The U15As had a tough battle for their season opener, both in terms of quality opposition and quite horrendous weather. Despite the adversities the side went into the match looking to pick up where they left off last year, playing ‘proper’ football.

The first half was got off to a slow start and cobwebs were evident. The side lacked communication, structure and composure under pressure which allowed their opposition to play freely. Inevitably, this led to QEH goals and Sherborne were 3-0 down quite early on. It could have been a greater deficit if it weren’t for Tom G’s heroics in goal. Things picked up towards the end of the half though when the team managed to string together a number of passes which led to Albi R in on goal. He finished with great accuracy and composure, sliding it into the bottom right hand corner of the goal. This finished the first half with the score line at 5-1.

Structure and communication were the focus of the half time team talk. A simple process goal for the second half. The boys clearly listened as both improved. As a result, so did their football. It was a much more even second half and Sherborne certainly tested QEH at times. The home side managed to retain possession and move the ball into dangerous areas just outside the opposition box several times. The QEH defence was solid so no goals came to fruition, but our own defensive efforts were also impressive. Lev A was a brick wall that QUH struggled to break down.

The game finished 6-1 to QEH. It wasn’t Sherborne’s best day at the office, but it highlighted a couple of clear basics that need to be worked on ahead of next week’s match v Monmouth.