The Trafalgar Victory FC Under 14 team let a golden opportunity slip against Traralgon City White on the weekend when they gave up a 2-0 half time lead to finish with a 2-2 draw.
The first half’s play ticked all the boxes for Coach Mark. There was excellent combination passing along the wings, especially between Lachy Burke, Jackson Clerks and Hamish Brace. Good distribution from the centre from midfielder Michael Judd and efficient conversion from striker Logan Winter. However, the most pleasing aspect of the first half was from the new look backline. Regular defenders Stuart Beckley and Lachy Burke were joined by Toby Budd and Michael Wallace. Together the four moved well, communicated effectively and looked impenetrable. The backline had strength, speed and great touch.
The uneven playing surface took a bit for the Trafalgar kids to get used to and caused some issues with first touch for some players. However, it didn’t take long for the team to start some nice passing and scoring opportunities followed. At half time the Trafalgar boys lead 2-0 with striker Logan Winter keeping up his seasonal average of 2 goals per game.
In the second half it was Traralgon who started to pass the ball better and suddenly their whole team seemed to lift. The nice team play from Trafalgar disappeared and was replaced by long kicking and individual “glory runs”. Accordingly it didn’t take long for the City team to score and by the time they scored their second of the half the game was well and truly on with only 10 minutes left in the contest.
To the credit of the Trafalgar team when the game was on the line for the final 10 minutes, all gave their best. However, only some recalled the coaches pre-match instructions for a team focussed passing game. It was disappointing to see players make great positions only to be overlooked by a ball carrying team mate. The vast majority of the team looked to set up play. However, it only takes one or two individuals to not be “on the same page” and the team structure is compromised.
At the games end the score line was 2-2. It was nice for the boys to win a point towards the season’s tally. However, it was a great opportunity lost to take home all three, especially given the excellent start to the game. Still a draw was probably a fair result, given Traralgon City’s great comeback in the second half.
A special mention must be made of Aedan Rothmeier who was the unlucky 17th member of the TVFC team on this particular day. The GSL rules only permit 16 players to be allocated to a team sheet. On this occasion all 17 boys turned up to play and Aedan was the one who missed out. The role of 17th man will be rotated throughout the season to ensure all take their turn.
This weeks Traf Boys and Men’s Award was given to Jacob Holmes who played a great game despite giving away considerable height and size.
The boys can count on plenty of passing at training this week.
