Stalemate in lack lustre performance .....
Another disapointing performance from the Classics in a game they were expected to win. When the two teams met early in the season the Classics ran out 6-1 away winners, but the Aces had changed their team since and had brought some extra face cards into the pack. With both teams ready, the referee began the game four minutes early. The Aces started the livelier of the two teams and when Chris Arcari missed an early header the visitors were lucky that nothing more came of it. The home side kept pushing and were the better side in the first fifteen minutes as they countered everything that the Classics threw at them by packing their defence and waiting for the break aways. Another of those 'Classic' moments occured when a double substitution took place. Larry Thorlakson hurriedly changed and almost ran onto the field minus his shorts - another senile moment. The Classics just couldn't put passes together and, with wide men waiting, the midfield squandered chances of getting the ball to the wing by lazy passing. Pat Rohla's 'hot spot' chart was looking decidedly blue!
Pat O'Krane was put through after a good run was assembled in the 35th. minute - it was the first real effort for the Classics - but he shot wide when he was one-on-one with the keeper. A minute later Jimmy Butler went for a loose ball with the keeper, who ended up rolling around in pain like a Premier League player. He took exception at the way Butler had gone for the ball, which he had every right to attempt, as he had called "keepers ball." I was unaware that they had rewritten the rules so in future, if a keeper calls for the ball, you must let him have it. 'Let him have it' does not apply to Jim Eden though! However, the indescretion earned Butlet his first ever yellow card for the team - about bloody time too! One minute from the half time whistle a long range effort from Gordie Macklin went just over the bar. The teams left the field at 0-0 after an uneventful and uninspiring first half.
There was another early scare at the start of the second half when C. Arcari slipped and let through an attacker who shot his effort wide of the far upright. There began a stage of stagnation where neither side could break the deadlock. The Aces continued to frustrate with their well worked tactics and the Classics continued to frustrate with their lack of cohesion. Alan Massender made a good break down the left with seven minutes remaining when he carried the ball to the dead ball line and correctly screwed it back into the middle of the box. Unfortunately, the alarm clocks did not go off so the forwards could not take full advantage. Warren Crowley was unlucky with a header as the Classics pressed near the end and Daryl Lawrie could have won it in the last minute but his shot was at the keeper, who made an easier save than it should have been. In the end it was a just result under difficult conditions. The wind was so strong that the referee ordered that the corner flags be replaced with wind socks.
The after match discussion saw a split in the team. Snickers were awarded to all players, except Judd Boxtart, who were not themselves on the day. The defence blamed the midfield and forwards for not doing their job. Insults were thrown at the defence for some mistakes, but it was correctly remarked that their mistakes did not result in costing the game, unlike the forwards' mistakes. It became very heated. Jim Eden had a word with Jim Butler who told him in no uncertain terms, "You can chase my goalscroring record as long as you like, but leave the yellow cards alone!"
1) Make the defender overplay: Having a defender trying to block you or steal the ball can be a difficult obstacle to overcome. However, the defender has some weaknesses that you can exploit to move beyond them. Try some of the following techniques to get around a defender: Wait for them to overplay which will send them off balance and allow you to move around them; You can try a fake or juke to make the defender move one way while you go the other; The main focus is to keep the defender off balance, taking away their ability to recover their momentum and block you.
2) Set the pace: Although the defender will be trying their best to slow you down it is important that you set the pace. If you slow down or give into their defence they will have a better chance of stopping you or stealing the ball. Always be aggressive when facing any defenders and set the pace of the attack. Defenders will try to push you into a position where they can steal the ball. Try to push into the defender, causing them to continually back up. Try to move towards the defenders backside at all times to prevent them from stealing the ball.
3) Work with your team: Football is a team sport and working with your team can greatly increase your chances of scoring more goals during a match. Passing the ball and properly attacking the defenders will make more shots possible, allowing you to increase your own chances of scoring more goals. Pass the ball when needed. Keep an eye on your teammates and pass the ball when they are open. Don't hog the ball. Working together will increase your chances of scoring more often.
4) Shoot the ball and score the goal: Once you have a clear shot at the goal you will need to shoot the ball quickly and accurately in order to score the goal. Make sure you kick the ball with proper technique and shoot it away from where the goal keeper might be located in order to increase your chances of successfully scoring a goal. Using the inside of your foot allows for greater accuracy at the cost of power. Kicking with your toes allows for greater power but less accuracy. Kick the middle or top half of the ball. Shooting low makes it tough for the goalkeeper to reach the ball and block the shot. Avoid shooting high as this can make it easy for the goalkeeper to grab the ball. Aim your shot for the far side of the goalkeeper as these are harder for them to block. Good luck!
Final Score: Langley Aces 0 Classics 0 (0-0)
Stats
Yellow Card: J. Butler
Crap Award: D. Jensen