Half Time Feedback
Twas however many days before Christmas and Coach Harris was excited at the prospect of the long day that lay ahead. His current team, who seemed to have turned a corner, were welcoming the Surrey association, Woking. A tip-top performance was expected and another birthday was going to be celebrated. It seemed like it would be a joyful morning.
His excitement was also exacerbated by the welcoming back of last year's rabble. Both A and B teams, plus the Girls for their own reunion game, meant that the place would be buzzing with both past and present faces - all aglow with the joy of Christmas.
The morning went ahead as planned. The boys arrived with their families in tow, preparations for the game began, Taylor and Bee took ages to get ready (shock!), Werner took the warm-up, and the boys said they were fully focussed, then lined up ready for the game.
A scrappy start meant that real chances were quite limited. It was evident from the beginning that this game would be mostly played in the Woking half, but now it depended on how well Gloucester were going to play together as a team. Early efforts fell to Mulraney and Villiers, but the keeper was equal to anything coming his way and looked quite accomplished in the middle of the sticks.
There's something rather sweet about Werner getting a goal. The shock and delight in one on his face makes the moments all the better and this time was no exception. A quick throw down the right from Ball saw Bee run down the wing and into the box. His pass across the goal found its way to the back post where Werner cooly slotted in off the near post to give the city side the lead.
The half finished with Kennedy having a well-hit long range effort saved by the keeper and Woking having a number of corners seemingly cause a panic for the Gloucester defence, but these were eventually dealt with.
The second half became about seeing whether or not Jones was going to add to his recent increasing goalscoring tally. His first effort saw a great through-ball from Bee put Jones running at goal. He tried to execute a cute dink, but although the elevation was good enough, the direction took the effort just wide. This was quickly followed by another through-ball from Werner - finding Jones one-on-one with the keeper. Jones' effort was low and hard, but the keeper got down superbly and captured the ball.
An almost accidental team goal finally gave Jones his reason to cheer. A free-kick from Mulraney over the top landed with Kennedy. His ball through for Bee was cut in for Fisher, whose loose first touch landed perfectly for Jones to smash over the top of the keeper and double the home team's lead.
All great goals start from the back (said like a true defensive player). Boakes, who had little to do all morning, had come out and closed off an opportunity. His quick release to Taylor was then passed down to Bee. Another run down the wing saw his cross palmed out by the keeper, only for Fisher to anticipate the small clearance and hit home the rebound.
The game finished with another great effort from Fisher. Winning the ball off the defender, taking one touch to set himself and then unleashing a long range effort that crashed off the post and crossbar to keep the final score at 3-0.
Mid-year feedback
Boakes / Dory: Known as Dory due to his forgetfulness of anything mentioned. Utterly reliable in the middle of the sticks where his confidence in his ability seems to have grown. Brilliant shot stopper and is slowly bettering his distribution. Can be heard by anyone within a 3.47 mile radius of himself. Always thinks of others; a very polite young man.
Mason / Bambi: Known as Bambi due to his leg movements being a millisecond behind what his brain tells them to do - much like a newborn deer. Had a lot to live up to (having previously coached his older brother), but is far more whacky and has a wicked sense of humour. Has come on a lot since August; reads the game very well and wants to learn.
Ball / Mini-Bully: Known as Bully after him trying to bully Coach Harris, but also having the same shooting capabilities as his Dad (Bully is also his Dad's nickname). Seemed to turn a massive corner around the end of October. Arms came out of sleeves, shoulders came up and a belief in himself seemed to appear; this has resulted in more consistency in performances. Another who is rather funny (although don't tell him that); has to be watched for just about everything on tour, but now has a chance of reaching his potential.
Werner / DLM: Known as DLM for his new position of 'Deep-Lying Midfielder' (in line with the defence). Doesn't want to play defence, but unfortunately for him reads the game too well not to. Has great quick feet and the ability to bypass a player like they weren't there. He's now adding scoring to his name, meaning Werner is becoming a very good all-round player (shown by the fact that he's played 5 different positions so far this year).
Mulraney / Mullers: Known as Mullers because of his name, though like a Mullers yogurt, there are two completely different elements. Mulraney has the ability to disappear from a game or influence it incredibly. Luckily, it's normally the latter now, with his passing range, strong tackles and scoring ability from free-kicks helping the team on countless occasions. Wants to please, very creative and a good tourist.
Jones / Lord Fartquaad: Known as Lord Fartquaad due to the amount of odour released on any minibus journey. Has really settled into the Centre-Mid role and has the capacity to be back defending one minute and creating for himself or others upfield the next. Another whose voice, but more so his laugh, can be heard from afar. Minibus coin game leader thus far and all-round nice young man.
