CLISSOLD RANGERS Football Club

Clissold played a perfect first half to go into a 3-0 lead at half time. Jay opened the scoring with an excellent ground shot which curled in off the left hand post before Dylan and TJ followed up with two devastating finishes on the run from the edge of the penalty area.

The second half was a much more open end to end affair with both teams going for goal and neglecting defence. Vallance broke through one on one three times but could only make it count once. While Clissold created several close range opportunities which were ably blocked by the Vallance defence. The Vallance goalkeeper also did an excellent job as an extra sweeper.

MOTM was Jay for an outstanding performance. He scored the first goal against a tough defence and ran tirelessly both in attack and in defence including one last gasp covering tackle in front of his own goal. Leo also excelled in goal in the first half in the absence of Jamie with three diving saves and excellent sweeping and distribution.  Josh and Flint took turns in goal in the second half.

ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE TEAM CAPTAINCY

One of the greatest sources of satisfaction for the coaches has been watching the players calmly giving each other instructions at dead ball situations and showing the level of competence and mutual respect they now have as footballers.

The coaching staff now feel the time is right to appoint the team captaincy. These captaincy roles are crucial in the next stage of development of the team ahead of the summer cup competitions. In keeping with conventional thinking we believe it is best if the captain is a player in a more defensive role who is in a position to help ensure the team keeps its shape. A captain also needs to keep their concentration and commitment throughout a match, make an individual impact on the match week after week, show maturity under pressure and show by example how to keep their position and help other players keep the shape of the team. All these qualities earn a captain the respect of their peers which is a prerequisite for a captain.

Following a series of outstanding performances in both the central midfield role and in defence, TJ has been awarded the captaincy by the coaching team. So congratulations go to TJ.

We also need two deputies. One deputy will be Leo who consistently helps to anchor the whole team. We will be looking to Leo to use the deputy captaincy role as an opportunity to assert himself more in games as an organiser, working with TJ to ensure the team keeps its shape at all times.

We anticipate that these captaincy roles will help the team become more able to manage itself during matches in response to whatever the opposing team does. Especially when we face the toughest teams. The coaches would like to take a step back during matches and give our boys more room to grow.

We trust everyone will give TJ and Leo their fullest support and see them for what they are – an extra source of support and encouragement for every player on the pitch.

Over the coming games we will be looking out for who the second deputy should be.

Onwards and upwards… 1, 2, 3… Clissold…