Eastleigh Marvels 11 vs 2 Eastleigh Raptors

*Match Report*

Good to blow off a few cobwebs today. I expected a tougher test with us missing a few key men and them being massively improved last year but think in fairness they missed a few also.

However after a ropey start when we got caught cold we started to play quite well. We are trying to stick to our principles more this year in playing forwards were possible and working hard for each other and I felt we did that very well.

Think on another day we could have scored more with some better decision making in the final third but can’t complain at 11 goals can we…when winning easily everyone tries to get on the scoresheet and being so far in front I got to try a few things out

Mega thanks to Lexi, James and Joe helping out today either in goals or making up the numbers

James - did well in goals communicating with his backline, a little ropey early second half finding his feet but then got a lot more composed. Sod’s Law he’s been up for every corner the last two seasons and can’t score…I put him up front to get a goal and he scores from a corner. Bloody typical James

Lexi - did more than make up the numbers. First half defended ever so well on the front foot and used the ball well for us. Second half ran the left wing and grabbed a couple assists

Eric - class performance from EG, started a little off it but then came into his own. Swept up any loose balls, covered his full backs and was calm and composed. Gonna be a MEGA player for us this season..just needs to find his voice

Kunners - a little subdued today as the attackers took charge but lots of effort pressing and covering, good second half in getting us moving forwards quickly and being secure on the ball.

T - started slowly but showed some neat passes forwards back end of the half. Needs to be a little more aggressive in winning that ball in there but did nothing wrong. Second half showed some good strength and stuck to his task well

Joey - wonderful first half grabbing 3 assists, winning tackles and big improvements on communication. Keep it up. Second half in goals made some excellent saves and kept a clean sheet. Go on lad

Jacob - the break done this lad good, the new shiny boots were looking pristine. Worked very hard off the ball, used the ball ever so well dribbling and linking with others, first goal was a trademark thunderbastard

Jack - crazy that we score 11 and he only gets 1 of them and 0 assists but he was back in the middle today in a sort of false 9 role. He showed some great touches and link play building attacks and playing 1/2s. Pressing and getting back behind the ball a work in progress but much improved. Looked decent at holding mid also which gave food for thought

Josh - everything he touched turned to gold today. Pure striker of a football, 7 goals if you give him the OG. Scored off a corner and a cross too but more importantly than the goals worked harder today which is a real target for him this season and linked up well.

Well done guys

There is a small chance we may have a game Monday instead of training but I shall keep you all informed

Great to be back !