3 pts - Foster. Solid at the back. The king in the air. Brilliant.
2 pts - Neil. Hardworking as ever with an excellent solo effort and could've challenged for the 3pts but for his injury in the second half.
1 pt - Johari. Had to create chances of his own given lack of team support at times and managed to so that quite well.
Belchers Committee
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
End of Season Dinner (Summer 2009)
Thanks to everyone (and their partners) who came to the end of season dinner - we hope you enjoyed good food and had great fun, whether by voting, winning awards, reading the Belchers Newsletter, or simply from burning your food. It was great to see so many joined us, including those on long term injury lists as well as those whom we hope can come to the Saturday game more often. For those who couldn't make it, the team went for a nice Korean BBQ buffet in TST, and announced the team of the season, as well as the special awards, as follows:
I wonder if Chickenbun will be up for the challenge...
And if you want to see Graham in action in his prize for being Worst Dressed, you just have to come and see for yourself - we won't tell you what he won yet!
Belchers Committee
Team of the Season (First V):
David Dovan
Kelvin
BJ Tank
Linus
Jeremy (Big Jer)
Team of the Season (Second V):
Master Yang
Nick
SS Andy
Graham
F Leslie
Master Yang
Nick
SS Andy
Graham
F Leslie
These two teams will be joined by a team with the most in-form players in the current season to battle for the All Star Team title - currently scheduled for Feb/Mar 2010.
Best Supporter:
Alice
Best Dressed Player:
Chickenbun (Gabriel)
Worst Dressed Player:
Graham [note: there was never a doubt in anyone's mind. He was the overwhelming favourite for this award and the voting reflected that]
Graham [note: there was never a doubt in anyone's mind. He was the overwhelming favourite for this award and the voting reflected that]
Most Improved Player:
Chickenbun (Gabriel)
Each of the winners of these 4 special awards won a little prize for their troubles. If you didn't catch it, here is Chickenbun's prize for Best Dressed:
... and for Most Improved:
If you can't read it, it says:
"Congratulations!
As the undisputed "most improved player", you have the obligation to continuously raise your game.
In terms of reward you now have a one-off opportunity to win a HK$200 cash prize at your next Belchers game, subject to achieving 3 "MVP points" on the day. Failure to do so will result in a token HK$50 penalty. Yes, you need to perform under pressure!!!
[sig.]
On behalf of Committee"
I wonder if Chickenbun will be up for the challenge...
And if you want to see Graham in action in his prize for being Worst Dressed, you just have to come and see for yourself - we won't tell you what he won yet!
Belchers Committee
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Belchers Indoor League - Best and Fairest (5 Dec)
3 pts - Linus. 10 points for the day with mix of goals and assists - enough said.
2 pts - Ben. Controlled the tempo of the game and made excellent use of the ball even when under huge pressure. Was unlucky not to have scored more than a brace.
1 pt - Neil. Ever present and gave his team everything he had, defended well when needed and gave a few great assists.
Belchers Committee
2 pts - Ben. Controlled the tempo of the game and made excellent use of the ball even when under huge pressure. Was unlucky not to have scored more than a brace.
1 pt - Neil. Ever present and gave his team everything he had, defended well when needed and gave a few great assists.
Belchers Committee
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Belchers Indoor League - Best and Fairest (28 Nov)
3 pts - Dennis. Very sharp improver and best player of team. Gave 2 brilliant assists (one kick in for Big Jer header and one drogba style hold up play and then assist to LNY hung kong) and scored with a difficult shot just inside the 3 pt. Worked hard for the team
2 pts - Jeff. Almost nothing got passed him today. Even when the striker was odds on to score, he threw out a hand or a foot from nowhere to frustrate the attack. Super goalie display
1 pt - Dezza. Almost everything he touched turned into gold today. Very good long range shots and he ran into very good positions. Also helped out the defence. Reminds us of the much feared Dezza of old
Belchers Committee
2 pts - Jeff. Almost nothing got passed him today. Even when the striker was odds on to score, he threw out a hand or a foot from nowhere to frustrate the attack. Super goalie display
1 pt - Dezza. Almost everything he touched turned into gold today. Very good long range shots and he ran into very good positions. Also helped out the defence. Reminds us of the much feared Dezza of old
Belchers Committee
Monday, 23 November 2009
Belchers Indoor League - Best and Fairest (21 Nov)
3 pts - Roger. Played a key role in defence and supported the attack, marshalled the team well with good instructions and positional play. Brilliant game.
2 pts - Dennis. Very good pressure up front and earned his reward with a great solo goal. Very good team play.