Taylor / Piglet: Known as Piglet thanks to his Mother giving him that nickname - which we've now inherited. Before a few weeks ago, his heat map would show that he played anywhere other than his actual position, though this has been incredibly improved upon of late. Much like his older brother, is very thoughtful when it comes to others and again like his older brother can miss a sitter and then score an absolute screamer. Of our top 3 goals this season, he probably has 2 of them.
Bee / Balalala: Known as Balalala due to the sounds that come out of his mouth when we greet each other. A boy we often have to check in with due to the constantly vacant look on his face. One of the quirkiest boys in the team, but really adds to the dynamics because of that very reason. Has improved his confidence in himself of late, but still some way to go for him to see his full potential. Most lethal when running at players down the wing and getting into the box to set up others.
Kennedy / Rowling: Known as Rowling due to initials of JK. If you look up workhorse in the dictionary you'll find Kennedy's picture. For me, he has excelled to where I thought he would be at this point of the season. Often another catalyst to improving situations when things are going against us and another fine all-rounder. Can tackle, pass, see a through-ball, head and finish (ish). You can see on his face all the time that he's enjoying this year and is incredibly polite (despite being brought up by Ross).
Villiers / JV: Known as JV due to having two Josh's and needing a nickname to distinguish between the two. Definitely what I would call a little whippet. Can run tirelessly back & forth and has definitely improved his shooting. A great all-round young man - proven when he won best tourist in Swansea during half term. Conscientious, thoughtful and hard-working - qualities that will set Josh in good stead going forwards.
Fisher / Fish: Known as Fish due to ....well, its obvious isn't it? Another, who for me turned a corner about 7 weeks into the season. Attitude has come on massively and (when he wants to) has a really good sense of humour. Is one of the most natural two-footed players we've had in our tenure at GPSFA and again has masses of potential. Has influenced a number of games with his abilities, scored some brilliant goals, has great anticipation and with a bit more work on bringing teammates into the game can be a consistent all-round player.
And we're done! Phew!
Merry Christmas everyone and here's hoping for as successful second half to the season as possible.
Gloucester: Boakes (Dory); Mason (Bambi), Ball (Bully), Mulraney (Mullers), Villiers (JV), Bee (Balalala), Kennedy (Rowling), Taylor (Piglet), Fisher (Fish), Werner (DLM), Jones (Lord Fartquaad).
His excitement was also exacerbated by the welcoming back of last year's rabble. Both A and B teams, plus the Girls for their own reunion game, meant that the place would be buzzing with both past and present faces - all aglow with the joy of Christmas.
The morning went ahead as planned. The boys arrived with their families in tow, preparations for the game began, Taylor and Bee took ages to get ready (shock!), Werner took the warm-up, and the boys said they were fully focussed, then lined up ready for the game.
A scrappy start meant that real chances were quite limited. It was evident from the beginning that this game would be mostly played in the Woking half, but now it depended on how well Gloucester were going to play together as a team. Early efforts fell to Mulraney and Villiers, but the keeper was equal to anything coming his way and looked quite accomplished in the middle of the sticks.
There's something rather sweet about Werner getting a goal. The shock and delight in one on his face makes the moments all the better and this time was no exception. A quick throw down the right from Ball saw Bee run down the wing and into the box. His pass across the goal found its way to the back post where Werner cooly slotted in off the near post to give the city side the lead.
The half finished with Kennedy having a well-hit long range effort saved by the keeper and Woking having a number of corners seemingly cause a panic for the Gloucester defence, but these were eventually dealt with.
The second half became about seeing whether or not Jones was going to add to his recent increasing goalscoring tally. His first effort saw a great through-ball from Bee put Jones running at goal. He tried to execute a cute dink, but although the elevation was good enough, the direction took the effort just wide. This was quickly followed by another through-ball from Werner - finding Jones one-on-one with the keeper. Jones' effort was low and hard, but the keeper got down superbly and captured the ball.
An almost accidental team goal finally gave Jones his reason to cheer. A free-kick from Mulraney over the top landed with Kennedy. His ball through for Bee was cut in for Fisher, whose loose first touch landed perfectly for Jones to smash over the top of the keeper and double the home team's lead.
All great goals start from the back (said like a true defensive player). Boakes, who had little to do all morning, had come out and closed off an opportunity. His quick release to Taylor was then passed down to Bee. Another run down the wing saw his cross palmed out by the keeper, only for Fisher to anticipate the small clearance and hit home the rebound.
