was a a hockey match packed full of exciting, good hockey.