1 pt - David Dovan. Another excellent goalkeeping display and made very devastating runs from midfield as shown by his tap in from a great team build up.
Belchers Committee
2 pts - Dennis. Very good pressure up front and earned his reward with a great solo goal. Very good team play.
1 pt - David Dovan. Another excellent goalkeeping display and made very devastating runs from midfield as shown by his tap in from a great team build up.
Belchers Committee
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Belchers Indoor League - Best and Fairest (14 Nov)
3 pts: Chickenyoun. Extremely solid defensive display, not even a fly got passed him. Also created a few chances in attack including a couple long range thunderous efforts but was unfortunate not to have finished them in Benayoun style.
2 pts: Kelvin. Another solid performer and was all over the court, playing total football. An excellent half volley goal from half court. Should've converted some of the one-on-one chances though.
1 pt: Apple. Made outstanding contributions to his team with flawless goalkeeping display but also defended superbly and gave an excellent assist to Big Jer.
Belchers Committee
2 pts: Kelvin. Another solid performer and was all over the court, playing total football. An excellent half volley goal from half court. Should've converted some of the one-on-one chances though.
1 pt: Apple. Made outstanding contributions to his team with flawless goalkeeping display but also defended superbly and gave an excellent assist to Big Jer.
Belchers Committee
Belchers Indoor League - Best and Fairest (7 Nov)
3 pts - Master, who was very solid today (and no fumbles or missed punches etc) and made a few outstanding saves.
2 pts - Joseph, with a great all round display, in particular in defence where was superb in the air.
1 pt - Kelvin, strong at the back and also provided excellent support to Big Jer in attack.
An honourable mention for Dennis, who also played very well up front and unsettled the opposition defence, but just missed out on the points.
Belchers Committee
2 pts - Joseph, with a great all round display, in particular in defence where was superb in the air.
1 pt - Kelvin, strong at the back and also provided excellent support to Big Jer in attack.
An honourable mention for Dennis, who also played very well up front and unsettled the opposition defence, but just missed out on the points.
Belchers Committee
Belchers Indoor League - Best and Fairest (31 Oct)
Sorry guys - just to catch up on this topic.
3 points - Big Jer. Man of the match performance with 6 goals and CS bonus. Great striker's instinct and finishing.
2 points - Patrick. Did a lot of hard running and made a few wonderful saves. Very handy team player today.
1 point - David Dovan. Solid in defence and made a few good saves when keeping. The one error which led to Big Jer's goal probably cost you a point.
Belchers Committee
3 points - Big Jer. Man of the match performance with 6 goals and CS bonus. Great striker's instinct and finishing.
2 points - Patrick. Did a lot of hard running and made a few wonderful saves. Very handy team player today.
1 point - David Dovan. Solid in defence and made a few good saves when keeping. The one error which led to Big Jer's goal probably cost you a point.
Belchers Committee
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Match Review (Australia 2 - Taiwan 4) - 11 Nov 2009
This may well be remembered down the road as one of the matches which we could have, should have won, but didn't win. Taiwan is a fellow bottom-half side. We fielded 8 players:
1. PKM
2. Andy
3. Dovan
4. Dezza
5. Adrian
6. Kelvin
7. Gordon
8. Nick
To their credit, Taiwan had a couple of good players (esp. an Afro-playmaker) - but a number of their players clearly were not all that comfortable with the ball and we failed to take advantage of this weakness. We were trailling 1-0 at the start. It soon became 2-0 as a result of a (big) deflected long-range shot. It stayed that way for most of the game. It was more exciting towards the end as we scored the goals, but we were always trailling one or two goals as we pushed forward. It was a below par performance for us.
What worked:
1. Leave an out-and-out striker upfront to force them to leave one defender + goalkeeper deep within their half. Our defence is in general strong with the likes of Gordon and Kelvin and we need to bet on our ability to defend on a 3 + GK vs 3 basis (since their defender/GK can't join the offence because of the out-and-out striker). When we won the ball, all it takes is a fast runner to make it a 2 vs 1 counterattack.
2. Goals were pretty much tap-ins again - it is critical to have someone inside the box and waiting for the opportunity. Their keeper was not very comfortable with the ball and there were opportunities to steal from backpasses.
3. We used the width of the court more effectively and the low crosses into the goal area were effective.
4. We did give it all, although the (lack of) fitness level showed, perhaps only Dovan excepted.
What didn't:
1. Lack of fitness (and match fitness) + lapse of concentration (perhaps lack of sleep / jetlagging).
2. Waiting to receive the ball rather than anticipating the pass (which gets intercepted) + some passes weren't accurate/fast enough = we gave possession away quite easier than that adds pressure to our defence.