The game finished with another great effort from Fisher. Winning the ball off the defender, taking one touch to set himself and then unleashing a long range effort that crashed off the post and crossbar to keep the final score at 3-0.
Mid-year feedback
Boakes / Dory: Known as Dory due to his forgetfulness of anything mentioned. Utterly reliable in the middle of the sticks where his confidence in his ability seems to have grown. Brilliant shot stopper and is slowly bettering his distribution. Can be heard by anyone within a 3.47 mile radius of himself. Always thinks of others; a very polite young man.
Mason / Bambi: Known as Bambi due to his leg movements being a millisecond behind what his brain tells them to do - much like a newborn deer. Had a lot to live up to (having previously coached his older brother), but is far more whacky and has a wicked sense of humour. Has come on a lot since August; reads the game very well and wants to learn.
Ball / Mini-Bully: Known as Bully after him trying to bully Coach Harris, but also having the same shooting capabilities as his Dad (Bully is also his Dad's nickname). Seemed to turn a massive corner around the end of October. Arms came out of sleeves, shoulders came up and a belief in himself seemed to appear; this has resulted in more consistency in performances. Another who is rather funny (although don't tell him that); has to be watched for just about everything on tour, but now has a chance of reaching his potential.
Werner / DLM: Known as DLM for his new position of 'Deep-Lying Midfielder' (in line with the defence). Doesn't want to play defence, but unfortunately for him reads the game too well not to. Has great quick feet and the ability to bypass a player like they weren't there. He's now adding scoring to his name, meaning Werner is becoming a very good all-round player (shown by the fact that he's played 5 different positions so far this year).
Mulraney / Mullers: Known as Mullers because of his name, though like a Mullers yogurt, there are two completely different elements. Mulraney has the ability to disappear from a game or influence it incredibly. Luckily, it's normally the latter now, with his passing range, strong tackles and scoring ability from free-kicks helping the team on countless occasions. Wants to please, very creative and a good tourist.
Jones / Lord Fartquaad: Known as Lord Fartquaad due to the amount of odour released on any minibus journey. Has really settled into the Centre-Mid role and has the capacity to be back defending one minute and creating for himself or others upfield the next. Another whose voice, but more so his laugh, can be heard from afar. Minibus coin game leader thus far and all-round nice young man.
Taylor / Piglet: Known as Piglet thanks to his Mother giving him that nickname - which we've now inherited. Before a few weeks ago, his heat map would show that he played anywhere other than his actual position, though this has been incredibly improved upon of late. Much like his older brother, is very thoughtful when it comes to others and again like his older brother can miss a sitter and then score an absolute screamer. Of our top 3 goals this season, he probably has 2 of them.
Bee / Balalala: Known as Balalala due to the sounds that come out of his mouth when we greet each other. A boy we often have to check in with due to the constantly vacant look on his face. One of the quirkiest boys in the team, but really adds to the dynamics because of that very reason. Has improved his confidence in himself of late, but still some way to go for him to see his full potential. Most lethal when running at players down the wing and getting into the box to set up others.
Kennedy / Rowling: Known as Rowling due to initials of JK. If you look up workhorse in the dictionary you'll find Kennedy's picture. For me, he has excelled to where I thought he would be at this point of the season. Often another catalyst to improving situations when things are going against us and another fine all-rounder. Can tackle, pass, see a through-ball, head and finish (ish). You can see on his face all the time that he's enjoying this year and is incredibly polite (despite being brought up by Ross).
Villiers / JV: Known as JV due to having two Josh's and needing a nickname to distinguish between the two. Definitely what I would call a little whippet. Can run tirelessly back & forth and has definitely improved his shooting. A great all-round young man - proven when he won best tourist in Swansea during half term. Conscientious, thoughtful and hard-working - qualities that will set Josh in good stead going forwards.
Fisher / Fish: Known as Fish due to ....well, its obvious isn't it? Another, who for me turned a corner about 7 weeks into the season. Attitude has come on massively and (when he wants to) has a really good sense of humour. Is one of the most natural two-footed players we've had in our tenure at GPSFA and again has masses of potential. Has influenced a number of games with his abilities, scored some brilliant goals, has great anticipation and with a bit more work on bringing teammates into the game can be a consistent all-round player.
And we're done! Phew!
Merry Christmas everyone and here's hoping for as successful second half to the season as possible.
Gloucester: Boakes (Dory); Mason (Bambi), Ball (Bully), Mulraney (Mullers), Villiers (JV), Bee (Balalala), Kennedy (Rowling), Taylor (Piglet), Fisher (Fish), Werner (DLM), Jones (Lord Fartquaad).
