26th November 2011 v Ben Rhydding 7 (Score 4-3)
Good positive start. Had majority of possession in first half and looked dangerous throughout on the break. Very satisfying and disciplined performance.
Positives
Defensive discipline.
Marked well throughout the game and were rarely outnumbered in defence.
Kept our formation shape well even when the opposition had a numerical advantage, midfield chased back to help defending.
Were a bit unlucky with 2 deflected goals.
If we can repeat this we can certainly move forward this season.
Things to work on
As game progressed we started to give the ball away (although we were still scoring) giving the initiative to Ben Rhydding.
Perhaps we needed to slow the game down a bit and use safer passes rather than trying the killer ball.
12th November 2011 v York University 3 (Score 2-10)
Difficult start against an experienced side. Difficult to get ball out of defence in first half.
Positives
Kept possession well for most of the first half and created some chances. Yes we did concede 4 but these were against the run of play.
The pattern of play and movement of the ball was excellent and against most other sides in the league would have produced a better result.
Negatives
2nd half was a disappointment and although we scored 2 we became increasingly slack in marking and gave the ball away needlessly.
Things to work on
More movement off the ball so players have more options when passing.
Work harder tracking and not diving into tackles.
Be careful with distribution of ball - as we gave the ball away far too much.
Not running into contact.
5th November 2011 v Huddersfield Dragons 5 (Score 1-6)
Difficult start against an experienced side. Difficult to get ball out of defence in first half.
Positives
Started to pass the ball more effectively before 1/2 time and in 2nd half.
Movement off the ball to create passing options was better in 2nd half/
Negatives
Were three goals behind before we really started to mark and press them to stop their play.
Huge open space on right hand side of the pitch unexploited in 2nd half.
Played very narrow making it easier for opposition to close us down.
Taking the ball too close to the defender before passing.
Things to work on
Use the right wing.
Marking and tracking.
Closing players down and forcing them to play the ball back so we can regain our shape.
Better movement off the ball to create passing options.
Holding the ball under pressure.
29th October 2011 v Boston Spa 3 (Score 4-1)
Positives
An excellent performance from the Bees team with 10 men for over 1/2 the game.
Formation worked well with good structure maintained.
Significant amount of possession.
Patience in creating opportunities. Recycling the ball from forwards to midfield and midfield to defence.
Were able to pass the ball out from the back.
Maintained width across the pitch which meant more space to pass the ball.
Maintained good defensive shape with better marking and tracking.
Things to work on
Eradicate interceptions on cross field passes by recycling/dropping the ball backwards with fast angled pass.
Reduce vulnerability to quick breaks - attacking midfielders need to think where they will run if the play breaks down.
Once the ball is on our 23m we must mark man to man.
Need to identify develop new centre forward.
Improve distribution from the back to midfield e.g 16 yard hits.
More determination to get to 50-50 balls.
8th October 2011 v Brigg 3 (Score 2-4)
Positives 1st Half
Good quick start leading to 2 goals.
Allowed opposition to settle in their passing rhythm.
Allowed opposition to play inside our half in last 15 minutes. Attackers dropping too deep - need to leave someone up front so they have to keep players back to mark. Winger on the side of play should drop deep and support.
Recyling the ball more difficult/risky as defence surrounded by attackers.
Lack of movement forcing more risky passes or long balls which were regularly intercepted.
Positives 2nd Half
Better movement off the ball.
Quicker passing.
Dictated the play rather than responding to opposition.
Additional midfielder (Ben) helped stifle their attacks higher up the pitch; so opposition only dangerous on break and had no concerted pressure in our 25.
Still a lot of balls down the centre.
Things to work on
More passing less dribbling.
More use of wings.
Press (but don’t commit) higher up the pitch.
Work on in-out pass from half to inner to wing (1 touch from inner).
1st October 2011 v Huddersfield Dragons 4 (Score 2-2)
Positives
An excellent performance from the Bees team.
Significant amount of possession.
Patience in creating opportunities. Recycling the ball from forwards to midfield as in last weeks training.
Creating far more chances than usual.
Maintaining defensive shape.
Things to work on
Eradicate interceptions on cross field passes by using an angled ball to Centre half or recycling via full backs.
Closing down quickly in midfield.