3. Still some long-range efforts (except for one, the others were generally not threatening/effective). It's much threatening if we pass our way within the semi-circle.
4. 8 players with some not at full strength wasn't ideal. It would have been better had we had 1-2 more players.
1. PKM
2. Andy
3. Dovan
4. Dezza
5. Adrian
6. Kelvin
7. Gordon
8. Nick
To their credit, Taiwan had a couple of good players (esp. an Afro-playmaker) - but a number of their players clearly were not all that comfortable with the ball and we failed to take advantage of this weakness. We were trailling 1-0 at the start. It soon became 2-0 as a result of a (big) deflected long-range shot. It stayed that way for most of the game. It was more exciting towards the end as we scored the goals, but we were always trailling one or two goals as we pushed forward. It was a below par performance for us.
What worked:
1. Leave an out-and-out striker upfront to force them to leave one defender + goalkeeper deep within their half. Our defence is in general strong with the likes of Gordon and Kelvin and we need to bet on our ability to defend on a 3 + GK vs 3 basis (since their defender/GK can't join the offence because of the out-and-out striker). When we won the ball, all it takes is a fast runner to make it a 2 vs 1 counterattack.
2. Goals were pretty much tap-ins again - it is critical to have someone inside the box and waiting for the opportunity. Their keeper was not very comfortable with the ball and there were opportunities to steal from backpasses.
3. We used the width of the court more effectively and the low crosses into the goal area were effective.
4. We did give it all, although the (lack of) fitness level showed, perhaps only Dovan excepted.
What didn't:
1. Lack of fitness (and match fitness) + lapse of concentration (perhaps lack of sleep / jetlagging).
2. Waiting to receive the ball rather than anticipating the pass (which gets intercepted) + some passes weren't accurate/fast enough = we gave possession away quite easier than that adds pressure to our defence.
3. Still some long-range efforts (except for one, the others were generally not threatening/effective). It's much threatening if we pass our way within the semi-circle.
4. 8 players with some not at full strength wasn't ideal. It would have been better had we had 1-2 more players.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Match Review (Australia 0 - Spain 5) - 5 Nov 2009
This is the match against the league leader. Most of their players played in the "French Dragon" team which won the summer league. Each of the players has somewhere between 1 to 3 years experience in this league.
We fielded a team of 9:
1. Nick
2. Gordon (GK)
3. Adrian
4. PKM
5. Cots
6. Dezza
7. Shiuy
8. Chickenbun
9. Dovan
We were trailling 1-0 after 10 minutes or so. It stayed that way for most of the first half until we conceded three more before the break (one of which was a penalty kick). We only lost 1 goal for the entire second half.
Of the five goals conceded, only two of which were spectacular goals (excellent individual plays together with excellent running) which we could have done little about. Defensively, we can honestly claim that we were solid as a team - our defence was tight and organised for the most part. We practically closed down "long-hair god" and he had very limited chances, although we were fairly beaten by good ball control skills of the manager (we were beaten 1-on-1 a few times by their manager who was very quick and good with the ball, and it was having a 2nd defender covering him that we managed to contain him to an extent towards the end). Special mention to Dovan for excellent defensive teamplay and covering for others when we lost 1-on-1. Adrian was particularly solid in the 2nd half. Gordon was very solid especially in second half - you are the cornerstone of our defence and it is important that you keep up the spirit even if we leaked goals. Second half was a very good display.
Offensively, understandably we had fewer chances. There were a few open chances where we outnumbered them. What we lacked is a mixture of (i) passing precision when we counterattacked; (ii) speed of receiving the pass to shooting; and (iii) a little more luck. Tank and Dovan had a few shots on target I believe.
All-in-all, it was good effort from all of us and we lost with our heads-up. Spain beat Peru 6-5. We lost to Peru 11-0. We have improved a lot. If anything, the scoreline flattered them. 3-0 or 3-1 would have been a fairer result.
What we did well:
1. Defending as a team, communication between the players (and those from the bench also). We covered for others when we were beaten 1-on-1.
2. We worked very hard and chased down a player (although sometimes frankly they are faster sprinters than us).
3. We made them work for the win. This is the lowest scoring match so far for them.
What we could do better:
1. Stay calm even if we lost a goal - no matter how we lost the goal.
2. Don't wait to receive a pass - run towards the ball and if under pressure, passed it back. We lost a few balls from interception.
3. When we counterattack, usually there are plenty of space at the back. We could exploit the space by playing through-ball down either side and have our runner chase it down. If we have the ball upfield, unless there's clear pass/shoot opportunity, play safe and wait for support.
4. More decisive (and speed) when opporunity arises to take a shot.
We fielded a team of 9:
1. Nick
2. Gordon (GK)
3. Adrian
4. PKM
5. Cots
6. Dezza
7. Shiuy
8. Chickenbun
9. Dovan
We were trailling 1-0 after 10 minutes or so. It stayed that way for most of the first half until we conceded three more before the break (one of which was a penalty kick). We only lost 1 goal for the entire second half.
Of the five goals conceded, only two of which were spectacular goals (excellent individual plays together with excellent running) which we could have done little about. Defensively, we can honestly claim that we were solid as a team - our defence was tight and organised for the most part. We practically closed down "long-hair god" and he had very limited chances, although we were fairly beaten by good ball control skills of the manager (we were beaten 1-on-1 a few times by their manager who was very quick and good with the ball, and it was having a 2nd defender covering him that we managed to contain him to an extent towards the end). Special mention to Dovan for excellent defensive teamplay and covering for others when we lost 1-on-1. Adrian was particularly solid in the 2nd half. Gordon was very solid especially in second half - you are the cornerstone of our defence and it is important that you keep up the spirit even if we leaked goals. Second half was a very good display.
Offensively, understandably we had fewer chances. There were a few open chances where we outnumbered them. What we lacked is a mixture of (i) passing precision when we counterattacked; (ii) speed of receiving the pass to shooting; and (iii) a little more luck. Tank and Dovan had a few shots on target I believe.
All-in-all, it was good effort from all of us and we lost with our heads-up. Spain beat Peru 6-5. We lost to Peru 11-0. We have improved a lot. If anything, the scoreline flattered them. 3-0 or 3-1 would have been a fairer result.
What we did well:
1. Defending as a team, communication between the players (and those from the bench also). We covered for others when we were beaten 1-on-1.
2. We worked very hard and chased down a player (although sometimes frankly they are faster sprinters than us).
3. We made them work for the win. This is the lowest scoring match so far for them.
What we could do better:
1. Stay calm even if we lost a goal - no matter how we lost the goal.
2. Don't wait to receive a pass - run towards the ball and if under pressure, passed it back. We lost a few balls from interception.
3. When we counterattack, usually there are plenty of space at the back. We could exploit the space by playing through-ball down either side and have our runner chase it down. If we have the ball upfield, unless there's clear pass/shoot opportunity, play safe and wait for support.
4. More decisive (and speed) when opporunity arises to take a shot.
Match Review (Australia 5 - Scotland 1) - 29 Oct 2009
A historical win for the Australia team. Well done guys.
Our team fielded 9 players against the Scotland team of 6 (initially only 4):
1. Nick
2. Varley
3. Derek
4. Gordon (Super GK)
5. Cots
6. Dave
7. Jeff
8. Linus
9. Patrick
We were without no Shiuy/Neil / Leslie/Andy.
The scoring heros were Dovan (2), Linus (1), Dezza (1) and Cots (1). Gordon was brilliant and everyone (esp. Jeff in my view) worked extremely hard.
What we did well:1. We were patient and passed the ball around. We waited for our chance for open goal and most of our goals were results of teamwork and tap-ins.
2. We were hardworking and were dogged when we chased down the player/ball.
3. We used back passes frequently to help slow the tempo and tire down the opponent.
What we could do better:
1. We need to track back faster, especially against a better team. Our keeper was not tested much most of the game because the opposing team took long shots. It will not be like that when we play against a better team.
2. Finishing has improved but there is room for improvement.
3. Run down the wings - use the width. Make opponents run more. We need to give more easy option for Gordon to pass to.
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Match Review (Australia 1 - Nauru 2) - 22 Oct 2009
This was a highly anticipated fixture. Our team fielded 12 players and played the Nauru team of 6:
1. Nick
2. Jeff (GK)
3. Adrian
4. Linus
5. Neil
6. PKM
7. Ricky
8. Derek
9. Tank
10. Cots
11. Varls
12. Dave (GK)
We started the game with Dave (GK), Cots (DF), Tank, Adrian and Derek. Beginning with a slow pace, our strategy was to find our ground for the first 10-15 minutes, then gradually build up our tempo to wear down our opponent (partially through our strength in numbers and with the confidence that we have the likes of Leslie, Neil and Linus towards the end of the game). It was generally an even match, with both teams having their share of goal opportunities. At the end, it was the team with better (arguably) luck and finishing that won. Their (sole) striker was a good player, who held the ball up well, but not one which we are not capable of defending. It was unfortunate that we lost the game through lapse of concentration when defending counterattacks. Leslie scored the only goal for us with a header. Towards the end, we pressed hard and were creating all sorts of difficulties for our opponent through tireless runs by our runners - Neil and Tank deserving special mention. Our opponent bearly hanged on and was glad it was over. It was that close. In sum, it was the lack of an effective organised team offence and clinical finishing that stopped us from winning.
What we did well:
1. Our defence was generally solid, marking was good - it was no coincidence that we only let in one goal against France. It was the lapse of concentration in defending counterattacks that costed us two goals.
2. Box-to-box running by our many (extremely fit) runners was very effective.
What we could do better:
1. Short passes and making one-two runs, esp. with a player playing as a center forward/playmaker. Run into space. We lacked the organisation/individual skill to beat down a defensive minded team.
2. Be patient and find the best placed person to shoot - we wasted a lot of poession on speculative (non-threatening) long shots.
3. Run down the wings - use the width. Make opponents run more.
1. Nick
2. Jeff (GK)
3. Adrian
4. Linus
5. Neil
6. PKM
7. Ricky
8. Derek
9. Tank
10. Cots
11. Varls
12. Dave (GK)
We started the game with Dave (GK), Cots (DF), Tank, Adrian and Derek. Beginning with a slow pace, our strategy was to find our ground for the first 10-15 minutes, then gradually build up our tempo to wear down our opponent (partially through our strength in numbers and with the confidence that we have the likes of Leslie, Neil and Linus towards the end of the game). It was generally an even match, with both teams having their share of goal opportunities. At the end, it was the team with better (arguably) luck and finishing that won. Their (sole) striker was a good player, who held the ball up well, but not one which we are not capable of defending. It was unfortunate that we lost the game through lapse of concentration when defending counterattacks. Leslie scored the only goal for us with a header. Towards the end, we pressed hard and were creating all sorts of difficulties for our opponent through tireless runs by our runners - Neil and Tank deserving special mention. Our opponent bearly hanged on and was glad it was over. It was that close. In sum, it was the lack of an effective organised team offence and clinical finishing that stopped us from winning.
What we did well:
1. Our defence was generally solid, marking was good - it was no coincidence that we only let in one goal against France. It was the lapse of concentration in defending counterattacks that costed us two goals.
2. Box-to-box running by our many (extremely fit) runners was very effective.
What we could do better:
1. Short passes and making one-two runs, esp. with a player playing as a center forward/playmaker. Run into space. We lacked the organisation/individual skill to beat down a defensive minded team.
2. Be patient and find the best placed person to shoot - we wasted a lot of poession on speculative (non-threatening) long shots.
3. Run down the wings - use the width. Make opponents run more.
Monday, 19 October 2009
Match Review (Australia 0 - France 1) - 14 Oct 2009
Although we lost at the end, it was a massive result (and certainly a massive boost) for us anyhow. It felt like we are a lower league side playing against a premiere league side in the FA Cup (although I think we firmly stood our ground and could quite easily have caused an upset). For the benefit of those who didn't come/play yesterday, we lost 1-0 to France (the defending champ). I don't think they put out all their players - certainly the two westerners (French?) who we played against us at the practice game didn't (or didn't bother to) turn up, so it may be that we played against half a team of France B team. Defensively, we were very solid in our own half and the marking was excellent generally - we defended well as a team and covered for each other well. The goal post saved us a few times, but they only had a couple of good opportunities and the goal was an own goal. We countered many times (esp. towards the end as we finally managed to tire them down and we have the likes of Neil/Shiuy running up and down the pitch), had a few one-on-one or two-on-one opportunities and hit the goal post a few times. It was clear that all of us was giving all we had (and punched above our weight, in my view) - I think everyone enjoyed the game tremendously yesterday. Special mention to Neil, Dezza and Shiuy (who I would have voted for as the 3 Players of the Week) for the tireless runs and lifting up the energy level and Chris, Cots and Andy for unselfishly taking up the goalkeeper role temporarily when we needed. As Linus put it, a draw would have been a fair result and we just needed a little bit of luck. It should give us plenty of confidence going to the next match.
For other results/standing - see http://www.footballforlife.hk/index_topic.php?did=126721&didpath=/49796/126721
For other results/standing - see http://www.footballforlife.hk/index_topic.php?did=126721&didpath=/49796/126721
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)